On Germinal Selection as a Source of Definite Variation

"On Germinal Selection as a Source of Definite Variation" by August Weismann, explores an evolutionary theory from the 1800s. The writing presents and supports the idea of germinal selection, a concept suggesting that evolution isn't entirely random, but is also influenced by internal processes within an organism's germ cells. Weismann introduces his theory as an explanation of how and why variations arise in response to environmental pressures. The prefactory statements point out issues with existing selection theories and highlight the need to understand heredity and the determinants that guide variation. The author's work seeks to refine how we understand the biological factors driving adaptation and heredity in living things.