Turning then to the question of fact, with which the following chapters are concerned, I will conclude this preliminary one with a few words on the method of discussion to be adopted. First I will give the evidence in favour of Lamarckianism; this will occupy the next two chapters. Then, in Chapter V, I will similarly give the evidence _per contra_, or in favour of Continuity as absolute. Lastly, I will sum up the evidence on both sides, and give my own judgement on the whole case. But on whichever side I am thus acting as special pleader for the time being, I will adduce only such arguments as seem to me valid--excluding alike from both the many irrelevant or otherwise invalid reasonings which have been but too abundantly published. Moreover, I think it will be convenient to consider all that has been said--or may be said--in the way of criticism to each argument by the opposite side while such argument is under discussion--i. e. not to wait till all the special pleading on one side shall have been exhausted before considering the exceptions which have been (or admit of being) taken to the arguments adduced, but to deal with such exceptions at the time when each of these arguments shall have been severally stated. Again, and lastly, I will arrange the evidence in each case--i. e. on both sides--under three headings, viz. (A) Indirect, (B) Direct, and (C) Experimental[34]. [34] [The above paragraph is allowed to remain exactly as Mr. Romanes left it. Chapters V and VI were however not completed. _See_ note appended to Preface. C. Ll. M.] CHAPTER III. CHARACTERS AS HEREDITARY AND ACQUIRED (_continued_). (A.) _Indirect Evidence in favour of the Inheritance of Acquired Characters._ Starting with the evidence in favour of the so-called Lamarckian factors, we have to begin with the Indirect--and this without any special reference to the theories, either of Weismann or of others.