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The Origin of Species (1872)/Additions

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The Origin of Species
by Charles Darwin
Additions and Corrections, to the Sixth Edition
779285The Origin of Species — Additions and Corrections, to the Sixth EditionCharles Darwin

ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS


TO THE SIXTH EDITION.




Numerous small corrections have been made in the last and present editions on various subjects, according as the evidence has become somewhat stronger or weaker. The more important corrections and some additions in the present volume are tabulated on the following page, for the convenience of those interested in the subject, and who possess the fifth edition. The second edition was little more than a reprint of the first. The third edition was largely corrected and added to, and the fourth and fifth still more largely. As copies of the present work will be sent abroad, it may be of use if I specify the state of the foreign editions. The third French and second German editions were from the third English, with some few of the additions given in the fourth edition. A new fourth French edition has been translated by Colonel Moulinié ; of which the first half is from the fifth English, and the latter half from the present edition. A third German edition, under the superintendence of Professor Victor Cams, was from the fourth English edition ; a fifth is now preparing by the same author from the present volume. The second American edition was from the English second, with a few of the additions given in the third; and a third American edition has been printed from the fifth English edition. The Italian is from the third, the Dutch and three Russian editions from the second English edition, and the Swedish from the fifth English edition.

Fifth
Edition.
Sixth
Edition.
Chief Additions and Corrections.
Page

100
158
220
225
230

231
233

234

248
248
255










268

270
307
319

326
377
402
440
463

505
516

518
520
521
541
547
552

568

572

Page

68
101
142
145
149

150
151

153

162
163
168










214

215
240
248

252
284
301
328
343

373
382

384
385
387
401
405
409

421

424


Influence of fortuitous destruction on natural selection.

On the convergence of specific forms.
Account of the Ground-Woodpecker of La Plata modified.
On the modification of the eye.
Transitions through the acceleration or retardation of the
period of reproduction.
The account of the electric organ of fishes added to.
Analogical resemblance between the eyes of Cephalopods
and Vertebrates.
Claparède on the analogical resemblance of the hair-claspers
of the Acaridæ.
The probable use of the rattle to the Rattle-snake.
Helmholtz on the imperfection of the human eye.
The first part of this new chapter consists of portions, in a
much modified state, taken from chap. iv. of the former
editions. The latter and larger part is new, and relates
chiefly to the supposed incompetency of natural selection,
to account for the incipient stages of useful structures.
There is also a discussion on the causes which prevent
in many cases the acquisition through natural selection
of useful structures. Lastly, reasons are given for dis-
believing in great and sudden modifications. Gradations
of character, often accompanied by changes of function,
are likewise here incidentally considered.
The statement with respect to young cuckoos ejecting their
foster-brothers confirmed.
On the cuckoo-like habits of the Molothrus.
On fertile hybrid moths.
The discussion on the fertility of hybrids not having been ac-
quired through natural selection condensed and modified.
On the causes of sterility of hybrids, added to and corrected.
Pyrgoma found in the chalk.
Extinct forms serving to connect existing groups.
On earth adhering to the feet of migratory birds.
On the wide geographical range of a species of Galaxias,
a fresh-water fish.
Discussion on analogical resemblances, enlarged and modified.
Homological structure of the feet of certain marsupial
animals.
On serial homologies, corrected.
Mr. E. Ray Lankester on morphology.
On the asexual reproduction of Chironomus.-
On the origin of rudimentary parts, corrected.
Recapitulation on the sterility of hybrids, corrected.
Recapitulation on the absence of fossils beneath the Cam-
brian system, corrected.
Natural selection not the exclusive agency in the modi-
fication of species, as always maintained in this work.
The belief in the separate creation of species generally held
by naturalists, until a recent period.