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IN DEVEECOPMENT AND- INHERITANCE 


Columbia Elniversity Biological Series. 


EDITED BY 


HENRY FAIRFIELD OSBORN 


AND 


EDMUND B. WILSON. 
. FROM THE GREEKS TO DARWIN. 
By Henry Fairfield Osborn, Sc.D. Princeton. 


. AMPHIOXUS AND THE ANCESTRY OF THE VERTEBRATES. 
By Arthur Willey, B.Sc. Lond. Univ. 


. FISHES, LIVING AND FOSSIL. An Introductory Study. 
By Bashford Dean, Ph.D. Columbia. 


. THE CELL IN DEVELOPMENT AND INHERITANCE. 
By Edmund B. Wilson, Ph.D. J.H.U. 


. THE FOUNDATIONS OF ZOOLOGY. 
By William Keith Brooks. 


COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY BIOLOGICAL SERIES. IV. 


ae le | 


IN 


DEVELOPMENT AND INHERITANCE 


BY 


EDMUND? B= WIESON, Pu. D; 


PROFESSOR OF ZOOLOGY, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 


SECOND EDITION 
REVISED AND ENLARGED 


“ Natura nusquam magis est tota quam in minimis ” 


PLINY 


: Uitte : WDERTASSS 
SS Sess 


Neu Bork 
FHE MACMILLAN, COMPANY 


LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., Ltp. 
1906 


All rights reserved 


oe 


cht 


COPYRIGHT, 1896, 
By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. 


COPYRIGHT, 1900, 


By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. 


Set up and electrotyped October, 1896. Reprinted September, 
1897; September, 1898. 

New edition, revised, set up and electrotyped January, 1900; 
March, 1902; June, 1904; June, 1906. 


Norwood 4ress 
J. S. Cushing & Co. — Berwick & Smith 
Norwood, Mass. U.S. A. 


Co mv Friend 


THEODOR BOVERI 


PRE PACE 


Tuis volume is the outcome of a course of lectures, delivered at 
Columbia University in the winter of 1892-93, in which I endeavoured 
to give to an audience of general university students some account 
of recent advances in cellular biology, and more especially to trace 
the steps by which the problems of evolution have been reduced to 
problems of the cell. It was my first intention to publish these 
lectures in a simple and general form, in the hope of showing to 
wider circles how the varied and apparently heterogeneous cell- 
researches of the past twenty years have grown together in a 
coherent group, at the heart of which are a few elementary phe- 
nomena, and how these phenomena, easily intelligible even to those 
having no special knowledge of the subject, are related to the 
problems of development. Such a treatment was facilitated by 
the appearance, in 1893, of Oscar Hertwig’s invaluable book on 
the cell, which brought together, in a form well designed for the 
use of special students, many of the more important results of 
modern cell-research. I am glad to acknowledge my debt to Hert- 
wig’s book; but it is proper to state that the present volume was 
fully sketched in its main outlines at the time the Ze/le und Gewebe 
appeared. Its completion was, however, long delayed by investiga- 
tions which I undertook in order to re-examine the history of the 
centrosomes in the fertilization of the egg,—a subject which had 
been thrown into such confusion by Fol’s extraordinary account of 
the “ Quadrille of Centres” in echinoderms that it seemed for a time 
impossible to form any definite conception of the cell in its relation 
to inheritance. By a fortunate coincidence the same task was inde- 
pendently undertaken, nearly at the same time, by several other 
investigators. The concordant results of these researches led to a 
decisive overthrow of Fol’s conclusions, and the way was thus cleared 
for a return to the earlier and juster views founded by Hertwig, 
Strasburger, and Van Beneden, and so lucidly and forcibly developed 
by Boveri. 

The rapid advance of discovery in the mean time has made it 
seem desirable to amplify the original plan of the work, in order to 
render it useful to students as well as to more general readers; and 
to this end it has been found necessary to go over a considerable 


vil 


vill PREFACE 


part of the ground already so well covered by Hertwig.! This book 
does not, however, in any manner aim to be a treatise on general 
histology, or to give an exhaustive account of the ceil. It has rather 
been my endeavour to consider, within moderate limits, those features 
of the cell that seem more important and suggestive to the student 
of development, and in some measure to trace the steps by which our 
present knowledge has been acquired. A work thus limited neces- 
sarily shows many gaps; and some of these, especially on the botani- 
cal side, are, I fear, but too obvious. On its historical side, too, the 
subject could be traced only in its main outlines, and to many 
investigators of whose results I have made use it has been impossible 
to do full justice. 

To the purely speculative side of the subject I do not desire to 
add more than is necessary to define some of the problems still to be 
solved; for I am mindful of Blumenbach’s remark that while Drelin- 
court rejected two hundred and sixty-two ‘groundless hypotheses ’’ 
of development, ‘nothing is more certain than that Drelincourt’s 
own theory formed the two hundred and sixty-third.”? I have no 
wish to add another to this list. And yet, even in a field where 
standpoints are so rapidly shifting and existing views are still so 
widely opposed, the conclusions of the individual observer may have 
a certain value if they point the way to further investigation of the 
facts. In this spirit I have endeavoured to examine some of the more 
important existing views, to trace them to their sources, and in some 
measure to give a critical estimate of their present standing, in the 
hope of finding suggestion for further research. 

Every writer on the cell must find himself under a heavy obliga- 
tion to the works of Van Beneden, Oscar Hertwig, Flemming, Stras- 
burger, and Boveri; and to the last-named author I have a special 
sense of gratitude. I am much indebted to my former student, 
Mr. A. P. Mathews, for calling my attention to the importance of 
the recent work of physiological chemists in its bearing on the 
problems of synthetic metabolism. The views developed in Chap- 
ter VII. have been considerably influenced by his suggestions, and 
this subject will be more fully treated by him in a forthcoming work ; 
but I have endeavoured as far as possible to avoid anticipating his own 
special conclusions. Among many others to whom I am indebted 
for kindly suggestion and advice, I must particularly mention my 
ever helpful friend, Professor Henry F. Osborn, and Professors 
J. E. Humphrey, T. H. Morgan, and 2S, ee. 

In copying so great a number of figures from the papers of other 

1 Henneguy’s Lecons sur Ja cellule is received, too late for further notice, as this volume 


is going through the press. 
2 Allen Thomson. 


PREFACE 1x 


investigators, I must make a virtue of necessity. Many of the facts 
could not possibly have been illustrated by new figures equal in value 
to those of special workers in the various branches of cytological 
research, even had the necessary material and time been available. 
But, apart from this, modern cytology extends over so much debatable 
ground that no general work of permanent value can be written that 
does not aim at an objective historical treatment of the subject; and 
I believe that to this end the results of investigators should as far as 
practicable be set forth by means of their original figures. Those 
for which no acknowledgment is made are original or taken from 
my own earlier papers. 

The arrangement of the literature lists is as follows. A general 
list of all the works referred to in the text is given at the end of the 
book (p. 449). These are arranged in alphabetical order, and are 
referred to in the text by name and date, according to Mark’s con- 
venient system. In order, however, to indicate to students the more 
important references and partially to classify them, a short separate 
list is given at the end of each chapter. The chapter-lists include 
only a few selections from the general list, comprising especially 
works of a general character and those in which reviews of the 
special literature may be found. 

Ey Baw: 

CoLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK, 

July, 1896. 


xii PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION 


to pass by, or dismiss with very brief mention, many works to which 
space would gladly have been given. 

Recent research has yielded many new results of high interest, 
conspicuous among them the outcome of experiments on cell-division, 
fertilization, and regeneration ; and they have cleared up many special 
problems. Broadly viewed, however, the recent advance of discovery 
has not, in the author’s opinion, tended to simplify our conceptions 
of cell-life, but has rather led to an emphasized sense of the diversity 
and complexity of its problems. ‘ One is sometimes tempted to con- 
clude,” was recently remarked by a well-known embryologist, ‘“ that 
every egg is a law unto itself!”? The jest, perhaps, embodies more 
of the truth than its author would seriously have maintained, express- 
ing, as it does, a growing appreciation of the intricacy of cell-phe- 
nomena, the difficulty of formulating their general aspects in simple 
terms, and the inadequacy of some of the working hypotheses that 
have been our guides. It is in the full recognition of such inade- 
quacy, when it exists, and of the danger of hasty generalization in a 
subject so rapidly moving as this, that our best hope of progress lies. 

My best thanks are again due to many friends for helpful criti- 
cism, suggestion, and other aid; and I am indebted to Professor Ulric 
Dahlgren for the beautiful preparation imperfectly represented by 
Fig. 59 (from a direct photograph); to F. Emil, E. M. Van Harlin- 
gen, and Dr. G. N. Calkins, for aid in the preparation of new illus- 
trations; and to Messrs. Ginn & Co. for the electrotypes of Figs. 11, 
12, and 188, from the Wood’s Holl Biological Lectures for 1899. 


COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 
December 7, 1899. 


Postscript. — Of especial importance for some of the discussions in Chapters I., V., and 
VII. are Fischer’s extensive work on protoplasm (see Literature, I.) and Strasburger’s new 
researches on reduction (see Literature, V.), both received while this volume was in press 
and too late for more than a passing mention in the text. 


MARCH, 1900. 


PARE EOP CONTENTS 


INTRODUCTION 
PAGE 
List OF FIGURES 5 : 2 : ; : : : ° : kvl 
Historical Sketch of the Cell- eieoae its Relation to the Evolution-theory. Earlier 
Views of Inheritance and Development. Discovery of the Germ-cells. Cell- 
division, Cleavage, and Development. Modern Theories of Inheritance. Lamarck, 
Darwin, and Weismann : , ; ; : ; A Fi H : 2 I 
Literature . : : : 6 ; : : : : 5 A A a eel! 
CHAPTER I 
GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 
A. General Morphology of the Cell . : ; : : 5 5 ° : 35 eel G 
B. Structural Basis of Protoplasm  . : : : : : : : 3 sy e238 
C. The Nucleus ; : : : : - 3 ; . : ‘ r By xo) 
. General Structure ‘ : : : : : : . 5 oF ei 
2. Hiner Structure of the ee : . ; : : : 5 : Ae 
3. Chemistry of the Nucleus. : : : c : é : - ee 4 
D. The Cytoplasm . ‘ é : . : 5 5 5 : ; ee Ail 
E. The Centrosome . : . : : : : : : . ; : 5 Ete) 
F. Other Cell-organs . é : é : . ; - : : ‘ : 2 
G. The Cell-membrane . c ; : 5 < ° : ¢ ° : oe Be 
H. Polarity of the Cell . . ‘ : : ° : : oe Os 
I. The Cell in Relation to the Mlacelfalar Body : : ; : 5 : Be gs) 
Literature, I. : a ; : ; : ; 7 5 3 4 : OL 
CHAPTER II 
CELL-DIVISION 
A. Outline of Indirect Division or Mitosis : : : ; 5 . : an nO5 
B. Origin of the Mitotic Figure % . 2 2 5 . : : é 5 2 
(Se ene of Mitosis : : c : : ° : : : 5 aly 
. Varieties of the Mitotic Fivare A : < : . 5 5 ¢ 7S 
(a) The Achromatic Figure . : . 5 ° : c ¢ au yfs) 
(6) The Chromatic Figure . : : 4 . 4 5 c 5) 4218) 
2. Bivalent and Plurivalent Chromosomes é 5 : 4 F 5 toy 
3. Mitosis in the Unicellular Plants and Animals. 5 4 : ; Sols tke’ 
4. Pathological Mitoses . F : ; : . ; ; c ; Sh O7/ 


xill 


Xiv TABLE OF CONTENTS 


PAGE 
D. The Mechanism of Mitosis . : ; : - . . : . : «| 100 
1. Function of the Amphiaster : 7 . : : . . . - £00 
(a2) Theory of Fibrillar Contractility . : ° . 5 . 100 
(6) Other Facts and Theories. ; ; : “ : . 106 
2. Division of the Chromosomes. ~ : : A . 5 A + DIZ 
E. Direct or Amitotic Division . . : : 4 i = ; 4 ; ona 
. General Sketch . : 5 ‘ : 4 F ‘. : 1A 
2. Centrosome and Attraction- phere in atte: , . : . . - ty 
3. Biological Significance of Amitosis , : A A A : > BG 
F. Summary and Conclusion . : : : : : . : 5 ~ Pe iC) 
Literature, II. - z : : 4 5 = ; 2 5 4 5 - >. WE 
CHAPTER III 
THE GERM-CELLS 
A. The Ovum . : : : : ; 5 : 4 . 5 " req 
pellets Netleas : : : : : . : . . . - 7. 125 
2. The Cytoplasm . - : - : ; . ; “ . 3 2) 10 
3. The Egg-envelopes . : : : : . : fs - : 2 2 
B. The Spermatozo6n - < 2 : : : . - 5 “ é = ee 
I. The Flagellate Spermatozoén : ° . . . . : ~- 185 
2. Other Forms of Spermatozoa : 5 c 3 5 5 A 5 + a2 
3. Paternal Germ-cells of Plants. . : . . : 5 : =. 142 
C. Origin of the Germ-cells : : : : : F 4 é 5 . 144 
D. Growth and Differentiation of the Gane cells : , - . - : 50 
. The Ovum . c . . : ° : . 5 : SO 
(a) Growth and Nataeon : : : - 150 
(4) Differentiation of the Cytoplasm. Deus at Destoplésm : etice 
(¢) Yolk-nucleus . . - : . . . 5 : : UES 
2. Origin of the Spermatozoén : : : = . ° . . 160 
3. Formation of the Spermatozoids in piants : : : - - Se 
E. Staining-reactions of the Germ-nuclei . . c : . “ . : 5 GIS 


ibiterature; III:  : . 5 > 3 : : - : . ° 5 : Ly 


CHAPTER IV 


FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


A. General Sketch ; ‘ 5 ° A 180 
. The Germ-nuclei in Fertilization : : > : . “ ° SuSE 

2. The Achromatic Structures in Fertilization . . : . . ° PELOS 

B. Union of the Germ-cells ; 5 A : 196 
1. Immediate Results of Union ; : : : c 3 3 ; - = 200 

2. Paths of the Germ-nuclei : : : : 6 : 5 e202 

3. Union of the Germ-nuclei. The Chromosomes . 5 5 c : 204) 

C. The Centrosome in Fertilization . : : , 5 ; 5 “ ; 5 eats! 
D. Fertilization in Plants . : ; . : . : . : . : 5 238s 
E. Conjugation in Unicellular Forms ; . : . ° ° . ° 222 
F. Summary and Conclusion . ; . 5 ° ° ° 2 ° . 220 


Tiiterabne sven : ; : : 5 ° ° 2 5 - - 5 231 


Om po 


Hi. 
, iterature, V. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


CHAPTER V 


REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES, OUGENESIS AND SPERMATOGENESIS 


Genera’ Outline : ; , ; 
. Reduction in the Bemale, The Polar Bodies 
2. Reduction in the Male. Spermatogenesis . 
3. Weismann’s Interpretation of Maturation 
Origin of the Tetrads 
1. General Sketch 
2. Detailed Evidence . 
Reduction without Tetrad-formation 
Some Peculiarities of Reduction in the Insects 
The Early History of the Germ-nuclei . 
Reduction in Unicellular Forms 
Maturation of Parthenogenetic Eggs 
Appendix 
1. Accessory Cells of the Testis 
2. Amitosis in the Early Sex-cells 
Summary and Conclusion 


CHARTER WV 


SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


A. The Nature of Cell-organs 
B. Structural Basis of the Cell 3 
G. pees Composition of the Nucleus . 
. The Chromatin : 
(a) Hypothesis of the Tndisiduality of the Ghetionmes 
(6) Composition of the Chromosomes 
D. Chromatin, Linin, and Cytoplasm : : 3 2 : 
E. The Centrosome . : F 
185. Nave eee ae Structures 
. Hypothesis of Fibrillar Persistent ce : : : ; 
2. The Archoplasm Hypothesis : : : : : ¢ 
3. The Attraction-sphere 
G. Summary and Conclusion. : : ; : : ; : : 
Literature, VI. . : : : : : A : ‘ ; : 
CHAPTER. VII 
SoME ASPECTS OF C%LL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 
A. Chemical Relations of Nucleus ana Cytoplasm : : : e 
1. The Proteids and their Allies ; : : 2 : : : 
2 skhe Nucleimysexies (= , ; 5 : . : 


3. Staining-reactions of the Nuclein Series 


XV 


PAGE 
234 
236 
241 
243 
246 
246 
248 
258 
271 
272 
277 
280 


284 
285 
285 
287 


Oo 
[o) 


ae 
KW Ww Ww 
TSS) eI 


xvl TABLE OF CONTENTS 

B. Physiological Relations of Nucleus and Cytoplasm : ‘ . 
1. Experiments on Unicellular Organisms ; ° . 5 5 
2. Position and Movements of the Nucleus. . ‘ 5 . 
3. The Nucleus in Mitosis : : : . : . ° : 
4. The Nucleus in Fertilization : : : 5 : . 
5. The Nucleus in Maturation 5 : . . . 

C. The Centrosome . : : : 4 ; : 5 

D. Summary and Conclusion. : ; 4 : 5 : . . 

Literature, VII. . i 5 : ‘ . 5 4 4 5 : 3 


CHAPTER VILL 


CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


A. Geometrical Relations of Cleavage-forms . : : . ° . 
B. Promorphological Relations of Cleavage : A : . ; . 
1. Promorphology of the Ovum - : : . . : 
(a) Polarity and the Egg-axis : c 
(4) Axial Relations of the Primary Cleav age-planes. . 
(ce) Other Promorphological Characters of the Ovum . . 
2, Meaning of the Promorphology of the Ovum 
C. Cell-division and Growth . : : , : . 4 = 
Literature, VIII. . 4 4 5 4 j ; ; : 9 ; é 


CHAPTER: UX: 


THEORIES OF INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


A. The Theory of Germinal Localization . : 7 . 3 5 
B. The Idioplasm Theory . 

C. Union of the Two Theories . 

D. The Roux-Weismann Theory of Development 
E. Critique of the Roux-Weismann Theory 
F. On the Nature and Causes of Differentiation 
G. The Nucleus in Later Development . . : : : ° : 
H. The External Conditions of Development. ; : : 5 

I. Development, Inheritance, and Metabolism . 3 : : 

J. Preformation and Epigenesis. The Unknown Factor in Development 
Literature, IX. . : 6 : 5 4 4 0 » A ¢ 5 
GLOSSARY . : : - ° 2 : c ° : 

GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST : 3 - 5 ° : . 

INDEX OF AUTHORS . 3 . 5 ° . . . : 


INDEX OF SUBJECTS . c - : 0 5 . A 6 


PAGE 
341 
342 
346 
351 
352 
353 
354 
358 
359 


® 
, } 
¥ he 


iS Ore EiGuRES 


INTRODUCTION 

1. Epidermis of larval salamander 3 

2. Section of growing a of the onion : : : < 
3. Amaba Proteus c : 

4. Cleavage of the ovum in Tesapncustes : 

5. Diagram of inheritance . ; : : ° : : ° 

CHAPTERS b 

6. Diagram ofa cell . 

7. Spermatogonia of salamander 3 : 5 : . 
8. Group of cells, showing cytoplasm, nucleus, Be centrosomes 
g. Living cells of salamander larva, showing fibrillar structure . 
10. Alveolar or foam-structure of protoplasm, according to Biitschli 
II. Structure of protoplasm in the echinoderm egg 

12. Aster-formation in alveolar protoplasm . 

13. Nuclei from the crypts of Lieberkiihn 

14. Special forms of nuclei . = 

I5. Scattered nucleus in 7vachelocerca : 

16. Scattered nucleus in Bacteria and Flagellata . 

17. Ciliated cells . 

18. Cells of amphibian pancreas . 

19. Nephridial cell of Clepsine 
20. Nerve-cell of frog . 
21. Diagram of dividing cell 
22. Diagrams of cell-polarity : é 
23. Centrosomes in epithelium and in lead corpuscles : . 


