158 PAPERS BY DR. B. CLEMENS. 



physiological fallacy and assumption. If we suppose amal- 

 gamating 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 annual 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 producing the 

 representative form. Individual lives are like the leaves of a 

 deciduous 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 mis- 

 conceptions and difficulties, the logical sequences existing 

 amongst them, and to seize the hidden meanings which 

 appeal to our intelligence in the ponderous volume on which 

 they are inscribed. 



Note. — The reader is requested to make the following cor- 

 rections : — 



In Paper 4, May, 1860, p. 160, for Nomia, read Chryso- 

 pora* Nomia is already in use to designate a genus of bees. 



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

 read " gradation." 



* See ante, p. 123. H. T. S. 



