The Darwinian theory of the transmutation of species / examined by a graduate of the University of Cambridge.

  • Beverley, R. M. (Robert Mackenzie), 1797 or 1798-1868.
Date:
1867
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Darwinian theory of the transmutation of species / examined by a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    urgic labours, and has never been heard of any more. He has not troubled the world again ‘ with any subsequent interference,’ to use the more dainty phrases of the learned Professor ; and Mr Darwin farther gives us an insight into his faculties, as we learn from him that it would have been impossible to create the limb of an animal, because it is so complex and beautiful a specimen of organization. This god of sea-weeds, therefore, who is less clever and efficient than the sea-weed which he made (for the sea-weed has done that which the maker of the sea-weed could not ac- complish), may abide in the distance where these learned gentlemen have placed him. Those who feel inclined may worship that deity, but we certainly shall not be of the number. In the mean while those who join the School of Trans- mutation should make up their minds to adopt the system pure. Let not their courage ooze out at their finger-ends, when they find themselves confronted with a majority who may entertain different sentiments ; but if they conscien- tiously believe these things let them profess them, and take the consequences, whatever they may be. The world will not be deceived by a masquerade of dissimulation, nor will they respect those who adopt it. Transmutation can have no creed. That is certain, and all the quibbles in the world will not alter this fact. At the same time we would assert the right of all to pro- fess their opinions, when not urged in a spirit of offence and insult; and we should vehemently deprecate the ap- plication of popular clamour and vulgar intolerance to cry down any opinions which we ourselves do not approve. Let the truth be canvassed freely; we have no misgivings re-