In the second paragraph of On the Origin of Species, 1st Edition, Darwin said "It has been disputed at what period of time the causes of variability, whatever they may be, generally act; whether during the early or late period of development of the embryo, or at the instant of conception. Geoffroy St Hilaire's experiments show that unnatural treatment of the embryo causes monstrosities; and monstrosities cannot be separated by any clear line of distinction from mere variations. But I am strongly inclined to suspect that the most frequent cause of variability may be attributed to the male and female reproductive elements having been affected prior to the act of conception. Several reasons make me believe in this; but the chief one is the remarkable effect which confinement or cultivation has on the functions of the reproductive system; this system appearing to be far more susceptible than any other part of the organization, to the action of any change in the conditions of life.".
http://friendsofdarwin.com/docs/origin-1/chapter-01/
The rest of the paragraph is just a bunch of arguments/examples about animals being rid of the ability to reproduce because of confinement/cultivation(for plants).
What I don't get is how he came to the conclusion of "But I am strongly inclined to suspect that the most frequent cause of variability may be attributed to the male and female reproductive elements having been affected prior to the act of conception." from "the remarkable effect which confinement or cultivation has on the functions of the reproductive system;".
Disregarding the validity, the correctness, of his work relative to today. I want to know what was his reasoning or his chain-of-thought or his rationale on how he came to that conclusion from that.
My mind refuses to read any more so I sorta need to get this figured out. lol
http://friendsofdarwin.com/docs/origin-1/chapter-01/
The rest of the paragraph is just a bunch of arguments/examples about animals being rid of the ability to reproduce because of confinement/cultivation(for plants).
What I don't get is how he came to the conclusion of "But I am strongly inclined to suspect that the most frequent cause of variability may be attributed to the male and female reproductive elements having been affected prior to the act of conception." from "the remarkable effect which confinement or cultivation has on the functions of the reproductive system;".
Disregarding the validity, the correctness, of his work relative to today. I want to know what was his reasoning or his chain-of-thought or his rationale on how he came to that conclusion from that.
My mind refuses to read any more so I sorta need to get this figured out. lol