of a series of Essays in commemoration of the Centenary of the birth of
Charles Darwin and of the Fiftieth anniversary of the publication of "The
Origin of Species". The preliminary arrangements were made by a committee
consisting of the following representatives of the Council of the
Philosophical Society and of the Press Syndicate: Dr H.K. Anderson, Prof.
Bateson, Mr Francis Darwin, Dr Hobson, Dr Marr, Prof. Sedgwick, Mr David
Sharp, Mr Shipley, Prof. Sorley, Prof. Seward. In the course of the
preparation of the volume, the original scheme and list of authors have
been modified: a few of those invited to contribute essays were, for
various reasons, unable to do so, and some alterations have been made in
the titles of articles. For the selection of authors and for the choice of
subjects, the committee are mainly responsible, but for such share of the
work in the preparation of the volume as usually falls to the lot of an
editor I accept full responsibility.

Authors were asked to address themselves primarily to the educated layman
rather than to the expert. It was hoped that the publication of the essays
would serve the double purpose of illustrating the far-reaching influence
of Darwin's work on the progress of knowledge and the present attitude of
original investigators and thinkers towards the views embodied in Darwin's
works.

In regard to the interpretation of a passage in "The Origin of Species"
quoted by Hugo de Vries, it seemed advisable to add an editorial footnote;
but, with this exception, I have not felt it necessary to record any
opinion on views stated in the essays.

In reading the essays in proof I have availed myself freely of the willing
assistance of several Cambridge friends, among whom I wish more especially
to thank Mr Francis Darwin for the active interest he has taken in the