The Principles of Biology, Volume 1 (of 2)Spencer, Herbert
Science
The Principles of Biology, Volume 1 (of 2)
Spencer, Herbert
Biology
Whatever be their supposed natures we are compelled to ascribe extreme
complexity to these unknown somethings which have the power of organizing
themselves into a structure of this or that species. If gemmules be
alleged, then the ability of every organ and part of an organ to vary,
implies that the gemmules it gives off are severally capable of receiving
minute modifications of their ordinary structures: they must have many
parts admitting of innumerable relations. Supposing determinants be
assumed, then in addition to the complexity which each must have to express
in itself the structure of the part evolved from it, it must have the
further complexity implied by every superposed modification which causes a
variation of that part. And, as we have just seen, the hypothesis of
physiological units does not relieve us from the need for kindred
suppositions.
One more assumption seems necessary if we are to imagine how changes of
structure caused by changes of function can be transmitted. Reverting to
§ 54d, where an unceasing circulation of protoplasm throughout an organism
was inferred, we must conceive that the complex forces of which each
constitutional unit is the centre, and by which it acts on other units
while it is acted on by them, tend continually to remould each unit into
congruity with the structures around: superposing on it modifications
answering to the modifications which have arisen in those structures.
Whence is to be drawn the corollary that in course of time all the
circulating units,--physiological, or constitutional if we prefer so to
call them--visiting all parts of the organism, are severally made bearers
of traits expressing local modifications; and that those units which are
eventually gathered into sperm-cells and germ-cells also bear these
superposed traits.
If against all this it be urged that such a combination of structures and
forces and processes is inconceivably involved, then the reply is that so
astonishing a transformation as that which an unfolding organism displays
cannot possibly be effected by simple agencies.
§ 97g. But now let it be confessed that none of these hypotheses serves to
render the phenomena really intelligible; and that probably no hypothesis
which can be framed will do this. Many problems beyond those which
embryology presents have to be solved; and no solution is furnished.
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