CHAPTER II 


24. Remak’s scheme of cell-division 

25. Diagram of the prophases of mitosis 

26. Diagram of later phases of mitosis 

27. Prophases in salamander-cells : : C : . 

28. Metaphase and anaphases in salamander-cells . ° . 
29. Telophases in salamander-cells. . : 5 . ° 
30. Mid-body and cell-plate in cells of Zimax . : : : 
31. Middle phases of mitosis in Ascaris-eggs : . ° . 
32. Mitosis in Stypocaulon . 3 : : - : : ° 


XVil 


Xviil : LIST OF FIGURES 


FIC PAGE 
33. Mitosis in Zrysiphe : : : ‘ ; : : : 5 e <eoe 
34. Mitosis in pollen-mother-cells of lily, according to Guignard . ° . . 5 
36. Mitosis in spore-cells of Zgutsetum ; : 3 5 : : ° j - eeO5 
37. Heterotypical mitosis. : : 3 : : : 4 ; ; : > aor 
38. Mitosis in Infusoria : : : 3 : : A ee , 4 +8189 
39. Mitosis in Euglypha. : - : 5 . : : : A 5 - o90 
40. Mitosis in Zuglena : : : : > " . : n : : - OE 
41. Mitosis in Acanthocystis : : ‘ 5 : 4 5 . ; ‘ - Oe 

2. Mitosis in Moctiluca : 5 : 4 : : 5 5 3 : ; aOR 
43. Mitosis in Pavameba . : : : . . 5 : d : : ~ EO 
44. Mitosis in Actinospherium . : : 5 . ° . ° . . : Oo 
45. Mitosis in Actinospherium . ; : : ; . . . . . Or, 
46. Pathological mitoses in cancer-cells —. ; 5 5 j 4 : ° a os 
47. Pathological mitosis caused by poisons . : : ; “ ; . 0° 5) GD) 
48. Van Beneden’s account of astral systems in Ascaris, ; 5 . . - | LOO 
49. Leucocytes . 2 - : : - : : 5 * 5 3 . - S102 
50. Pigment-cells : : : . : ; : 4 : 4 5 + OR! 
51. Heidenhain’s model of mitosis. ; - 5 : yee G . > . 104 
52. Mitosis in the egg of 7oxopueustes : - : 5 5 ° 0 *: BLOW 
53- Pathological mitoses in polyspermy : : 3 5 : 5 : - 109 
54. Nuclei in the spireme-stage . : : . ° F ° 6 3 : - STZ 
55. Early division of chromatin in Ascaris . : 4 . ° 5 : 5 eens 
56. Amitotic division . - 3 ; : 5 . ‘ . ° . Re Pils 


CHAPTER III 


57. Volvox . . ; P : : : : . . . ° ° 5 et2s 
58. Ovum of Zoxopneustes . > : . . : : : : 2 5 . 126 
59. Ovum of the cat. : . ; : 5 5 : 5 . : ; =) 27 


60. Ovum of Nerets . : : : : : 5 . 5 : 2 129 
61. Germinal vesicles of Uzzo0 aad Epetra . : : 5 : ° : 3 ~ 130 
62. Insect-egg . : . 4 : : ; ° ° : : B . 3 132 
63. Micropyle in Argonauta ; : é 5 , 5 4 5 A 5 a SER 
64. Germ-cells of Volvox . : : . : : . : 5 5 ° ho algya 
65. Diagram of the flagellate spermatozoén . : 5 : . . 5 ae elay 
66. Spermatozoa of fishes and amphibia : : . : 6 : ; 5) 11846) 
67. Spermatozoa of birds and other animals - . . 5 . : Soaiceemes: 6% 
68. Spermatozoa of mammals. : : ¢ ; 5 : 5 - é . 140 
69. Unusual forms of spermatozoa. : : : : ° 5 , : 2. OTA 
70. Spermatozoids of Chara : c : ° . ° : : : 3 ae 
71. Spermatozoids of various plants. 5 c : : : : : 5 WAS 
72. Germ-cells of Cladonema_  . ; : : 5 6 : 5 5 - 146 
73. Primordial germ-cells of Ascaris . 5 : ° : : B ° 0 oe kay 
74. Primordial germ-cells of Cyclops . : : : : : 5 : : tao 
75. Ovarian ova and follicles of Helix : : . 5 . : ; 5 5 its 
76. Egg and nurse-cells in Ophryotrocha . . ; : 3 : : 3 5 lise 
77. Ovarian eggs of insects . 5 ; . 3 5 5 : j 5 - 52 te 
78. Young ovarian eggs of various animals . , . , : 5 5 5 5. ts] 
79. Young ovarian eggs of birds and mammals. 3 : ; ° : 3 Lisle 


80. Ovarian eggs of spider, earthworm, ascidian, showing yolk- mucicus A 5 eb? 


ELISE OF FIGURES Xix 


FIG, PAGE 
81. Ovarian eggs of Limulus and Polyzonium . : : ; ‘ A 5 Gg asste) 
82. Formation of the spermatozo6n in Ayvasa . F : é ; : - 162 
83. Transformation of the spermatids of the eae : : 3 ; : . 164 
84. Formation of the spermatozo6n in Salamandra and Amphiuma . : : . 166 
85. The same in //e/ix and in elasmobranchs_. ‘ , 3 3 = . 168 
86. The same in mammals : 2 : : F F : : E Z . 169 
87. Formation of spermatozoids in cycads . : ; A : c : ¢ a C78 
88. Formation of spermatozoids in cryptogams . : : : 3 ° ° op eli74 


CHAPTER IV 


89. Fertilization of Physa . : : é : : : : ° ° : 2. 180 


go. Fertilization of Ascarzs 4 : ; ; : : 2 . ° 5 2 S38 
gt. Germ-nuclei of Nematodes . 3 : : . : : ° ° : . 184 
g2. Fertilization of the mouse . : : : . : é : c : ELS 
93- Fertilization of Prerotrachea : ¢ : : : : . 186 
94. Entrance and rotation of sperm- head in TOE ReUSIES : : 5 : = LS7 
95. Conjugation of the germ-nuclei in 7oxopneustes . ; : . C : Tesh) 
g6. Diagrams of fertilization. : : 2 : : 4 é 5 : - #90 
97. Fertilization of WVeveis . : : : 5 ; : : : : : ie LOE 
98. Fertilization of Cyclops : : : ; : : : é c S193 
99. Fertilization and persistence of centrosomes in Dhilassenia c : : 1-195 
100. Entrance of spermatozoén into the egg 2 : : - : . 5 2) 097) 
tor. Pathological polyspermy : : : . : . : . 5 . 199 
102. Polar rings of Clepsine : : F : 2 : 5 5 7 3 3 201 
103. Paths of the germ-nuclei in Zoxopneustes . : 5 3 : : : = 6208 
104. Fertilization of A7yzostoma . : : : ; : : : : z 3 200 
105. Fertilization of Prlularza . : ; A : ; : : : , E20 
106. Penetration of the pollen-tube in angiosperms. 5 : : : : cee 
107. Fertilization of the lily : : : : * : : : : F ie AS) 
108. Fertilization in Zama ; : ‘ : : . . . ; ; e220 
10g. Diagram of conjugation in Infusoria_ . ‘ , : : : : : ee 223 
110. Conjugation of Paramecium : : ; : : é : 5 5 225 
111. Conjugation of Vorticella . : : ; : : : 3 : - e226 
112. Conjugation of Moctzluca . : : - : : 4 ; ‘ : a CRS 
113. Conjugation of Spzvogyra . : : . : : . : P : grade: 


CHAPTER V 


114. Polar bodies in Toxopnezstes é : F é : 4 . A é ered 
115. Genesis of the egg ‘ : ; : : : : > : =) 8235 
116. Diagram of formation of aoine onires : ; : : 5 - : 2 237 
117. Polar bodies in Ascaris : : c é : é : - : : e230 
118. Genesis of the spermatozoén 3 : ; : : 5 c ? - (240 
119. Diagram of reduction in the male , : : : 4 : 4 : mE ZA2 
120. Spermatogenesis of Ascaris : 2 : . : : : . ° pS 2A4: 
121. Diagrams illustrating tetrad-formation : : : . ° 5 s 247 
122. Tetrads of Gryllotalpa : . . : . ° . ° 3 o 249 


123. Tetrads and polar bodies in Gia: : : ° ° 2 ° ° ; 250 


- 
Gs G2 G2 UI 
os N= O 


we 
1 


143. 
144. 
145. 
146. 
147. 
148. 
149. 
150. 
Ear 
152. 
153. 
154. 
sie 
156. 


157. 
158. 
159. 
160. 
161. 
162. 
163. 
164. 
165. 
166. 
167. 


LIST OF FIGURES 


Diagrams of tetrad-formation in arthropods ; . . 
Germinal vesicles and tetrads . 2 : . ° . 
Maturation in dvasa . : : 3 ; A ° ° 
Maturation in dnasa . : . 5 : ° . . 
Diagrams of reduction : ; : : . . : 
Maturation in 7halassema . : - : : . : 
Maturation in 7halassema and Zirphea  . : : . 
Maturation in Se/amandra . : : ; 3 . . 
The maturation-divisions in angiosperms. 5 . . 
Maturation in Z7/ium . ‘ : ¢ : : ° . 
Maturation in Zedium . : : : : . . ° 
Diagrams of reduction in the flowering plants. 4 s 
Ovary of Canthocamptus . : : : : ; . 
Polar spindles without centrosomes’. . s . : 
Polar bodies in Actinophrys - - : : ° 
Polar bodies in Actinospharium . - . . . . 
Conjugation and reduction in Closterium . . 3 . 
First type of parthenogenetic maturation in Artemia . 5 


Second type of parthenogenetic maturation in Artemia, 


CHAPTER VI 


Abnormalities in the fertilization of Ascaris 5 : . 
Giant embryo of Ascaris. 5 : 2 < : 
Individuality of chromosomes in Ascaris. 2 : - 
Independence of chromosomes in fertilization of Cyclops . 
Hybrid fertilization of Ascarzs. 2 2 : 5 5 
Mitosis with intranuclear centrosome in Ascaris . 2 5 
Abnormal mitoses in Hemerocallis : : “ 5 5 
Centrosomes in Chetopterus and Cerebratulus  . : : 


Artificially produced asters and centrosomes in echinoderms 
Diagram of different types of centrosome and centrosphere 


Polar mitoses in Diaulula . : : i 5 5 A 
Astral systems in Uzzo : : : é é ¢ 
Astral systems in Cerebratulus and Ts ‘ “ : 


Structure of the aster in spermatogonium of salamander. 


CHAPTER VII 


History of chromosomes in the germinal vesicle of sharks . 
Nucleated and enucleated fragments of Stylonychia . ° 
Regeneration in Stentor : . 5 
Nucleated and enucleated fea ente Ei ween 

Nucleated and enucleated fragments of plant-protoplasm . 


Position of nuclei in plant-cells . : : ° 5 . 
Ovary of Forficula : - - E : : ; : 
Normal and dwarf larvee of sea-urchins : > - ° 
Supernumerary centrosome in Ascaris : - : . 
Cleavage of dispermic egg of Zoxopneustes . 2 : 5 
Centrosomes and cilia. .. : : - + : 5 


PAGE 
251 
252 
254 
255 
259 
260 
261 
262 
264 
2606 
268 
270 
273 
276 
278 
278 
279 
282 
283 


295 
296 
297 
298 
300 
Seg 
306 
307 
308 
310 
312 
313 
320 
326 


- Ww 
Ny 


G2 OG Go Go YW 
 - 
- OW 


nm un un a 
SIAM WN wn 


Oo W GW Lo 


on 


LIST OF FIGURES Xxl 


CHAPTER VIII 


FIG. PAGE 
168. Geometrical relations of cleavage-planes in plants : : . : : 1363 
169. Cleavage of Synapta . : : ; : 5 : : : ; 3 sme 305 
170. Cleavage of Polygordius : : j ‘ 5 C : : : : 307; 
171. Cleavage of Verets é : 369 
172. Variations in the third cleavage . 370 
173. Meroblastic cleavage in the squid 372 
174. Rudimentary cells in Avicza 373 
175. Teloblasts of the earthworm : é 374 
176. Contradiction of Hertwig’s rule in Ascaris . 376 
177. Bilateral cleavage in tunicates 380 
178. Bilateral cleavage in Loligo . : 6 : é : 5 : : ; 5 ABtS 
179. Eggs of Loligo . - : é : : : : é : é : 2 382 
180. Eggs and embryos of Corixa : : 383 
181. Variations in axial relations of Cyclops : : : é : : esos 
CHAPTER] TX 
182. Half-embryos of the frog. : : : . : 5 : 5 : - 400 
183. Half and whole cleavage in sea-urchins : : : . 3 é AGT 
184. Normal and dwarf gastrulas of Amzphioxus . é é ; : : . . 408 
185. Dwarf and double embryos of Amphioxus . : : : : : : . 409 
186. Cleavage of sea-urchin eggs under pressure . : é : : c : se Ce 
187. Cleavage of Verezs-eggs under pressure. : : - : 6 : ee An2 
188. Diagrams of cleavage in mollusks and polyclades : : - : : . 414 
189. Partial larvee of ctenophores é : : : ° : : : : Gamac ite) 
190. Partial cleavage in //yanassa : . : : 5 5 C : : . 420 
191. Double embryos of frog é : : ; 4 : : : é ; - 421 
192. Cleavage in Crepidula : : ; : é 5 : : : - 424 
193. Normal and modified larvz of sea-urchins . 5 F A ; ‘ : eA 2S 


194. Regeneration in ccelenterates A . 7 c 5 5 5 . 4 Pe A20 


i? 


ss 


EIN DRODUCTION 


2079300 — 


“Fedes Thier erscheint als eine Summe vitaler Einheiten, von denen jede den vollen 
Charakter des Lebens an sich tragt.” VIRCHOW.1 


Durinc the half-century that has elapsed since the enunciation of 
the cell-theory by Schleiden and Schwann, in 1838-39, it has become 
ever more clearly apparent that the key to all ultimate biological 
problems must, in the last analysis, be sought in the cell. It was the 
cell-theory that first brought the structure of plants and animals under 
one point of view, by revealing their common plan of organization. 
It was through the cell-theory that Kolliker, Remak, Nageli, and Hof- 
meister opened the way to an understanding of the nature of embryo- 
logical development, and the law of genetic continuity lying at the 
basis of inheritance. It was the cell-theory again which, in the hands 
of Goodsir, Virchow, and Max Schultze, inaugurated a new era in the 
history of physiology and pathology, by showing that all the various 
functions of the body, in health and in disease, are but the outward 
expression of cell-activities. And at a still later day it was through 
the cell-theory that Hertwig, Fol, Van Beneden, and Strasburger 
solved the long-standing riddle of the fertilization of the egg and the 
mechanism of hereditary transmission. No other biological generali- 
zation, save only the theory of organic evolution, has brought so many 
apparently diverse phenomena under a common point of view or has 
accomplished more for the unification of knowledge. The cell-theory 
must therefore be placed beside the evolution-theory as one of the 
foundation stones of modern biology. 

And yet the historian of latter-day biology cannot fail to be struck 
with the fact that these two great generalizations, nearly related as 
they are, have been developed along widely different lines of research, 
and have only within a very recent period met upon a common ground. 
The theory of evolution originally grew out of the study of natural 
history, and it took definite shape long before the ultimate structure 
of living bodies was in any degree comprehended. The evolutionists 
of the Lamarckian period gave little heed to the finer details of 
internal organization. They were concerned mainly with the more 


1 Cellularpathologie, p. 12, 1858. 
B I 


2 INTRODUCTION 


obvious characters of plants and animals—their forms, colours, 
habits, distribution, their anatomy and embryonic development — 
and with the systems of classification based upon such characters ; 
and long afterward it was, in the main, the study of like characters 
with reference to their historical origin that led Darwin to his splen- 
did triumphs. The study of microscopical anatomy, on which the 
cell-theory was based, lay in a different field. It was begun and long 
carried forward with no thought of its bearing on the origin of living 
forms; and even at the present day the fundamental problems of 
organization, with which the cell-theory deals, are far less accessible 
to historical inquiry than those suggested by the more obvious 
external characters of plants and animals. Only within a few years, 
indeed, has the ground been cleared for that close alliance between 
students of organic evolution and students of the cell, which forms so 
striking a feature of latter-day biology and is exerting so great an influ- 
ence on the direction of research. It has, therefore, only recently 
become possible adequately to formulate the great problems of devel- 
opment and heredity in the terms of cellular biology — indeed, we can 
as yet do little more than so formulate them. Yet the fact that these 
two great lines of research, both concerned with the deeper problems 
of life, yet having their beginnings so far apart, have at length 
converged to a meeting-point, is one of the more striking evidences of 
progress that modern biology has to show; and it sufficiently justifies 
an attempt to treat the cell from the standpoint of the general student 
of development. 

Let us at the outset briefly outline the cell-theory as thus regarded, 
and indicate the manner of its historical connection with the general 
problems of evolution.1 


1 Schleiden and Schwann are universally and justly recognized as the founders of the cell- 
theory; but like every other great generalization the theory was based on a long series of 
earlier investigations beginning with the memorable microscopical researches of Leeuwen- 
hoek, Malpighi, Hooke, and Grew in the second half of the seventeenth century. 

Wolff, in the Zheorta Generationis (1759), clearly recognized the “spheres” and “ vesi- 
cles”? composing the embryonic parts both of animals and of plants, though without grasping 
their real nature or mode of origin, and his conclusions were developed by the botanist 
Mirbel at the beginning of the present century. Nearly at the same time (1805) Oken fore- 
shadowed the cell-theory in the form that it assumed with Schleiden and Schwann; but his 
conception of “ Urschleim” and “ Blaschen” can hardly be regarded as more than a lucky 
guess. A still closer approximation to the truth is found in the works of Turpin (1826), 
Meyen (1830), Raspail (1831), and Dutrochet (1837); but these, like others of the same 
period, only paved the way for the real founders of the cell-theory. Among other immedi- 
ate predecessors or contemporaries of Schleiden and Schwann should be especially mentioned 
Robert Brown, Dujardin, Johannes Miiller, Purkinje, Hugo von Mohl, Valentin, Unger, 
Nageli, and Henle. The significance of Schleiden’s, and especially of Schwann’s, work lies 
in the thorough and comprehensive way in which the problem was studied, the philosophic 
breadth with which the conclusions were developed, and the far-reaching influence which 
they exercised upon subsequent research. In this respect it is hardly too much to com- 
pare the MJzkroskopische Untersuchungen with the Origin of Species. 


INTRODUCTION 3 


During the past thirty years the theory of organic descent has 
been shown, by an overwhelming mass of evidence, to be the only 
tenable conception of the origin of diverse living forms, however we 
may conceive the causes of the process. While the study of general 
zoology and botany has systematically set forth the results, and in a 
measure the method, of organic evolution, the study of microscopical 


Fig. 1.— A portion of the epidermis of a larval salamander (Amdélystoma) as seen in slightly 
oblique horizontal section, enlarged 550 diameters. Most of the cells are polygonal in form, con- 
tain large nuclei, and are connected by delicate protoplasmic bridges. Above x is a branched, 
dark pigment-cell that has crept up from the deeper layers and lies between the epidermal cells. 
Three of the latter are undergoing division, the earliest stage (sfiveme) at a, a later stage (mitotic 
figure in the anaphase) at 4, showing the chromosomes, and a final stage (¢edophase), showing 
fission of the cell-body, to the right. 


anatomy has shown us the nature of the material on which it has 
operated, demonstrating that the obvious characters of plants and 
animals are but varying expressions of a subtle interior organization 
common to all. In its broader outlines the nature of this organiza- 
tion is now accurately determined; and the ‘“cell-theory,” by which 
it is formulated, is, therefore, no longer of an inferential or hy po- 


4 INTRODUCTION 


thetical character, but a generalized statement of observed fact which 
may be outlined as follows : — 

In all the higher forms of life, whether plants or animals, the 
body may be resolved into a vast host of minute structural units 
known as ce//s, out of which, directly or indirectly, every part is 
built (Figs. 1, 2). The substance of the skin, of the brain, of the blood, 
of the bones or muscles or any other tissue, is not homogeneous, as it 
appears to the unaided eye, but is shown by the microscope to be an 
cate composed of innumerable minute bodies, as if it were a 


c 


agere 


Fig. 2.— General view of cells in the growing root-tip of the onion, from a longitudinal section, 
enlarged 800 diameters. 


a. non-dividing cells, with chromatin-network and deeply stained nucleoli; 4. nuclei preparing 
for division (spireme-stage) ; c. dividing cells showing mitotic figures; e. pair of daughter-cells 
shortly after division. 


colony or congeries of organisms more elementary than itself. The 
name ce//s given to these bodies by the early botanists, and ulti- 
mately adopted by nearly all students of microscopical anatomy, 
was not happily chosen; for modern studies have shown that although 
the cell may assume the form of a hollow chamber, as the name 
indicates, this is not one of its characteristic or even usual features. 
Essentially the cell is a minute mass of protoplasm, a substance long 
since identified by Cohn, Leydig, Max Schultze, and De Bary as the 
essential active basis of the organism, afterward happily characterized 


INTRODUCTION 5 


by Huxley as the “ physical basis of life,” and at the present time 
universally recognized as the immediate substratum of all vital 
activity.! Endlessly diversified in the details of their form and struc- 
ture, these protoplasmic masses nevertheless possess a characteristic 
type of organization common to them all; hence, in a certain sense, 
they may be regarded as elementary organic units out of which the 
body is compounded. This composite structure is, however, character- 


Fig. 3. — 4dmeba Proteus, an animal consisting of a single naked cell, x 280. (From Sedgwick 
and Wilson's Biology.) 


nm. The nucleus; w.v. water-vacuoles; c.v. contractile vacuole; Av. food-vacuole. 


istic of only the higher forms of life. Among the lowest forms at the 
base of the series are an immense number of microscopic plants and 
animals, familiar examples of which are the bacteria, diatoms, rhizo- 
pods, and Infusoria, in which the entire body consists of a single cell 
(Fig. 3), of the same general type as those which in the higher multi- 
cellular forms are associated to form one organic whole. Structurally, 
therefore, the multicellular body is in a certain sense comparable with 
a colony or aggregation of the lower one-celled forms.” This com- 


1 The word protoplasm is due to Purkinje (1840), who applied it to the formative sub-. 
stance of the animal embryo and compared it with the granular material of vegetable 
“cambium.” It was afterward independently used by H. von Mohl (1846) to designate 
the contents of the plant-cell. The full physiological significance of protoplasm, its identity 
with the “sarcode” (Dujardin) of the unicellular forms, and its essential simiiarity in 
plants and animals, was first clearly placed in evidence through the classical works of Max 
Schultze and De Bary, beside which should be placed the earlier works of Dujardin, Unger, 
Nageli, and Mohl, and that of Cohn, Huxley, Virchow, Leydig, Briicke, Kiihne, and Beale. 

2 This comparison must be taken with some reservation, as will appear beyond. 


6 INTRODUCTION 


parison is not less suggestive to the physiologist than to the mor- 
phologist. In the one-celled forms all of the vital functions aré 
performed by a single cell. In the muiticellular forms, on the other 
hand, these functions are not equally performed by all the cells, but 
are in varying degree distributed among them, the cells thus falling 
into physiological groups or tissues, each of which is especially de- 
voted to the performance of a specific function. Thus arises the 
“physiological division of labour” through which alone the highest 
development of vital activity becomes possible; and thus the cell 
becomes a unit, not merely of structure, but also of function. Each 
bodily function, and even the life of the organism as a whole, may 
thus in one sense be regarded as a resultant arising through the inte- 
gration of a vast number of cell-activities ; and it cannot be adequately 
investigated without the study of the individual cell-activities that le 
at its root.! 

The foregoing conceptions, founded by Schwann, and skilfully 
developed by Kolliker, Siebold, Virchow, and Haeckel, gave an im- 
pulse to anatomical and physiological investigation the force of which 
could hardly be overestimated; yet they did not for many years 
measurably affect the more speculative side of biological inquiry. 
The Origin of Species, published in 1850, scarcely mentions it; nor, 
with the important exception of the theory of pangenesis, did Darwin 
attempt at any later period to bring it into any very definite relation 
to his views. The initial impulse to the investigations that brought 
the cell-theory into definite contact with the evolution-theory was 
given nearly twenty years after the Ovzgin of Species, by researches 
on the early history of the germ-cells and the fertilization of the 
ovum. Begun in 1873-74 by Auerbach, Fol, and Biitschli, and 
eagerly followed up by Oscar Hertwig, Van Beneden, Strasburger, 
and a host of later workers, these investigations raised wholly new 
questions regarding the mechanism of development and the 7é/e of 
the cell in hereditary transmission. Through them it became for the 
first time clearly apparent that the general problems of embryology, 
heredity, and evolution are indissolubly bound up with those of cell 
structure, and can only be fully apprehended in the light of cytologi- 
cal research. As the most significant step in this direction, we may 
regard the identification of the ce//-nucleus as the vehicle of inheri- 


1 Cf pp. 58-61. ‘It is to the cell that the study of every bodily function sooner or later 
drives us. In the muscle-cell lies the problem of the heart-beat and that of muscular con- 
traction; in the gland-cell reside the causes of secretion; in the epithelial cell, in the 
white Elood-cell, lies the problem of the absorption of food, and the secrets of the mind are 
hidden in the ganglion-cell.... If then physiology is not to rest content with the 
mere extension of our knowledge regarding the gross activities of the human body, if it 
would seek a real explanation of the fundamental phenomena of life, it can only attain its 
end through the study of ced/-phystology” (Verworn, Al/zemeine Physiologie, p. 53, 1895). 


INTRODUCTION ai 


tance, made independently and almost simultaneously in 1884-85 by 
Oscar Hertwig, Strasburger, Kolliker, and Weismann,! while nearly 
at the same time (1883) the splendid researches of Van Beneden on 
the early history of the animal egg opened possibilities of research 
into the finer details of cell-phenomena of which the early workers 
could hardly have dreamed. 

We can only appreciate the full historical significance of the new 
period thus inaugurated by a glance at the earlier history of opinion 
regarding embryological development and inheritance. Tothe modern 
student the germ is, in Huxley's words, simply a detached living por- 
tion of the substance of a preexisting living body? carrying with it a 
definite structural organization characteristic of the species. By the 
earlier embryologists, however, the matter was very differently re- 
garded ; for their views in regard to inheritance were vitiated by their 
acceptance of the Greek doctrine of the equivocal or spontaneous 
generation of life; and even Harvey did not escape this pitfall, near 
as’ he came to the modern point of view. “The egg,” he says, ‘is 
the mid-passage or transition stage between parents and offspring, 
between those who are, or were, and those who are about to be; 
it is the hinge or pivot upon which the whole generation of the 
bird revolves. The egg is the terminus from which all fowls, male 
and female, have sprung, and to which all their lives tend — it is the 
result which nature has proposed to herself in their being. And 
thus it comes that individuals in procreating their like for the sake 
of their species, endure forever. The egg, I say, is a period or por- 
tion of this eternity.” ? 

