Some Problems in Evolution

Abstract

SINCE I am not, in the ordinary meaning, a biologist, I have sometimes difficulty in understanding biological language. Doubtless, also, I am often ignorant of recent developments in knowledge and thought. But certain problems of disease and education interest me, and I cannot get on with them unless some points, essentially biological, are cleared up. In the hope of enlightenment I wrote to NATURE. Immediately the discussion became acrimonious: at least, I became acrimonious. I was told, in effect, that I had no business in the august deliberations of biologists. It is not in human nature, or my variety of it, to accept that pontifical attitude. However, there seems now some prospect of the desired lucidity, and I shall be very ready to accept it with an humble and a contrite heart.