Acquired Characters and Congenital Variation

Abstract

I DO not see that the Duke of Argyll's last letter in any way strengthens his position. The questions at issue with regard to evolution are now, I believe, thoroughly understood by biologists. Nothing, in my opinion, can solve them in the direction the Duke desires but the evidence of fact. And that, I can only repeat, is precisely what is not forthcoming. I am equally of opinion that the discussion has been worn threadbare. I should not myself have interfered in it, had it not seemed desirable to show that the motives attributed by the Duke to those who accept Darwinian principles were destitute of foundation.