The Outlet Detector

A repeatedly commented on weakness in Darwin’s theories is the idea that he set his theory, principally, on observations of variation in domestic animals and cultivated plants. In some recent work, I have sought to secure a stable basis for Darwin’s theory in the variations of organisms in a state of nature. While the exact amount and accurate nature of these variations is of utmost importance in the many problems that arise when we utilize the theory to explicate the facts of nature, it’s essential to indicate the actual variations as they are found to exist in a sufficient amount of species. By doing this, we not only gain a better and more exact idea of variation, we obtain a foundation of fact by which to examine the arguments and objections usually put forth on the matter of specific variability. This will show that, throughout the study, I refer to to the charts and the facts they exemplify, just as Darwin tended to draw from the facts of variation among dogs and pigeons.

I have also made what seems to me an important change in my treatment of the matter. Rather than treat first the comparatively challenging and unfamiliar details of variation, I will begin with the Struggle for Existence, which is actually the essential phenomenon on which natural selection depends. Then I will take on the facts that are comparatively familiar and very intriguing. My report has the further advantage of looking widely at how natural selection plays in natural environments.

I do admit that my view contains departures from some of Darwin’s views, but my entire work tends forcibly to illustrate the terrific importance of Natural Selection over all other agencies in the creation of new species. I therefore take up Darwin’s earliest viewpoint, which he modified in later versions of his writings. The fact of natural selection and its influence on the mutation and development of species is the Darwinian doctrine, and on that account, I am a devout advocate of pure Darwinism.

It’s interesting to note the recent emergence of scientists of the Christian faith who embrace intelligent design theory. Intelligent design theory lives someplace between the Biblical opinion of creation theory and Darwin’s theory of evolution. There is a specific demographics on the evolution creationism debate that is sociologically worthwhile, which I take up as a colleague of mine is interested in undertaking such a study.