Complexity of Prefonnistic Germ Plasm 121 



of objections which stand in the way of admitting 

 preformation. 



2. Facts Which Compel the Rejection of Preformation 



If, limiting ourselves to the most typical theory of 

 preformation to which all the others can be finally 

 reduced, we consider that of Weismann, we encounter 

 at the outset a very simple argument which is yet so 

 formidable that it is in itself enough to discourage the 

 most firmly convinced partisan of that doctrine. 



For the preformation theory of Weismann forces 

 him to suppose for the infinitely numerous particles 

 constituting the different determinants or groups of 

 determinants, an excessively complicated architecture or 

 excessively complicated arbitrary mode of disposition. 

 Now the elementary fact of reproduction demonstrates 

 that the constitution of the germ plasm, whatever it 

 may be, does not become at all altered when this latter 

 divides and distributes itself among the incalculable 

 number of germ cells which can be produced by each 

 organism and by all its succeeding generations. Weis- 

 mann must first then explain to us how the subdivision of 

 a given germ plasm into new parts in each of which this 

 very complicated structure is preserved uninjured or 

 is accurately reproduced again, is possible. That is 

 fundamentally the same difficulty which the old ovists 

 and spermatists encountered, and which they endeavored 

 to overcome by their idea of the encasement of the 

 germs. 83 



Weismann has since endeavored to weaken the force 



83 Among others compare e. g. Oscar Hertwig: Praformation 

 oder Epigenese? P. u. 



