Perturbation of Equilibria in the Mathematical Theory of Evolution

Author(s):  
Angel Sánchez

The following work is founded on that conception of evolution, the most recent and precise formulation of which is due to Dr. J. C. Willis, and represents an attempt to develop the quantitative consequences of the conception. By his statistical studies of distribution Dr. Willis was led to two conclusions:— (1) Species occupying large areas are, on the whole , older than those occupying small areas, provided that allied forms are compared.


1896 ◽  
Vol 59 (353-358) ◽  
pp. 69-71 ◽  

The object of this paper is to develop the methods and generalise the conclusions of Mr. Francis Gallon’s work on ‘Natural Inheritance.’ It endeavours to show the wide field which a purely statistical (as distinguished from a mechanical or physiological) theory of heredity may be made to cover. In order to do this it is needful to define certain biological terms in such a manner that they are capable of quantitative measurement, the symbols in terms of which they are expressed being the standard-deviations, correlation-coefficients, and regression-coefficients already well known from the labours of Mr. Galton.


1898 ◽  
Vol 62 (379-387) ◽  
pp. 385-385

I. “On the Connection between the Electrical Properties and the Chemical Composition of different kinds of Glass.” By Professor Andrew Gray, LL.D., F. R. S., and Professor J. J. Bobbie, M.A., D.Sc. II. “On the Magnetic Deformation of Nickel.” By E. Taylor Jones, D.Sc. Communicated by Professor Andrew Gray, F. R. S. III. “Upon the Structure and Development of the Enamel of Elasmobranch Fishes.” By Charles S. Tomes, M.A., F. R. S. V. “On artificial temporary Colour-blindness, with an Examination of the Colour Sensations of 109 Persons.” By George J. Burch, M.A. Communicated by Professor Gotch, F. R. S. V. “Contributions to the Mathematical Theory of Evolution. On the Inheritance of the Cephalic Index.” By Cicely Fawcett and Karl Pearson, F. R. S.


It seems likely to be of interest at the present time to consider rather at length a fairly full mathematical theory of the pure gamete. We do not venture to call this theory a generalised Mendelian theory of inheritance, partly because it is not even the most general theory of the pure gamete conceivable, partly because Mendel’s original theory of heredity was perfectly clear and perfectly simple, and is not the theory here developed. The pure and simple Mendelian theory seems to have been discarded in the light of recent experimental results by more than one Mendelian, both in this country and abroad. The original Mendelian theory has been replaced by what are termed “ Mendelian Principles.” In this aspect of investigation the fundamental principles propounded by Mendel are given up, and for each individual case a pure gamete formula of one kind or another is suggested as describing the facts, This formula is then emphasised, modified or discarded, according as it fits well, badly, or not at all with the growing mass of experimental data. It is quite clear that it is impossible while this process is going on to term anything whatever Mendelian as far as theory is concerned.


Nature ◽  
1897 ◽  
Vol 56 (1444) ◽  
pp. 195-195
Author(s):  
H. W. B.

1902 ◽  
Vol 69 (451-458) ◽  
pp. 450-450

A paper under the above title by Mr. W. Bateson was read on February 14, 1901, and appears on pp. 193—205 of the Society’s ‘Proceedings,’ vol. 69. It naturally calls for a reply from me, for Mr. Bateson’s criticism attacks the fundamental ideas at the basis of the long series of papers on “The Mathematical Theory of Evolution” which have been contributed by me to the 'Transactions’ and 'Proceedings’ during the last eight years.


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