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Nov. 54

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I think an order with a few genera wd appear more aberrant, if these few had each few spires, & that aberrance might be said to be done to this fewness, & therefore it wd be a truism to say Large aberrant group had genera with few species: but I do not see that this bears on aberrant genera having few species, & indeed in Hooker list some of the aberrant genera had 20 & 30 species. One cause of error (if cd is probable such there be/ wd add strength to law of fewness of species is aberrant genera, mainly that the few species of such genera, if many had been

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developed wd probably have been types of new genera. – Some aberrant genera may also, likely really rank equal to families, & its species or sections of species wd rank as genera, but if so this, again, wd add strength to the law. It may be said that of a set of genera that is reckoned typical which has most species & most widely different; but then according to this all the other genera wd be aberrant, but I have taken one or two genera the most aberrant genera in each great group.

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Nov/54/ This explains why the species of a large (& consequently & polymorphous genus, will hereafter probably be a Family with several genera, we must consider that the species are polymorphous & widely spaced, & therefore exposed to many conditions & several aggregation of species: they will occasionally mingle with a new group, & then on the principle, that the most diverse forms can best succeed, it may be selected to fill some new offices, & mere chance wd determine the origin is a large genus & some new & good modifications.

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The diversity of nature has been an old theme of admiration. By my theory as limit to address except gradation – Here insert a type of oddnesse. Cephalopods with one arm converted into parasite. My complementary males – alternate generation – Alcippe Muller's wonderful action – Annelids with tails - procreation of intestinal worms &c &c. This was with the b boldest fancy I never have thought to add structures affected by nature.

 Nov/54/

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