OcrosBer, 1914.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 293 
An inquiry as to whether Mendelian results are in any way inconsistent 
with the general theory of evolution outlined in this address was to revive the 
old dispute between epigenesis and preformation. The theory of evolution 
here put forward is epigenetic, but the theory of unit-characters is a 
theory of preformation, as is also the conception of definite organ-forming 
substances in the cytoplasm, but the latter were in no way incompatible 
with a fundamental epigenesis. It is possible to conceive a complex 
organism as inheriting but a minute speck of protoplasm, endowed with 
potential energy, from its parents, and a sequence of suitable environments, 
the interaction between the two bringing about a similar result in each 
successive generation, with a slow progressive evolution due to the 
operation of the law of the accumulation of surplus energy. If any of the 
conditions changed, the results, as manifested in the organisation of the 
adult, must undergo a corresponding modification. 
In the case of hybridisation the organism into which the zygote develops 
must be a composite body, deriving its blastogenic characters from different 
sources, but this cannot affect its fundamental structure, for the two parents 
must have been alike in all essential respects or they could not have 
interbred, and any important difference in the germ plasm must be confined 
to the factors of the differential characters. The fundamental character 
still develops epigenetically on the basis of an essentially similar germ 
plasm, and under essentially similar conditions to those of the two parents, 
and there is no reason to suppose that special ‘‘ factors” have anything to 
do with it. 
One of the most remarkable things about organic evolution is that it 
tesults in the adaptation of an organism to its environment, and for this 
mutation and hybridisation fail to account. Natural selection has been 
called in to get over the difficulty—favourable variations hand on their 
advantages to their offspring—but something more is wanted, and it can be 
found in the direct response of the organism to its environmental stimuli at 
all Stages of its development, whereby individual adaptation is secured, and 
this tends to be progressive. Natural selection is no doubt an important 
factor, but functional selection by the organism itself is still more so. 
he organism secures from all its over-produced movements those that are 
adaptive and beneficial. Natural selection is replaced by intelligent selec- 
Mon, for all purposive reaction is essentially intelligent. 
_ That much-abused philosopher, Lamarck, was not far out when he 
Said, “ The production of a new organ in an animal body results from a 
new requirement which continues to make itself felt, and from a new 