This passage appears at first sight to be a close approximation to 
the modern doctrine of germinal continuity about which all theories 
of heredity are revolving. In point of fact, however, Harvey’s 
view is only superficially similar to this doctrine; for, as Huxley 
pointed out, it was obscured by his belief that the germ might arise 
“spontaneously,” or through the influence of a mysterious “ caleduii 
tmnatum,’ out of not-living matter.* Neither could Harvey, great 
physiologist and embryologist as he was, have had any adequate con- 
ception of the real nature of the egg and its morphological relation to 


1Tt must not be forgotten that Haeckel expressed the same view in 1866 — only, how- 
ever, as a speculation, since the data necessary to an inductive conclusion were rot obtainec 
until long afterward. “The internal nucleus provides for the transmission of hereditary 
characters, the external plasma on the other hand for accommodation or adaptation to the 
external world” (Gez. Alorph., pp. 287-289). 

2 Evolution in Biology, 1878; Science and Culture, p. 291. * 

3 De Generatione, 1651; Trans., p. 271. 

4 Whitman, too, in a brilliant essay, has shown how far Harvey was from any real grasp 
of the law of genetic continuity, which is well characterized as the central fact of modern 
biology. Lvolution and Epigenesis, Wood’s Holl Biological Lectures, 1894. 


8 INTRODUCTION 


the body of which it forms a part, since the cellular structure of living 
things was not comprehended until nearly two centuries later, the 
spermatozo6n was still undiscovered, and the nature of fertilization 
was a subject of fantastic and baseless speculation. For a hundred 
years after Harvey’s time embryologists sought in vain to penetrate 
the mysteries enveloping the beginning of the individual lite, and 
despite their failure the controversial writings of this period form one 
of the most interesting chapters in the history of biology. By the 
extreme ‘evolutionists’ or “ praeformationists ” the egg was believed 
to contain an embryo fully formed in miniature, as the bud contains 
the flower or the chrysalis the butterfly. Development was to them 
merely the unfolding of that which already existed; inheritance, the 
handing down from parent to child of an infinitesimal reproduction 
of its own body. It was the service of Bonnet to push this concep- 
tion to its logical consequence, the theory of emzboitement or encase- 
ment, and thus to demonstrate the absurdity of its grosser forms, 
pointing out that if the egg contains a complete embryo, this must 
itself contain eggs for the next generation, these other eggs in their 
turn, and so ad infinitum, like an infinite series of boxes, one within 
another — hence the term embottement. Bonnet himself renounced 
this doctrine in his later writings, and Caspar Friedrich Wolff (1759) 
led the way in a return to the teachings of Harvey, showing by pre- 
cise actual observation that the egg does not at first contain any 
formed embryo whatever; that its structure is wholly different 
from that of the adult; that development is not a mere process 
of unfolding, but involves the continual formation, one after an- 
other, of new parts, previously non-existent as such. This is some- 
what as Harvey, himself following Aristotle, had conceived it — 
a process of epigenests as opposed to evolution. Later researches 
established this conclusion as the very foundation of embryological 
science. 

But although the external nature of development was thus deter- 
mined, the actual structure of the egg and the mechanism of inheri- 
tance remained for nearly a century in the dark. It was reserved 
fer Schwann (1839) and his immediate followers to recognize the 
fact, conclusively demonstrated by all later researches, that ‘he egg 
7s a cell having the same essential structure as other cells of the 
body. And thus the wonderful truth became manifest that a single 
cell may contain within its microscopic compass the sum-total of 
the heritage of the species. This conclusion first reached in the 
case of the female sex was soon afterward extended to the male 
as well. Since the time of Leeuwenhoek (1677) it had been known 
that the sperm or fertilizing fluid contained innumerable minute 
bodies endowed in nearly all cases with the power of active move- 


INTRODUCTION 9 


ment, and therefore regarded by the early observers as_ parasitic 
animalcules or infusoria, a view which gave rise to the name Spervma- 
tozoa (sperm-animals) by which they are still generally known.! As 
long ago as 1786, however, it was shown by Spallanzani that the 
fertilizing power must lie in the spermatozoa, not in the liquid in 
which they swim, because the spermatic fluid loses its power when 
filtered. Two years after the appearance of Schwann’s epoch-mak- 
ing work Kolliker demonstrated (1841) that the spermatozoa arise 
directly from cells in the testis, and hence cannot be regarded as 
parasites, but are, like the ovum, derived from the parent-body. Not 
until 1865, however, was the final proof attained by Schweigger- 
Seidel and La Valette St. George that the spermatozo6én contains 
not only a nucleus, as Kolliker believed, but also cytoplasm. It 
was thus shown to be, like the egg, a single cell, peculiarly modified 
in structure, it is true, and of extraordinary minuteness, yet on the 
whole morphologically equivalent to other cells. A final step was 
taken ten years later (1875), when Oscar Hertwig established the 
all-important fact that fertilization of the egg is accomplished by 
its union with one spermatozo6én, and one only. In sexual repro- 
duction, therefore, each sex contributes a single cell of its own body 
to the formation of the offspring, a fact which beautifully tallies 
with the conclusion of Darwin and Galton that the sexes play, on 
the whole, equal, though not identical parts in hereditary trans- 
mission. The ultimate problems of sex, fertilization, inheritance, 
and development were thus shown to be cel/-problems. 

Meanwhile, during the years immediately following the announce- 
ment of the cell-theory, the attention of investigators was especially 
focussed upon the question: How do the cells of the body arise? 
The origin of cells by the division of preéxisting cells was clearly 
recognized by Hugo von Mohl in 1835, though the full significance 
of this epoch-making discovery was so obscured by the errrors of 
Schleiden and Schwann that its full significance was only perceived 
long afterward. The founders of the cell-theory were unfortunately 
led to the conclusion that cells might arise in two different ways, viz. 
either by division or fission of a preéxisting mother-cell, or by “free 
cell-formation,” new cells arising in the latter case not from pre- 
existing ones, but by crystallizing, as it were, out of a formative or 
nutritive substance, termed the “cytoblastema’’; and they even 
believed the latter process to be the usual and typical one. It 
was only after many years of painstaking research that “free cell- 
formation” was absolutely proved to be a myth, though many of 


1 The discovery of the spermatozoa is generally accredited to Ludwig Hamm, a pupil 
of Leeuwenhoek (1677), though Hartsoeker afterward claimed the merit of having seen 
them as early as 1674 (Dr. Allen Thomson). 


fe) INTRODUCTION 


Schwann’'s immediate followers threw doubts upon it,! and as early 
as 1855 Virchow positively maintained the universality of cell-divi- 
sion, contending that every cell is the offspring of a preéxisting 
parent-cell, and summing up in the since famous aphorism, ‘ ours 
cellula e cellula.’* At the present day this conclusion rests upon a 
foundation so firm that we are justified in regarding it as a universal 
law of development. 

Now, if the cells of the body always arise by the division of pre- 
existing cells, all must be traceable back to the fertilized egg-cell as 
their common ancestor. Such is, in fact, the case in every plant and 
animal whose development is accurately known. The first step in 
development consists in the division of the egg into two parts, each 
of which is a cell, like the egg itself. The two then divide in turn to 
form four, eight, sixteen, and so on in more or less regular progres- 
sion (Fig. 4.) until step by step the egg has split up into the multitude 
of cells which build the body of the embryo, and finally of the adult. 
This process, known as the cleavage or segmentation of the egg, 
was observed long before its meaning was understood. It seems to 
have been first definitely described in the case of the frog’s egg, by 
Prévost and Dumas (1824), though earlier observers had seen it; but 
at this time neither the egg nor its descendants were known to be 
cells, and its true meaning was first clearly perceived by Bergmann, 
Kolliker, Reichert, Von Baer, and Remak, some twenty years later. 
The interpretation of cleavage as a process of cell-division was fol- 
lowed by the demonstration that cell-division does not begin with 
cleavage, but caz be traced back into the foregoing generation ; for the 
egg-cell, as well as the sperm-cell, arises by the division of a cell pre- 
existing in the parent-body. Jt zs therefore derived by direct descent 
rom an egg-cell of the foregoing generation, and so on ad infinitum. 
Embryologists thus arrived at the conception so vividly set forth by 
Virchow in 1858° of an uninterrupted series of cell-divisions extend- 
ing backward from existing plants and animals to that remote and 
unknown period when vital organization assumed its present form. 
Life is a continuous stream. The death of the individual involves no 
breach of continuity in the series of cell-divisions by which the life 
of the race flows onwards. The individual body dies, it is true, but 
the germ-cells live on, carrying with them, as it were, the traditions 
of the race from which they have sprung, and handing them on to 
their descendants. 


1 Among these may be especially mentioned Mohl, Unger, Nageli, Martin Barry, Goodsir, 
and Remak. 

2 Arch. fiir Path. Anat., VII1., p. 23, 1855. 

3 See the quotation from the original edition of the Cell/wlarpathologie at the head of 
Chapter II., p. 63. 


INTRODUCTION II 


We have thus arrived at the form in which the problems of heredity 
and development confront the investigator of the present day. It 
remains to point out more clearly how they are related to the general 
problems of evolution and to those post-Darwinian discussions in 
which Weismann has taken so active a part. All theories of evolu- 


Fig. 4. — Cleavage of the ovum of the sea-urchin Toxopneustes, X 330, from life. The suc- 
cessive divisions up to the 16-cell stage (#7) occupy about two hours. / is a section of the embryo 
(blastula) of three hours, consisting of approximately 128 cells surrounding a central cavity or 
blastoccel. 


tion take the facts of variation and heredity as fundamental postulates, 
for it is by variation that new characters arise and by heredity that 
they are perpetuated. Darwin recognized two kinds of variation, 
both of which, being inherited and maintained through the conserving 
action of natural selection, might give rise to a permanent transfor- 
mation of species. The first of these includes congenital or inborn 


12 INTRODUCTION 
variations, 7.e. such as appear at birth or are developed “ spontane- 
ously,” without discoverable connection with the activities of the 
organism itself or the direct effect of the environment upon it, though 
Darwin clearly recognized the fact that even such variations must 
indirectly be due to changed conditions acting upon the parental 
organism or on the germ. In a second class of variations were 
placed the so-called acquired characters, ¢.e. definite effects directly 
produced in the course of the individual life as the result of use and 
disuse, or of food, climate, and the like. The inheritance of congen- 
ital characters is now universally admitted, but it is otherwise with 
acquired characters. The inheritance of the latter, now the most 
debated question of biology, had been taken for granted by Lamarck 
a half-century before Darwin; but he made no attempt to show how 
such transmission is possible. Darwin, on the other hand, squarely 
faced the physiological requirements of the problem, recognizing that 
the transmission of acquired characters can only be possible under the 
assumption that the germ-cell definitely reacts to all other cells of the 
body in such wise as to register the changes taking place in them. In 
his ingenious and carefully elaborated theory of pangenesis,! Darwin 
framed a provisional physiological hypothesis of inheritance in ac- 
cordance with this assumption, suggesting that the germ-cells are 
reservoirs of minute germs or gemmules derived from every part of 
the body; and on this basis he endeavoured to explain the trans- 
mission both of acquired and of congenital variations, reviewing the 
facts of variation and inheritance with wonderful skill, and building 
up a theory which, although it forms the most speculative and hypo- 
thetical portion of his writings, must always be reckoned one of his 
most interesting contributions to science. 

In the form advocated by Darwin the theory of pangenesis has 
been generally abandoned in spite of the ingenious attempt to remodel 
it made by Brooks in 1883.2, In the same year the whole aspect of 
the problem was changed, and a new:period of discussion inaugurated 
by Weismann, who put forth a bold challenge of the entire Lamarckian 
principle.’ ‘I do not propose to treat of the whole problem of hered- 
ity, but only of a certain aspect of it, —the transmission of acquired 
characters, which has been hitherto assumed to occur.é In taking this 
course I may say that it was impossible to avoid going back to the 
foundation of all phenomena of heredity, and to determine the sub- 
stance with which they must be connected. In my opinion this can 
only be the substance of the germ-cells; and this substance trans- 


1 Variation of Animals and Plants, Chapter XXVII. 
The Law of Heredity, Baltimore, 1883. 

8 Ueber Vererbung, 1883. See Essays upon Heredity, 1., by A. Weismann, Clarendon 
Press, Oxford, 1889. 


bo 


»~* 


INTRODUCTION 13 
fers its hereditary tendencies from generation to generation, at first 
unchanged, and always uninfluenced in any corresponding manner, 
by that which happens during the life of the individual which bears 
it. If these views be correct, all our ideas upon the transformation 
of species require thorough modification, for the whole principle of 
evolution by means of exercise (use and disuse) as professed by La- 
marck, and accepted in some cases by Darwin, entirely collapses’ 
(/.c., p. 69). 

ate is impossible, he continues, that acquired traits should be trans- 
mitted, for it is inconceivable that definite changes in the body, or 
“soma,” should so affect the protoplasm of the germ-cells as to cause 
corresponding changes to appear in the offspring. How, he asks, 
can the increased dexterity and power in the hand of a trained piano- 
player so affect the molecular structure _ of the germ-cells as to pro- 
duce a corresponding development in the hand of the child? It is 
a physiological impossibility. If we turn to the facts, we find, Weis- 
mann affirms, that not one of the asserted cases of transmission of 
acquired characters will stand the test of rigid scientific scrutiny. It 
is a reversal of the true point of view to regard inheritance as taking 
place from the body of the parent to that of the child. The child 
inherits from the parent germ-ce//, not from the parent-body, and the 
germ-cell owes its characteristics not to the body which bears it, but 
to its descent from a preéxisting germ-cell of the same kind. Thus 
the body is, as it were, an offshoot from the germ-cell (Fig. 5). As 


© © 
Ors ©; Ss ——(e)>¢ S Line of succession. 
© © 
© ©) ©) ‘C) @ Line of inheritance. 
G G G G G 


Fig. 5.— Diagram illustrating Weismann’s theory of inheritance. 


G. The germ-ceil, which by division gives rise to the body or scma (.S) and to new germ-cells 
{G) which separate from the soma and repeat the process in each successive generation. 


far as inheritance is concerned, the body is merely the carrier of the 
germ-cells, which are held in trust for coming generations. 
Weismann’s subsequent theories, built on this foundation, have 
given rise to the most eagerly contested controversies of the post- 
Darwinian period, and, whether they are to stand or fall, have played 
a most important part in the progress of science. For aside from the 
truth or error of his special theories, it has been Weismann’s great 
service to place the keystone between the work of the evolutionists 
and that of the cytologists, and thus to bring the cell-theory and the 


14 INTRODUCTION 


evolution-theory into organic connection. It is from the point of view 
thus suggested that the present volume has been written. It has 
accordingly not been my primary object to dwell on the wznxuti@ of 
histology, still less to undertake an exhaustive description of all the 
modifications of cell-structure and cell-action; and for these the stu- 
dent must refer to other and more extended treatises. Yet the broader 
questions with which we have to deal cannot profitably be discussed 
apart from the concrete phenomena by which they are suggested, and 
hence a considerable part of the text is necessarily given over to 
descriptive detail; but I hope that the reader will not lose sight of 
the relation of the part to the whole, or forget the primary intention 
of the work. 

We shall follow a convenient, rather than a strictly logical, order 
of treatment, beginning in the first two chapters with a general sketch 
of cell-structure and cell-division. The following three chapters deal 
with the germ-cells, —the third with their structure and mode of 
origin, the fourth with their union in fertilization, the fifth with the 
phenomena of maturation by which they are prepared for their union. 
The sixth chapter contains a critical discussion of cell-organization, 
completing the morphological analysis of the cell. In the seventh 
chapter the cell is considered with reference to its more fundamental 
chemical and physiological properties as a prelude to the examination 
of development which follows. The succeeding chapter approaches 
the objective point of the book by considering the cleavage of the 
ovum and the general laws of cell-division of which it is an expression. 
The ninth chapter, finally, deals with the elementary operations of 
development considered as cell-functions and with the theories of 
inheritance and development based upon them. 


SOME GENERAL .WORKS ON THE CELL-THEORY1! 


Bergh, R. S.— Vorlesungen iiber die Zelle und die einfachen Gewebe: Wesbaden, 
1894. 

Carnoy, J. B.— La Biologie Cellulaire: Zzerre, 1884. 

Delage, Yves. — La Structure du Protoplasma et les Théories sur Hérédité et les 
grands Problémes de la Biologie Générale: Pars, 1895. 

Geddes & Thompson. — The Evolution of Sex: Mew Vork, 1890. 

Hacker, V.— Praxis und Theorie der Zellen- und Befruchtungslehre: Jena, 1899. 

Henneguy, L. F. — Lecons sur la Cellule: Parzs, 1896. 

Hertwig, 0.— Die Zelle und die Gewebe: Fzscher, Jena, 1., 1893, II., 1898. Trans- 
lation, published by JZacmzllan, London and New Vork, 1895. 

Hofmeister. Lehre von der Pflanzenzelle: Lezpzzg, 1867. 

Huxley, T. H.— Review of the Cell-theory: Brétish and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical 
Review, X1I., 1853. 


1 See also Literature, I., p. 61. 


INTRODUCTION 15 


Minot, C. S.— Human Embryology: Mew York, 1892. 

Remak, R.— Untersuchungen iiber die Entwicklung der Wirbelthiere : Beri, 
1850-55. 

Sachs, J. v. History of Botany. Translation: Oxford, 18g0. 

Schleiden, M. J.— Beitrage zur Phytogenesis: Jiiller’s Archiv, 1838. Translation 
in Sydenham Soc., XII. London, 1847. 

Schwann, Th. — Mikroscopische Untersuchungen iiber die Uebereinstimmung in der 
Structur und dem Wachsthum der Thiere und Pflanzen: Berlin, 18309.  Trans- 
lation in Sydenham Soc., XII. London, 1847. 

Tyson, James. — The Cell-doctrine, 2d ed. Philadelphia, 1878. 

Virchow, R.— Die Cellularpathologie in ihrer Begriindung auf physiologische und 
pathologische Gewebelehre: Berlin, 1858. 

Weismann, A.— Essays on Heredity. Translation: First series, Oxford, 1891; 
Second series, Oxford, 1892. 

Id. — The Germ-plasm: Mew York, 1893. 


CHAPTER: I 


GENERAL Ske GH) OF) THE) ChUE 


“Wir haben gesehen, dass alle Organismen aus wesentlich gleichen Theilen, namlich aus 
Zellen zusammengesetzt sind, dass diese Zelien nach wesentlich denselben Gesetzen sich 
bilden und wachsen, dass also diese Prozesse iiberall auch durch dieselben Krifte hervorge- 
bracht werden miissen.” SCHWANN} 


In the passage quoted above Schwann expressed a truth which 
subsequent research has established on an ever widening basis; and 
we have now more than ever reason to believe that despite unending 
diversity of form and function all cells may be brought into definite 
relation to a common morphological and physiological type. We are, 
it is true, still unable to specify all its essential features, and hence 
can give no adequate brief definition of the cell. For practical pur- 
poses, however, no such definition is needed, and we may be content 
with the simple type that has been familiar to histologists since the 
time of Leydig and Max Schultze. 

It should from the outset be clearly recognized that the term 
“cell” is a biological misnomer; for cells only rarely assume the 
form implied by the word of hollow chambers surrounded by solid 
walls. The term is merely an historical survival of a word casually 
employed by the botanists of the seventeenth century to designate 
the cells of certain plant-tissues which, when viewed in section, give 
somewhat the appearance of a honeycomb.? The cells of these tis- 
sues are, in fact, separated by conspicuous solid walls which were 
mistaken by Schleiden, followed by Schwann, for their essential part. 
The living substance contained within the walls, to which Hugo von 
Mohl gave the name /rotoplasm® (1846), was at first overlooked or 
was regarded as a waste-product, a view based upon the fact that in 
many important plant-tissues such as cork or wood it may wholly 
disappear, leaving only the lifeless walls. The researches of Berg- 
mann, Kolliker, Bischoff, Cohn, Max Schultze, and many others 


1 Untersuchungen, p. 227, 1839. 

2 The word seems to have been first employed by Robert Hooke, in 1665, to designate 
the minute cavities observed in cork, a tissue which he described as made up of “little 
boxes or cells distinct from one another ” and separated by solid walls. 

8 The same word had been used by Purkinje some years before (1840) to designate the 
formative material of young animal embryos. 

Cc a 


is GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


showed, however, that most living cells are not hollow but solid 
bodies, and that in many cases — for example, the colourless corpuscles 
of blood and lymph—they are naked masses of protoplasm not sur- 
rounded by definite walls. Thus it was proved that neither the 
vesicular form nor the presence of surrounding walls is an essential 
character, and that the cell-contents, z.e. the protoplasm, must be the 
seat of vital activity. 

Within the protoplasm (Figs. 6-8) lies a body, usually of definite 
rounded form, known as the zac/eus,! and this in turn often contains 


Attraction-sphere enclosing two centrosomes, 


Plastids lying in the 
Plasmosome or cytoplasm 
true 


nucleolus 


Chromatin- 
E network 
Nucleus » 
Linin-network 


Karyosome, 
| net-knot, or 
| chromatin- 
nucleolus 


Vacuole 


Passive bodies (meta- 
plasm or paraplasm) 
suspended in the cy- 
toplasmic meshwork 


Fig. 6.— Diagram of a cell. Its basis consists of a meshwork containing numerous minute 
granules (mzcrosomes) and traversing a transparent ground-substance. 


one or more smaller bodies or nucleoli. By some of the earlier 
workers the nucleus was supposed to be, like the cell-wall, of sec- 
ondary importance, and many forms of cells were described as being 
devoid of a nucleus (‘‘cytodes” of Haeckel). Nearly all later re- 
searches have indicated, however, that the characteristic nuclear 
material, whether forming a single body or scattered in smaller 
masses, is always present, and that it plays an essential part in the 
life of the cell. | 

Besides the presence of protoplasm and nucleus, no other struc- 
tural features of the cell are yet known to be of universal occurrence. 


1 First described by Fontana in 1781, and recognized as a normal element of the cell by 
Robert Brown in 1833. 


GENERAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE CELL 19 


We may therefore still accept as valid the definition given more than 
thirty years ago by Leydig and Max Schultze, that a cell is a mass 
of protoftlasm containing a nucleus,‘ to which we may add Schultze’s 
statement that both nucleus and protoplasm arise through the division 
of the corresponding elements of a preévisting cell. Nothing could be 
less appropriate than to call such a body a “cell”; yet the word has 
become so firmly established that every effort to replace it by a 
better has failed, and it probably must be accepted as part of the 
established nomenclature of science.” 


A. GENERAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE CELL 


The cell is a rounded mass of protoplasm which in its simplest 
form is approximately spherical. The form is, however, seldom 
realized save in isolated cells such as the unicellular plants and ani- 
mals or the egg-cells of the higher forms. In vastly the greater 
number of cases the typical spherical form is modified by unequal 
growth and differentiation, by active movements of the cell-substance, 
or by the mechanical pressure of surrounding structures, but true 
angular forms are rarely if ever assumed save by cells surrounded by 
hard walls. The protoplasm which forms its active basis is a viscid, 
translucent substance, sometimes apparently homogeneous, more fre- 
quently finely granular, and as a rule giving the appearance of a 
meshwork, which is often described as a spongelike or netlike “ reticu- 
lum.” ? Besides the active substance or protoplasm proper the cell 
almost invariably contains various lifeless bodies suspended in the 
meshes of the network; examples of these are food-granules, pig- 
ment-bodies, drops of oil or water, and excretory matters. These 
bodies play a relatively passive part in the activities of the cell, 
being either reserve food-matters destined to be absorbed and built 
up into the living substance, or by-products formed from the proto- 
plasm as waste-matters or in order to play some 70/e subsidiary to 
the actions of the protoplasm itself. The passive inclusions in the 
protoplasm may be collectively designated as me/ap/asm (Hanstein) 
or paraplasm (Kupffer), in contradistinction to the active protoplasm. 


1 Leydig. Lehrbuch der Histologie, p. 9, 1857; Schultze, Arch. Anat. u. Phys. p. 1, 1861. 

2 Sachs has proposed the convenient word exergid (/lora,’92, p. 57) to designate the 
essential living part of the cell, 7.2. the nucleus with that portion of the active cytoplasm 
chat falls within its sphere of influence, the two forming an organic unit both in a morpho- 
rogical and in a physiological sense. It is to be regretted that this convenient and appro- 
‘priate term has not come into general use. (See also /lova,’95, p. 405, and cf Kupffer 
(96), Meyer (’96), and Kélliker (’97).) 

3 Such meshworks are sometimes plainly visible in the living protoplasm (p. 44). It is 
always more or less an open question how far the appearances seen in fixed (coagulated) 
material correspond with the conditions existing in life. See pp. 42-46. 


20 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


It is often difficult to distinguish between such metaplasmic bodies 
and the granules commonly supposed to be elements of the active 
protoplasm; indeed, as will appear beyond (p. 29), there is reason 
to believe that ‘protoplasmic’ and “ metaplasmic”’ granules cannot 
be separated by any definite limit, but are connected by various 
gradations. Among the lifeless products of the protoplasm must be 
reckoned also the ce//-wal/l or membrane by which the cell-body may 


Fig. 7 — Spermatogonia of the salamander. [MEVES.] 


Above, two cells showing large nuclei, with linin-threads and scattered chromatin-granules; in 
each cell an attraction-sphere with two centrosomes. Below, three contiguous spermatogonia, 
showing chromatin-reticulum, centrosomes and spheres, and sphere-bridges. 


be surrounded ; but it must be remembered that the cell-wall in some 
cases arises by a direct transformation of the protoplasmic substance, 
and that it often retains the power of growth by intussusception like 
living matter. 

It is unfortunate that some confusion has arisen in the use of the 
word protoplasm. When Leydig, Schultze, Briicke, De Bary, and 
other earlier writers spoke of “protoplasm,” they had in mind only 
the substance of the cell-body, not that of the nucleus. Strasburger, 


GENERAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE CELL Dil 


however, in 1882, extended the term so as to denote the entire 
active cell-substance, including the nuclear material, suggesting that 
the latter be called nucleoplasm, and that of the cell-body cytoplasm. 


Fig. 8— Various cells showing the typical parts. 


A, From peritoneal epithelium of the salamander-larva. Two centrosomes at the right 
Nucleus showing net-knots. [FLEMMING.] 

B. Spermatogonium of frog. Attraction-sphere (aster) containing a single centrosome 
Nucleus with a single plasmosome. [HERMANN.] 

C. Spinal ganglion-cell of frog. Attraction-sphere near the centre, containing a single centro- 
some with several centrioles. [LENHOSSEK.] 

D. Spermatocyte of Proteus. Nucleus in the spireme-stage. Centrosome single; attraction- 
sphere containing rod-shaped bodies. [HERMANN.]| 


These terms have been adopted by many, but not all, later writers, 
the hybrid word xucleoplasm having, however, at Flemming’s sug- 


gestion, been changed to karyoplasm. At the present time, there- 
fore, the word protoplasm is used by some authors (Biitschli, Hertwig, 


22 GENERAL. SKETCH OF THE CELL 


Kolliker, etc.) in its original narrower sense (equivalent to Stras. 
burger’s cytoplasm), while perhaps the majority of writers have 
accepted the terminology of Strasburger and Flemming. On the 
whole, the terms cytoplasm and karyoplasm seem too useful to’ be 
rejected, and, without attaching too much importance to them, they 
will be employed throughout the present work. It must not, how- 
ever, be supposed that either of the words denotes a single homo- 
geneous substance; for, as will soon appear, both cytoplasm and 
karyoplasm consist of several distinct elements. 

The nucleus is usually bounded by a definite membrane, and often 
appears to be a perfectly distinct vesicular body suspended in the 
cytoplasm —a conclusion sustained by the fact that it may move 
actively through the latter, as often occurs in both vegetable and 
animal cells. Careful study of the nucleus during all its phases gives, 
however, reason to believe that its structural basis is similar to that 
of the cell-body; and that during the course of cell-division, when 
the nuclear membrane usually disappears, cytoplasm and karyoplasm 
come into direct continuity. Even in the resting cell there is good 
evidence that both the intranuclear and the extranuclear material may 
be structurally continuous with the nuclear membrane! and among the 
Protozoa there are forms (some of the flagellates) in which no nuclear 
membrane can at any period be seen. For these and other reasons 
the terms “nucleus” and “cell-body” should probably be regarded as 
only topographical expressions denoting two differentiated areas in a 
common structural basis. The terms karyoplasm and cytoplasm possess, 
however, a specific significance owing to the fact that there is on 
the whole a definite chemical contrast between the nuclear substance 
and that of the cell-body, the former being characterized by the 
abundance of a substance rich in phosphorus known as wzc/ezn, while 
the latter contains no true nuclein and is especially rich in albuminous 
substances such as nucleo-albumins, albumins, globulins, and the like, 
which contain little or no phosphorus. 

Both morphologically and physiologically the differentiation of the 
active cell-substance into nucleus and cell-body must be regarded as a 
fundamental character of the cell because of its universal, or all but 
universal, occurrence, and because there is reason to believe that it is 
in some manner an expression of the dual aspect of the fundamental 
process of metabolism, constructive and destructive, that lies at the 
basis of cell life. The view has been widely held that a third essen- 
tial element is the centrosome, discovered by Flemming and, Van 
Beneden in 1875-76, and since shown to exist in a large number of 
other cells (Figs. 7, 8). This is an extremely minute body which 


1 Conklin (’97, 1), Obst (’99), and some others have described a direct continuity in the 
resting cell between the intranuclear and extranuclear meshworks. 


STRUCTURAL BASIS OF PROTOPLASM 23 
is concerned in the process of cell-division and in the fertilization of 
the egg, and has been characterized as the ‘“‘dynamic centre”’ of the 
cell. Whether it has such a significance, and whether it is in point 
of morphological persistence comparable with the nucleus, are ques- 
tions still swé 7udice, which will be discussed elsewhere.! 


B. STRUCTURAL BASIS’ oF PROTOPLASM 


As ordinarily seen under moderate powers of the microscope, proto- 
plasm appears as a more or less vague granular substance which 
shows as a rule no definite structure organization. More precise 
examination under high powers, especially after treatment by suitable 
fixing and staining reagents, often reveals a highly complex structure 
in both nucleus and cytoplasm. Since the fundamental activities of 
protoplasm are everywhere of the same nature, investigators have 
naturally sought to discover a corresponding fundamental morpho- 
logical organization common to all forms of protoplasm and under- 
lying all of its special modifications. Up to the present time, however, 
these attempts have not resulted in any consensus of opinion as to 
whether such a common organization exists. In many forms of proto- 
plasm, both in life and after fixation by reagents, the basis of the 
structure is a more or less regular framework or meshwork, consisting 
of at least two substances. One of these forms the substance of the 
meshwork proper; the other, often called the ground-swbstance (also 
cell-sap, enchylema, hyaloplasma, paramitome, interfilar substance, 
etc.),? occupies the intervening spaces. To these two elements must 
be added minute, deeply staining granules or ‘‘ microsomes”’ scattered 
along the branches of the meshwork, sometimes quite irregularly, 
sometimes with such regularity that the meshwork seems to be built 
of them. Besides the foregoing three elements, which we may pro- 
visionally regard as constituting the active substance, the protoplasm 
almost invariably contains various passive or metaplasmic substances 
in the form of larger granules, drops of liquid, crystalloid bodies, and 
the like. These bodies, which usually lie in the spaces of the mesh- 
work, are often difficult to distinguish from the microsomes lying in 
the meshwork proper — indeed, it is by no means certain that any 
adequate ground of distinction exists.® 

From the time of Frommann and Arnold (’65—67) onwards, most 
of the earlier observers regarded the meshwork as a fibrillar structure, 
either forming a continuous network or refzci/uim somewhat like the 
fibrous network of a sponge (“reticular theory ” of Klein, Van Bene- 
den, Carnoy, Heitzmann), or consisting of disconnected threads, 


1 Cf. pp. 304, 354- 2 Cf. Glossary. 31 G/s p29: 


24 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


Fig. 9.— Living cells of salamander-larva. [FLEMMING.] 


A. Group of epidermal cells at different foci, showing protoplasmic bridges, nuclei, and cyto- 
plasmic fibrillz; the central cell with nucleus in the spireme-stage. &. Connective tissue cell. 
C. Epidermal cell in early mitosis (segmented spireme) surrounded by protoplasmic bridges. 


D. Dividing cell. £./, Cartilage-cells with cytoplasmic fibrillze (the latter somewhat exaggerated 
in the plate). 


STRUCTOGRAL BASTS OF PROTOPLASM 25 


whether simple or branching (‘‘filar theory”’ of Flemming), and the 
same view is widely held at the present time. The meshwork has 
received various names in accordance with this conception, among 
which may be mentioned reticulum, thread-work, spongtoplasm, mitome, 
filar substance, all of which are still in use. Under this view the 
“eranules”’ described by Schultze, Virchow and still earlier observ ers 
have been variously regarded as nodes of the network, optical sec- 
tions of the threads, or as actual granules (“‘ microsomes”’) suspended 
in the network as described above. 

Widely opposed to these views is the “alveolar theory” of Biitschli, 
which has won an increasing number of adherents. Biitschli regards 
protoplasm as having a foam-like alveolar structure (‘ Waben- 
struktur’’), nearly similar to that of an emulsion (Fig. 10), and he 
has shown in a series of beautiful experiments that artificial emul- 
sions, variously prepared, may show under the microscope a marvel- 
lously close resemblance to living protoplasm, and further that drops 
of oil-emulsion suspended in water may even exhibit amoeboid changes 
of form. ‘To restate Biitschli’s view, protoplasm consists of separate, 
closely crowded minute drops? of a liquid alveolar substance suspended 
in a continuous zxzteralveolar substance, likewise liquid, but of different 
physical nature. The latter thus forms the walls of closed chambers 
or alveolt in which the alveolar drops lie, just as in a fine emulsion 
the emulsifying liquid surrounds the emulsified drops. The appear- 
ance of a network in protoplasm is illusory, being due to optical sec- 
tion of the interalveolar walls or partitions as viewed at any given 
focus of the microscope. As thus seen, the walls themselves appear 
as fibres, while the “spaces of the network” are in like manner opti- 
cal sections of the alveoli, the alveolar substance that fills them 
corresponding to the “ground substance.’ As explained beyond,? 
Biitschli interprets in like manner the radiating systems or asters 
formed during cell-divison, the astral rays (usually considered as 
fibres) being regarded as merely the septa between radially arranged 
alveoli (Fig. 10). 

The two (three) general views above outlined may be designated 
respectively as the fdrz//ar (reticular or filar) and a/veolar theories 
of protoplasmic structure; and each of them has been believed by 
some of its adherents to be universally applicable to all forms of 
protoplasm. Beside them may be placed, as a third general view, 
the granular theory especially associated with the name of Altmann, 
by whom it has been most fully developed, though a number of 
earlier writers have held similar views. According to Altmann’s 
view, which apart from its theoretical development approaches in 


1 See Glossary. 
2 Measuring on an average about .oo1 mm. in diameter. SUG pa Luc: 


26 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


some respects that of Biitschli, protoplasm is compounded of innu- 
merable minute granules which alone form its essential active basis ; 
and while fibrillar or alveolar structures may occur, these are of only 
secondary importance. 


wd \. WW Le es 
gree Gib eee a 
ae ap WET) P pent » a t< ‘ 
; v3] e n i 
i * 
&. 


te eee 


TMM / 
\ EBA 


Fig. 10. — Alveolar or foam-structure of protoplasm, according to Biitschli. [BUTSCHLI.] 


A. Epidermal cell of the earthworm. JB. Aster, attraction-sphere, and centrosome from sea- 
urchin egg. C. Intracapsular protoplasm of a radiolarian ( Zha/assicolla) with vacuoles. 
PD. Peripheral cytoplasm of sea-urchin egg. Z. Artificial emulsion of olive-oil, sodium chloride, 
and water. 


It is impossible here adequately to review the many combinations 
and modifications of these views which different investigators have 


STRUCTURAL BASIS OF PROTOPLASM 27 


made.! On the whole, the present drift of opinion is toward the 
conclusion that none of the above interpretations has succeeded in 
the attempt to give a universal formula for protoplasmic structure ; 
and many recent observers have reached the conclusion, earlier advo- 
cated by Kolliker (89), that the various types described above are 
connected by intermediate gradations and may be transformed one 
into another, in different phases of cell-activity. Unna (95), for 
example, endeavours to show how an alveolar structure may pass into 
a sponge-like or reticular one by the breaking down of the inter- 


~000-*0°- 
(ore) CpOee<0-0 


7270.75 0 2 
B%5-G86 


Fig. 11.— (a) Protoplasm of the egg of the sea-urchin ( 7ovopmeustes) in section showing 
meshwork of microsomes; (4) protoplasm from a living star-fish egg (Asferzas) showing alveolar 
spheres with microsomes scattered between them; (c) the same in a dying condition after crush- 
ing the egg; alveolar spheres fusing to form larger spheres; (@) protoplasm froma young ovarian 
egg of the same. (All the figures magnified I200 diameters.) 


alveolar walls. Flemming, for many years the foremost and most 
consistent advocate of the fibrillar theory, now admits that protoplasm 
may be fibrillar, alveolar, granular, or sensibly homogeneous,” and 
that we cannot, therefore, regard any one of these types of structure 
as absolutely diagnostic of the living substance. In_plant-cells 
Strasburger*® and a number of his pupils maintain that the “ kino- 
plasm” (p. 322) or filar plasm, from which the spindle-fibres and 
astral rays are formed, is fibrillar, while the “trophoplasm” or 
alveolar plasm forming the main body of the cell is alveolar, the 
former, however, assuming the fibrillar structure, as a rule, only 
during the mitotic activity of the cell. My own long-continued 
studies on various forms of protoplasm have likewise led to the con- 
clusion that no universal formula for protoplasmic structure can be 


1 For full discussion, with literature list, see Flemming, ’82, ’97, I, ’97, 2, and Bitschli, 
"92, 2, ’99. 2° Q7. Ts pe 200: 87057-97832 99: 


28 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


given.! In that classical object, the echinoderm-egg, for example, 
it is easy to satisfy oneself, Goth in the living cell and in sections, 
that the protoplasm has a beautiful alveolar structure, exactly as 
described by Biitschli in the same object (Fig. 11). This structure 
is here, however, entirely of secondary origin; for its genesis can 
be traced step by step during the growth of the ovarian eggs through 
the deposit of minute drops in a homogeneous basis, which ultimately 
gives rise to the interalveolar walls. In these same eggs the astral 


Do 


systems formed during their subsequent division (Fig. 12) are, I 


Fig. 12.—Section of sea-urchin egg ( Zoxopneustes), 13 minutes after entrance of the sperma- 
tozo6n, showing alveoli and microsomes, sperm-nucleus, middle piece, and aster (about 2000 
diameters). 


believe, no less certainly fibrillar; and thus we see the protoplasm 
of the same cell passing successively through homogeneous, alveolar, 
and fibrillar phases, at different periods of growth and in different 
conditions of physiological activity. There is good reason to regard 
this as typical of protoplasm in general. Biitschli’s conclusions, 
based on researches so thorough, prolonged, and ingenious, are 
entitled to great weight; yet it is impossible to resist the evidence 
that fibrillar and granular as well as alveolar structures are of wide 
occurrence ; and while each may be characteristic of certain kinds of 


1 Wilson, ’99. 


SCO CRORAE BASIS OF PROTOPLAST 29 


cells, or of certain physiological conditions,! none is common to all 
forms of protoplasm. If this position be well grounded, we must 
admit that the attempt to find in visible protoplasmic structure any 
adequate insight into its fundamental modes of physiological activity 
has thus far proved fruitless. We must rather seek the source of 
these activities in the ultramicroscopical organization, accepting the 
probability that apparently homogeneous protoplasm is a complex 
mixture of substances which may assume various forms of visible 
structure according to its modes of activity. 

Some of the theoretical speculations regarding the essential nature 
of that organization are discussed in Chapter VI., but one gzasz-theo- 
retical point must be here considered. Much discussion has been 
given to the question as to which of the visible elements of the proto- 
plasm should be regarded as the “living” substance proper; and the 
diversity of opinion on this subject may be judged by the fact that 
although many of the earlier observers identified the “reticulum” as 
the living element, and the ground-substance as lifeless, others, such 
as Leydig and Schafer, held exactly the reverse view, while Altmann 
insisted that only the ‘‘ granules” were alive. Later discussions have 
shown the futility of this discussion, which is indeed largely a verbal 
one, turning as it does on the sense of the word “living.” In practice 
we continually use the word “living” to denote various degrees of 
vital activity. Protoplasm deprived of nuclear matter has lost, wholly | 
or in part, one of the most characteristic vital properties, namely, the} 
power of synthetic metabolism; yet we still speak of it as “living,” 
since it still retains for a longer or shorter period such properties 
as irritability and the power of coodrdinated_movement ; and, in like 
manner, various special elements of protoplasm may be termed “ liv-} 
ing’ in a still more restricted sense. In its fullest meaning, however, | 
the word “living” implies the existence of a group of cooperating 
activities more complex than those manifested by any one substance 
or structural element. I am therefore entirely in accord with the 
view urged by Sachs, Kolliker, Verworn, and other recent writers, 
that life can only be properly regarded as a property of the cell-}; 
system as a whole; and the separate elements of the system would, 
with Sachs, better be designated as “active” or “passive,” rather 
than as “living” or “lifeless.” Thus regarded, the distinction 


1 Thus the alveolar structure seems to be characteristic of Protozoa in general, and of 
the protoplasm of plant-cells when in the vegetative state, the fibrillar of nerve-cells and 
muscle-cells. The granular type is characteristic of some forms of leucocytes and gland- 
cells; but many of the granules in these cells are no doubt metaplasmic, and it is further 
very doubtful whether such a granular or ‘‘ pseudo-alveolar” structure can be logically dis- 
tinguished from an alveolar (cf Wilson, ’99). In the pancreas-cell granular and fibrillar 
structures alternate with the varying phases of secretory activity (cf Mathews, ’99). 


30 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


between “protoplasmic’’ and “metaplasmic’’ substances, while a 
real and necessary one, becomes after all one of degree. I believe 
that we are probably justified in regarding the continuous substance 
as the most constant and active element, and that which forms the 
fundamental basis of the system, transforming itself into granules, 
drops, fibrilla, or networks in accordance with varying physiological 
needs.! 

Thus stated, the question as to the relative activity of the various 
elements becomes a real and important one. It now seems probable 
that the substance of the meshwork (fibrillar or interalveolar structure) 
is most active in the processes of cell-division, in contractile organs 
such as cilia and muscle-fibres, and in nerve-cells; but the ground- 
substance, while apparently the most frequent seat of metaplasmic 
deposits, is certainly also the seat of active chemical changes. This 
subject has, however, not yet been sufficiently investigated. 


C: Tue Nucleus 


A fragment of a cell deprived of its nucleus may live for a consid- 
erable time and manifest the power of coordinated movement without 
perceptible impairment. Such a mass of protoplasm is, however, 
devoid of the powers of assimilation, growth, and repair, and sooner 
or later dies. In other words, those functions that involve destructive 
metabolism may continue for a time in the absence of the nucleus; 
those that involve constructive metabolism cease with its removal. 
There is, therefore, strong reason to believe that the nucleus plays an 
essential part in the constructive metabolism of the cell, and through 
this is especially concerned with the formative processes involved in 
growth and development. For these and many other reasons, to be 
discussed hereafter, the nucleus is generally regarded as a controlling 


1 Wilson, ’99. Cf Sachs (’92, ’95), Kélliker (’97), Meyer (’96), and Kupffer (’96) on 
energids. Sachs sharply distinguishes between the evze7-gid (nucleus and protoplasm), which 
forms a living unit, and the passive energid-produc¢s, placing in the former the nucleus, 
nucleolus, general cytoplasm, centrosome and plastids (chloroplasts and leucoplasts), and in 
the latter the starch-grains, aleurone-crystals, and membrane. Meyer carries the analysis 
further, classifying the active energid-elements into pvotoplasmatic and alloplasmatic organs, 
-he former (nucleus cytoplasm, chromatophores, and perhaps the centrosomes) arising only 
by division, the latter (cilia, and according to KoOlliker, also the muscle- and nerve-tibrilla) 
formed by differentiation from the protoplasmatic elements. The passive energid-products 
(ergastic structures or “ formed material” of Beale) are formed as enclosures (starch-grains, 
etc.), or excretions (membranes). These general views are accepted by KOlliker; but 
none of these writers has undertaken to show how “alloplasmatic” structures are to be 
distinguished from metaplasmic or ergastic. I believe Sachs’ view to be in principle not 
only true but of high utility. Practically, however, it involves us in considerable difficulty, 
unless the terminology adopted above — itself directly suggested by and nearly agreeing with 
the usage of Sachs and Kélliker — be employed. 


IES, INO CTET ROS Bil 


centre of cell-activity, and hence a primary factor in growth, develop- 
ment, and the transmission of specific qualities from cell to cell, and 
so from one generation to another. 


