Art and Science 



distinct and apparently disconnected pheno- 

 mena as 1, the orderly normal progress of 

 development ; 2, atavism and the resumption 

 of feral characteristics ; 3, the more ordinary 

 resemblance inter se of nearer relatives ; 4, the 

 benefit of an occasional cross, and the usual 

 sterility of hybrids ; 5, the unconsciousness 

 with which alike bodily development and 

 ordinary physiological functions proceed, so 

 long as they are normal ; 6, the ordinary non- 

 inheritance, but occasional inheritance of muti- 

 lations ; 7, the fact that puberty indicates the 

 approach of maturity ; 8, the phenomena of 

 middle life and old age ; 9, the principle under- 

 lying longevity. These phenomena have no 

 conceivable bearing on one another until 

 heredity and memory are regarded as part of 

 the same story. Identify these two things, 

 and I know no phenomenon of heredity that 

 does not immediately become infinitely more 

 intelligible. Is it conceivable that a theory 

 which harmonises so many facts hitherto re- 

 garded as without either connection or ex- 

 planation should not deserve at any rate 

 consideration from those who profess to take 

 an interest in biology ? 



337 Y 



