be called forth by a partial or different stimulus, b (in this case
the mere stooping to the ground). I term the influences by which
such changed reaction are rendered possible, 'outcome-reactions,' and
when such influences assume the form of stimuli, 'outcome-stimuli.'


They are termed "outcome" ("ecphoria") stimuli, because the author
regards them and would have us regard them as the outcome,
manifestation, or efference of an imprint of a previous stimulus. We
have noted that the imprint is equivalent to the changed
"physiological state" of Jennings. Again, the capacity for gaining
imprints and revealing them by outcomes favourable to the individual
is the "circular reaction" of Baldwin, but Semon gives no reference
to either author. {0k}

In the preface to his first edition (reprinted in the second) Semon
writes, after discussing the work of Hering and Haeckel:-


"The problem received a more detailed treatment in Samuel Butler's
book, 'Life and Habit,' published in 1878. Though he only made
acquaintance with Hering's essay after this publication, Butler gave
what was in many respects a more detailed view of the coincidences of
these different phenomena of organic reproduction than did Hering.
With much that is untenable, Butler's writings present many a
brilliant idea; yet, on the whole, they are rather a retrogression
than an advance upon Hering. Evidently they failed to exercise any
marked influence upon the literature of the day."