Chapter I: Front Matter

THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

London: FETTER LANE, E.C.

C. F. CLAY, MANAGER

{Illustration}

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ALSO

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{Illustration: Charles Darwin from a photograph by Maull & Fox in 1854}

THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES

TWO ESSAYS WRITTEN IN 1842 AND 1844

by

CHARLES DARWIN

Edited by his son

FRANCIS DARWIN

Honorary Fellow of Christ's College

Cambridge:

at the University Press

1909

Astronomers might formerly have said that God ordered each planet
to move in its particular destiny. In same manner God orders each
animal created with certain form in certain country. But how much
more simple and sublime power,--let attraction act according to
certain law, such are inevitable consequences,--let animal(s) be
created, then by the fixed laws of generation, such will be their
successors.

From DARWIN'S _Note Book_, 1837, p. 101.

TO THE MASTER AND FELLOWS
OF CHRIST'S COLLEGE, THIS
BOOK IS DEDICATED BY THE
EDITOR IN TOKEN OF RESPECT
AND GRATITUDE

CONTENTS

ESSAY OF 1842
PAGES

INTRODUCTION xi

PART I

Sec. i. On variation under domestication, and on the principles
of selection 1

Sec. ii. On variation in a state of nature and on the natural
means of selection 4

Sec. iii. On variation in instincts and other mental attributes 17

PART II

Sec.Sec. iv. and v. On the evidence from Geology. (The reasons for
combining the two sections are given in the Introduction) 22

Sec. vi. Geographical distribution 29

Sec. vii. Affinities and classification 35

Sec. viii. Unity of type in the great classes 38

Sec. ix. Abortive organs 45

Sec. x. Recapitulation and conclusion 48

ESSAY OF 1844

PART I

CHAPTER I 57-80

ON THE VARIATION OF ORGANIC BEINGS UNDER DOMESTICATION; AND ON THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION.

Variation
On the hereditary tendency
Causes of Variation
On Selection
Crossing Breeds
Whether our domestic races have descended from one or more wild stocks
Limits to Variation in degree and kind
In what consists Domestication--Summary

CHAPTER II 81-111

ON THE VARIATION OF ORGANIC BEINGS IN A WILD STATE; ON THE NATURAL MEANS OF SELECTION; AND ON THE COMPARISON OF DOMESTIC RACES AND TRUE SPECIES.

Variation
Natural means of Selection
Differences between "Races" and "Species":-first, in their trueness
or variability
Difference between "Races" and "Species" in fertility when crossed
Causes of Sterility in Hybrids
Infertility from causes distinct from hybridisation
Points of Resemblance between "Races" and "Species"
External characters of Hybrids and Mongrels
Summary
Limits of Variation

CHAPTER III 112-132

ON THE VARIATION OF INSTINCTS AND OTHER MENTAL ATTRIBUTES UNDER DOMESTICATION AND IN A STATE OF NATURE; ON THE DIFFICULTIES IN THIS SUBJECT; AND ON ANALOGOUS DIFFICULTIES WITH RESPECT TO CORPOREAL STRUCTURES.

Variation of mental attributes under domestication
Hereditary habits compared with instincts
Variation in the mental attributes of wild animals
Principles of Selection applicable to instincts
Difficulties in the acquirement of complex instincts by Selection
Difficulties in the acquirement by Selection of complex corporeal
structures

PART II

ON THE EVIDENCE FAVOURABLE AND OPPOSED TO THE VIEW THAT SPECIES ARE NATURALLY FORMED RACES, DESCENDED FROM COMMON STOCKS.

CHAPTER IV 133-143

ON THE NUMBER OF INTERMEDIATE FORMS REQUIRED ON THE THEORY OF COMMON DESCENT; AND ON THEIR ABSENCE IN A FOSSIL STATE

CHAPTER V 144-150

GRADUAL APPEARANCE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF SPECIES.

Gradual appearance of species
Extinction of species