The Origin of Species · Chapter
Principles of Selection Anciently Followed, and Their Effects explained
Darwin examines the historical and contemporary practice of artificial selection, arguing that the accumulation of slight variations over generations—guided by human purpose—has produced the vast diversity of domestic breeds.
What happens
Darwin examines the historical and contemporary practice of artificial selection, arguing that the accumulation of slight variations over generations—guided by human purpose—has produced the vast diversity of domestic breeds. He cites ancient authorities, modern breeders, and horticultural examples to demonstrate that selection is not a modern invention but a principle long recognized and applied.
Themes in this chapter
Domestication and Artificial Selection
The chapter focuses on how human-directed selection, both methodical and unconscious, has shaped domestic breeds, illustrating the power of cumulative variation.
Variation and Inheritance
Darwin emphasizes that slight heritable variations are the raw material for selection, and that inheritance of good and bad qualities is obvious.
Adaptation and the Utilitarian Doctrine
Domestic races show adaptation not to the animal's own good but to man's use or fancy, highlighting the utilitarian principle in artificial selection.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Youatt
Quoted as an authority on the principle of selection, calling it 'the magician's wand' that allows the agriculturist to change the character of his flock entirely.
- Livingstone
Cited for his observation that good domestic breeds are highly valued by negroes in the interior of Africa who have not associated with Europeans.
- Mr. Darwin
The author and narrator, who reflects on his own inability to appreciate the minute differences that breeders accumulate.
Key passages
“The key is man's power of accumulative selection: nature gives successive variations; man adds them up in certain directions useful to him.”
The essential mechanism is that humans accumulate small, naturally occurring variations over time, steering them toward useful ends.
Summarizes Darwin's core argument for artificial selection.
“Youatt... speaks of the principle of selection as 'that which enables the agriculturist, not only to modify the character of his flock, but to change it altogether. It is the magician's wand, by means of which he may summon into life whatever form and mould he pleases.'”
Youatt describes selection as a transformative tool that lets the farmer completely reshape his livestock, like a magician conjuring any desired form.
Highlights the perceived power of selective breeding.
“Lord Somerville, speaking of what breeders have done for sheep, says: 'It would seem as if they had chalked out upon a wall a form perfect in itself, and then had given it existence.'”
Lord Somerville suggests that breeders first envision an ideal form and then, through selection, bring that ideal into reality.
Illustrates the intentional, goal-directed nature of artificial selection.