Some Problems in Evolution

Abstract

THE controversy between Sir Archdall Reid and the biologists is partly concerned with the meaning of terms and partly with the understanding or misunderstanding of physiological processes. Sir Archdall insists on certain interpretations or definitions of the terms “inherited” and “acquired”. These terms were first used by the biologists, and Sir Archdall should not give them meanings of his own different from those which they originally bore. He insists that there are two kinds of variation, but only, one kind of character. The word “variation” has been used to mean the small differences always found between individuals of the same species, and also the larger, more conspicuous departures from the average type or normal character. The former are now called “fluctuations,” the latter “mutations”. Sir Archdall agrees that a variation may result either (a) from germinal or (b) from nurtural differences, but he repeats his assertion that all characters are alike with respect to acquiredness and inheritability.