The World of Life: A Manifestation of Creative Power, Directive Mind and Ultimate Purpose (Classic Reprint)

PREFACE
IN the present volume I have attempted to summarise ~nd
complete my half-century of thought and work on the
Darwjnian theory of evolution. In several directions I
have cxtended the scope and application of the theory) and
have shown that it is capable of explaining many of the
phenomena of living thjngs hitherto thought to be beyond
its range.
Among these are the detailed distribution of plants and
animals, which I have discussed at some length. It occupies
about one-fourth of the volume (Chapters II. to VI.), and
brings out certain facts and conclusions which [ believe will
be of interest to all plant-lovers, and also be not without a
certain value to botanists.
Next in importance are three chapters (X., XL, and XII.)
devoted to a general review of the Geological Record and a
discussion of the various problems arising out of it. Some
of the conclusions to which this examination leads us are, I
believe, both important and of much general interest.
[n Chapter

Table of Contents

CONTENTS; CHAPTER I; PAGt(; VHAT LJFY IS, AND VHENCE IT COMES; CHAPTER II; SPECIES-THEIR NUMllERS, V Al