Page:Philosophical Review Volume 1.djvu/257

Volume I. Number 3.

LIVING interest attaches to the present attempts to complete an evolution theory. Unfinished work is conspicuous in the realm of morals and of spiritual life. One of two things must result, either these two regions must be annexed, or the limitation of the theory must be admitted. Darwin's work was successfully done, as far as research can be carried in biological science by purely natural history methods. He succeeded in developing a working hypothesis, manifestly accurate in its main lines, though open to question as to the range of interpretation to be assigned to it. There is comparative unanimity as to its success in accounting for manifold phases of life with which we are familiar.

To Herbert Spencer has fallen by general consent the task of vindicating the hypothesis in higher realms, embracing rational life, with all the grander problems connected with man's place in nature. The temper of the age is favorable for the thinker on whom these responsibilities rest. There is no such avowed antagonism to an evolution theory as once appeared, — no such unexpressed apprehension as at one time disturbed the minds of many. This is the result of a truer and fuller knowledge of fixed laws in nature. Life of all grades is tried by environment. This natural testing ab extra leads life to adapt itself to circumstances. So much as this belongs to the common belief of our age. In the struggle for existence Rh