The Origin of Species · Chapter
Epigraphs explained
The chapter presents three epigraphs from Whewell, Butler, and Bacon, establishing a philosophical foundation for the work by arguing that natural laws, not divine interpositions, govern the material world, that the natural presupposes an i
What happens
The chapter presents three epigraphs from Whewell, Butler, and Bacon, establishing a philosophical foundation for the work by arguing that natural laws, not divine interpositions, govern the material world, that the natural presupposes an intelligent agent, and that the pursuit of knowledge in both divinity and philosophy should be endless.
Key passages
“But with regard to the material world, we can at least go so far as this—we can perceive that events are brought about not by insulated interpositions of Divine power, exerted in each particular case, but by the establishment of general laws.”
In the physical world, we can observe that events occur not through separate acts of divine intervention, but through the operation of universal laws.
Whewell's epigraph sets the stage for Darwin's natural selection as a lawful mechanism.
“The only distinct meaning of the word 'natural' is stated , fixed or settled ; since what is natural as much requires and presupposes an intelligent agent to render it so, i.e. , to effect it continually or at stated times, as what is supernatural or miraculous does to effect it for once.”
The term 'natural' properly means something established or fixed, and it implies an intelligent agent that continuously or periodically brings it about, just as a miracle requires an agent for a single event.
Butler's epigraph argues that natural processes, like miracles, depend on an intelligent cause, a view Darwin's theory challenged.
“To conclude, therefore, let no man out of a weak conceit of sobriety, or an ill-applied moderation, think or maintain, that a man can search too far or be too well studied in the book of God's word, or in the book of God's works; divinity or philosophy; but rather let men endeavour an endless progress or proficience in both.”
Therefore, no one should, from false modesty or misplaced restraint, believe that it is possible to study too deeply either scripture or nature; instead, people should strive for continual advancement in both theology and science.
Bacon's epigraph encourages the unending pursuit of knowledge, justifying Darwin's scientific inquiry into the natural world.