4- In a very distinct and severe manner he gives ex- 

 pression to his opposition to his former friend Weismann. 



5. He attacks with telling effect the fantastic Dar- 

 winian "Mimicry." 



In his "General Introduction" Eimer first treats of Or- 

 thogenesis in opposition to the Darwinian theory of selec- 

 tion. The very first sentence gives evidence of this antag- 

 onism: "According to my investigation, organic growth 

 (Organophysis), which is rendered dependent on the plasm 

 by permanent external influences, climate and nourishment, 

 and the expression of which is found in development along 

 definitely determined lines, (Orthogenesis), is the principal 

 cause of transformation, its occasional interruption and its 

 temporary cessation and is likewise the principal cause of 

 the division of the series of organisms into species." 



Lamarck's theory of the use and disuse of organs and 

 Darwin's hypothesis of natural selection are consequently 

 pushed into the background. Here also Eimer at once 

 places himself at variance with Naegeli who had enunciated 

 a similar theory. Naegeli took as a starting point an in- 

 herent tendency in every being to perfect itself, thus pre- 

 supposing an "inner principle of development," and making 

 light of external influences as transforming causes. Eimer 

 flatly contradicts this view. We shall revert to this point 

 in our criticism of his theory. In opposition to the theory 

 of selection, Eimer lays special stress on the fact that its 

 underlying assumption, viz., fortuitous, indefinite variation 

 in many different directions, is entirely devoid of foundation - 



72 



