A New Theory.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 257, 3 November 1904, Page 4

A New Theory.

St. LOUIS, Sept. 22. Great interest was aroused at the International Congress 0/ Arts and Sciences by a theory advanced by Professor Hugo ide Vries, Professor of Botany at the University of Amsterdam, Holland, who, combating Darwin's theory of the origin of species advanced a theory of his own. In diametrical opposition to all ideas of former and present biologists he asserts-that).no two of the same species of animal from the lowest stages to man are alike in any important particular through heredity. He claims that the distinguishing feature or element of the individual is not transmitted to the offspring of that individual, which, in the theory of Darwin, represents tfce main principle, it being claimed that by heredity passing from generation to generation the peculiarities of the primogenitor finally result an a new species. Professor de Vries denies this, and offered proof before scientists that entirely new species may be developed within one or two generations. The deeply scientific points advanced by Professor de Vries aroused the defenders of Darwinism antl biologists to immediate interest, and precipitated a general' discussion among' the scientists in attendance upon the congress.