ORIGIN OF SPECIES 233 



simple interpretation in the terms of the theory. The 

 fanciful idea that the germ-cell contains the miniature 

 organism or a rudimentary organism, of course has 

 no place in my theory. The theory requires only that 

 the Z-system of the germ-cells be organized into a 

 specific pattern, that pattern which (following activa- 

 tion of the egg) through the series of successive re- 

 actions that are determined by it, results in a new 

 organism that is like the parent-form. 



The theory thus offers the concept that (suitable, 

 normal conditions predicated) heredity, including (1) 

 the reduplication of kind, (2) the recurrence of traits, 

 (3) the limits of possible variation, (4) the limit of 

 possible development, (5) the limit of possible 

 growth, and (6) the length of the average life-span of 

 the organism, and also including (7) the specificity of 

 species, is determined by the constitution (pattern) of the 

 Z-system of the detached particle of the parent organism, 

 or sex-cells, by which particle heredity is conveyed. 



The new theory of life treats of the origin of species, 

 of specificity and variety, and the successive appear- 

 ance of higher and higher forms of life on the earth, 

 as follows: 



The formation of the dual-system, the origin of 

 life, occurs granted only a limited set of conditions. 

 No particular complexity is required : The life-forms 

 that arise are correspondingly simple. 



