Some writers—such as Max Weber cope, Adloeff, Klaatsch—reject the theory that man is descended from the ape, but contend that man, instead of descending from the ape, branched off from a common ancestor further back. The late Wm. Jennings Bryan says of this theory, "'Cousin ape ' is as objectionable as 'grandpa' ape" (In His image, p. 102).
So we have three theories—that man is descended from the ape, that the ape is descended from man, that man and the ape are descended from a common ancestor—theories mutually destructive of each other, and each told us by scientific men. We are reminded of Shakespeare's sarcastic refrain in "Julius Caesar" when he says, "And Brutus is an honorable man." We feel inclined to parody this and say, "And Professor Blank is a scientific man." Brutus was a villain, who slew his friend; alas! these scientific men are slaying the faith of our young men and women in the schools and universities. They destroy, but cannot construct. And yet Professor Blank is a scientific man!
Two of these three theories must be wrong. We believe all three are false. And yet all three are brought forward by scientific men. Oh! what folly is perpetrated in the name of science. In truth we have guesses called hypotheses delivered with pontifical solemnity.