ORGANIC EVOLUTIOX — 1>.\\T!NP0RT 429 



in cieatinf^ new and improviMl variotios. This is the method that is 

 open to man also, if only some chan«j:e in the social order may make 

 it feasible to apply our knowled*re to the improvement of the ireneti- 

 cal combinations in mankind. 



But still another way may be (tpened in tlii> future; (hat is the 

 aeceleration of mutation by irradiation. The method is frnutrht with 

 tremendous ditlioulties. The commonest effect of irradiation of the 

 <:onads is the production of defective, often happily nonviable, indi- 

 viduals. AVhether the production of scores of defective strains to 

 secure one line with a superior mutation is justified will have to be 

 considered. But if man is to evolve he must not decline to use nature's 

 tools of mutation, cross-matinrr, selective elimination while he seeks 

 to become fitted to meet the requirements of an ever chanjiinfr and 

 ever more-demandinfj environment. 



To sum up, then; the mechanism of organic evolution, as I see it, 

 consists of the following processes: 



1. Infinite capacity of the germinal material for reproduction. 



2. Infinite capacity for mutation. 



3. A finitude - of kinds of environments. 



4. Extensive opportunities for dissemination of the mutant indi- 

 viduals over earth, permitting some of them to find an environment 

 for which the}' are especially fitted. 



5. As for the rest of the infinitude of individuals, nonmutant and 

 mutant (beyond the number required for replacement) — elimination. 



In a .sentence, nature's mechanism of evolution includes the ele- 

 ments of: A finitude of kinds of environment, infinite reproduction, 

 infinite mutation, infinite opportunity for new mutants to find appro- 

 priate environments, and elimination of all of the infinitude of other 

 individuals that are not required for replacement. 



Tlomo sapirns is only a natural species with a highly evolved hand 

 and brain. This species has reached its lofty position in evolution 

 by the proce.sses described. It is proud of its control of nature in 

 certain directions. Let it beware lest it think it can evolve further 

 by a man-made formula that may suit its perverted desires but must 

 eventually fail of permanent progress if opposed to the formula of 

 nature. 



'Through n lapntis calami this was printed in Tho Journal of The Washington Aradoniy 

 of Scienns as " inflnltud*-." It is tin' limitation of cnvironnicnlal setups coiiipatihle with 

 life that makes the nnmlior of siicTPssful " spocins," tlioiiu'li larso, still liiDltod. 



