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to be capable of definition; and if definable, whether the differences be sufficiently important to deserve a specific name. This latter point will become a far more essential
than it is at present; for differences, however slight, between any two forms, if not blended by intermediate gradations, are looked at by most naturalists as sufficient to raise both forms to the rank of
Hereafter we shall be compelled to acknowledge that the only distinction between species and well-marked varieties is, that the latter are known, or believed, to be connected at the present day by intermediate gradations, whereas species were formerly thus connected. Hence, without
rejecting the consideration of the present existence of intermediate gradations between any two forms, we shall be led to weigh more carefully and to value higher the actual amount of difference between them. It is quite possible that forms now generally acknowledged to be merely varieties may hereafter be thought worthy of specific
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and in this case scientific and common language will come into accordance. In short, we shall have to treat species in the same manner as those naturalists treat genera, who admit that genera are merely artificial combinations made for convenience. This may not be a cheering prospect; but we shall at least be freed from the vain search for the undiscovered and undiscoverable essence of the term species. |
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| The other and more general departments of natural history will rise greatly in interest. The terms used by
of affinity, relationship, community of type, paternity, morphology, adaptive characters, rudimentary and aborted organs, &c., will cease to be metaphorical, and will have a plain signification. When we no longer look at an organic being as a savage looks at a ship, as
something wholly beyond his comprehension; when we regard every production of nature as one which has had a
when we contemplate every complex structure and instinct as the summing up of many contrivances, each useful to the possessor,
in the same way as
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any great mechanical invention
the summing up of the labour, the experience, the reason, and even the blunders of numerous workmen; when we thus view each organic being, how far more
I speak from
the study of natural history become! |
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| A grand and almost untrodden field of inquiry will be opened, on the causes and laws of variation, on
on the effects of use and disuse, on the direct action of external conditions, and so forth. The study of domestic productions will rise immensely in value. A new variety raised by man will be a
more important and interesting subject for study than one more species added to the infinitude
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