The person nourishes and protects the germ, and in this sense the person is merely the carrier of the germ-plasm, the mortal trustee of an immortal substance.
"Manhood of Humanity."
Alfred Korzybski
This invisible power, beginning its manifestation through a microscopic bit of germ-plasm, gradually builds for itself a more and more complex physical habitation, until, after the short space of nine months, it claims membership among the ranks of men.
"The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries"
W. Y. Evans Wentz
Are acquired powers transmitted to posterity, or is the germ plasm unaffected by its environment?
"The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society"
Upton Sinclair