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While aware of the works of various evolutionists in their dotage (Galton, Wallace, Weismann), initially Bateson is likely to have overlooked Hugo de Vries� Intracellular Pangenesis. De Vries modified Darwin�s hypothesis of �pangenesis,� according the �elements,� or �pangens� that corresponded to individual characters, attributes that we now know to be those of genes. Darwin thought a character acquired during an individual�s life time, could, by virtue of the transfer of the corresponding educated pangens (gemmules), be passed on to its children. However, experiments by Galton and Heape d- proved his belief that the pangens could move from normal tissue cells to – nadal cells. Like Weismann, Galton saw the potentially immortal germ-line (stored in the ovary or testis) as distinct from the soma (the mortal remainder of the body). Since gametes remained the same size from generation to g- eration, then each parent could on average only transmit half its elements to a child, the other half being lost. This meant that there might be competition between elements for representation in future generations. �Ancestral� ch- acters that disappeared and later reappeared were due to �latent� (hidden) elements. These were distinguished from the �patent� (overt) elements that determined characters regularly seen in the offspring. Both elements were in the gametes as �primary elements. � The latent elements constituted a �re- due� that remained after separation of �patent elements� from the primary elements. Galton downplayed the role of Darwin�s natural selection.Typham this is the title: Treasure Your Exceptions The Science and Life of William Bateson