Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

August Weismann on germ-plasm variation.

R G Winther1

  • 1Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, 47405-7005, USA. rwinther@indiana.edu

Journal of the History of Biology
|February 28, 2002
PubMed
Summary

August Weismann argued against inherited acquired traits but actually believed external factors caused hereditary variation. His views evolved, showing he wasn't a strict "Weismannian" biologist.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Varieties of modules: kinds, levels, origins, and behaviors.

The Journal of experimental zoologyยท2001
See all related articles

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics History

Background:

  • August Weismann is known for opposing the inheritance of acquired characters.
  • This analysis re-examines Weismann's work, revealing a nuanced view on the causes of hereditary variation.

Discussion:

  • Weismann consistently believed external conditions during development were crucial for hereditary material variation.
  • He also accepted the inheritance of acquired germ-plasm variation for much of his career.
  • This challenges the traditional interpretation of Weismannism.

Key Insights:

  • Distinguishes three germ-plasm claims: continuity, morphological sequestration, and variational sequestration.
  • Analyzes Weismann's evolving views on external conditions versus sexual reproduction in causing variation across four career stages.
  • Highlights Weismann's view of intertwined variation, heredity, and development, contrasting with Weismannism's denial.

Outlook:

  • Contributes to understanding 19th-century biological thought on variation.
  • Part of a larger project comparing historical perspectives on variation.

Related Experiment Videos