﻿102 CLEMENS' SYNOPSIS OF 



be no advance until the truth is made apparent, by a surer mode than that which is 

 so apt to degenerate into sophistication, and if the latter is the basis on which it is 

 conducted, it is needless to say, it never has nor never can effect any good. 



While seeking to avoid this latter influence, it will be proper in the present con- 

 nection to notice, in a very concise manner, the views of an apparently numerous and 

 increasing body of naturalists, who advocate the existence of permanent and geogra- 

 phical varieties, resulting from the effect of physical agencies on the animal organism; 

 and the tendency, on the other hand, of species and varieties to depart indefinitely 

 from the original type. I cannot but think these opinions have arisen as the con- 

 sequence of an exceedingly limited view of the nature of species, and from the study 

 and comparison of perfect beings exclusively. Another obvious source of fallacy in 

 the reasoning by which such views are supported, is to include in the abstract 

 treatment of the nature of species or variety, what we know obtains amongst animals 

 in a state of domestication or civilization; since it is, at least, a subject of grave doubt, 

 whether domestic varieties have not proceeded from the admixture of several originally 

 distinct species. Whilst it is a doubtful question, no illustration can be drawn from 

 this source, and we must look for the determination of important questions, from the 

 internal evidence presented in the study of special orders, and perhaps especially 

 amongst the humble beings. Neither do I imagine any light can be derived from 

 the action of physical influences on the vegetable organism, however similar may be 

 the nature of the vegetative process in the two organic kingdoms; for, the very con- 

 dition of life in the one, is absolutely dependent on them, not only for its inception, 

 but for subsequent continuance ; whilst the other is in no wise thus circumstanced 

 within the limits of variations not actually and immediately destructive. Surely 

 the consideration of the nature of species and varieties is important, obscure and 

 difficult enough without being further complicated and confused, by brilliantly con- 

 ceived theories, when facts should be sought for, or by mere postulatory reasoning 

 founded on suppositious events. 



The existence of modified individuals, under different climatal conditions, is no 

 proof in itself, that the modifications of structure or ornamentation are the conse- 

 quence of the operation of physical influences, particularly when we are ac- 

 quainted only with the perfect insect. Independently of the consideration that they 

 are constantly met with under all climatal conditions, the idea of species includes 

 certain established and ordained relations to physical agencies, which, so far from 

 being adventitious in their operation, are part of its history. And with the original 

 conception must have been likewise predetermined, those products of disorder that 

 harmonize completely with the dominant idea although presenting differences — the 

 adaptability to certain modes of life, the form and structure, the relations of species 

 to its natural enemies, and its instruments and means of defense, and its resources for 



