95 



foliage leaf, iii the case of the former, nor a primitive form, in the case of 

 the latter. But it is the real entity which is itself an organ or species. We 

 say this organ and that organ are different. Yet, they are different only in 

 phenomenal appearances ; in real entity, they are always similar. The same 

 holds good as to species. If the proper conditions according to the causal 

 nexus* are posited, it is possible to derive any organ or species whatever 

 from any organ or species. Therefore, when we interpret GOETHE'S Blcdt or 

 Urpjlanze as the simplest fundamental organ or the most primitive organism, 

 then the changes of organs or species are determiuable and static. When 

 we interpret, on the contrary, the Blatt or Urpjlanze as a real entity, 

 then the changes of organs or species are different in their courses according 

 to the time and circumstances, and therefore are indeterminable and dynamic. 

 Accordingly, the former interpretation is the view of evolution Avhich finds the 

 origin in one sole thing ; while the latter is the view of manifold interrelation 

 of organs or species, which finds the origin in every tiling. According to the 

 former view, the relation of organs or species is explainable by the evolution 

 theory, and the system denoting the relation should be a static one. By the 

 latter, on the contrary, the relation is elucidated by the participation theory, 

 and the system should be a dynamic one. The former finds its proof in the 

 sole way of the changeability of organs or species. But the latter finds 

 realization in the manifold views of the mutability of organs or species. 



The principle of natural classification should be founded on the latter 

 views, namely : on the participation theory, the dynamic system, and the 

 manifold views of the mutability of species. As to the dynamic system of 

 natural classification, I shall write more fully in the following paper. 



* By causal nexus, I mean the relation of innumerable causes, of which, we know but a 

 few. As a few causes of the formation of species, so far as are known to us, I may mention 

 the following, namely : the fixation of the characters acquired by the adaptation and direct in- 

 fluence of external conditions ; crossing, and mutation. These are by no means independent, 

 but closely inter-related one to the others. Cf . WEITSTEIN, E. R. Handbnch. der systematischen 

 Botanik, p. 49. 



