Alfred Russel Wallace : Alfred Wallace : A. R. Wallace :
Russel Wallace : Alfred Russell Wallace (sic)
Wallace and Darwin (S334a: 1880)
Editor Charles H. Smith's Note: Letter extract to James M. Peebles concerning a difference
between Wallace's and Darwin's ideas on man. Printed in the Appendix to The Scientific Basis
of Spiritualism by Epes Sargent. Original pagination indicated within double brackets. To link
directly to this page, connect with: http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/wallace/S334A.htm
[[p. 360]] Alfred R. Wallace, the distinguished naturalist, who shares with Darwin the honor
of originating the theory of natural selection, gives [[p.
361]] this brief definition of Darwinism:
"It is the theory of the origin of the countless species of plants and animals from ancestral forms
by means of natural selection." In a communication to that indefatigable and eloquent proclaimer
of the truths of Spiritualism, James M. Peebles, Mr. Wallace writes: "Darwinism may be true as
far as it goes, but not be the whole truth. Darwin's laws of natural selection and variation are true
laws, which will account for much--perhaps for all--the material organizations of plants and
animals. He admits an influx of life from the Creator at first. I think an influx of a higher life
occurred when man appeared. He does not think this necessary. This is the real difference
between us." The italics are those of Mr. Wallace himself.
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