existing between several such species." The latter alone 

 is subject to experimental verification, but it can only cause 

 the isolation of existing forms and is not a species-origi- 

 nating selection — with which alone we are here concerned. 

 This kind of selection can enfeeble the existing flora and 

 fauna, but cannot produce a new species. Selection pro- 

 ductive of new species "is not actually demonstrable; it is 

 a purely theoretical invention." 



Goette next points out that the investigator is every- 

 where confronted by definitely-directed variation: a fact 

 V/hich does not harmonize with the theory of selection, 

 nor, consequently with Darwinism. If some scientists have 

 not as yet accepted Elmer's presentation of this doctrine, 

 their action is most probably to be attributed to the fear 

 lest "they should have to accept not merely, variation ac- 

 cording to definite laws, but likewise a principle of finality 

 and other causes lying beyond the range of scientific in- 

 vestigation." The rejection of the theory of selection often 

 promotes, as Goette rightly observes, a reactionary tend- 

 ency towards a priori explanations of phenomena with 

 which we are but slightly acquainted. "There are natural- 

 ists who do not discard the theory of selection simply be- 

 cause it seems to furnish a much-desired mechanical ex- 

 planation of purposive adaptions" (a momentous admission 

 to which we shall have occasion to revert). 



Others have broken entirely with selection and the 

 principle of utility and extend the idea of finality to the 

 general capacity of organisms to persist. Thus adaptation 

 becomes a principle which transcends the limits of natural 



43 



