WCP5639

[1] [p. 89]

TO MRS. FISHER

Old Orchard, Broadstone, Wimborne.

March 6, 1909.

Dear Mrs. Fisher,—...

Another point I am becoming more and more impressed with is, a teleology of fundamental laws and forces rendering development of the infinity of life-forms possible (and certain) in place of the old teleology applied to the production of each species. Such are the case of feathers reproduced annually, which I gave at end of lecture, and the still more marvellous fact of the caterpillar, often in two or three weeks of chrysalis life, having its whole internal, muscular, nervous, locomotive

and alimentary organs decomposed and recomposed into a totally different being — an absolute miracle if ever there is one, quite as wonderful as would be the production of a complex marine organism out of a mass of protoplasm. [2] [p. 90] Yet, because there has been continuity, the difficulty is slurred over or thought to be explained !—

Yours very truly,

ALFRED R. WALLACE.