1. General Structure 


The cell-nucleus passes through two widely different phases, one of 
which is characteristic of cells in their ordinary or vegetative condi- 
tion, while the other only occurs during the complicated changes 
involved in cell-division. In the first phase, falsely characterized as 
the “resting state,” the nucleus usually appears as a rounded sac-like 
body surrounded by a distinct membrane and containing a conspicu- 
ous irregular network (Figs. 6, 7, 13), which is in some cases plainly 
visible in the living cell (Fig. 9). The form of the nucleus, though 
subject to variation, is on the whole singularly constant, and as a rule 
shows no very definite relation to that of the cell-body, though in elon- 
gated cells such as muscle-cells, in certain forms of parenchyma, 
and in epithelial cells (Fig. 49), the nucleus is itself often elongated. 
Typically spherical, it may, in certain cases, assume an irregular or 
amoeboid form, may break up into a group of more or less completely 
separated lobes (polymorphic nuclei, Fig. 49), sometimes forming an 
irregular ring (“‘ring-nuclei”’ of leucocytes, giant-cells, etc., Fig. 14, D). 
It is usually very large in gland-cells and others that show a very 
active metabolism, and in such cases its surface is sometimes increased 
by the formation of complex branches ramifying through the cell 
Gist 145): 

These forms seem in general to be fairly constant in a given species 
of cell, but in a large number of cases the nucleus has been seen in 
the living cell (cartilage-cells, leucocytes, ova) to undergo more or less 
active changes of form, sometimes so marked as to merit the name of 
amoeboid (Fig. 77). Perhaps the most remarkable deviations from the 
usual type of nucleus occur among the unicellular forms. In the cili- 
ate Infusoria the nuclei are massive bodies of two kinds, viz. a large 
macronucleus and one or more smaller mzzcronuclez, both of which are 
present in the same cell, the former kind being generally regarded as 
the active nucleus, the latter as a reserve nucleus from which at cer- 
tain periods new macronuclei arise (p. 224). The macronuclei show a 
remarkable diversity of form and structure in different species. Still 
more interesting are the so-called scattered or distributed nuclei, de- 
scribed by Biitschli in flagellates and Bacteria, by Gruber in certain 
rhizopods and Infusoria, and by several authors in the Cyanophyceze 
(Figs. 15, 16). The nuclear material is here apparently scattered 
through the cell in the form of numerous minute, deeply stained gran- 
ules, which, if this identification is correct, represent the most primi- 


32 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 

tive known types of nucleus; but this subject is still swb judice 
(p. 39). A transition from this condition to nuclei of the ordinary 
type appears to be given in the nuclei of certain flagellates (e.g. Chz- 
Jomonas and Trachelmonas), where the chromatin-granules are aggre- 
cated about a nucleolus-like body, but are not enclosed by a membrane.! 

In considering the structure of the nucleus, as seen in sections, we 
niust, as in the case of the cytoplasm, bear in mind the possibility, or 
rather probability, that some of 
the elements described may be 
coagulation - products; for the 
nucleus is in life composed of 
liquid or semi-liquid substance, 
and Albrecht (‘99) has_ recently 
shown that nuclei isolated in the 
fresh condition will flow together 
to form a single body. Most of 
the main features of the nucleus, 
both in the resting and in the 
dividing phases, have, however, 
been seen in life (Fig. 9), and the 
principal danger of mistaking 
artifacts for normal structures re- 
lates to the finer elements, con- 
sidered beyond. 

In the ordinary forms of nuclei 
in their resting state the follow- 
ing structural elements may as a 
rule be distinguished (Figs. 6, 7, 
10): — 

Elche hiltnin tie caidiandec [eupeAee an] Coen ce ee 

The character of the chromatin-network well-defined delicate wall which 
(4asichromatin) is accurately shown. The upper $1VES the nucleus a sharp contour 
nucleus contains three plasmosomes OF ESS and differentiates it clearly from 
nucleoli; the lower, one. A few fine linin-threads : 5 
(oxychromatin) are seen in the upper nucleus the surrounding cytoplasm. This 
running off from the chromatin-masses. The wall sometimes stains but very 
clear spaces are occupied by the ground-sub- : 4 : : 
eee slightly, and can scarcely be dif- 

ferentiated from the outlying 
cytoplasm. In other and perhaps more frequent cases, it approaches 
in staining capacity the chromatin. 

6. The zuclear reticulum. This, the most essential part of the 
nucleus, forms an irregular branching network or vefzcz/um which con- 
sists of two very different constituents. The first of these, forming the 
general protoplasmic basis of the nucleus, is a substance known as /z727 


1 Calkins, ’98, I. 


THE NUCLEUS 33 
(Schwarz), invisible until after treatment by reagents, which in sections 
shows a finely granular structure and stains like the cytoplasmic sub- 
stance, to which it is nearly related chemically (Figs. 7, 49). The 
second constituent, a deeply staining substance known as chromatin 
(Flemming), is the nuclear substance far excellence, for in many cases 
it appears to be the only element of the nucieus that is directly handed 
on by division from cell to cell, and it seems to have the power to pro- 
duce all the other elements. The chromatin often appears in the form 
of scattered granules and masses of differing size and form, which are 
embedded in and supported by the linin-substance (Figs. 7, 19). In 
some cases the entire chromatin-content of the nucleus appears to be 
condensed into a single mass which simulates a nucleolus; for exam- 
ple, in Spzvogyra and in various flagellates and rhizopods (e.g. Acéz- 
nospherium, Arcella); or there may be several such chromatin-masses, 
as in some of the Foraminifera and in Woctz/uca. More commonly the 
chromatin forms a more or less regular network intermingled with and 
more or less embedded in the linin, from which it is often hardly dis- 
tinguishable until the approach of mitosis, when a condensation of the 
chromatin-substantce occurs. 

In contradistinction to the other nuclear elements, chromatin is not 
acted upon, or is but slowly affected, by peptic digestion. J: may thus 
be easily isolated for chemical analysis, which shows it to consist 
mainly of zaclezn, 2.c. a compound in varying proportions of a complex 
phosphorus-containing acid known as zzcleinic acid, with albumi- 
nous bodies such as histon, protamin, or in some cases albumin itself. 
Upon this, as will be shown in Chapter VI., probably depends the pro- 
nounced staining capacity when treated oth the so-called ‘nuclear 
stains” (¢.¢. . haematoxylin, methyl-green, and the basic tar-colours gen- 
erally) from which chromatin takes its name. This capacity always 
increases as the nucleus prepares for division, reaching a climax in the 
spireme- and chromosome-stages, and it is also very marked in con- 
densed nuclei such as those of spermatozoa. These variations are 
almost certainly due to varying proportions in the constituents of the 
nuclein, the staining capacity standing in direct ratio to the amount of 
nucleinic acid. 

c. The nucleoli, one or more larger rounded or irregular bodies, 
suspended in the network, and staining intensely with many dyes. 
In some nuclei they are entirely absent. When present the nucleoli 
vary in number from one to five or more; and the number is often 
inconstant in the same species of cell, and even varies in the same 
cell with varying physiological conditions. In the eggs of some 
animals, at certain periods of growth (e.g. lower vertebrates), the 
nucleus may contain hundreds of nucleoli. An interesting case is 


1 See p. 334 


24 
2 
oo] 


34 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


that of the subcutaneous gland-cells of Psczola, the nuclei of which 
contain in early phases of secretion but a single nucleolus. During 
growth of the cell the nucleolus fragments, finally giving rise to 
several hundred nucleoli which then appear to migrate out into the 
cytoplasm, leaving but a single nucleolus to repeat the cycle.! 

The bodies known as nucleoli are of at least two different kinds. 
The first of these, the so-called true nucleoli or plasmosomes (Figs. 6, 
8, B, 13), are of spherical form, and are shown by the staining 
reactions to differ widely from chromatin, being in general sharply 
stained by dyes which, like eosin, orange or acid fuchsin, stain the 
linin and the general cytoplasm. The plasmosomes sometimes seem 
to have no envelope, but in many cases (é.g. in leucocytes) are 
surrounded by a thin layer that stains like chromatin. Nucleoli of a 
quite different type are the ‘‘net-knots”’ (Netzknoten), chromatin- 
nucleoli, or savyosomes, which agree in staining reaction with chro- 
matin and are doubtless to be regarded as merely a portion of the 
chromatin-network (Figs. 8, 49). These are sometimes spherical, 
more often irregular (Fig. 8), and often are hardly to be distinguished, 
except in size, from nodes of the chromatin-reticulum.? The relations 
between these two forms of nucleoli are far from certain, and the 
variations in staining reaction shown by true nucleoli render it not 
improbable that intermediate forms exist which may represent an 
actual transition from one to the other.* In many of the Protozoa, 
as described beyond, the “nucleolus” is shown by its behaviour 
during mitosis to be comparable with an attraction-sphere or centro- 
some (‘‘nucleolo-centrosome,’ Keuten); and even in higher forms 
there are some cells in which the centrosome is intranuclear 
(Fig. 148). 

There is good reason to believe that the chromatin-nucleoli are 
merely more condensed portions of the chromatin-network, since 
during cell-division they have the same history as the remaining 
portion of the chromatin-substance.t’ The nature of the true nucleoli 
is still imperfectly known. By some observers, including Flemming, 
O. and R. Hertwig, and Carnoy, they have been regarded as store- 
houses of material (para-nuclein, plastin) which contributes to the 


1 Montgomery, ’98, 2. “ 

2 Flemming first called attention to the chemical difference between the true nucleoli and 
the chromatic reticulum (’82, pp. 138, 163) in animal-cells, and Zacharias soon afterward 
studied more closely the difference of staining reaction in plant-cells, showing that the 
former are especially coloured by alkaline carmine solutions, the latter by acid solutions. 
Other studies by Carnoy, Zacharias, Ogata, Rosen, Schwarz, Heidenhain, and many others 
show that the medullary substance (pyrenin) of true nuclei is coloured by acid tar-colours and 
other plasma stains, while the chromatin has a special affinity for basic dyes. Cf p. 337. 

3 For very full review of the literature of the nucleoli see Montgomery (98, 2). 


20 a Gype 


Meh. ISO AAO 35 


formation of chromosomes during division, and hence may play an 
active vo/e in the nuclear activity. Strasburger (’95) likewise be- 
lieves them to contain a store of active material which, however, has 
no direct relation to the chromosomes but consists of “ kinoplasm ” 


G 


Fig. 14.— Special forms of nuclei. 


A. Permanent spireme-nucleus, salivary gland of Chironomus larva. Chromatin in a single 
thread, composed of chromatin-discs (chromomeres), terminating at each end in a true nucleolus 
or plasmosome. [BALBIANI.] ; 

3. Permanent spireme-nuclei, intestinal epithelium of dipterous larva Péychcptera. [VAN 
GEHUCHTEN.] C. The same, side view. 

D. Polymorphic ring-nucleus, giant-cell of bone-marrow of the rabbit; c. a group of centro- 
somes or centrioles. [HEIDENHAIN.]| 

£. Branching nucleus, spinning gland of butterfly-larva (Pieris). [KORSCHELT.] 


(p. 322), from which arises the achromatic part of the division- 
figure (p. 82). On the other hand, Hacker (’95, ’99) and other 
observers regard the nucleolar material as a passive by-product of 
the chromatin-activity destined to be absorbed by the active sub- 


36 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


stances. This is supported by the fact that in some forms of mitosis 
the nucleolus is at the time of division actually cast out of the 
nucleus into the cytoplasm, where it degenerates without further 
apparent function. This seems to constitute decisive evidence in 
support of Hacker's view as applied to certain cases; but without 
further evidence it must remain doubtful whether it applies to 
all. 

d. The ground-substance, nuclear sap, or karyolymph, a clear sub- 
stance occupying the interspaces of the network and left unstained 


mosomes. By most observers the ground-substance is regarded as a 
liquid filling a more or less completely continuous space traversed by 
the nuclear network. By Biitschli, however, and some of his fol- 
lowers the nucleus is regarded as an alveolar structure, the walls of 
which represent the “network,” while the ground-substance corre- 
sponds to the alveolar material. Nearly related with this is the view 
of Reinke (’94) that the ground-substance consists of large pale 
granules of “lanthanin” or ‘‘ cedematin.” 

The configuration of the chromatic network varies greatly in dif- 
ferent cases. It is sometimes of a very loose and open character, 
as in many epithelial cells (Fig. 1); sometimes extremely coarse and 
irregular, as in leucocytes (Fig. 49); sometimes so compact as to 
appear nearly or quite homogeneous, as in the nuclei of spermatozoa 
and in many Protozoa. In some cases the chromatin does not form 
a network, but appears in the form of a thread closely similar to the 
spireme-stage of dividing nuclei (cf p. 65). The most striking case 
of this kind occurs in the salivary glands of dipterous larvee (Chzrono- 
mus), where, as described by Balbiani, the chromatin has the form of 
a single convoluted thread, composed of transverse discs and termi- 
nating at each end in a large nucleolus (Fig. 14, 4). Somewhat simi 
lar nuclei (Fig. 14, 8) occur in various epithelial cells of other insects 
(Van Gehuchten, Gilson), and also in the young ovarian eggs of cer- 
tain animals (cf. p. 273). In certain gland-cells of the marine isopod 
Anilocra it is arranged in regular rosettes (Vom Rath). Rabl, fol- 
lowed by Van Gehuchten, Heidenhain, and others, has endeavoured 
to show that the nuclear network shows a distinct polarity, the } 
nucleus having a “pole” toward which the principal chromatin- 
threads converge, and near which the centrosome lies.2 In many | 
nuclei, however, no trace of such polarity can be discerned. 

The network may undergo great changes both in physical con- 
figuration and in staining capacity at different periods in the life 
of the same cell, and the actual amount of chromatin fluctuates, 
sometimes to an enormous extent. Embryonic cells are in general 


rnc: 


1 Cf pp. 126-130. 2 Cf the polarity of the cell, p. 55. 


LEE INI CEE S| 37 
characterized by the large size of the nucleus; and Zacharias has 
shown in the case of plants that the nuclei of meristem and other 
embryonic tissues are not only relatively large, but contain a larger 
percentage of chromatin than in later stages. The relation of these 
changes to the physiological activity of the nucleus is still imperfectly 
understood.! 


2. Finer Structure of the Nucleus 


A considerable number of observers 
have raised the question whether the 
nuclear structures may not be regarded 
as aggregates of more elementary 
morphological bodies, though there is 
still no general agreement regarding 
their nature and relationships. The 
most definite evidence in this direction 
relates to the chromatic network. In 
the stages preparatory to division this 
network resolves itself into a definite 
number of rod-shaped bodies known 
as chromosomes (Fig. 21), which split 
lengthwise as the cell divides. These 
bodies arise as aggregations of minute 
rounded bodies or microsomes to which 
various names have been given (chvomo- 
meres, Fol; zds, Weismann). They 
are as a rule most clearly visible and 
most regularly arranged during cell- 
division, when the chromatin is ar- 
ranged in a thread (sfzreme), or in 
separate chromosomes (Figs. 8, D, 53, Ir 
&); but in many cases they are dis- Fig. 15.—An_ infusorian, Zrachelo- 
C C04 Gee : as, z cerca, with diffused nucleus consisting of 
tinctly visible in the reticulum of the scattered chromatin-granules. [GRUBER.] 
resting aenucleus: (Fig. 54): ° It is, 
however, an open question whether the chromatin-granules of the 
reticulum are individually identical with those forming the chromo- 
somes or the spireme-thread. The larger masses of the reticu- 


1 Both chromatin-granules and nucleoli have been seen in a considerable number of living 
cells (Fig. 9). Favourable objects for this purpose are according to Korschelt (’96) the silk- 
glands of caterpillars, where the whole nucleus may be seen to be filled with fine granules 
(“microsomes”), among which are scattered many larger granules (‘‘macrosomes”). The 
later studies of Meves (’97, 1) make it probable that the latter are true nucleoli and the for- 
mer chromatin-granules. Korschelt, however, regards the “ macrosomes”’ as composed of 
chromatin and the “ microsomes” as representing the so-called ‘‘ achromatic substance.” 


5 GENERAL SEELCH OF THE CELL 


c 


oF) 


- 


lum undoubtedly represent aggregations of such granules, but whether 
the latter completely fuse or remain always distinct is unknown. 
Even the chromosomes at certain stages appear perfectly homoge- 
neous, and the same is sometimes true of the entire nucleus, as in the 
spermatozoon. It is nevertheless possible that the chromatin-gran- 
ules have a persistent identity and are to be regarded as morpho- 
logical units of which the chromatin is built up.1 

Heidenhain (’93, 94), whose views have been accepted by Reinke, 
Waldeyer, and others, has shown that the ‘“‘achromatic”’ nuclear net- 
work is likewise composed of granules, which he distinguishes as 
lanthanin- or oxychromatin-granules from the baszchromatin-granules 
of the chromatic network. Like the latter, the oxychromatin-granules 
are suspended in a non-staining clear substance, for which he reserves 
the term /zzzz. Both forms of granules occur in the chromatic 
network, while the achromatic network contains only oxychromatin. 
They are sharply differentiated by dyes, the basichromatin being 
coloured by the basic tar-colours (methyl-green, saffranin, etc.) and 
other true ‘“‘nuclear stains”; while the oxychromatin-granules, like 
many cytoplasmic structures, and like the substance of true nucleoli 
(pyrenin), are coloured by acid tar-colours (rubin, eosin, etc.) and 
other “plasma stains.” This distinction, as will appear in Chapter 
VII.,is possibly one of great physiological significance. 

Still other forms of granules have been distinguished in the nucleus 
by Reinke (’94) and Schloter ('94). Of these the most important 
are the “ cedematin-granules,” which according to the first of these 
authors form the principal mass of the ground-substance or “ nuclear 
sap’’ of Hertwig and other authors. These granules are identified 
by both observers with the “ cyanophilous granules,” which Altmann 
regarded as the essential elements of the nucleus. It is at present 
impossible to give a consistent interpretation of the morphological 
value and physiological relations of these various forms of granules. 
The most that can be said is that the basichromatin-granules are 
probably normal structures; that they play a principal 7é/e in the 
life of the nucleus; that the oxychromatin-granules are nearly related 
to them; and that not improbably the one form may be transformed 
into the other in the manner suggested in Chapter VII. 

The nuclear membrane is not yet thoroughly understood, and 
much discussion has been devoted to the question of its origin and 
structure. The most probable view is that long since advocated by 
Klein ('78) and Van Beneden (’83) that the membrane arises as a 
condensation of the general protoplasmic substance, and is part of 
the same structure as the linin-network and the cytoplasmic mesh- 
work. Like these, it is in some cases “achromatic,” but in other cases 


1 Gf Chapter VI. 


TLE MO CE EOS 39 


it shows the same staining reactions as chromatin, or may be double, 
consisting of an outer achromatic and an inner chromatic layer. Ac- 
cording to Reinke, it consists of oxychromatin-granules like those of 
the linin-network. 

Interesting questions are raised by a comparison of these facts 
with the conditions observed in some of the lowest organisms, such 
as the flagellates and lower rhizopods among animals and the 


p 

° 
ag 
Ss 


- 

“~ 
. 
e 


Fig. 16.— Forms of Cyanophycez, Bacteria, and Flagellates showing the so-called scattered 
or distributed nuclei. [4-C. BUTSCHLI; D-F, SCHEWIAKOFF; G-¥. CALKINS.] 


A, Oscillaria. B. Chromatium. C. Bacterium lineola. D. Achromatium. FE, The same in 
division. /, Fission of the granules. G. Tetramitus, with central sphere and scattered granules. 
Hf, Aggregation of the granules. /. Division of the sphere. ¥ Fission of the cell. 


Cyanophycez and Bacteria among plants. In many of these forms 
(Fig. 16) no distinct nucleus can be demonstrated, the cell consisting 
of a mass of protoplasm in which are scattered numerous deeply 
staining granules. Many of these granules stain intensely with 
hematoxylin and other “nuclear” dyes; like chromatin, they resist 
the action of peptic digestion, and in at least one case (the bacterium- 
like Achromatium, according to Schewiakoff, '93) they have the power 
of division like the chromatin-granules of higher forms. For these 


40 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


reasons most observers (Biitschli, Gruber, Schewiakoff, Nadson, etc.) 
regard them as true chromatin-granules which represent a scattered or 
distributed nucleus not differentiated as a definite morphological body. 
If this identification is correct, such forms probably give us the most 
primitive condition of the nuclear substance, which only in higher 
forms is collected into a distinct mass enclosed by a membrane; and 
the scattered granules are comparable to those forming the chro- 
matin-reticulum and chromosomes in the higher types. The identi- 
fication is, however, difficult, owing to the impossibility of actual 
chemical analysis; and Fischer (’97) has shown in the case of the 
Bacteria and Cyanophycee that we cannot safely trust either the 
staining reactions or the digestion test, since the former are variable, 
while the latter does not differentiate the granules from some other 
cytoplasmic constituents.’ It is, however, certain that the staining 
power of chromatin in the higher forms varies with different condi- 
tions, and furthermore there is reason to believe that these granules 
may divide by fission. Besides these observations of Schewiakoff on 
Achromatium (see above), we have those of several authors on 
Infusoria, and more recently those of Calkins on flagellates, 
both pointing to the same conclusion. Balbiani, Gruber, Maupas, 
and others have described various Infusoria (Uvostyla, Trachelocerca, 
Flolosticha, Uroleptus), as well as some rhizopods (Pelomyxa), in 
which the body contdins very numerous minute chromatin-granules 
of “nuclei” (Fig. 15), which Gruber (’87) showed to multiply by 
division. Balbiani (61) long since showed that in U7vostyla these 
bodies become concentrated toward the centre of the ceil at the time 
of division, and Bergh (89) demonstrated that they then fuse to form 
a macronucleus of the usual type, that elongates, assumes a fibrillar 
structure, and divides by fission. After division of the cell-body 
the macronucleus again fragments into minute scattered granules, 
which in this case certainly represent a distributed nucleus. In the 
flagellate T7etramitus Calkins (98, 1) likewise finds numerous scat- 
tered chromatin-granules, which at the time of division become aggre- 
gated into a single dividing mass (p. 92); while in other forms the 
mass (nucleus) persists as such without (Zvachelomonas, Lagenella, 
Chilomonas) or with (Euglena, Synura) a surrounding membrane. 
Taken together, the foregoing facts, while certainly not conclusive, 
give good ground for the provisional acceptance of Biitschli’s con- 
ception of the distributed nucleus, and indicate that nucleus and 
cytoplasm have arisen through the differentiation of a common 
protoplasmic mass. The nucleus, as Carnoy has well said,? is like a 


1 It should be remembered that we have no unerring “ chromatin-stain.” Cf p. 335. 
5: 
2784, p. 251. 

, T=) 


THE CYTOPLASM 4I 


house built to contain the chromatic elements, and its achromatic ele- 
ments (linin, etc.) were originally a part of the general cell-substance. 
Moreover, as Carnoy points out, the house periodically goes to pieces 
in the process of mitotic division, the chromatin afterward “ building 
for itself a new dwelling.” 


3. Chemistry of the Nucleus 


The chemical nature of the various nuclear elements will be considered in Chapter 
VII., and a brief statement will here suffice. The following classification of the 
nuclear substances, proposed by Schwarz in 1887, has been widely accepted, though 
open to criticism on various grounds. 

1. Chromatin. The chromatic substance (basichromatin) of the network and of 

those nucleoli known as net-knots or karyosomes. 

Linin. The achromatic network and the spindle -fibres arising from it. 
Paralinin. The ground-substance. 

Pyrenin or Parachromatin. The inner mass of true nucleoli. 

. Amphipyrenin. The substance of the nuclear membrane. 

Oi: omatin is probably identical with seclecw (p. 332), which is a compound of 
nucletnic actd (a complex organic acid, rich in phosphorus) and albuminous sub- 
stances. In certain cases (nuclei of spermatozoa, and probably also the chromo- 
somes at the time of mitosis) the percentage of nucleinic acid is very large (p. 333)- 
The “zx is supposed to be composed of * plastin”—a substance identified by 
Reinke and Rodewald (’81) and probably a nucleo-albumin or a related substance. 
“ Pyrenin ” is related to plastin; and Carnoy and Zacharias apply the latter word to 
the nucleolar substance, while O. Hertwig calls it paranuclein. “ Amphipyrenin” 
has no very definite meaning; for the nuclear membrane sometimes appears to be of 
the same nature as the linin, while in other cases it stains like chromatin. For cri- 
_ tique of the staining reactions see page 334. 


