ABSTRACT
The refutation of the theory of the unchangeability of the systematic species, which with Lamarck was hardly much more than a simple denial, constitutes the one permanent result of the best known of all theories of evolution termed Darwinism and Lamarckism. Among the individuals varying without object or plan there must however be, so he says, still some at least which by chance indicate an improvement. The entire apparent selection only requires that not all variations shall be favourable, but only some, which are then preserved. Each organism is an harmonious whole, in which the most varied parts are combined into a true unit. It is unimaginable that a symmetrically and harmoniously built complex organism, in which one part is incapable of existing without the others, could build itself unless in the hypothetical commencing form all later organs and parts commenced to form simultaneously, and simultaneously and always perfected themselves in the most complete harmony with each other.
