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From Heredity and Genetics: The Dialogue Continued
de Vries, Mutation Theory
Dutch biologist Hugo de Vries used this image to argue that dramatic “mutations”—a term he coined—could generate new species in one generation. Like many late-19th-century scientists, he was dissatisfied with aspects of Darwin’s theory. He hoped to counter Darwin’s view of gradual change by proving that evolution proceeded in sudden jumps. But it was his view that was soon rejected—as these plant examples were found to be hybrids, not different species. (Geneticists would later use the term “mutation” to describe small changes in genes.)
Hugo de Vries (1848–1935). The Mutation Theory, J. B. Farmer and A. D. Darbishire, trans. Vol. 2. Chicago: Open Court, [1901–03] 1909.
