A short review of the history of the universe and of life on earth, and the role of evolution in these histories. Contents: The universe: its contents; Distribution of matter in space; Sun and planets; Past life-history of the earth; Present life-forms; Universe: mode of its becoming and growth; Origin of life; Origin of life-forms; Origin of species; Proofs of the derivation of species; Social evolution. With tables and 79 illustrations.