THE present work has been written with the object of
showing how far the doctrine of "Evolution" is appli-
cable to the field of morals. As applied to this sub-
ject, the use of the term "evolution" is intended to con-
vey that certain principles of man's being are brought
into active operation in the particular line or direction
which is denoted by the phrase "moral." This direc-
tion is guided by external influences in a mode analogous
to that of the development of the forces of material
nature. In the latter case the determining agencies
are physical, whilst in the former, social influences are
those which chiefly operate.
Moral Evolution is there-
fore the development of the principles or faculties of
man's nature in response to the action of social influ-
ences, the result being what is called "morality." How
far the title of the book is well chosen, the writer must
leave others to judge. It is a generalized expression of
the conclusion which he has sought to establish, but he
is well aware that the performance has fallen far short of
the intention. A more scientific form might perhaps
have been given to the work by more strictly observing