274 REV. PROF. A. CALDECOTT, D.LITT., D.D., ON 
fundamentally by a central core, the germ-plasm, which keeps 
on reproducing itself; by simple reproduction in some low 
stages of life, by intermixture of two germ-elements in all the 
higher ranges. And around this germ-structure is a soma or 
envelope, with some variety of which each germ will surround 
itself. The importance of this lies in that it points to the 
mechanism for transmission of qualities. In cases of simple 
reproduction, the new germ nearly repeats the former one, 
and continuity is, so far, complete: in the case of dual 
reproduction, the elements of both constituents come into 
operation, the new germ reproduces them both, in so far as 
they can combine. And the outer soma or envelope is deter- 
mined according to the inner, deep-seated, germ. 
The course of the life-history of any plant, for example, is all 
settled from the beginning; there is some little room for 
variation in response to environment and the way in which 
different environments would call into play reactions on the part 
of the plant. But these variations are small; the life of a 
spaniel in all its principal features will run on according to a 
formula; he may be somewhat larger than usual, a shade 
different from his tribe in colour, and by training or circumstance 
may become a trifle more clever than his parents; but these 
points are comparatively superficial, and it is quite likely that 
they will not reappear in his offspring. For the mass of 
qualities which is transmitted the theory of germinal continuity 
professes to point to the vehicle of transmission. 
Obviously this conception of modern biology lends support to 
heredity by indicating the nature of the physical process which 
connects two generations. By penetrating into the recesses of 
organisms it indicates the mechanism of heredity ; transmission 
of all important qualities seems assured ; it is only superficial 
modifications which rise and fall within the compass of the 
individual. I do not understand that it is claimed that the 
Germinal theory is proved at all points; but for us it is 
important to note that it holds the field, and subject to emenda- 
tions and qualifications it must be regarded by non-biologists as 
what we are called upon to take into account as the order of 
nature in this respect. 
So far for continuity, the transmission of like natures from 
one generation to another. But the world is very complex, and 
presents a spectacle of an almost unlimited variety of forms of 
living beings, both plant and animal, all arising in course of 
thousands, possibly millions, of years, from a few simple forms. 
To the study of the rise of variations and the continuance of 