Wnt aS) LS) 


D. THE CYTOPLASM 


It has long been recognized that in the unicellular forms the 
cytoplasmic substance is often differentiated into two well-marked 
zones: viz. an inner medullary substance or exdoplasm in which the 
nucleus lies, and an outer cortical substance or erop/asm (ectoplasm) 
from which the more differentiated products of the cytoplasm, such 
as cilia, trichocysts, and membrane, take their origin. Indications of 
a similar differentiation are often shown in the tissue-cells of higher 
plants and animals,! though it may take the form of a polar differen- 
tiation of the cell-substance, or may be wholly wanting. Whether 
the distinction is of fundamental importance remains to be seen; but 
it appears to be a general rule that the nucleus is surrounded by 


1 This fact was first pointed out in the tissue-cells of animals by Kupffer (’75), and its 
importance has since been urged by Waldeyer, Reinke, and others. The cortical layer is 
by Kupffer termed paraplasm, by Pfeffer hyaloplasm, by Pringsheim the Haztschicht. The 
medullary zone is termed by Kupffer protoplasm, sensu strictu, by Strasburger, Kérner- 
plasma; by Nageli, polioplasm. 


42 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 
protoplasm of relatively slight differentiation, while the more highly 
differentiated products of cell-activity are laid down in the more 
peripheral region of the cell, either in the cortical zone or at one 
end of the cell! This fact is full of meaning, not only because it is 
an expression of the adaptation of the cell to its external environment, 
but also because of its bearing on the problems of nutrition.? For if, 
as we shall see reason to conclude in Chapter VII.,the nucleus be 
immediately concerned with synthetic metabolism, we should expect 
to find the immediate and less differentiated products of its action in 
its neighbourhood, and on the whole the facts bear out this view. 
The most pressing of all questions regarding the cytoplasmic 
structure is whether the sponge-like, fibrillar, or alveolar appearance 
is a normal condition existing during life. There are many cases, 
especially among plant-cells, in which the most careful examination 
has thus far failed to reveal the presence of a reticulum, the cyto- 
plasm appearing, even under the highest powers and after the most 
careful treatment, merely as a finely granular substance. This and 
the additional fact that the cytoplasm may show active streaming and 
flowing movements, has led some authors, especially among  bota- 
nists, to regard the reticulum as non-essential and as being, when 
present, either a secondary differentiation of the cytoplasmic sub- 
stance specially developed for the performance of particular functions 
or a mere coagulation-product due to the action of fixatives. It has 
been shown that structureless proteids, such as egg-albumin and 
other substances, when coagulated by various reagents, often show a 
structure closely similar to that of protoplasm as observed in micro- 
scopical sections. Flemming (’82) long since called attention to the 
danger of mistaking such coagulation-products for normal structures 
as seen in fixed and stained material, and his warning has been 
emphasized by the later experiments of Berthold (’86), Schwarz (’87), 
and especially of Biitschli (92, ’98), Fischer (’94, ’95, ’99), and 
Hardy (99). __Biitschli’s extensive studies of such coagulation-phe- 
nomena show that coagulated or dried albumin, starch-solutions, gela- 
tin, gum arabic, and other substances show a fine alveolar structure 
scarcely to be distinguished from that which he believes to be the 
normal and typical structure of protoplasm. Fischer and Hardy 
have likewise made extensive tests of solutions of albumin, peptone, 
and related substances, in various degrees of concentration, fixed and 
stained by a great variety of the reagents ordinarily used for the 
demonstration of cell-structures. The result was to produce a mar- 
vellously close szmlacrum of the appearances observed in the cell, 
alveolar, reticulated, and fibrillar structures being produced that often 
contain granules closely similar in every respect to those described as 


1 Cf. p. 55: ? See Kupffer (90), pp. 473-476. 


THE CYTOPLASM We 


“microsomes” in sections of actual protoplasm. After impregnating 
pith with peptone-solution and then hardening, sectioning, and stain- 
ing, the cells may even contain a central nucleus-like mass suspended 
in a network of anastomosing threads that extend in every direction 
outward to the walls, and give a remarkable likeness of a normal cell. 

These facts show how cautious we must be in judging the appear- 
ances seen in preserved cells, and justify in some measure the hesita- 


rrr or if iH 


A Cc D 
Fig. 1'7.—Ciliated cells, showing cytoplasmic fibrillae terminating in a zone of peripheral 
microsomes to which the cilia are attached. [ENGELMANN.! 


A. From intestinal epithelium of Azodonta. ZB. From gill of Avodonta. C.D. Intestinal epi- 
thelium of Cycdas. 


tion with which many existing accounts of cell-structure are received. 
The evidence is nevertheless overwhelmingly strong, as I believe, 
that not only the fibrillar and alveolar formations, but also the micro- 
somes observed in cell-structures, are in part normal structures. This 
evidence is derived partly from a study of the living cell, partly from 
the regular and characteristic arrangement of the thread-work and 


44 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


microsomes in certain cases. In many Protozoa, for example, a fine 
alveolar structure may be seen in the living protoplasm ; and Flem- 
ming as well as many later observers has clearly seen fibrillar struc- 
tures in the living cells of cartilage, epithelium connective-tissue, and 
some other animal cells(Fig. 9). Mikosch, also, has recently described 
granular threads in living plant-cells. 

Almost equally conclusive is the beautifully regular arrangement 
of the fibrillze in ciliated cells (Fig. 17, Engelmann), in muscle-fibres 
and nerve-fibres, and especially in the mitotic figure of dividing cells 


Fig. 18.— Cells of the pancreas in Amphibia. [MATHEWS.] 


A-C. Necturus,; D. Rana. A and B represent two stages of the “loaded” cell, showing 
zymogen-granules in the peripheral and fibrillar structures in the basal part of the cell. C shows 
cells after discharge of the granule-material and invasion of the entire cell by fibrilla. In D por- 
tions of the fibrillar material are coiled to form the mitosome (‘‘ paranucleus” or “ Nebenkern”’). 


(Figs. 21, 31), where they are likewise more or less clearly visible 
in life. A very convincing case is afforded by the pancreas-cells 
of Necturus, which Mathews has carefully studied in my laboratory. 
Here the thread-work consists of long, conspicuous, definite fibrille, 
some of which may under certain conditions be wound up more or 
less closely in a spiral mass to torm the so-called Nebexkern. In all 
these cases it is impossible to regard the thread-work as an accidental 
coagulation-product. In the case of echinoderm eggs, I have made 
(799) a critical comparison of the living structure, as seen under powers 


THE CYVLOPLASM: 45 


of a thousand diameters and upwards, with the same object stained 
in thin sections after fixation by picro-acetic, sublimate-acetic, and 


Fig. 19. — Section through a nephridial cell of the leech, C/efseve (drawn by Arnold Graf from 
one of his own preparations). 


The centre of the cell is occupied by a large vacuole, filled with a watery liquid. The cyto- 
plasm forms a very regular and distinct reticulum with scattered microsomes which become very 
large in the peripheral zone. The larger pale bodies, lying in the ground-substance, are excretory 
granules (z.e. metaplasm). The nucleus, at the right, is surrounded by a thick chromatic mem- 
brane, is traversed by a very distinct linin-network, contains numerous scattered chromatin- 
granules, and a single large nucleolus within which is a vacuole. Above are two isolated nuclei 
showing nucleoli and chromatin-granules suspended in the linin-threads. 


other reagents. The comparison leaves no doubt that the normal 
structures are in this case very perfectly preserved, though the sec- 
tions give at first sight an appearance somewhat different from that 


46 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CHEL 


of the living object, owing to differences of staining capacity. In 
these eggs the microsomes, thickly scattered through the alveoiar 
walls, stain deeply (Figs. 11, 12), while the alveolar spheres hardly 
stain at all. When, therefore, the stained sections are cleared in 
balsam, the contours of the alveolar spheres almost disappear, and the 
eye is caught by the walls, which give at first sight quite the appear- 
ance of a granular reticulum, as it has been in fact described by many 
observers. Careful study of the sections shows, however, that che form 
and arrangement of all the ele ments 1s almost wdentically the same as 
in life. 

This result shows that careful treatment by reagents in some cases 
at least gives a very faithful picture of the normal structure; and 
while it should never be forgotten that in sections we are viewing 
coagulated material, much of which is liquid or semi-liquid in life, we 
should not adopt too pessimistic a view of the results based on fixed 
material, as I think some of the experimenters referred to above have 
done. Wherever possible, the structures observed in sections should 
be compared with those in the living material. When this is imprac- 
ticable we must rely on indirect evidence; but this is in many cases 
hardly less convincing than the direct. 

It is a very interesting and important question whether living 
protoplasm that appears to the eye to be homogeneous does not teaily 
possess a structure that is invisible, owing to the extreme tenuity of 
the fibrillae or alveolar walls (as was long since suggested by Heitz- 
mann and Biitschli)! or to uniformity of refractive index in the 
structural elements. It is highly probable that such is often the case; 
indeed, Biitschli has shown that such “homogeneous” protoplasm in 
Protozoa may show a typical alveolar structure after fixation and 
staining. This explanation will not, however, apply to the young 
echinoderm eggs (already referred to at p. 28), where the genesis of 
the alveolar structure may be followed step by step in the living cell. 
The protoplasm here appears at first almost like glass, showing at 
most a sparse and fine granulation; but after fixing and staining it 
appears as a mass of fine, closely crowded granules. This may indi- 
cate the existence of an extremely fine alveolar structure in life; but 
on the whole I believe that these granules are for the most part coagu- | 
lation-products, since they cannot be demonstrated by staining zztra 
vitam, and they very closely resemble the coagulation-granules found 
in structureless proteids like egg-albumin after treatment by the same 
reagents. In common with many other investigators, therefore, If 
believe that protoplasm may in fact be homogeneous down ro the 
present limits of microscopical vision. 

One of the must beautiful forms of cyto-reticulum with which I 


1 Cf: Biitschiij792,2; p: 160; 


THE CYTOPLASM 47 


am acquainted has been described by Bolsius and Graf in the neph- 
ridial cells of leeches as shown in Fig. 19 (from a preparation by 
Dr. Arnold Graf). The meshwork is here of great distinctness and 
regularity, and scattered microsomes are found along its threads. It 


Fig. 20.— Spinal ganglion-cell of the frog. [LENHOSSEK.] 


The nucleus contains a single intensely chromatic nucleolus, and a paler linin-network with 
rounded chromatin-granules. The cytoplasmic fibrillaz are faintly shown passing out into the 


nerve-process below. (They are figured as far more distinct by Flemming.) The dark cyto- 
plasmic masses are the deeply staining ‘‘chromophilic granules’ (Nissl) of unknown function. 
(The centrosome, which lies near the centre of the cell, is shown in Fig. 8, C.) At the left, two 


connective tissue-cells. 


appears with equal clearness, though in a somewhat different form, 
in many eggs, where the meshes are rounded and often contain food- 
matters or deutoplasm in the inter-spaces (Figs. 59,60). In cartilage- 
cells and connective tissue-cells, where the threads can be plainly seen 


48 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


in life, the network is loose and open, and appears to consist of more 
or less completely separate threads (Fig. 9). In the cells of colum- 
nar epithelium, the threads in the peripheral part of the cell often 
assume a more or less parallel course, passing outwards from the 
central region, and giving the outer zone of the cell a striated appear- 
ance. This is very conspicuously shown in ciliated epithelium, the 
fibrillae corresponding in number with the cilia as if continuous with 
their bases (Fig. 17).!_ In nerve-fibres the threads form closely set 
parallel fibrillae which may be traced into the body of the nerve-cell ; 
here, according to most authors, they break up into a network in 
which are suspended numerous deeply staining masses, the ‘‘ chromo- 
philic granules” of Nissl (Fig. 20). In the contractile tissues the 
threads are in most cases very conspicuous and have a parallel course. 
This is clearly shown in smooth muscle-fibres and also, as Ballowitz 
has shown, in the tails of spermatozoa. This arrangement is most 
striking in striped muscle-fibres where the fibrillee are extremely well 
marked. According to Retzius, Carnoy, Van Gehuchten, and others, 
the meshes have here a rectangular form, the principal fibrillz having 
a longitudinal course and being connected at regular intervals by 
transverse threads; but the structure of the muscle-fibre is probably 
far more complicated than this account would lead one to suppose, 
and opinion is still divided as to whether the contractile substance 
is represented by the reticulum proper or by the ground-substance. 

Nowhere, perhaps, is a fibrillar structure shown with such beauty as 
in dividing cells, where (Figs. 21, 31) the fibrille group themselves 
in two radiating systems or asters, which are in some manner the 
immediate agents of cell-division. Similar radiating systems of fibres 
occur in amoeboid cells, such as leucocytes (Fig. 49) and pigment- 
cells (Fig. 50), where they probably form a contractile system by 
means of which the movements of the cell are performed. 

The views of Biitschli and his followers, which have been touched 
on at p. 25, differ considerably from the foregoing, the fibrille being 
regarded as the optical sections of thin plates or lamella which form 
the walls of closed chambers filled by a more liquid substance. 
Bitschli, followed by Reinke, Eismond, Erlanger, and others, inter- 
prets in the same sense the astral systems of dividing cells which 
are regarded as a radial configuration of the lamellz about a central 
point (Fig. 10, B). Strong evidence against this view is, I believe, 


1 The structure of the ciliated cell, as described by Engelmann, may be beautifully demon- 
strated in the funnel-cells of the nephridia and sperm-ducts of the earthworm. 

2 The remarkable researches of Apathy (’97) on the nerve-cells of leeches have revealed 
the existence within the nerve-cell of networks far more complex and definite than was 
formerly supposed, and showing definite relations to incoming and outgoing fibrillee within 
the substance of the nerve-fibres. 


LE CYTOPLASM 49 


afforded by the appearance of the spindle and asters in cross-section. 
In the early stages of the egg of Verezs, for example, the astral rays 
are coarse anastomosing fibres that stain intensely and are therefore 
very favourable for observation (Fig. 60). That they are actual fibres 
is, I think, proved by sagittal sections of the asters in which the rays 
are cut at various angles. The cut ends of the branching rays appear 
in the clearest manner, not as plates but as distinct dots, from which 
in oblique sections the ray may be traced inwards toward the centro- 
sphere. Driiner, too, figures the spindle in cross-section as consisting 
of rounded dots, like the end of a bundle of wires, though these are 
connected by cross-branches (Fig. 28, /). Again, the crossing of 


Centrosphere con- 
taining the cen- 
trosome. 


Aster. 


Spindle. 


Chromosomes forming the equatorial plate. 


Fig. 21.— Diagram of the dividing cell, showing the mitotic figure and its relation to the cyto- 
plasmic meshwork. 


the rays proceeding from the asters (Fig. 128), and their behaviour in 
certain phases of cell-division, is difficult to explain under any other 
than the fibrillar theory. 

We must admit, however, that the meshwork varies greatly in differ- 
ent cells and even in different physiological phases of the same cell; 
and that it is impossible at present to bring it under any rule of uni- 
versal application. It is possible, nay probable, that in one and the 
same cell a portion of the meshwork may form a true alveolar structure 
such as is described by Biitschli, while other portions may, at the 
same time, be differentiated into actual fibres. If this be true the 
fibrillar or alveolar structure is a matter of secondary moment, and 
the essential features of protoplasmic organization must be sought in 
a more subtle underlying structure.! 


1 See Chapter VI. 


50 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


Space would not suffice for a comparative account of the endless 
modifications shown by the cytoplasmic substance in different forms 
of cells. Many of these arise through special differentiations of the 
active substance, the character of the structure thus being some- 
times so highly modified, as in the striated muscle-fibre, that it is 
difficult to trace its exact relation to the more usual forms. More 
commonly the cytoplasm is modified through the formation of. passive 
or metaplasmic substances which often completely transform the 
original appearance of the cell. The most frequent of such modifi- 
cations arise through the deposit of liquid drops and “ granules” 
(many of the latter, however, being no doubt liquid in life). When 
the liquid drops are of watery nature the cavities in which they lie 
are known as vacuoles, which are especially characteristic of the pro- 
toplasm of plant-cells and of Protozoa. These may enlarge or run 
together to form_extensive cavities in the cell, the protoplasm becom- 
ing reduced to a peripheral layer, or to strands and networks travers- 
ing the spaces; while in some forms of unicellular glands the spaces 
may form branching canals traversing the protoplasm. 

The vacuolization or meshlike appearance arising through the 
formation of larger vacuoles or the deposit of other metaplasmic 
material is not to be confounded with the primary protoplasmic struc- 
ture. When, however, smaller vacuoles or metaplasmic granules are 
evenly distributed through the protoplasm, a ‘‘ pseudo-alveolar”’ struc- 
ture (Reinke) arises that can often hardly be distinguished from the 
“true” alveolar structure of Biitschli! Comparative study shows 
that all gradations exist between the “false” and the “‘ true” alveolar 
structures and that no logical ground of distinction between the two 
exists.2, We thus reach ground for the conclusion that the coarser 
secondary alveolar or reticular formations are to be regarded as only 
an exaggeration of the primary structure, and that the alveolar mate- 
rial of Biitschli’s structure belongs in the same general category with 
the passive or metaplasmic substance.® 


E. THe CENTR@SOME 


The centrosome?* is usually an extremely minute body, or more 
commonly a pair of bodies, staining intensely with hematoxylin and 


1 In the latter the alveolar spheres are, according to Biitschli, not more than one or two 
microns in diameter. 

* This has been demonstrated in the cells of plants by Craéo (’96), and more recently 
by the writer (’99), in the case of echinoderm and other eggs. 

3 Gis (oh 20), 

4 The centrosome was apparently first seen and described by Flemming in 1875, in the 
egg of the fresh-water mussel Azodonéa, and independently discovered by Van Beneden, in 


THE CENTROSOME 51 


some other reagents, and surrounded by a cytoplasmic radiating aster 
or by arounded mass known as the attraction-sphere (Figs. 8, 49, etc.). 
As a rule it les in the cytoplasm, not far from the nucleus, and 
usually opposite an indentation or bay in the latter; but in a few 
cases it lies inside the nucleus (Fig. 148). In epithelia the centro- 
somes (usually double) lie as a rule near the free end of the cell 
Giie. 23). 

There is still much confusion regarding the relation of the centro- 
some to the surrounding structures, and this has involved a corre- 
sponding ambiguity in the terminology. We will therefore only 
consider it briefly at this point, deferring a more critical account to 
Chapter VI. In its simplest form it is a single minute granule, which 
may, however, become double or triple (leucocytes, connective tissue- 
cells, some epithelial cells) or even multiple, as in certain giant-cells 
(Fig. 14, Y), and as also occurs in some forms of cell-division (Fig. 
52)s | Im-some cases (Figs. 8, C, 120, 148) the “centrosome’”’ is a 
larger body containing one or more central granules or “ centrioles” 
(Boveri); but it is probable that in some of these cases the central 
granule is itself the true centrosome, and the surrounding body is part 
of the attraction-sphere. During the formation of the spermatozo6n / 
the centrosome undergoes some remarkable morphological changes | 
(p. 171), and is closely involved in the formation of the contractile | 
structures of the tail. 

The nature and functions of the centrosome have formed the sub- 
ject of some of the most persistent and searching investigations of 
recent cytology. Van Beneden, followed by Boveri and many later 
workers, regarded the centrosome as a distinct and persistent cell- 
organ, which like the nucleus was handed on by division from one 
cell-generation to another. Physiologically it was regarded as being 
the especial organ of cell-division, and in this sense as the ‘“dy- 
namic centre”’ of the cell. In Boveri's beautiful development of this 


the following year, in dycyemids. The name is due to Boveri (’88, 2, p. 68). Van Beneden’s 
and Boveri’s independent identification of centrosome in Ascaris as a permanent cell-organ 
(87) was quickly supported by numerous observations on other animals and on plants. In 
rapid succession the centrosome and attraction-sphere were found to be present in pig- 
ment-cells of fishes (Solger, ’89, ’90), in the spermatocytes of Amphibia (Hermann, ’90), in 
the leucocytes, endothelial cells, connective tissue-cells, and lung-epithelium of salamanders 
(Flemming, ’91), in various plant-cells (Guignard, ’91), in'the one-celled diatoms (Biitschhi, 
?91), in the giant-cells and other cells of bone-marrow (Heidenhain, Van Bambeke, Van der 
Stricht, ’91), in the flagellate Nocfé/uca (Ishikawa, ’91), in the cells of marine aigze (Stras- 
burger, ’92), in cartiiage-cells (Van der Stricht, ’92), in cells of cancerous growths (epitheli- 
oma, Lustig and Galeotti, 92), in the young germ-cells as already described, in gland-cells 
(Vom Rath, ’95), in nerve-cells (Lenhossék, ’95), in smooth muscle-fibres (Lenhossék, 99), 
and in embryonic cells of many kinds (Heidenhain, ’97). Many others have confirmed 
and extended this list. Guignard’s identification of the centrosomes in higher plants is 
open to grave doubt (cf p. 82). OE Ob sy/e 


52 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 
view it was regarded further as the especial fertilizing element in the 
spermatozo6n, which, when introduced into the egg, endowed the 
latter with the power of division and development. Van Beneden’s 
and Boveri’s hypothesis, highly attractive on account of its simplicity 
and lucidity, is supported by many facts, and undoubtedly contains an 
element of truth; yet recent researches have cast grave doubt upon 
its generality, and necessitate a suspension of judgment upon the 
entire matter. Many of the most competent recent workers on the 
cytology of higher plants have been unable to find centrosomes, 
whether in the resting-cells, in the apparatus of cell-division, or dur- 
ing the process of fertilization, notwithstanding the fact that undoubted 
centrosomes occur in some of the lower plants. Among zodlogists, 
too, an increasing number of recent investigators, armed with the 
best technique, have maintained the total disappearance of the cen- 
trosome at the close of cell-division or during the process of fertili- 
zation, agreeing that in such cases the centrosome is subsequently 
formed de novo. Experimental researches, also, have given strong 
ground for the conclusion that cells placed under abnormal chemical 
conditions may form new centrosomes (p. 306). If these strongly 
supported results be well founded, Van Beneden’s hypothesis must 
be abandoned in favour of the view that the centrosome is but a sub- 
ordinate part of the general apparatus of mitosis, and one which may 
be entirely dispensed with. Thus regarded, the centrosome would 
lose somewhat of the significance first attributed to it, though still 
remaining a highly interesting object for further research.1 


F. OTHER ORGANS 


The cell-substance is often differentiated into other more or less 
definite structures, sometimes of a transitory character, sometimes 
showing a constancy and morphological persistency comparable with 
that of the nucleus and centrosome. From a general point of view 
the most interesting of these are the bodies known as P/asizds or proto- 
plasts (Fig. 6), which, like the nucleus and centrosome, are capable of 
growth and division, and may thus be handed on from cell to cell. 
The most important of these are the chromatophores or chromoplastids, 
which are especially characteristic of plants, though they occur in 
some animals as well. These are definite Bodice” varying greatly 
in form and size, which possess the power of growth and division, and 
have in some cases been traced back to minute colourless plastids or 


1 Cf. pp. 111, 304. Eisen (’97) asserts that in the blood of a salamander, Batrachoseps, 
the attraction-sphere (‘archosome”) containing the centrosomes may separate from the 
remainder of the cell (nucleated red corpuscles) to form an independent form of blood- 
corpuscle or ‘‘ plasmocyte,’”’ which leads an active life in the blood. 


