CHAPTER XXI

THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF TRADITION AND HEREDITY 437

(1) Definite conclusions are difficult to reach. (2) History in the intermediate period was due to germinal change. (3) The natural endowment of America, (4) Asia, (5) Africa, (6) and of other regions, (7) and their geographical features, (8) suggests that history in the subsequent periods was chiefly of the nature of traditional change. (9) Though germinal changes are important they do not account for the outstanding events, though they have contributed to them. (10) Lesser germinal changes colour tradition, but are not determining factors in history. (11) Known germinal changes, such as those produced by crossing, are less important than accompanying traditional changes, (12) of which there are many instances in the third period. (13) The direct effect of the environment is not negligible, and has influenced the course of history. (14) The cyclic course of civilization, which has been attributed to germinal change, is in the main due to traditional changes. (15) Tradition at the present day overlays the manifestation of mental characters in so great a degree that (16) differences between classes may well seem wholly traditional, but (17) psychological tests and (18) other evidence show that innate mental differences are present, (19) though it is difficult to appraise their value and the importance of modern differential fertility.