THE CENTENARY OF DARWIN.
[TO Tide EDITOR Or TUE " SPROTATOR.1
SIR,—Among the numerous letters, addresses, and speeches that have appeared or been reported in reference to the centenary of Darwin's birth, no mention has been made of the originator and inspirer of the doctrines of natural selection and the survival of the fittest,—namely, Malthus, in his essay on population. Without Malthus we should have had neither Darwin nor Wallace. These two distinguished philosophers have acknowledged their indebtedness to this great fountain of thought and suggestion ; and, we may be sure, would not wish to have the obligation ignored or forgotten. It is also worthy of remark that this great book, which, in stimulating and directing the minds of Darwin and of Wallace, has led to one of the greatest and most important advances in the whole history of human knowledge, should have been written without any reference to natural science in the popular use of the word. It was written, not in the interests of biology, but in those of political economy. In the latter sphere it has remained unfruitful. The whole trend of modern thought and legislation is entirely opposed to Malthus. But in biology it has been the most stimulating and fruitful book ever
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