362 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 



each individual of a species in the same organic and instinctive mould, that 

 cannot change. Individuals of the same species may change in ornamentation, 

 but never in structure, unless as the consequence of amalgamation with another 

 species, or an occasional abnormal modification, which is individual, not spe- 

 cific, and disappears with the individual. The creative fiat involved in the 

 life of every species and in its conditions, remains unalterable, because change 

 in that which has an organic, vital and spiritual significance cannot take place 

 without destruction to the species. 



The supposition that " profitable variations of structure" may be initiated in 

 the cell action of the reproductive system, in order that organisms may more 

 successfully maintain an overestimated " struggle for existence," is simply a 

 monstrous physiological fallacy and assumption. If we suppose amalgamating 

 influences to be inoperative, where do we perceive the evidences of it? The 

 vegetable perpetuates itself by a germ, which already has its type distinctly 

 impressed on it before the character of its architecture is developed by the 

 effect of influences under which it is gradually worked out, cell upon cell, in 

 one season or through a long series of years. In the animal, the reproductive 

 action is most probably, nay, there are well ascertained facts which directly 

 teach us that it is a simple process of continuous growth in species. Thus species 

 have not a transient existence, but rather a terrestrial immortality. Individual life 

 is ephemeral, specific life co-eternal with the existence of the conception pro- 

 ducing the representative forms. Individual lives are like the leaves of a de- 

 ciduous tree, and having performed their functions are constantly shed, while 

 the source of them continues to spread itself through space and time, until its 

 appointed period has ended. 



Under this simple view of species, supported alike by reason and all carefully 

 collated physiological facts, how the study of the humblest branch of Zoology 

 is ennobled. It acknowledges the existence in nature of a Principle as a 

 creative power, similar to our own minds. It deals with living thoughts, and 

 seeks to represent, through many misconceptions and difficulties, the logical 

 sequences existing amongst them, and to seize the hidden meanings which ap- 

 peal to our intelligence, in the ponderous volume on which they are inscribed. 



Note. The reader is requested to make the following corrections : 

 In Paper 4, May, 1860, p. 160, for Nomia, read Chrysopora. Nomia is already 

 in use to designate a genus of Bees. 



In Paper 5, June, 1860, p. 219, line 21, for graduation read gradation. 



September Ath. 

 Vice President Bridges in the Chair. 



Twenty- seven members present. 



The following papers were presented for publication : " Description 

 of a new species of Astroscopus, Brev., in the Museum of the Academy 

 of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, by Charles C. Abbott." 



" Description of a new species of Chatoessus, Cvv., from New Jersey, 

 by Charles C. Abbott." 



And were referred to a Committee. 



September Wth. 

 Vice President Bridges in the Chair. 



Fifteen members present. 



[Sept. 



