A GENERATION ago the idea of evolution was in Great Britain identified almost entirely with the easily combined versions presented in the writings of Spencer and Darwin. The idea itself may very well prove to be radically sound ; but I should surmise that a generation hence the then ascendant version or versions may derive little from either of those once acknowledged masters. My reasons will appear below. Since however I shall be dealing with writings and with subjects of which my knowledge is unfortunately much more limited than I could wish, what I shall have to say must be understood as mainly tentative rather than categorical.

The idea of evolution was once largely identified with Spencer and Darwin, but a generation or two later, the ascendant version may derive little from either of these masters.

Spencer, Darwin and the Evolution-Hypothesis

Key Takeaway: The idea of evolution was once largely identified with Spencer and Darwin, but a generation or two later, the ascendant version may derive little from either of these masters.