The Principles of Biology, Volume 1 (of 2)Spencer, Herbert
Science
The Principles of Biology, Volume 1 (of 2)
Spencer, Herbert
Biology
Seeing, on the one hand, that gamogenesis recurs only in individuals which
are approaching a state of organic equilibrium; and seeing, on the other
hand, that the sperm-cells and germ-cells thrown off by such individuals
are cells in which developmental changes have ended in quiescence, but in
which, after their union, there arises a process of active cell-formation;
we may suspect that the approach towards a state of general equilibrium in
such gamogenetic individuals, is accompanied by an approach towards
molecular equilibrium in them; and that the need for this union of
sperm-cell and germ-cell is the need for overthrowing this equilibrium, and
re-establishing active molecular change in the detached germ--a result
probably effected by mixing the slightly different physiological units of
slightly different individuals. The several arguments which support this
view, cannot be satisfactorily set forth until after the topics of Heredity
and Variation have been dealt with. Leaving it for the present, I propose
hereafter to re-consider it in connexion with sundry others raised by the
phenomena of Genesis.
But before ending the chapter, it may be well to note the relations between
these different modes of multiplication, and the conditions of existence
under which they are respectively habitual. While the explanation of the
teleologist is untrue, it is often an obverse to the truth; for though, on
the hypothesis of Evolution, it is clear that things are not arranged thus
or thus for the securing of special ends, it is also clear that
arrangements which _do_ secure these special ends tend to establish
themselves--are established by their fulfilment of these ends. Besides
insuring a structural fitness between each kind of organism and its
circumstances, the working of "natural selection" also insures a fitness
between the mode and rate of multiplication of each kind of organism and
its circumstances. We may, therefore, without any teleological implication,
consider the fitness of homogenesis and heterogenesis to the needs of the
different classes of organisms which exhibit them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account