Preformationism

Preformationism was a biological theory popular from the 17th century through to the 19th century. It postulated that all living organisms developed from miniature versions of themselves, known as animalcules, which were held to have existed from the beginning of time.

The 2080th issue of Transfiguration Today, published in 1926, featured an article entitled "Animalcules: The truth about preformationism."