Preformation

(pre -for - via' - shun). A previous formation. P., Theory of, a theory prevalent at one time, according to which the germs of all individuals of a species were contained in the first individual of that species created; that, e. g., Eve held in her ovary the germs of all human beings, one encased within the other. Those who espoused this theory of female encasement were known as Ovulists. An opposing school taught that the spermatozoon was the e ential element in reproduction;that the ovum simply offered a favorable soil for its development, and that in the of Adam all mankind had been preformed. The adherents of the theory of the encasement of the male were styled Animalculists. See Jncasement.