83 



The author discusses the "present status of the unit character 

 conception" in a fashion both suggestive and stimulating. It is 

 pointed out that, on the multiple factor hypothesis, the assump- 

 tion of complexity in the germ plasm can be extended so as to 

 interpret in Mendelian formulae any degree of variation, but the 

 question whether the "end justifies such means" is raised. 



The results of this investigation and the discussion which is 

 given are pertinent to the present situation. It is emphasized 

 that there are hereditary phenomena that do not lend themselves 

 to a Mendelian notation in any way that is helpful from a 

 practical point of view or even theoretically illuminating. It is 

 an indication of the growing reaction against the extremely 

 speculative character which the Mendelian notation has been 

 given in the "presence and absence" and "multiple factor" 

 hypotheses. 



Meanwhile we must await a more intensive analysis of char- 

 acters which are now considered qualitative as well as those 

 which are clearly quantitative. The great service which Mendel 

 contributed to the study of genetics in focusing attention on 

 single characters, may through such studies reach fruition. 



A. B. Stout 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE CLUB 

 January 14, 19 13 



The annual meeting of the Club for 19 13 was held at the 

 American Museum of Natural History at 8:15 P.M. President 

 Burgess presided. Twenty-five members were present. 



The minutes of December 10 weie read by Dr. A. Hollick 

 and were approved as read. 



J. K. Henry, 2024 Beach Ave., Vancouver, B. C, and F. W. 

 Pennell, Wawa, Pa., were proposed for membership in the Club. 



The reports of the various officers were then presented. The 

 treasurer's report was referred to an auditing committee con- 

 sisting of Dr. J. H. Barnhart and Prof. R. A. Harper, appointed 

 by the president. 



The secretary reported that fourteen meetings had been held 

 during the year, with a total attendance of 271 and an average 



