The acquisition of a single new
quality is the most simple step in the progressive line, the becoming
latent and the reactivating of this same quality are the prototypes of
the two other classes.
Having taken this theoretical point of view, it remains to inquire, how
it concurs with the [224] various facts, given in former lectures and
how it may be of use in our further discussions.
It is obvious that the differences between elementary species and
varieties on the one hand, and between the positive and negative
varieties as distinguished above, are quite comparable with our
theoretical views. For we have seen that varieties can always be
considered as having originated by an apparent loss of some quality of
the species, or by the resumption of a quality which in allied species
is present and visible. In our exposition of the facts we have of course
limited ourselves to the observable features of the phenomena without
searching for a further explanation. For a more competent inquiry
however, and for an understanding of wider ranges of facts, it is
necessary to penetrate deeper into the true nature of the implied
causes.
Therefore we must try to show that elementary species are distinguished
from each other by the acquisition of new qualities, and that varieties
are derived from their species either by the reduction of one or more
characteristics to the latent state, or by the energizing of dormant
characters.
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