PREFACE.
This little book has been written chiefly for the use of students in the Medical Department of the Columbian University. It is designed to serve only as an introduction to the study of the Development Theory, and the subject has been presented, it is hoped, in a manner that will render it interesting and easily intelligible to the general reader.
The doctrine of Evolution itself enters so largely into all those departments of knowledge that especially concern the human race, and it has so profoundly modified our ideas with regard to the origin and destiny of man, that it has attained a commanding interest and become an almost necessary ingredient in what is called a liberal education.
An overwhelming majority of Anthropologists, Zoölogists, and Botanists, and a goodly number—constantly increasing—of Christian clergymen and laymen, have been almost compelled to believe in the truth of the Evolution Theory, whether they would or not, and they cannot but realize how very widely the theory extends into almost every department of human knowledge. No one, therefore, who aspires even to a moderate degree of intellectual culture, can well afford to exclude a clear understanding of what this Doctrine of Evolution really is. It is hoped this little work will render such a conception easily attainable.
The author makes no claim for originality, unless it be in the manner of presenting the subject. He has utilized the facts collated by other observers, and sometimes quoted the exact language and expressions of well-known writers on Evolution, and has endeavored to put them together in a way that may be helpful to those who are beginning the study of the Evolution Theory.
No attempt has been made to prove the truth of the theory: this is assumed. The arguments in support of it are coextensive with our knowledge of Comparative Anatomy, Embryology, Physiology, Psychology, and many other sciences.
In the preparation of the book the author is especially indebted to his friend Prof. Theodore Gill, the eminent ichthyologist, for many valuable suggestions, and more particularly for his aid in constructing the Diagram of Development. He also desires to thank his friend Dr. A. F. A. King for his kindly assistance in preparing the manuscript for the press; and also his friend Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the U. S. Bureau of Entomology, for much valuable information and assistance.
D. K. Shute.
August 1, 1899, 1318 L Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.