276 THE GENESIS OF SPECIES. [CHAP. 



Thus, for example, the difficulties discussed in the first 

 chapter namely, those as to the origins and first begin- 

 nings of certain structures are completely evaded. 



Again, as to the independent origin of closely similar 

 structures, such as the eyes of the Vertebrata and cuttle- 

 fishes, the difficulty is removed if we may adopt the con- 

 ception of an innate force similarly directed in each case, 

 and assisted by favourable external conditions. 



Specific stability, limitation to variability, and the facts 

 of reversion, all harmonize with the view here put forward. 

 The same may be said with regard to the significant facts 

 of homology, and of organic symmetry; and our considera- 

 tion of the hypothesis of Pangenesis in Chapter X. has 

 seemed to result in a conception as to innate powers 

 which also accords well with the view just mentioned. 



The evolutionary hypothesis here advocated also serves 

 to explain all those remarkable facts which were stated 

 in the first chapter to be explicable by the theory of 

 Xatural Selection, namely, the relation of existing to 

 recent faunas and floras; the phenomena of homology 

 and of rudimentary structures; also the processes gone 

 through in development, and lastly the wonderful facts 

 of mimicry. 



Finally, the view adopted is the synthesis of many dis- 

 tinct and, at first sight, conflicting conceptions, each of 

 which contains elements of truth, and all of which it 

 appears to be able more or less to harmonize. 



Thus it has been seen that "Natural Selection" is ac- 

 cepted. It acts and must act, though alone it does not 

 appear capable of fulfilling the task assigned to it by 

 Mr. Darwin. 



Pangenesis has probably also much truth in it, and has 



