Lamarckism versus Darwinism

Abstract

WITH reference to the recent revival of what may be considered as “pure” Lamarckism, it appears to me of importance that those who have followed the course of biological work and thought in this direction should at the present juncture declare their views with respect to the interpretation of such results as those obtained by Mr. Poulton, and referred to by Dr. Romanes in his letter of August 9 (p. 364). I am glad of the present opportunity of discussing this matter, because Mr. Poulton's work is to a large extent an expansion and experimental confirmation of views to which I gave expression in a paper published in 1873 (Proc. Zool. Soc., p. 159). I have no desire to enter into the personal question as to whether Dr. Romanes has or has not made himself acquainted with Weismann's essays, but I must express my disappointment that he has not given us a more explicit statement concerning the precise manner in which he interprets the experiments in the Lamarckian sense. For my own part I may add that I have had opportunities of witnessing Mr. Poulton's experiments at intervals during their progress, and of discussing their bearings with him, and I must confess that I am at present completely at a loss to see how they can by any means be interpreted in the manner Dr. Romanes suggests.