NEO-DARWINIAN SOCIOLOGISTS 89 
Let us examine the facts as taught in biology and contrast them 
with the interpretation given by the author under consideration. 
According to Darwin biological evolution has resulted from in- 
crease of numbers beyond means of subsistence, struggle for exist- 
ence and the survival of those best adapted to the conditions of 
life. According to Weismann the struggle is not so much be- 
tween individuals as between species and variations may con- 
ceivably be preserved which would prove disadvantageous to the 
individual if he had to carry on the struggle independently, but 
which are advantageous to the group in competition with nature 
or with other groups.!_ Now under static conditions the curve 
showing the “‘ norm ” or “ type ” represents those on the whole 
best adapted for survival, but under dynamic conditions, espe- 
cially in the physical environment, some individuals varying 
from the norm will have the advantage and survive, thus per- 
manently modifying the species. Shortness of life in the 
individual, according to Weismann in the essay quoted, may be 
considered favorable: to a species in a dynamic environment 
calling for frequent modifications of the “ type” in order that 
the species may persist. The species living under such conditions 
that evolves an inner principle which causes death when the 
individual has ceased to be of service to the group, has an advan- 
tage in competition with other groups or species where certain 
individuals live on as a burden to others. Brevity of life for the 
individual, then, may be of value to the species, though in general 
brevity of life is considered disadvantageous. Now “ species” 
is a generic term and includes past, present and future. Having 
seen that a variation may be of advantage to the species though 
possibly disadvantageous to the individual, it is but a step to say 
that as the great bulk of those who comprise the species and who 
are to receive the benefit of this variation are yet unborn, there- 
fore the benefits of the variation are “‘ projected ”’ into the future. 
We thus have “ projected efficiency.” 
Mr. Kidd’s chief error is in conceiving that a quality can be of 
advantage to the species which is not at the same time of advan- 
tage to the great majority of individuals that compose it at any 
1 Recognized by Darwin, but not emphasized. 
