Einier on Growth and Inheritance 427 



^■pUection of species, families only a collection of genera, and 

 Hk> on, . . . then . . . the causes which modify an individual 

 within the boundaries of a species must be the same as 

 those which modify it beyond these boundaries.' 



Here is, indeed, a sentence worthy of being long pondered 

 over and carefully analysed. Truly it is a most precious 

 morsel ; for it shows clearly what is the real value of much 

 seemingly profound teaching both of the Neo-Lamarckian 

 and Neo-Darwinian schools. The unfortunate general public, 

 who take a ready and laudable interest in natural history, 

 are seized upon by erudite professors, who, with solemn 

 admonition or playful banter, discourse to them on subjects 

 of which they, the said professors, are profoundly ignorant. 

 Yet they are believed to know all about it on the strength 

 of their unquestionable proficiency in physical science. On 

 this subject it is time to speak plainly: Physical science 

 is admirable and useful, and men of physical science fully 

 deserve our respect and recognition. Nevertheless, a great 

 deal too mu("h fuss is now made about it. Men of science 

 themselves know well enough that to dissect, to become 

 familiar with the different bodily structures, to use the 

 microscope dexterously, etc., require a certain readiness and 

 perseverance. But they also know quite Avell that these are, 

 after all, mechanical arts, and no more. Men of science 

 themselves also knoAV well enough that to obtain a Avide 

 and firm grasp of their subject; to be well aware of what 

 has been done by their predecessors and is now being 

 elaborated by their contemporaries ; to reason accurately 

 from facts observed to the probabiUties concerning other 

 facts as yet unobserved ; they know that these things need 

 a certain quickness and flexibility of mind and a consider- 

 able poAver of memory. But they also know quite Avell that 

 such quickness, flexibility, and poAver need be in no way 

 exceptional, and that the very same qualities must be 



