The Principles of Biology, Volume 1 (of 2)Spencer, Herbert
Science
The Principles of Biology, Volume 1 (of 2)
Spencer, Herbert
Biology
How this admission consists with the general theory it is difficult to
understand. The units of the soma-plasm are here recognized as having the
same generative powers as the units of the germ-plasm. In so far as one
organic kingdom and a considerable part of the other are concerned the
doctrine is relinquished. Relinquishment is, indeed, necessitated even by
the ordinary facts, and still more by the facts just instanced. Defence of
it involves the assertion that where buds arise, normal or cauline, there
exist in due proportion the various ids with their contained
determinants--that these are diffused throughout the growing part of the
soma; and this implies that the somatic tissue does not differ in
generative power from the germ-plasm.
The hypothesis of physiological units, then, remains outstanding. For
cauline buds imply that throughout the plant-tissue, where not unduly
differentiated, the local physiological units have a power of arranging
themselves into the structure of the species.
But this hypothesis, too, as it now stands, is inadequate. Under the form
thus far given to it, it fails to explain some accompanying facts. For if
the branch just instanced as producing a cauline bud be cut off and its end
stuck in the ground, or if it be bent down and a portion of it covered with
earth, there will grow from it rootlets and presently roots. The same
portion of tissue which otherwise would have produced a shoot with all its
appendages, constituting an individual, now produces only a special part of
an individual.
§ 97c. Certain kindred facts of animal development may now be considered.
Similar insufficiencies are disclosed.
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