Abstract
THERE can be no question of the importance, inreference to evolutionary theory, of a proper comprehen sion of the principles of heredity. Many attempts towards a solution of the problem have been made, but to none of them has it been possible hitherto to give more than a provisional approval. While the nature of this process remains unknown, the fabric of evolution cannot be regarded as in any sense complete. It seems certain that at present the question may be most hopefully approached from the statistical, side, and to the labours of Galton and of Pearson we owe the enunciation of a law which gives quantitative expression to many of the observed facts. But about two years ago the discovery was made that Gregor Mendel, sometime Abbot of Briinn, had long since, in the seclusion of his cloister, devised and carried through a very remarkable series of experiments in cross-fertilisation; and had on them based a theory which bids fair, if its truth can be established, to put the whole subject of heredity on an entirely new footing.
Mendel's Principles of Heredity: a Defence.
By W. Bateson With a Translation of Mendel's Original Papers on Hybridisation. Pp. xiv + 212. (Cambridge: University Press, 1902.) Price 4s. net.
Reports to the Evolution Committee of the Royal Society.
Report I. Experiments undertaken by W. Bateson and Miss E. R. Saunders. Pp. 160. (London: Harrison, 1902.) Price 10s.
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D., F. Mendel's Principles of Heredity: a Defence Reports to the Evolution Committee of the Royal Society . Nature 66, 573 (1902). https://doi.org/10.1038/066573a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/066573a0