CHAPTEE XL 



SPECIFIC GE2SESIS. 



Review of the statements and arguments of the preceding chapters. — 

 Cumulative argument against predominant action of "Natural Selec- 

 tion." — Whether anything positive as well as negative can be 

 enunciated. — Constancy of laws of nature does not necessarily imply 

 constancy of specific evolution. — Possible exceptional stability of exist- 

 ing epoch. — Probability that an internal cause of change exists. — Innate 

 powers must be conceived as existing somewhere or other. — Symbolism 

 of molecular action under vibrating impulses. — Professor- Owen's state- 

 ment. — Statement of the author's view. — It avoids the difficulties 

 which oppose "Natural Selection." — It harmonizes apjjarentl}' con- 

 flicting conceptions. — Summary and conclusion. 



Having now severally reviewed the principal biological 

 facts which bear upon specific manifestation, it remains to 

 sum up the results, and to endeavour to ascertain what, if 

 anything, can be said positivelij, as well as negatively, on 

 this deeply interesting question. 



In the preceding chapters it has been contended, in th'e 

 first place, that no mere survival of the fittest accidental 

 and minute variations can account for the incipient stages 

 of useful structures, such as, e.g., the heads of flat-fishes, the 

 baleen of whales, limbs of vertebrates, the laryngeal struc- 

 tures of the new-born kangaroo, the pedicellarine of Echino- 

 derms, or for many of the facts of mimicry, and especially 



