GERMINAL SELECTION. 6l 



experience thereof, therefore the assumption that in 

 a given case where a character is transformed the 

 original initial steps of the variation did have selective 

 value, is not only as probable as the opposed assump- 

 tion that they had none, but is infinitely more probable, 

 for with this we can give an intelligible explanation 

 of the mysterious fact of adaptation, while with that 

 we cannot. Consequently, unless we are resolved to 

 give up all attempts whatsoever at explanation, we 

 are forced to the assumption that the initial steps of 

 all actually affected adaptations possessed selective 

 value. 



The principal and fundamental objection that selec- 

 tion is unable to create the variations with which it 

 works, is removed by the apprehension that a germinal 

 selection exists. Natural selection is not compelled 

 to wait until "chance" presents the favorable varia- 

 tions, but supposing merely that the groundwork 

 for favorable variations is present in the transforming 

 species, that is, supposing merely that in the consti- 

 tutional basis of the part to be changed are contained 

 components which render favorable variations possi- 

 ble by a change of their numerical ratio, then those 

 variations must occur, for the reason that quantitative 

 fluctuations are always happening, and they must also 

 be augmented as soon as personal selection intervenes 

 and permanently holds over them her protecting hand. 

 Not only is the marvelous certainty and exactitude 

 with which adaptation has operated in so many indi- 

 vidual cases, rendered intelligible in this manner, but 

 what is more difficult, we are able to understand the 

 simultaneity of numerous and totally different modi- 

 fications of the most diverse parts co-operant towards 

 some collective end, such as we see so frequently occur, 