OTHER ORGANS 53 


leucoplastids in the embryonic cells. By enlargement and differen- 
tiation these give rise to the starch-builders (amyloplastids), to the 
chlorophyll-bodies (chloroplastids), and to other pigment-bodies 
(chromoplastids), all of which may retain the power of division. The 
embryonic leucoplastids are also believed to multiply by division and 
to arise by the division of plastids in the parental organism; but it 
remains an open question whether this is their only mode of origin, 
and the same is true of the more highly differentiated forms of plas- 
tids to which they may give rise. 

The contractile or pulsating vacuoles that occur in most Protozoa 
and in the swarm-spores of many Algz are also known in some 
cases to multiply by division; and the same is true, according to the 
researches of De Vries, Went, and others, of the non-pulsating vacu- 
oles of plant-cells. These vacuoles have been shown to have, in many 
cases, distinct walls, and they are regarded by De Vries as a special 
form of plastid (‘‘tonoplasts ’’) analogous to the chromatophores and 
other plastids. It is, however, probable that this view is only appli- 
cable to certain forms of vacuoles. 

The plastids possess in some cases a high degree of morphological 
independence, and may even live for a time after removal from 
the remaining cell-substance, as in the case of the ‘‘ yellow cells” of 
Radiolaria. This has led to the view, advocated by Brandt and others, 
that the chlorophyll-bodies found in the cells of many Protozoa and 
afew Metazoa (/f/ydra, Spongilla, some planarians) are in reality dis- 
tinct Algze living symbiotically in the cell. This view is probably 
correct in some cases, ¢.g. in the Radiolaria; but it may be doubted 
whether it is of general application. In the plants the plastids are 
almost certainly to be regarded as differentiations of the protoplasmic 
substance. 

The existence of cell-organs which have the power of independent 
assimilation, growth, and division is a fact of great theoretical interest 
in its bearing on the general problem of cell-organization; for it is 
one of the main reasons that have led De Vries, Wiesner, and many } 
others to regard the entire cell as made up of elementary self-propa-/ 
gating units. 


G. THE CELL-MEMBRANE 


The structure and origin of the cell-wall or membrane form a 
subject somewhat apart from our general purpose, since the wall 
belongs to the passive or metaplasmic products of protoplasm rather 
than to the living cell itself. We shall therefore treat it very briefly. 
Broadly speaking, animal cells are in general characterized by the 


slight development and relative unimportance of the cell-walls, while 


5A GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


the reverse is the case in plants, where the cell-walls play a very 
important 7é/e. In the latter the wall sometimes attains a great 
thickness, usually displays a distinct stratification, and often has a 
complex sculpture. Such massive walls very rarely occur in the 
case of animal tissues, though the intercellular matrix of cartilage 
and bone is to a certain extent analogous to them, and the thick and 
often highly sculptured envelopes of some kinds of eggs and of 
various Protozoa may be placed in the same category. 

It is open to question whether any cells are entirely devoid of an 
enclosing envelope; for even in such “naked” cells as leucocytes, 
rhizopods, or membraneless eggs, the boundary of the cell is usually 
formed by a more resistant layer of protoplasm or “ pellicle” ( Biitschli) 
which may be so marked as to simulate a true membrane, as is the 
case, for example, in the red blood-corpuscles (Ranvier, Waldeyer, 
etc.). Such pellicles probably differ from true membranes only in 
degree; but it is still an open question both in animals and in plants, 
how far true membranes arise by direct transformation of the periph- 
eral protoplasmic layer (the “ Hautschicht” of botanists), and how 
far as a secretion-product of the protoplasm. In the case of animal 
cells, Leydig long since proposed! to distinguish between “ cuticular ”’ 
membranes, formed as secretions and usually occurring only on the 
free surfaces (as in epithelia), from “true membranes” arising by 
direct transformation of the peripheral protoplasm. lJLater researches, 
including those of Leydig himself, have thrown so much doubt on 
this distinction that most later writers have used the term cuticular 
in a purely topographical sense to denote membranes formed only 
on one (the free) side of the cell,? leaving open the question of origin. 
The formation and growth of the cell-wall have been far more thor- 
oughly studied in plants than in animals, yet even here opinion is 
still divided. Most recent researches tend to sustain the early view 
of Nageli that the cell-wall is in general a secretion-product, though 
there are some cases in which a direct transformation of protoplasm 
into membrane-stuff seems to occur.? In the division of plant-cells 
the daughter-cells are in almost all cases cut apart by a cell-plate 
which arises in the protoplasm of the mother-cell as a transverse 
series of thickenings of the spindle-fibres:in the equatorial region 
(Fig. 34). This fact, long regarded by Strasburger and others as 
‘a proof of the direct origin of the membrane from the protoplasmic 
substance,’is shown by Strasburger’s latest work (’98) to be open 
to a quite different interpretation, the actual wall being formed by 
a splitting of the cell-plate into two layers between which the wall 
appears as a secretion-product. Almost all observers further are 
agreed that the formation of new membranes on naked masses of 


UN Op Berets {D3 WD 2 Cf. O. Hertwig, 93. 3 Cf. Strasburger, ’98. 
J. 95; ] ” 8, 93 g 9 


TAQWALM EY (OF >THE CLLE o5 
protoplasm produced by plasmolysis are likewise secretion-products, 
and that the secondary thickening of plant-membranes is produced 
in the same way. These facts, together with the scanty available 
zoological data, indicate that the formation of membranes by secre- 
tion is the more usual and typical process.! 

The chemical composition of the membrane or intercellular sub- 
stance varies extremely. In plants the membrane consists of a basis 
of cellulose,a carbohydrate having the formula C,H,,O,; but this sub- 
stance is very frequently impregnated with other substances, such 
as silica, lignin, and a great variety of others. In animals the inter- 
cellular substances show a still greater diversity. Many of them are 
nitrogenous bodies, such as keratin, chitin, elastin, gelatin, and the 
like; but inorganic deposits, such as silica and carbonate of lime, are 
common. 


He Se eOocaARiIny. OF THE CELL 


In a large number of cases the cell exhibits a definite polarity, its 
parts being symmetrically grouped with reference to an ideal organic 
axis passing from pole to pole. No definite criterion for the identi- 
fication of the cell-axis has, however, yet been determined; for the 
general conception of cell-polarity has been developed in two differ- 
ent directions, one of which starts from purely morphological con- 
siderations, the other from physiological, and a parallelism between 
them has not thus far been fully made out. 

On the one hand, Van Beneden (’83) conceived cell-polarity as a 
primary morphological attribute of the cell, the organic axis being 
identified as a line drawn through the centre of the nucleus and the 
centrosome (Fig. 22, A). With this view Rabl’s theory (’85) of 
nuclear polarity harmonizes, for the chromosome-loops converge 
toward the centrosome, and the nuclear axis coincides with the cell- 
axis. Moreover, it identifies the polarity of the egg, which is so 
important a factor in development, with that of the tissue-cells ; for 
the egg-centrosome almost invariably appears at or near one pole of 
the ovum. 

Heidenhain ('94, ’95) has recently developed this conception of 
polarity in a very elaborate manner, maintaining that all the struc- 
tures of the cell have a definite relation to the primary axis, and that 
this relation is determined by conditions of tension in the astral rays 


pee BEES 

1 Strasburger (’97, 3, ’98) believes membrane-formation in general to be especially con- 
nected with the activity of the “kinoplasm,” or filar plasm of which he considers the “ Haut- 
schicht,”’ as well as the spindle-fibres, to be largely composed. In support of this may be 
mentioned, besides the mode of formation of the partition-walls in the division of plant- 
cells, Harper’s (’97) very interesting observations on the formation of the ascospores in 
Erysiphe (Fig. 33), where the spore-membrane appears to arise directly from the astral 
rays. 


56 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


focussed at the centrosome. On this basis he endeavours to explain 
the position and movements of the nucleus, the succession of division- 
planes, and many related phenomena.! 

Hatschek (’88) and Rabl (89, ’92), on the other hand, have ad- 
vanced a quite different hypothesis based on physiological considera- 
tions. By ‘“cell-polarity”’ these authors mean, not a predetermined 
morphological arrangement of parts in the cell, but a polar differen- 
tiation of the cell-substance arising secondarily through adaptation of 
the cell to its environment in the tissues, and having no necessary 
relation to the polarity of Van Beneden (Fig. 22, 8, C). This is 


Us 

YQ 
A B G 
VAN BENEDEN. Rasi_, HAaTSCHEK. 


Fig. 22. — Diagrams of cell-polarity. 


A. Morphological polarity of Van Beneden. Axis passing through nucleus and centrosome. 
Chromatin-threads converging toward the centrosome. &.C. Physiological polarity of Rabl and 
Hatschek, 4 in a gland-cell, Cin a ciliated cell. 


typically shown in epithelium, which, as Kolliker and Haeckel long 
since pointed out, is to be regarded, both ontogenetically and phy- 
logenetically, as the most primitive form of tissue. The free and 
basal ends of the cells here differ widely in relation to the food- 
supply, and show a corresponding structural differentiation. In such 
cells the nucleus usually lies nearer the basal end, toward the source 
of food, while the differentiated products of cell-activity are formed 
either at the free end (cuticular structures, cilia, pigment, zymogen- 
granules), or at the basal end (muscle-fibres, nerve-fibres). In the 
non-epithelial tissues the polarity may be lost, though traces of it 
are often shown as a survival of the epithelial arrangement of the 
embryonic stages. 


SeOfepnlOss 


At Onn CG alts SMAI 


we 


OAT ORME. CELE 57 


But, although this conception of polarity has an entirely different 
point of departure from Van Beneden’s, it leads, in some cases at 
least, to the same result; for the cell-axis, as thus determined, may 
coincide with the morphological axis as determined by the position 
of the centrosome. This is the case, for example, with both the 
spermatozoon and the ovum: for the morphological axis in both is 
also the physiological axis about which the cytoplasmic differentia- 
tions are grouped. Recent researches have further shown that the 
same is the case in many forms of epithelia, where the centrosomes 
lie in the outer end of the cell, often very near the surface.! (Fig. 23) 


Fig. 23. — Centrosomes in epithelial and other cells. [4, D, ZIMMERMANN; 2, HEIDENHAIN 
and CoHN; 7, HEIDENHAIN.] 


A. From gastric glands of man; dead cell at the left. &. Uterine epithelium, man. C. From 
human duodenum ; goblet-cell, with centrosome in the middle. J. Corneal epithelium of monkey. 
£, Epithelial cells from mesoblast-somites, embryo duck. /, Red blood-corpuscles from the duck- 
embryo. The centrosomes are double in nearly all cases. 


and the recent observations of Henneguy (98) and Lenhossék (’98,1) 
give reason to believe that the ‘“‘ basal bodies” to which the cilia of 
ciliated epithelium are attached may be the centrosomes.? These 
facts are ot very high significance; for the position of the centro- 
some, and hence the direction of the axis, is here obviously related 
to the cell-environment, and it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that 
the latter must be the determining condition to which the intracellular 
relations conform. When applied to the germ-cells, this conclusion 
becomes of high interest; for the polarity of the egg is one of the 


1 Zimmermann, ’98; Heidenhain and Cohn, ’97. 2 Cf p. 850: 


58 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


primary conditions of development, and we have here, as I believe, 
a clue to its determination.! 


I. THE CELL IN RELATION TO THE MULTICELLULAR Bopy 


In analyzing the structure and functions of the individual cell we 
are accustomed, as a matter of convenience, to regard it as an inde- 
pendent elementary organism or organic unit. Actually, however, 
it is such an organism only in the case of the unicellular plants and 
animals and the germ-cells of the multicellular forms. When we 
consider the tissue-cells of the latter, we must take a somewhat dif- 
ferent view. As far as structure and origin are concerned the tissue- 
cell is unquestionably of the same morphological value as the 
one-celled plant or animal; ana zz this sense the multicellular body 
is equivalent to a colony or aggregate of one-celled forms. Physi- 
ologically, however, the tissue-cell can only in a limited sense be 
regarded as an independent unit; for its autonomy is merged in a 
greater or less degree into the general life of the organism. From 
this point of view the tissue-cell must in fact be treated as merely 
a localized area of activity, provided it is true with the complete 
apparatus of celllife, and even capable of independent action 
within certain limits, yet nevertheless a part and not a whole. 

There is at present no biological question of greater moment than 
the means by which the individual cell-activities are coordinated, and 
the organic unity of the body maintained; for upon this question 
hangs not only the problem of the transmission of acquired charac- 
ters, and the nature of development, but our conception of life itself. 
Schwann, the father of the cell-theory, very clearly perceived this; 
and after an admirably lucid discussion of the facts known to him 
(39), drew the conclusion that the life of the organism is essentially 
a composite; that each cell has its independent life; and that ‘the 
whole organism subsists only by means of the reciprocal action of the 
single elementary parts.” 2 This conclusion, afterward elaborated by 
Virchow and Haeckel to the theory of the “‘cell-state,”’ took a very 
strong hold on the minds of biological investigators, and is even now 
widely accepted. It is, however, becoming more and more clearly 
apparent that this conception expresses only a part of the truth, and 
that Schwann went too far in denying the influence of the totality of 
the organism upon the local activities of the cells. It would of 
course be absurd to maintain that the whole can consist of more than 
the sum of its parts. Yet, as far as growth and development are con- 


1 Cf pp. 384, 424. We should remember that the germ-cells are themselves epithelial 
products. 2 Untersuchungen, Trans., p. 181. 


ey 


ewe 


THE CELE IN RELATION TO THE MULTICELLULAR BODY 59 


cerned, it has now been ae pomonstrated a only, ina aoited 


mass as a whole,! and the physiological acne We the individual 
cell falls into the background. It is true that the cells may acquire 
a high degree of physiological independence in the later stages of 
embryological development. The facts to be discussed in the eighth 
and ninth chapters will, however, show strong reason for the conclu- 
sion that this is a secondary result of development, through which the 
cells become, as it were, emancipated in a greater or less degree 
from the general control. Broadly viewed, therefore, the life of the 
multicellular organism is to be conceived as a whole; and the appar- 
ently composite character which it may exhibit is owing to a second- 
ary distribution of its energies among local centres of action. ? 

In this light the structural relations of tissue-cells become a ques- 
tion of great interest; for we have here to seek the means by which 
the individual cell comes into relation with the totality of the organ- 
ism, and by which the general equilibrium of the body is maintained. 
It must be confessed that the results of microscopical research have 
not thus far given a very certain answer to this question. Though 
the tissue-cells are often apparently separated from one another by a 
non-living intercellular substance, which may appear in the form of 
solid walls, it is by no means certain that their organic continuity is 
thus actually severed. Many cases are known in which division of 
the nucleus is not followed by division of the cell-body, so that multi- 
nuclear cells or syvcytia are thus formed, consisting of a continuous 
mass of protoplasm through which the nuclei are scattered. Heitz- 
mann long since contended (73), though on insufficient evidence, that 
division is incomplete in nearly all forms of tissue, and that even when 
cell-walls are formed they are traversed by strands of protoplasm by 
means of which the cell-bodies remain in organic continuity. The 
whole body was thus conceived by him as a syncytium, the cells 
being no more than nodal points in a general reticulum, and the body 
forming a continuous protoplasmic mass. 

This interesting view, long received with scepticism, has been to a 
considerable extent sustained by later researches, and though it still 
remains s76 judice, has been definitely accepted in its entirety by some 
recent workers. The existence of protoplasmic cell-bridges between 
the sieve-tubes of plants has long been known; and Tangl’s dis- 
covery, in 1879, of similar connections between the endosperm-cells 
was followed by the demonstration by Gardiner, Kienitz-Gerloff, A. 
Meyer, and many others, that in nearly all plant-tissues the cell-walls 

1 Cf Chapters. VIII., IX. 
2 For a fuller discussion see pp. 388 and 413. 


60 GENERAL SKETCH OF THE CELL 


are traversed by delicate intercellular bridges. Similar bridges have 
been conclusively demonstrated by Ranvier, Bizzozero, Retzius, Flem- 
ming, Pfitzner, and many later observers in nearly all forms of epithe- 
lium(Fig. 1); and they are asserted to occur in the smooth muscle-fibres, 
in cartilage-cells and connective tissue-cells, and in some nerve- 
cells. Dendy (’88), Paladino (’90), and Retzius (’89) have endeav- 
oured to show, further, that the follicle-cells of the ovary are 
connected by protoplasmic bridges not only with one another, du¢ a/so 
with the ovum, and similar protoplasmic bridges between germ-cells 
and somatic cells have been also demonstrated in a number of plants, 
e.g. by Goroschankin (’83) and Ikeno (’98) in the cycads and by A. 
Meyer (’96) in Vo/vor. On the strength of these observations some 
recent writers have not hesitated to accept the probability of Heitz- 
mann’s original conception, A. Meyer, for example, expressing the 
opinion that both the plant and the animal individual are continuous 
masses of protoplasm, in which the cytoplasmic substance forms a 
morphological unit, whether in the form of a single cell, a multi- 
nucleated cell, or a system of cells! Captivating as this hypothesis 
is, its full acceptance at present would certainly be premature; and 
as far as adult animal tissues are concerned, it still remains unde- 
termined how far the cells are in direct protoplasmic continuity. It 
is obvious that no such continuity exists in the case of the corpuscles 
of blood and lymph and the wandering leucocytes and pigment-cells. 
In case of the nervous system, which from an @ f77077 point of view 
would seem to be above all others that in which protoplasmic con- 
tinuity is to be expected, its occurrence and significance are still a 
subject of debate. When, however, we turn to the embryonic stages 
we find strong reason for the belief that a material continuity between 
cells here exists. This is certainly the case in the early stages of 
many arthropods, where the whole embryo is at first an unmistakable 


syncytium; and Adam Sedgwick has endeavoured to show that in | 


Peripatus and even in the vertebrates the entire embryonic body, up 
to a late stage, is a continuous syncytium. I have pointed out ( ’93) 
that even in a total cleavage, such as that of Amphzoxrus or the echi- 
noderms, the results of experiment on the early stages. of cleavage 
are difficult to explain, save under the assumption that there must 
be a structural continuity from cell to cell that is broken by mechan-| 
ical displacement of the blastomeres. This conclusion is supported 
by the recent work of Hammar (’96, ’97), whose observations on 
sea-urchin eggs I can in the main confirm. 

Among the most interesting observations in this direction are 
those of Mrs. Andrews (’97),2 who asserts that during the cleavage 


1°96, p. 212. Cf also the views of Hanstein, Strasburger, Russow, and others there 
cited. 2 Cf. also E. A. Andrews, ’98, I, ’98, 2. 


en ape ele Re tig RE ® 


Des dete 


THE CELE IN RELATION TO THE MULTICELLULAR BODY 61 


of the echinoderm-egg the blastomeres “spin” delicate protoplasmic 
filaments, by which direct protoplasmic continuity is established 
between them subsequent to each division. These observations, if 
correct, are of high importance ; for if protoplasmic connections may 
be broken and re-formed at will, as it were, the adverse evidence 
of the blood-corpuscles and wandering cells loses much of its weight. 
Meyer (96) adduces evidence that in Vo/vox the cell-bridges are 
formed anew after division; and Flemming has also shown that 
when leucocytes creep about among epithelial cells they rupture the 
protoplasmic bridges, which are then formed anew behind them.! 

We are still almost wholly ignorant of the precise physiological 
meaning of the cell-bridges; but the facts indicate that they are not 
merely channels of nutrition, as some authors have maintained, but 
paths of subtler physiological impulse. Beside the facts determined 
by the isolation of blastomeres, referred to above, may be placed 
Townsend’s recent remarkable experiments on plants, described at 
page 346. If correct, these experiments give clear evidence of the 
transference of physiological influences from cell to cell by means of 
protoplasmic bridges, showing that the nucleus of one cell may thus 
control the membrane-forming activity in an enucleated fragment 
of another cell. The field of research opened up by these and 
related researches seems one of the most promising in view; but 
until it has been more fully explored, judgment should be reserved 
regarding the whole question of the occurrence, origin, and physio- 
logical meaning of the protoplasmic cell-bridges. 


EPPERATURE. = I 


Altmann, R.— Die Elementarorganismen und ihre Beziehungen zu den Zellen, 2d 
ed. Leipzig, 1894. 

L’Année Biologique. — Pars, 1895-96. (Full Reviews and Literature-lists.) 

Bohm and Davidoff. — Lehrbuch der Histologie des Menschen. HW zesbaden, 1895. 

Boveri, Th. — (See Lists IV., V.) 

Biitschli, 0. — Untersuchungen tiber mikroskopische Schaume und das Protoplasma. 
Leipzig (Engelmann), 1892. 

Id. — Untersuchungen iiber Struktur. LezPzzg, 1898. 

Carnoy, J. B.— La Biologie Cellulaire. Zzerve, 1884. 

Engelmann, T. W.— Zur Anatomie und Physiologie der Flimmerzellen: Avch. ges. 
Phys., XXIII. 1880. 

Erlanger, R. v. Neuere Ansichten iiber die Struktur des Protoplasmas: Zoo. 
Centralbl., II1. 8, 9. 18096. 

Fischer, A. Fixierung, Farbung und Bau des Protoplasmas. _/eva, 1899. 

Flemming, W. Zellsubstanz, Kern und Zeilteilung. Lezfzzg, 1882. 

Id. Zelle: Merkel und Bonnet’s Ergebnisse, 1-VII. 1891-97. (Admirable reviews 
and literature-lists. ) 


195, pp. IO-II; ’97, p. 201. 2 See also Introductory list, p. 14. 


62 GENERAL SKERCGH VOR THE CELE 


Heidenhain, M.— Uber Kern und Protoplasma: /es¢schr. 2. sovahr. Doctorjub. von 
v. Kolliker. Leipzig, 1893. 

Klein, E. — Observations on the Structure of Cells and Nuclei: Quart. Journ. Mic. 
DOL OVAL TO 7S: 

Kolliker, A.— Handbuch der Gewebelehre, 6th ed. Lecfzig, 18809. 

Leydig, Fr. — Zelle und Gewebe. Sonn, 1885. 

Schafer, E. A.—General Anatomy or Histology; in Quazn’s Anatomy, I., 2, 1oth 
ed. London, 1891. 

Schiefferdecker & Kossel. — Die Gewebe des Menschlichen KG6rpers. Braunschweig, 
I8gl. 

Schwarz, Fr.— Die morphologische und chemische Zusammensetzung des Proto- 
plasmas. Lreslau, 1887. 

Strasburger, E. — Zellbildung und Zellteilung, 3d ed. 1880. 

Id. — Das Botanische Practicum, 3d ed. /eva, 1897. 

Strasburger, Noll, Schenck, and Schimper.— Lehrbuch der Botanik, 3d ed. Jena, 
1897. 

Stricker, S.— Handbuch der Lehre von den Geweben. LezPzig, 1871. : 

Thoma, R.— Text-book of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy: trans. by 
Alex. Bruce. London, 1896. 

Van Beneden, E. — (See Lists II., IV.) 

De Vries, H. — Intracellulare Pangenesis. _/eva, 18809. 

Waldeyer, W.— Die neueren Ansichten iiber den Bau und das Wesen der Zelle: 
Deu'sch. Med. Wochenschr., Oct., Nov., 1895. 

Wiesner, J.— Die Elementarstruktur u. das Wachstum der lebenden Substanz: 
Wren, Holder. 1892. 

Wilson, E. B.— The Structure of Protoplasm: Journ. Morph. XV. Suppl.; also 
Wood's Holl Biol. Lectures, 1899. 

Zimmermann, A.— Beitrage zur Morphologie und Physiologie der Pflanzenzelle. 
Tiibingen, 1893. 

