III . Mathematical contributions to the theory of evolution.—XII. On a generalised Theory of alternative Inheritance, with special reference to Mendel's laws

Abstract

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 The original Mendelian theory has been replaced by what are termed “ Mendelian Principles.”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.