[190] This sagacious, though crude suggestion of the origin of birds and mammals from the reptiles is now, after the lapse of nearly a century, being confirmed by modern morphologists and palæontologists. [191] Reproduced on page 193. [192] This is taken from my article, "Lamarck and Neo-lamarckianism," in the _Open Court_, Chicago, February, 1897. Compare also "Darwin Wrong," etc., by R. F. Licorish, M.D., Barbadoes, 1898, reprinted in _Natural Science_, April, 1899. [193] _Natural Selection_, pp. 41-42. [194] _American Naturalist_, 1891, p. 17. CHAPTER XVIII LAMARCK'S THEORY AS TO THE EVOLUTION OF MAN Lamarck's views on the origin of man are contained in his _Recherches sur l'Organisation des Corps vivans_ (1802) and his _Philosophie zoologique_, published in 1809. We give the following literal translation in full of the views he presented in 1802, and which were probably first advanced in lectures to his classes. "As to man, his origin, his peculiar nature, I have already stated in this book that I have not kept these subjects in view in making these observations. His extreme superiority over the other living creatures indicates that he is a privileged being who has in common with the animals only that which concerns animal life. "In truth, we observe a sort of gradation in the intelligence of animals, like what exists in the gradual improvement of their organization, and we remark that they have ideas, memory; that they think, choose, love, hate, that they are susceptible of jealousy, and that by different inflexions of their voice and by signs they communicate with and understand each other. It is not less evident that man alone is endowed with reason, and that on this account he is clearly distinguished from all the other productions of nature. "However, were it not for the picture that so many celebrated men have drawn of the weakness and lack of human reason; were it not that, independently of all the freaks into which the passions of man almost constantly allure him, the _ignorance_ which makes him the opinionated slave of custom and the continual dupe of those who wish to deceive him; were it not that his reason has led him into the most revolting errors, since we actually see him so debase himself as to worship animals, even the meanest, of addressing to them his prayers, and of imploring their aid; were it not, I say, for these considerations, should we feel authorized to raise any doubts as to the excellence of this special light which is the attribute of man?