TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 87 
natural selection, it is sure to modify, more or less, our modes of thought. Even 
supposing the theory unsound, it is to be observed, as Whewell remarks, as quoted 
by our author, “ Hypotheses may often be of service to science when they involve 
a certain portion of incompleteness, and even error.” Mr. Darwin says himself 
that he has not made Histology an especial branch of study, and I have therefore 
less hesitation, though “impar congressus Achilli,” in expressing an individual 
opinion that he has laid too much stress on free-cell formation, which is rather the 
exception than the rule. Assuming the general truth of the theory, that molecules 
endowed with certain attributes are cast off by the component cells of such infini- 
tesimal minuteness as to be capable of circulating with the fluids, and in the end to 
be present in the unimpregnated embryo-cell and spermatozoid, capable either of 
lying dormant or inactive for a time, or, when present in sufficient potency, of pro- 
ducing certain definite effects, it seems to me far more probable that they should 
be capable under favourable circumstances of exercising an influence analogous to 
that which is exercised by the contents of the pollen-tube or spermatozoid on the 
embryo sae or ovum, than that these particles should be themselves developed into 
cells; and under some such modification I conceive that the theory is far more 
likely to meet with anything like a general acceptation. Be this, however, as it 
may, its comprehensiveness will still remain the same. We must still take it as a 
compendium of an enormous mass of facts, comprised in the most marvellous man- 
ner within an extremely narrow compass. 
I shall venture to offer a very few words in conclusion, which perhaps may be 
thought to haye too theological an aspect for the present occasion. 
It is obvious how open such a theory is to the charge of materialism. It is an 
undoubted fact, however, that mental peculiarities and endowments, together with 
mere habits, are handed down and subject to the same laws of reversion, atavism, 
and inheritance as mere structural accidents, and there must be some reason for 
one class of facts as well as the other; and whatever the explanation may be, the 
hand of God is equally visible and equally essential in all. We cannot now refer 
every indication of thought and reasoning beyond the pale of humanity to blind 
instinct, as was once the fashion, from a fear of the inferences which might be 
made, Should any one, however, be still afraid of any theory like that before us, 
T would suggest that man is represented in Scripture as differing from the other 
members of the animal world, by possessing a spirit as well as a reasoning mind. 
The distinction hetween wuyy and mvévua, which is recognized by the Germans in 
their familar words sec/e and gist, but which we have no words in our language * 
to express properly, or in other terms between mere mental powers which the rest 
of the creation possess in greater or less degree in common with ourselves, and an 
immortal spirit, if rightly weighed, will perhaps lead some to look upon the 
matter with less fear and prejudice. Nothing can be more unfair, and I may add 
unwise, than to stamp at once this and cognate speculations with the charge of 
irreligion. Of this, however, I feel assured that the members of this Association 
will conclude with me in bidding this great and conscientious author God-speed, 
and join in expressing a hope that his health may be preserved to enrich science 
with the results of his great powers of mind and unwearied observation. 
Borany anp Zooroey. 
On the Structure of Coppinia arcta. 
By Professor George J. Atuman, M.D., FBS, 
There is a peculiar production which grows in the form of small sponge-like 
masses on the stems of the larger hydroids, and is especially abundant on Plu- 
mularia faleata and Sertularia abietina from deep water. 
For the first published description of it we are indebted to Sir J. G. Dalyell, 
* A proof of this poverty of language is visible in the words used in our translation for 
uxtxdy and wvevparixdy—natural and spiritual, their proper meaning in conjunction 
with cma, being a body with a soul, and a body with a spirit. 
