Mr. Howorth on Darwinism

Abstract

MR. HOWORTH'S objections to the theory of Natural Selection have been fully answered. I therefore wish to direct attention to another objection which has been recently advanced, and which has not, so far as I know, been specially refuted. The objection is stated by its author in the following terms:— “And it has been affirmed that to “the primitive properties of molecules” and “Natural Selection” may be referred all the varying forms and structures known to us, as well as all the phenomena of the living world. But such terms explain nothing. By their use further inquiry is discouraged, and the mind bent upon investigating the secrets of Nature is misled at the very outset. Can any one of these very pretentious phrases be resolved into anything more than the statement of a fact or facts in the form and language of an explanation? Natural Selection is the formation of species, and species are produced by Natural Selection. Crystallisation is the formation of crystals, and crystals are produced by the operation of crystallisation.”