of the universe which is accessible to us. The teachings of the doctrine
of evolution as to the origin and destiny of Man have, moreover, a very
great speculative and practical value of their own, quite apart from
their bearings upon any ultimate questions. The body of this essay is
accordingly devoted to setting forth these teachings in what I conceive
to be their true light; while their transcendental implications are
reserved for the sequel.

As the essay contains an epitome of my own original contributions to the
doctrine of evolution, I have added at the end a short list of
references to other works of mine, where the points here briefly
mentioned are more fully argued and illustrated. The views regarding the
progress of human society, and the elimination of warfare, are set forth
at greater length in a little book now in the press, and soon to appear,
entitled "American Political Ideas."

PETERSHAM, September 6, 1884.




CONTENTS.


I. Man's Place in Nature as affected by the Copernican Theory.
II. As affected by Darwinism.
III. On the Earth there will never be a Higher Creature than Man.
IV. The Origin of Infancy.
V. The Dawning of Consciousness.
VI. Lengthening of Infancy and Concomitant Increase of Brain-Surface.