s arose. In succeeding ages there evolved all
the variety of Birds and all the variety of Mammals. Until at last arose
the Man. The question is whether similar processes of evolution are
still going on.

We are so keenly aware of rapid changes in mankind, though these
concern the social heritage much more than the flesh-and-blood natural
inheritance, that we find no difficulty in the idea that evolution is
going on in mankind. We know the contrast between modern man and
primitive man, and we are convinced that in the past, at least, progress
has been a reality. That degeneration may set in is an awful
possibility--involution rather than evolution--but even if going back
became for a time the rule, we cannot give up the hope that the race
would recover itself and begin afresh to go forward. For although there
have been retrogressions in the history of life, continued through
unthinkably long ages, and although great races, the Flying Dragons for
instance, have become utterly extinct, leaving no successors whatsoever,
we feel sure that there has been on the whole a progress towards nobler,
more masterful, more emancipated, more intelligent, and _better_ forms
of life--a progress towards what mankind at its best has always regarded
as best, i.e. affording most enduring satisfaction. So we think of
evolution going on in mankind, evolution chequered by involution, but on
the whole _progressive evolution_.

Evolutionary Prospect for Man

It is not likely that man's body will admit of _great_ change, but there
is room for some improvement, e.g. in the superfluous length of the
food-canal and the overcrowding of the teeth. It is likely, however,
that there will be constitutional changes, e.g. of prolonged
youthfulness, a higher standard of healthfulness, and a greater
resistance to disease. It is justifiable to look forward to great
improvements in intelligence and in control. The potentialities of the
human brain, as it is, are far from being utilised to the full, and new
departures of promise are of continual occurrence. What is of great
importance is that the new departures or variations which emerge in fine
children should be fostered, not nipped in the bud, by the social
environment, education included. The evolutionary prospect for man is
promising.

[Illustration: PHOTOGRAPH OF A MEDIAN SECTION THROUGH THE SHELL OF THE
PEARLY NAUTILUS

It is only the large terminal chamber that is occupied by the animal.]

[Ill