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364
Hereditary Genius
natural affinities, in selecting their points of attachment; and that,
consequently, the marvellous structure of the living form is built up
under the influence of innumerable blind affinities, and not under that
of a central controlling power.
This theory, propounded by Mr. Darwin as “provisional,” and
avowedly based, in some degree, on pure hypothesis and very largely
on analogy, is—whether it be true or not —of enormous service to
those who inquire into heredity. It gives a key that unlocks every one
of the hitherto unopened barriers to our comprehension of its nature;
it binds within the compass of a singularly simple law, the multifarious
forms of reproduction, witnessed in the wide range of organic life,
and it brings all these forms of reproduction under the same
conditions as govern the ordinary growth of each individual. It is,
therefore, very advisable that we should look at the facts of
hereditary genius, from the point of view which the theory of
Pangenesis affords, and to this I will endeavour to guide the reader.
Every type of character in a living being may be compared to the
typical appearance always found in different descriptions of
assemblages. It is true that the life of an animal is conscious, and that
the elements on which it is based are apparently unconscious, while
exactly the reverse is the case in the corporate life of a body of men.
Nevertheless the employment of this analogy will help us
considerably in obtaining a clear understanding of the laws which
govern heredity, and they will not mislead us, when used in the
manner I propose. The assemblages of which I speak are such as are
uncontrolled by any central authority, but have assumed their typical
appearance through the free action of the individuals who compose
them, each man being bent on his immediate interest, and finding his
place under the sole influence of an elective affinity to his neighbours.
A small rising watering-place affords as good
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