A nineteenth century cartoon showing Charles Darwin and the French physician Littre as apes, performing a circus act. Darwin's theory of evolution, natural selection and the development of Man from subhuman forms of life stirred up controversy as well as serious interest. Here the caricaturist shows the scientists using the agility received from their primate ancestors. They are breaking through ignorance and credulity with the theory that Man is descended from the apes. To many people this idea seemed irreligious and more bizarre than many of the prevalent beliefs of the time.