THE DETERMINATION OF DOMINANCE. 327 



probably represent the more crystalline-like germinal basis, and 

 any of the included granular substances or chromosomes which 

 are capable of more or less alternation in relation and position, 

 may conceivably in some way be connected with and indicative 

 of the more superficial, removable, or changeable attributes. 



The evidence derived from studies of accessory chromosomes 

 and their segregation into germ cells during maturation, giving 

 germs of different chromosomal constitution, is indicative of some 

 difference in germinal composition. Whether these behaviors of 

 chromosomes are the consequence of more fundamental germinal 

 differences, or the initiation of subsequent germinal differences, 

 is a problem for the future to decide. It does not of necessity 

 follow that the chromosome is particulate, or the determiner of 

 anything; it is at present an indicator of germinal difference 

 which is coupled with whatever it is that determines the alter- 

 native nature of sex. If differences of this sort exist in one 

 alternative character, there is no a priori reason why there may 

 not be similar differences in others. 



Our present experience indicates a germ plasm composition 

 analogous to that of an orthoclase crystal, with a basis to which 

 are added to or subtracted from through the reproductive process, 

 attributes which become parts and properties of the whole. That 

 the germ-plasm is such immortal material, irreversible in its 

 action, that is possesses a oneness of constitution and ultimate 

 destiny, is a conception based upon a priori dogmatic meta- 

 physical concepts, and is a negation of the evidence of our senses- 

 Many years of experience with the problems of variation, 

 heredity, and evolution, wherein germ-plasm constitution must 

 play a vital part, have forced me to the formation of a conception 

 of germinal substance like that expressed above. It is distinctly 

 neither one nor the other of the older conceptions, but rather a 

 mid-position, recognizing the elements of truth in both of the 

 older conceptions, and is in entire harmony with the facts of 

 experience. A presentation of my data and more extended elab- 

 oration of this conception cannot be attempted in this preliminary 

 paper. 



There is in this conception no element not in harmony with 

 the existence of Mendelian behavior of characters, nor incom- 



