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from the theory of Natural Selection. Such treatment has
the effect of withdrawing attention from the difficulties
which beset the theory of Natural Selection, or of leading
us to suppose that they are insignificant in comparison
with the difficulties associated with Organic Evolution in
general.
This treatment of the question might be justified on
the condition that there were difficulties associated with
Organic Evolution which could only be solved on the
hypothesis of Natural Selection. This is the ground
assumed by Mr. Darwin :—
“ I shall discuss the difficulties which are opposed to the theory.
These difficulties may be classed under the following heads : The
apparent impossibility in some cases of a very simple organ gradu
ating by small steps into a highly perfect organ ; the marvellous facts
of instinct ; the whole question of hybridity ; and, lastly, the absence
at the present time, and in our geological formations, of innumerable
links connecting all allied species. Although some of these difficulties
are of great weight, we shall see that many of them are explicable on
the theory of Natural Selection, and are otherwise inexplicable.”—
( The Variation, vol. z'., p. 8.)
But we must remember that, so far as the fact of Organic
Evolution is concerned, there is only one rival hypothesis,
that of special creation. The argument for the fact of
Organic Evolution deals with the existing organic world
as a result of one out of two possible methods of pro
duction. If the result is not such as might be expected
from Organic Evolution, the fact of Organic Evolution is
not proved. The phenomenon has not taken place, so far
as we can see ; but surely that negation cannot be affected
by any hypothesis as to how evolution might have been
brought about.
There seems to be the very greatest difference among
experts as to the relative worth of the arguments for
Organic Evolution as a result, and Natural Selection as the