Gaskell's “Origin of Vertebrates”

Abstract

IN the review of my book on the “Origin of Vertebrates,” which appeared in NATURE of May 13, the reviewer, discussing my theory that the vertebrate centra nervous system represents the conjoint central nervous system and alimentary canal of an arthropod, says “this view lands us in difficulties which seem to us as insuperable as those of the reversal hypothesis seem to the author”. He then proceeds to say, “we want to know, for instance, where the arthropod's mesenteron has gone?” This is the “only one of the most obvious difficulties” of which he makes mention. I wish he had mentioned more, as I am most anxious to have all the difficulties of my theory pointed out and fully discussed.