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PECIES.

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"But with regard to the material world, we can at least go so far as this-- we can perceive that events are brought about not by insulated interpositions of Divine power, exerted in each particular case, but by the establishment of general laws."

W. Whewell: Bridgewater Treatise.

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"To conclude, therefore, let no man out of a weak conceit of sobriety, or an ill-applied moderation, think or maintain, that a man can search too far or be too well studied in the book of God's word, or in the book of God's works; divinity or philosophy; but rather let men endeavour an endless progress or proficience in both."

Bacon: Advancement of Learning.

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Down, Bromley, Kent,

October 1st, 1859.

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ON

THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES BY MEANS OF NATURAL SELECTION,

OR THE

PRESERVATION OF FAVOURED RACES IN THE STRUGGLE FOR LIFE.

BY CHARLES DARWIN, M.A., FELLOW OF THE ROYAL, GEOLOGICAL, LINNAEAN, ETC., SOCIETIES;

AUTHOR OF 'JOURNAL OF RESEARCHES DURING H.M.S. BEAGLE'S VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD.'

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LONDON:

JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.

1859.

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CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION.

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* CHAPTER 1. VARIATION UNDER DOMESTICATION.

Causes of Variability.

Effects of Habit.

Correlation of Growth.

Inheritance.

Character of Domestic Varieties.

Difficulty of distinguishing between Varieties and Species.

Origin of Domestic Varieties from one or more Species.

Domestic Pigeons, their Differences and Origin.

Principle of Selection anciently followed, its Effects.

Methodical and Unconscious Selection.

Unknown Origin of our Domestic Productions.

Circumstances favourable to Man's power of Selection.

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* CHAPTER 2. VARIATION UNDER NATURE.

Variability.

Individual Differences.

Doubtful species.

Wide ranging, much diffused, and common species vary most.

Species of the larger genera in any country vary mo

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