XL] SPECIFIC GENESIS. 245 



a way the reparation of local injuries might be symbolized 

 as a filling up and completion of an interrupted rhythm. 

 Thus also monstrous aberrations from typical structure 

 might correspond to a discord, and sterility from crossing 

 be compared with the darkness resulting from the interfer- 

 ence of waves of light. 



Such symbolism will harmonize with the peculiar repro- 

 duction, before mentioned, of heads in the body of certain 

 annelids, with the facts of serial homology, as well as those 

 of bilateral and vertical symmetry. Also, as the atoms of 

 a resonant body may be made to give out sound by the 

 juxtaposition of a vibrating tuning-fork, so it is conceivable 

 that the physiological units of a living organism may be so 

 influenced by surrounding conditions (organic and other) 

 that the accumulation of these conditions may upset the 

 previous rhythm of such units, producing modifications in 

 them a fresh chord in the harmony of Nature a new 

 species ! 



But it may be again objected that to say that species 

 arise by the help of an innate power possessed by organ- 

 isms is no explanation, but is a reproduction of the ab- 

 surdity, V opium endormit parcequ'ilaune vertu soporifique. 

 It is contended, however, that this objection does not ap- 

 ply, even if it be conceded that there is that force in Mo- 

 liere's ridicule which is generally attributed to it. 3 Much, 

 however, might be said in opposition to more than one of 

 that brilliant dramatist's smart philosophical epigrams, just 

 as to the theological ones of Voltaire, or to the biological 

 one of that other Frenchman who for a time discredited 



8 If any one were to contend that beside the opium there existed a 

 real distinct objective entity, " its soporific virtue," he would be open to 

 ridicule indeed. But the constitution of our minds is such that we can- 

 not but distinguish ideally a thing from its even essential attributes and 

 qualities. The joke is sufficiently amusing, however, regarded as the 

 solemn enunciation of a mere truism. 



