OBJECTIONS TO THE THEORY 84.5 



of the meaning of embryological resemblances, and in- 

 deed on any view, it is incredible that an animal should 

 have undergone such momentous and abrupt transforma- 

 tions as those above indicated; and yet should not bear 

 even a trace in its embryonic condition of any sudden 

 modification; every detail in its structure being developed 

 by insensibly fine steps. 



He who believes that some ancient form was trans- 

 formed suddenly through an internal force or tendency 

 into, for instance, one furnished with wings, will be al- 

 most compelled to assume, in opposition to all analogy, 

 that many individuals varied simultaneously. It cannot 

 be denied that such abrupt and great changes of struct- 

 ure are widely different from those which most species 

 apparently have undergone. He will further be com- 

 pelled to believe that many structures beautifully adapted 

 to all the other parts of the same creature and to the 

 surrounding conditions, have been suddenly produced; 

 and of such complex and wonderful co-adaptations he 

 will not be able to assign a shadow of an explanation. 

 He will be forced to admit that these great and sudden 

 transformations have left no trace of their action on the 

 embryo. To admit all this is, as it seems to me, to enter 

 into the realms of miracle, and to leave those of Science. 



