310 



THE AMEBIC AX XATUh'ALlSI Vol. XI All 



amine with some care the nature of the reasoning and the evi- 

 dence on which the conclusions rest. The first point in this 

 regard to be noted is the fundamental assumption made by the 

 theory that the growth process is in its quantitative relations 

 (kta-minate either as a whole, or in its cyclical units. In the 

 fundamental formula quoted A is the total amount of growth 

 attained in the cycle. This means that unless there is assumed 

 to be an indefinitely large number of cycles of growth, there 

 comes a time for every organism to which the theory is to be 

 applied, after which no more growth occurs. Regarding this 

 fundamental assumption of Eobertson's theory Kellicott. whose 

 own researches particularly well fit him to speak with authority 

 on the point, has the following to say {Joe. cit., p. 342) : 



Observations of many of the lower vertebrates in nature (Fulton, 



reptiles, show that these grow indeterminately; Agassiz's, '57. observa- 

 t ions up. m ( 'li. •yse.nys are typical. As a recent example of the failure 



