n cases, it would be
wrong to conclude absolutely that all must have had same origin, but the
strongest analogy is in favour of it. And we can by our theory, for
during infinite changes some organ, we might have anticipated, would
have become useless. <We can> readily explain the fact, so astounding
on any other view, namely that organs possibly useless have been formed
often with the same exquisite care as when of vital importance.

{167} I imagine the meaning to be that abortive organs are specific
characters in contrast to monstrosities.

{168} Minute hanging horns are mentioned in the _Origin_, Ed. i. p.
454, vi. p. 625, as occurring in hornless breeds of cattle.

{169} _Linum flavum_ is dimorphic: thyme gynodiaecious. It is not
clear what point is referred to under _Geranium pyrenaicum_.

{170} The author's work on duck's wings &c. is in _Var. under
Dom._, Ed. 2, i. p. 299.

{171} The words _vis medicatrix_ are inserted after "useless,"
apparently as a memorandum.

Our theory, I may remark would permit an organ <to> become abortive with
respect to its primary use, to be turned to any other purpose, (as the
buds in a cauliflower) thus we can see no difficulty in bones of male
marsupials being used as fulcrum of muscles, or style of
marygold{172},--indeed in one point of view, the heads of [vertebrated]
animal may be said to be abortive vertebrae turned into other use: legs
of some crustacea abortive jaws, &c., &c. De Candolle's analogy of table
covered with dishes{173}.

{172} In the male florets of certain Compositae the style functions
merely as a piston for forcing out the pollen.

{173} <On the back of the page is the following.> If abortive organs
are a trace preserved by hereditary tendency, of organ in ancestor
of use, we can at once see why important in natural classification,
also why more plain in young animal because, as in last section, the
selection has altered the old animal most. I repeat, these wondrous
facts, of parts created for no use in past and present time, all
can by my theory receive simple explanation; or they receive none
and we must be content with some such empty metaphor, as that of De
Candolle, who compares creation to a well covered table, and says
abortive organs may be compared to the dishes (some should be empty)
placed symmetrically!

<The following passage w