"But with regard to the material world, we can at least go so far as this-we can perceive that events are brought about not by insulated interpositions of Divine power, exerted in each particular case, but by the establishment of general laws." W. WHEWELL: Bridgewater Treatise. "To conclude, therefore, let no man out of a weak conceit of sobriety, or an ill-applied moderation, think or maintain, that a man can search too far or be too well studied in the book of God's word, or in the book of God's works; divinity or philosophy; but rather let men endeavour an endless progress or proficience in both." BACON Advancement of Learning. Down, Bromley, Kent, ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES BY MEANS OF NATURAL SELECTION, OR THE PRESERVATION OF FAVOURED RACES IN THE STRUGGLE BY CHARLES DARWIN, M.A., FELLOW OF THE ROYAL, GEOLOGICAL, LINNEAN, ETC., SOCIETIES; LONDON: JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. 1859. The right of Translation is reserved. INTRODUCTION CONTENTS. Causes of Variability Effects of Habit - Correlation of Growth --- Inheritance Character of Domestic Varieties Difficulty of distinguishing between Varieties and Species-Origin of Domestic Varieties from one or more Species - Domestic Pigeons, their Differences and Origin - Principle of Selection anciently followed, its Effects-Methodical and Unconscious Selection - Unknown Origin of our Domestic Productions - Circumstances favourable Variability Individual differences Doubtful species Wide ranging, much diffused, and common species vary most-Spe- cies of the larger genera in any country vary more than the species of the smaller genera-Many of the species of the larger genera resemble varieties in being very closely, but unequally, related |