It is the essence of his theory that the "numerous successive, slight, favourable variations," above referred to, should be fortuitous, accidental, spontaneous; it is evident, moreover, that they are intended in this passage to be accidental or spontaneous, although neither of these words is employed, inasmuch as use and disuse and the action of the conditions of existence, whether direct or indirect, are mentioned specially as separate causes which purvey only the minor part of the variations from among which nature selects.
"Luck or Cunning?"
Samuel Butler
purvey himself contributes to this end by a definite statement of certain changes which may be allowed the English writer.
"Early Theories of Translation"
Flora Ross Amos
Of his treatment of the original purvey writes: "But in translating of words equivocal, that is, that hath many significations under one letter, may lightly be peril, for Austin saith in the 2nd.
"Early Theories of Translation"
Flora Ross Amos