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.
CONTENTS.
| PAGE | |
| Introduction | [xiii] |
| System of Classification | [xiv] |
| Definition of Evolution | [xv] |
| [SECTION I.] | |
| Organic Cells: The Visible Units of Life | [3] |
| Structure and Composition of Cells | [4] |
| Activities of Cells | [7] |
| Examples of Unicellular Animals and Plants | [10] |
| Mitosis | [25] |
| Maturation of the Human Ovum | [29] |
| Fertilization of the Human Ovum | [29], [42] |
| Segmentation of the Oösperm | [31] |
| Gastrulation | [32] |
| [SECTION II.] | |
| Heredity with Variation | [39] |
| Examples of Variations | [39] |
| Illustrations of Heredity | [40] |
| Nucleus in Heredity | [41] |
| Heritages | [47] |
| Pseudo-Heredity | [53] |
| Environment and Variations | [55] |
| Acquired Characters | [65] |
| Pangenesis | [66] |
| Continuity of Germ-Cells | [67] |
| Modified Pangenesis | [68] |
| Heredity Stronger than Environment | [75] |
| [SECTION III.] | |
| Unstable Environment | [81] |
| Development of North America | [85] |
| Archæan Era | [85] |
| Palæozoic Era | [86] |
| Silurian Period | [87] |
| Devonian Period | [87] |
| Carboniferous Period | [87] |
| Jurassic Period | [88] |
| Cretaceous Period | [88] |
| Tertiary Period | [89] |
| Quaternary Period | [89] |
| [SECTION IV.] | |
| Transmutations of Living Forms | [93] |
| Archæan Era | [94] |
| Table of Stratified Rocks and the Successive Appearance of Typical Life-Forms | [95] |
| Cambrian Period | [96] |
| Lower Silurian Period | [96] |
| Upper Silurian Period | [98] |
| Devonian Period | [100] |
| Carboniferous Period | [102] |
| Permian Period | [104] |
| Triassic Period | [105] |
| Jurassic Period | [106] |
| Cretaceous Period | [108] |
| Tertiary Period | [110] |
| Quaternary Period | [113] |
| [SECTION V.] | |
| Natural Selection | [119] |
| Artificial Selection | [120] |
| Multiplication of Animals | [122] |
| Elimination of the Unfit | [125] |
| The Coloration of Animals and Environment | [127] |
| Protective Coloration | [128] |
| Protective Resemblance | [138] |
| Alluring Coloration | [141] |
| Warning Coloration | [144] |
| Mimicry | [147] |
| Recognition Marks | [150] |
| Sexual Selection | [152] |
| Insect Selection | [160] |
| Isolation of Varieties | [166] |
| [SECTION VI.] | |
| Evolution of Man | [173] |
| Development of the Frog | [173] |
| Development of Man | [180] |
| Useless Scaffolding in Man | [191] |
| Development of the Brain | [199] |
| The Brain and Psychic Phenomena | [206] |
| Evolution and Social Problems | [222] |
| [SECTION VII.] | |
| Classification of Animals and Plants | [227] |
| Protozoa | [229] |
| Porifera | [230] |
| Cœlenterata | [230] |
| Echinodermata | [231] |
| Vermes | [232] |
| Arthropoda | [233] |
| Mollusca | [233] |
| Vertebrata | [234] |
| Tunicata | [234] |
| Leptocardii | [235] |
| Marsipobranchii | [235] |
| Pisces | [236] |
| Amphibia | [237] |
| Reptilia | [238] |
| Aves | [238] |
| Mammalia | [239] |
| Primates | [239] |
| Lemuroidea | [240] |
| Anthropoidea | [241] |
| Hapalidæ | [242] |
| Cebidæ | [242] |
| Cercopithecidæ | [242] |
| Simiidæ | [243] |
| Hominidæ | [243] |
| Flowerless Plants | [244] |
| Flowering Plants | [244] |
| [SECTION VIII.] | |
| Works of Reference | [247] |
| [SECTION IX.] | |
| Glossary | [255] |
| [SECTION X.] | |
| Index | [277] |