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374
Hereditary Genius
the average distribution of characteristics among a large multitude of
offspring whose parentage was known. The problem would have to
be attacked on the following principle.
The average proportion of gemmules, modified by individual
variation under various conditions preceding birth, clearly admits of
being determined by observation; and the deviations from that
average may be determined by the same theory in the law of
chances, to which I have so often referred. Again, the proportion of
the other gemmules which are transmitted in an unmodified form,
would be similarly treated; for the children would, on the average,
inherit the gemmules in the same proportions that they existed in their
parents; but in each child there would be a deviation from that
average. The table in page 34 is identical with the special case in
which only two forms of gemmules had to be considered, and in
which they existed in equal numbers in both parents.
If the theory of Pangenesis be true, not only might the average
qualities of the descendants of groups A and B, A and C, A and D,
and every other combination be predicted, but also the numbers of
them who deviate in various proportions from those averages. Thus,
the issue of F and A ought to result in so and so, for an average, and
in such and such numbers, per million, of A, B, C, D, E, F, G, &c.,
classes. The latent gemmules equally admit of being determined from
the patent characteristics of many previous generations, and the
tendency to reversion into any ancient form ought also to admit of
being calculated. In short, the theory of Pangenesis brings all the
influences that bear on heredity into a form, that is appropriate for the
grasp of mathematical analysis.
I will conclude by saying a few words upon what is to be
understood by the phrase “individuality.” The artificial breeding of
fish has been the subject of so many books,
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