SCOPE AND OUTLOOK 5 



Student of embryology ; and to this end experimental work should be 

 introduced wherever possible. 



In this book the author has attempted: (i) to review the facts of 

 embryogenesis in all classes of plants ; (ii) to consider to what extent 

 the observed developments can be referred to genetical, physiological, 

 physical and environmental factors and to spatial relationships; (iii) 

 to inquire how a study of embryos advances our knowledge of morpho- 

 genesis; and (iv) to consider what light this study sheds on the problems 

 of phylogeny, parallel and convergent evolution. Such a survey seems 

 timely, for the general advance of botanical science and the elaboration 

 of new techniques during recent years have made feasible new investi- 

 gations along several lines. Indeed, the main reason and justification 

 for this book is to stimulate this new work. Lastly, the importance of 

 studying the development of the organism as a whole is emphasised, 

 i.e. the integrative aspect is held to be essential if an adequate account 

 of the harmonious development of the individual is to be given. 



