Panmixia

Abstract

IT is now twenty years ago that I published in these columns the doctrine of Panmixia, or Cessation of Selection, and since this doctrine was independently re-enunciated by Prof. Weismann I have repeatedly had occasion both to explain and to defend our common views upon the subject. For it is surprising how many of our foremost English evolutionists seem to have found a difficulty in understanding exactly what is meant by the doctrine. In view, therefore, of Prof. Weismann's forthcoming lecture at Oxford, it seems desirable that the present standing of the matter should be presented to the consideration of English biologists. An opportunity may thus be afforded him of answering the objections which they have raised against one of the fundamental doctrines of his entire system.