(1) Upon the Inheritance of Acquired Characters (2) Biological Aspects of Human Problems

Abstract

(1) THIS book, by the talented editor of Scientia, appeared in French in 1906, and later in German and Italian. We welcome it in its excellent English translation by Dr. Basil Harvey. Approaching the problem of inheritance from the side of physics and engineering, Rignano confesses that he was at first attracted to Weismann's position that there is no evidence of the transmission of somatic modifications. He felt, however, that the fundamental biogenetic law of ontogeny recapitulating phylogeny was difficult to reconcile with non-transmission. Reflecting on this difficulty, he was led to a new biogenetic hypothesis, which suggests a mechanism whereby the inheritance of acquired characters may be effected. Whatever one may think of the special hypothesis which the book expounds, there can be no two opinions as to the author's fair-mindedness, scholarship, and ingenuity.

(1) Upon the Inheritance of Acquired Characters.

A Hypothesis of Heredity, Development, and Assimilation. By Eugenio Rignano. Authorised English translation by Prof. Basil C. H. Harvey. With an Appendix upon the Mnemonic Origin and Nature of the Affective or Natural Tendencies. Pp. v+413. (Chicago: Open Court Publishing Co., 1911.) Price 12s. 6d. net.

(2) Biological Aspects of Human Problems.

By Christian A. Herter. Pp. xvii+344. (New York: The Macmillan Co.; London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1911.) Price 6s. 6d. net.