Complexity of Preformistic Germ Plasm 121 
of objections which stand in the way of admitting 
preformation. 
2. Facts Which Compel the Rejection of Preformation 
If, limiting ourselves to the most typical theory of 
preformation to which all the others can be finally 
reduced, we consider that of Weismann, we encounter 
at the outset a very simple argument which is yet so 
formidable that it is in itself enough to discourage the 
most firmly convinced partisan of that doctrine. 
For the preformation theory of Weismann forces 
him to suppose for the infinitely numerous particles 
constituting the different determinants or groups of 
determinants, an excessively complicated architecture or 
excessively complicated arbitrary mode of disposition. 
Now the elementary fact of reproduction demonstrates 
that the constitution of the germ plasm, whatever it 
may be, does not become at all altered when this latter 
divides and distributes itself among the incalculable 
number of germ cells which can be produced by eacii 
organism and by all its succeeding generations. Weis- 
mann must first then explain to us how the subdivision of 
a given germ plasm into new parts in each of which this 
very complicated structure is preserved uninjured or 
is accurately reproduced again, is possible. That is 
fundamentally the same difficulty which the old ovists 
and spermatists encountered, and which they endeavored 
to overcome by their idea of the encasement of the 
germs.®? 
Weismann has since endeavored to weaken the force 
®3Among others compare e. g. Oscar Hertwig: Praformation 
oder Epigenese? P. 11. 
