[34]

Nov/ 44 /

(Think over this)

In Embryology, if embryo passes through several successive stages, then my explanation requires that the embryonic stage shall have become (probably) longer & longer & more complicated for by this, the selection only materially altering the form after birth, will allow a succession of forms to be passed through before birth. If embryonic period be shortened, say if mammal born under fish form, then the fish form would have to be altered to conditions of life, & thus reptile form might be lost

[over]

[34v]

if born in shorter time & then again in shorter, the mammal form wd encroach on the reptile & then on the fish-form & the transition would have to be more & more rapid till, lost, for selection might fall on the primary vesicle & every successive transitional stage be absolutely lost & destroyed. (Applicable to Spiders & Crabs)