Id. — Die Morphologie und Physiologie des Pflanzlichen Zellkernes. _/ena, 1896. 


CEAPR TIER: Tt 
CELL-DIVISION 


“ Wo eine Zelle entsteht, da muss eine Zelle vorausgegangen sein, ebenso wie das Thier 
nur aus dem Thiere, die Pflanze nur aus der Pflanze entstehen kann. Auf diese Weise ist, 
wenngleich es einzelne Punkte im Kérper gibt, wo der strenge Nachweis noch nicht gelie- 
fert ist, doch das Princip gesichert, dass in der ganzen Reihe alles Lebendigen, dies mégen 
nun ganze Pflanzen oder thierische Organismen oder integrirende Theile derselben sein, ein 
ewiges Gesetz der continuirlichen Entwicklung besteht.” VircHow.! 


Tue law of genetic cellular continuity, first clearly stated by Vir- 

chow in the above words, has now become one of the primary data 
of biology, and the advance of research ‘s ever adding weight to the 
conclusion that the cell has no other mode of origin than by division 
of a preéxisting cell. In the multicellular organism all the tissue- 
cells arise by continued division from the original germ-cell, and 
this in its turn arises by the division of a cell preéxisting in the 
parent-body. By ce//-diviszon, accordingly, the hereditary substance 
is split off from the parent-body; and by cell-division, again, this 
substance is handed on by the fertilized egg-cell or o6sperm to every 
part of the body arising from it.? Cell-division is, therefore, one of 
the central facts of development and inheritance. 

The first two decades after Schleiden and Schwann (’40-’60) were 
occupied with researches, on the part both of botanists and of zool- 
ogists, which finally demonstrated the universality of this process 
and showed the authors of the cell-theory to have been in error in 
asserting the independent origin of cells out of a formative blastema.® 
The mechanism of cell-division was not precisely investigated until 
long afterward, but the researches of Remak (’41), Kolliker (’44), 
and others showed that an essential part of the process is a division 
of both the nucleus and the cell-body. In 1855 (/c., pp. 174, 175), and 
again in 1858, Remak gave as the general result of his researches 
the following synopsis or scheme of cell-division. Cell-division, he 
asserted, proceeds from the centre toward the periphery. It begins 
with the division of the nucleolus, is continued by simple constriction 
and division of the nucleus, and is completed by division of the cell- 


1 Cellularpathologie, p. 25, 1858. 2 Cf Introduction, p. 10. 

8 For a full historical account of this period, see Remak, Untersuchungen ither die Ent- 
wicklung der Wirbelthiere, 1855, pp. 164-180. Also Tyson on the Cell-doctrine and Sachs’s 
Geschichte der Botantk. 

63 


64 CELL-DIVISION 


body and membrane (Fig. 24). For many years this account was 
accepted, and no essential advance beyond Remak’s scheme was 
made for nearly twenty years. A number of isolated observations 
were, however, from time to time made, even at a very early period, 
which seemed to show that cell-division was by no means so simple 
an operation as Remak believed. In some cases the nucleus seemed 
to disappear entirely betore cell-division (the germinal vesicle of the 
ovum, according to Reichert, Von Baer, Robin, etc.); in others to 
become lobed or star-shaped, as described by Virchow and by Remak 
himself (Fig. 24,7). It was not until 1873 that the way was opened 
for a better understanding of the matter. In this year the discoveries 
of Anton Schneider, quickly followed by others in the same direction 
by Biitschli, Fol, Strasburger, Van Beneden, Flemming, and Hertwig, 
showed cell-division to be a far more elaborate process than had been 
supposed, and to involve a com- 
plicated transformation of the 
nucleus to which Schleicher 
S (78) afterward gave the name 
b e ot karyokinests. It soon ap- 
peared, however, that this mode 
of division was not of universal 
occurrence; and that cell-divi- 
sion is of two widely different 
types, which Van Beneden (’76) 
distinguished as fragmentation, 

Fig. 24.— Direct division of blood-cells in corresponding nearly to the 
the embrvo chick, illustrating Remak’s scheme. simple process described by 


é 


[REMAK] Remak, and a@zvzszon, involving 
a-e. Successive stages of division; /f cell tl licated 
dividing by mitosis. he more complicated process 


of karyokinesis. Three years 
later Flemming (’79) proposed to substitute for these the terms avec 
and zzdzrect division, which are still used. Still later (82) the same 
author suggested the terms 7zz¢oszs (indirect or karyokinetic division) 
and amztosts (direct or akinetic division), which have rapidly made 
their way into general use, though the earlier terms are often em- 
ployed. 

Modern research has demonstrated the fact that amitosis or direct 
division, regarded by Remak and his immediate followers as of uni- 
versal occurrence, is in reality a rare and exceptional process; and 
there is reason to believe, furthermore, that it 1s especially char- 
acteristic of highly specialized cells incapable of long-continued 
multiplication or such as are in the early stages of degeneration, for 
instance, in glandular epithelia and in the cells of transitory embry- 
onic envelopes, where it is of frequent occurrence. Whether this 


=A 5 ee 


OUTLINE OF INDIRECT DIVISION 65 


view be well founded or not, it is certain that in all the higher and in 
many of the lower forms of life, indirect division or mitosis is the 
typical mode of cell-division. It is by mitotic division that the germ- 
cells arise and are prepared for their union during the process of 
maturation, and by the same process the odsperm segments and gives 
rise to the tissue-cells. It occurs not only in the highest forms of 
plants and animals, but also in such simple forms as the rhizopods, 
flagellates, and diatoms. We may, therefore, justly regard it as the 
most general expression of the ‘‘eternal law of continuous develop- 
ment’”’ on which Virchow insisted. 


A. OUTLINE OF INDIRECT DIvIsION OR MiIrTosIs (KARYOKINESIS) 


In the present state of knowledge it is somewhat difficult to give a 
connected general account of mitosis, owing to the uncertainty that 
hangs over the nature and functions of the centrosome. For the pur- 
pose of the following preliminary outline, we shall take as a type 
mitosis in which a distinct and persistent centrosome is present, as 
has been most clearly determined in the maturation and cleavage of 
various animal eggs, and in the division of the testis-cells. In such 
cases the process involves three parallel series of changes, which affect 
the nucleus, the centrosome, and the cytoplasm of the cell-body 
respectively. For descriptive purposes it may conveniently be divided 
into a series of successive stages or phases, which, however, graduate 
into one another and are separated by no well-defined limits. These 
are: (1) The Prophases, or preparatory changes; (2) the Mesaphase, 
which involves the most essential step in the division of the nucleus ; 
(3) the Axaphases, in which the nuclear material is distributed ; (4) the 
Telophases, in which the entire cell divides and the daughter-cells are 
formed. 

1. Prophases.—(a) The Nucleus. As the cell prepares for division, 
the most conspicuous fact is a transformation of the nuclear substance, 
involving both physical and chemical changes. The chromatin-sub- 
stance rapidly increases in staining-power, loses its net-like arrange- 
ment, and finally gives rise to a definite number of separate intensely 
staining bodies, usually rod-shaped, known as chromosomes. Asa rule 
this process, exemplified by the dividing cells of the salamander-epi- 
dermis (Fig. 1) or those of plant-meristem (Fig. 2), takes place as fol- 
lows. The chromatin resolves itself little by little into a more or less 
convoluted thread, known as the s#ezz (Knauel) or spzveme, and its sub- 
stance stains far more intensely than that of the reticulum (Fig. 25). 
The spireme-thread is at first fine and closely convoluted, forming the 
“close spireme.” Later the thread thickens and shortens and the 


F 


66 CELL-DIVISION 


convolution becomes more open (‘‘open spireme”’). In some cases 
there is but a single continuous thread; in others, the thread is from 


Fig. 25. — Diagrams showing the prophases of mitosis. 


A. Resting cell with reticular nucleus and true nucleolus; at ¢ the attraction-sphere containing 
two centrosomes. Z. Early prophase; the chromatin forming a continuous sfzveme, nucleolus still 
present; above, the amphiaster (a). C. D. Two different types of later prophases. C. Disappear- 
ance of the primary spindle, divergence of the centrosomes to opposite poles of the nucleus (exam- 
ples, some plant-cells, cleavage-stages of many eggs). DD. Persistence of the primary spindle (to 
form in some cases the “‘ central spindle’’), fading of the nuclear membrane, ingrowth of the astral 
rays, segmentation of the spireme-thread to form the chromosomes (examples, epidermal cells of 
salamander, formation of the polar bodies). 2. Later prophase of type C; fading of the nuclear 
membrane at the poles, formation of a new spindle inside the nucleus; precocious splitting of the 
chromosomes. (the latter not characteristic of this type alone). / The mitotic figure established ; 
ep. the equatorial plate of chromosomes. (C/ Figs. 21, 27, 32, etc.) 


‘OUTLINE OF INDIRECT DIVISION 67 


its first appearance divided into a number of separate pieces or seg- 
ments, forming a segmented spireme. In either case it ultimately 
breaks transversely to form the chvomosomes, which in most cases have 
the form of rods, straight or curved, though they are sometimes spher- 
ical or ovoidal, and in certain cases may be joined together in the 
form of rings. The staining-power of the chromatin is now at a maxi- 
mum. Asarule the nuclear membrane meanwhile fades away and 
finally disappears, though there are some cases in which it persists 
more or less completely through all the phases of division. The 
chromosomes now lie naked in the cell, and the ground-substance 
of the nucleus becomes continuous with the surrounding cytoplasm 
ies 25020) Ei) 

The remarkable fact has now been established with high probability 
that every species of plant or animal has a fixed and characteristic num- 
ber of chromosomes, which regularly recurs in the division of all of its 
cells; and in all forms arising by sexual reproduction the number ts 
even. Thus, in some of the sharks the number is 36; in certain gas- 
teropods it is 32; in the mouse, the salamander, the trout, the lily, 24 ; 
in the worm Sag7¢ta, 18; in the ox, guinea-pig, and in man ? the num- 
ber is said to be 16, and the same number is characteristic of the onion. 
In the grasshopper it is 12; in the hepatic Pa/lavicinta and some of 
the nematodes, 8; and in Ascarzs, another thread-worm, 4 or 2. In the 
crustacean Arfemza it is 168.2. Under certain conditions, it is true, 
the number of chromosomes may be less than the normal in a given 
species; but these variations are only apparent exceptions (p. 87). 
The even number of chromosomes is a most interesting fact, which, as 
will appear hereafter (p. 205), is due to the derivation of one-half the 
number from each of the parents. 

The nucleoli differ in their behaviour in different cases. Net-knots, 
or chromatin-nucleoli, contribute to the formation of the chromosomes ; 
and in cases such as Sfzrogyra (Meunier, 86, and Moll, ’93) or Acéz- 
nospherium (R. Hertwig, 99), where the whole of the chromatin is at 
one period concentrated into a single mass, the whole chromatic figure 
thus appears to arise from a “nucleolus.” True nucleoli or plasmo- 
somes sooner or later disappear; and the greater number of observers 
agree that they do not take part in the chromosome-formation. Ina 
considerable number of forms (e.g. during the formation of the polar 


1 The spireme-formation is by no means an invariable occurrence in mitosis. In a consid- 
erable number of cases the chromatin-network resolves itself directly into the chromosomes, 
the chromatic substance becoming concentrated in separate masses which never form a con- 
tinuous thread. Such cases are connected by various gradations with the “segmented spi- 
reme.” 

2 Flemming believes the number in man to be considerably greater than 16. 

3 For a more complete list see p. 206. 


68 CELL-DIVISION 


bodies in various eggs) the nucleolus is cast out into the cytoplasm as 
the spindle forms, to persist as a “ metanucleus’”’ for some time before 
its final disappearance (Fig. 104). More commonly the nucleolus 
fades away 7 stfu, sometimes breaking into fragments meanwhile, 
while the chromosomes and spindle are forming. The fate of the 
material is in this case only conjectural. An interesting view is that 
of Strasburger ('95, 97), who suggests that the true nucleoli are to be 
regarded as storehouses of “kinoplasmic”” material, which is either 
‘directly used in the formation of the spindle, or, upon being cast out 
of the nucleus, adds to the cytoplasmic store of “kinoplasm” avail- 
able for future mitosis. 

(6) The Amphiaster. Meanwhile, more or less nearly parallel with 
these changes in the chromatin, a complicated structure known as the 
amphiaster (Fol, ’77) makes its appearance in the position formerly 
occupied by the nucleus (Fig. 25, 4—/). This structure consists of 
a fibrous spindle-shaped body, the sfzvd/e, at either pole of which is 
a star or aster formed of rays or astral fibres radiating into the sur- 
rounding cytoplasm, the whole strongly suggesting the arrangement 
of iron filings in the field of a horseshoe magnet. The centre of each 
aster is occupied by a minute body, known as the ceztrosome (Boveri, 
’88), which may be surrounded by a spherical mass known as the 
centrosphere (Strasburger, ’93). As the amphiaster forms, the chro- 
mosomes group themselves in a plane passing through the equator of 
the spindle, and thus form what is known as the eguwatortal plate. 

The amphiaster arises under the influence of the centrosome of the 
resting cell, which divides into two similar halves, an aster being 
developed around each while a spindle stretches between them (Figs. 
25,27). In most cases this process begins outside the nucleus, but 
the subsequent phenomena vary considerably in different forms. In 
some forms (tissue-cells of the salamander) the amphiaster at first lies 
tangentially outside the nucleus, and as the nuclear membrane fades 
away, some of the astral rays grow into the nucleus from the side, 
become attached to the chromosomes, and finally pull them into _posi-_ 
tion around the equator of the spindle, which is here called the cev- - 
tral spindle (Figs. 25, D, F; 27). In other cases the original spindle 
disappears, and the two asters pass to opposite poles of the nucleus 
(some plant mitoses and in many animal-cells). A spindle is now 
formed from rays that grow into the nucleus from each aster, the 
nuclear membrane fading away at the poles, though in some cases it 
may be pushed in by the spindle-fibres for some distance before its 
disappearance (Figs. 25, 32). In this case there is apparently no 
central spindle. In a few exceptional cases, finally, the amphiaster 
may arise inside the nucleus (p. 304). 

The entire structure, resulting from the foregoing changes, is 


OUTLINE OF INDIRECT DIVISION 69 


known as the karyokinetic or mitotic figure. It may be described as 
consisting of two distinct parts; namely, 1, the chromatic figure, 
formed by the deeply staining chromosomes; and, 2, the achromatic 
figure, consisting of the spindle and asters which, in general, stain 
but slightly. The fibrous substance of the achromatic figure is gener- 


1 | Z 


Fig. 26.— Diagrams of the later phases of mitosis. 


G. Metaphase; splitting of the chromosomes (e./.). 2. The cast-off nucleolus. A. Ana- 
phase ; the daughter-chromosomes diverging, between them the interzonal-fibres (7.7), or central 
spindle ; centrosomes already doubled in anticipation of the ensuing division. /. Late anaphase 
or telophase, showing division of the cell-body, mid-body at the equator of the spindle and begin- 
ning reconstruction of the daughter-nuclei. 9%. Division completed. 


ally known as archoplasm (Boveri, ’88), but this term is not applied 
to the centrosome within the aster. 

2. Metaphase. — The prophases of mitosis are, on the whole, pre- 
paratory in character. The metaphase, which follows, forms the 
initial phase of actual division. Each chromosome splits lengthwise 
into two exactly similar halves, which afterward diverge to opposite 
poles of the spindle, and here each group of daughter-chromosomes 


70 CELL-DIVISION 

finally gives rise to a daughter-nucleus (Fig. 26). In some cases 
the splitting of the chromosomes cannot be seen until they have 
grouped themselves in the equatorial plane of the spindle; and it is 
only in this case that the term ‘‘metaphase”’ can be applied to the 
mitotic figure as a whole. In a large number of cases, however, the 
splitting may take place at an earlier period in the spireme-stage, or 
even, in a few cases, in the reticulum of the mother-nucleus (Figs. 
54, 55). Such variations do not, however, affect the essential fact 
that the chromatic network 7s converted into a thread’ which, whether 
continuous or atscontinuous, splits throughout tts entire length into 
two exactly equivalent halves. The splitting of the chromosomes, 
discovered by Flemming in 1880, is the most significant and funda- 
mental operation of cell-division; for by it, as Roux first pointed out 
(’83), the entire substance of the chromatic network is precisely halved, 
and the daughter-nuclet receive precisely equivalent portions of chro- 
matin from the mother-nucleus. It is very important to observe that 
the xuclear division always shows this exact quality, whether division 
of the cell-body be equal or unequal. The minute polar body, for 
example (p. 238), receives exactly the same amount of chromatin as 
the egg, though the latter is of gigantic size as compared with the 
former. On the other hand, the size of the asters varies with that 
‘of the daughter-cells (Figs. 58, 175), though not in strict ratio. The 
fact is one of great significance for the general theory of mitosis, 
as will appear beyond. 

3. Anaphases.— After splitting of the chromosomes, the daughter- 
chromosomes, arranged in two corresponding groups,” diverge to oppo- 
site poles of the spindle, where they become closely crowded in a mass 
near the centre of the aster. As they diverge, the two groups of 
daughter-chromosomes are connected by a bundle of achromatic 
fibres, stretching across the interval between them, and known as the 
intersonal fibres or connecting fibres.® In some cases these differ in a 
marked degree from the other spindle-fibres; and they are believed 
by many observers to have an entirely different origin and function. 
A view now widely held is that of Hermann, who regards these fibres 
as belonging to a central spindle, surrounded by a peripheral layer 
of mantle-fibres to which the chromosomes are attached, and only 
exposed to view as the chromosomes separate.t| Almost invariably 
in the division of plant-cells and often in that of animal cells these 


1 Tt was this fact that led Flemming to employ the word m¢oszs (uitos, a thread). 

2 This stage is termed by Flemming the dyas¢er, a term which should, however, be aban- 
doned in order to avoid confusion with the earlier word amphiaster. ‘The latter convenient 
and appropriate term clearly has priority. 

3 Verbindungsfasern of German authors ; filaments réunissants of Van Beneden. 

S1Gi [Bs MOB. 


= 


OUTLINE OF INDIRECT DIVISION 71 


fibres show during this period a series of deeply staining thickenings 
in the equatorial plane forming the ce//-plate or mid-body. In plant- 
mitoses this is a very conspicuous structure (Fig. 34). In animal cells 
the mid-body is usually less developed and sometimes rudimentary, 
being represented by only a few granules or even a single one 
(Fig. 29). Its later history is described below. 

4. Lelophases.—In the final phases of mitosis, the entire cell 
divides in two in a plane passing through the equator of the spindle, 
each of the daughter-cells receiving a group of chromosomes, half of 
the spindle, and one of the asters with its centrosome. Meanwhile, 
a daughter-nucleus is reconstructed in each cell from the group of 
chromosomes it contains. The nature of this process differs greatly 
in different kinds of cells. Sometimes, as in the epithelial cells of 
Amphibia, especially studied by Flemming and Rabl, and in many 
plant-cells, the daughter-chromosomes become thickened, contorted, 
and closely crowded to form a daughter-spireme, closely similar to that 
of the mother-nucleus (Fig. 29); this becomes surrounded by a mem- 
brane, the threads give forth branches, and thus produce a reticular 
nucleus. A somewhat similar set of changes takes place in the seg- 
menting eggs of Ascarzs (Van Beneden, Boveri). In other cases, as 
in many segmenting ova, each chromosome gives rise to a hollow 
vesicle, after which the vesicles fuse together to produce a singl® 
nucleus (Fig. 52).» When first formed, the daughter-nuclei are of 
equal size. If, however, division of the cell-body has been unequal, 
the nuclei become, in the end, correspondingly unequal —a fact 
which, as Conklin and others have pointed out, proves that the size 
of the nucleus is controlled by that of the cytoplasmic mass in which 
it lies. 
~ The fate of the achromatic structures varies considerably, and has 
been accurately determined in only a few cases. As a rule, the 
spindle-fibres disappear more or less completely, but a portion of 
their substance sometimes persists in a modified form (e.g. the 
Nebenkern, p. 163). In dividing plant-cells, the cell-plate finally 
extends across the entire cell and splits into two layers, between 
which appears the membrane by which the daughter-cells are cut 
apart.1 A nearly similar process occurs in a few animal cells,? but 
as a rule the cell-plate is here greatly reduced and forms no mem- 
brane, the cell dividing by constriction through the equatorial plane. 
Even in this case, however, the division-plane is often indicated 
before division takes place by a peculiar modification of the cyto- 
plasm in the equatorial plane outside the spindle (Fig. 30). This 
region is sometimes called the cytoplasmic plate, in contradistinction 
to the spzndle- plate, or mid-body proper. In the prophases and meta- 


1 Cf. Strasburger, 98. 2 Gp Hoffmann, 098. 


72 CELL-DIVISTON 


phases the astral rays often cross one another in the equatorial region 
outside the spindle. During the anaphases, however, this crossing 
disappears, the rays from the two asters now meeting at an angle 
along the cytoplasmic plate (Fig. 31). Constriction and division of 
the cell then occur.! 
~The aster may in some cases entirely disappear, together with the 
centrosome (as occurs in the mature egg). In a large number of 
cases, however, the centrosome persists, lying either outside or more 
rarely inside the nucleus and dividing into two at a very early period. 
This division is clearly a precocious preparation for the ensuing divi- 
sion of the daughter-cell, and it is a remarkable fact that it occurs as 
a rule during the early anaphase, before the mother-cell itself has 
divided. There are apparently, however, some cases in which the 
centrosome remains undivided during the resting stage and only 
divides as the process of mitosis begins. 

Like the centrosome, the aster or its central portion may persist in 
a more or less modified form throughout the resting state of the cell, 
forming a structure generally known as the attraction-sphere.* This 
body often shows a true astral structure with radiating fibres (Figs. 
8, 49); but it is sometimes reduced to a regular spherical mass which 
may represent only a portion of the original aster (Fig. 7). 


B. ORIGIN OF THE MITOTIC FIGURE 


The nature and source of the material from which the mitotic 
figure arises form a problem that has been almost continuously under 
discussion since the first discovery of mitosis, and is even now but 
partially solved. The discussion relates, however, almost solely to 
the achromatic figure (centrosome, spindle, and asters); for every one 
is agreed that the chromatic figure (chromosomes) is directly derived 
from the chromatin-network, as described above, so that there is no 
breach in the continuity of the chromatin from one cell-generation to 
another. With the achromatic figure the case is widely different. 
The material of the spindle and asters must be derived from the 
nucleus, from the cytoplasm, or from both; and most of the earlier 
research was devoted to an endeavour to decide between these 
possibilities. The earliest observers (73-75) supposed the achro- 
matic figure to disappear entirely at the close of cell-division, and 
most of them (Biitschli, Strasburger, Van Beneden, ’75) believed 
it to be re-formed at each succeeding division out of the nuclear 
substance. The entire mitotic figure was thus conceived as a 
metamorphosed nucleus. Later researches (’75-’85) gave contradic- 


1See p. 318. Cf Kostanecki, ’97, and Hoffmann, ’08. 


ORIGIN OF THE MITOTIC FIGURE 73 


tory and apparently irreconcilable results. Fol (’79) derived the 
spindle from the nuclear material, the asters from the cytoplasm. 
Strasburger (’80) asserted that the entire achromatic figure arose 


Fig. 27.— The prophases of mitosis (heterotypical form) in primary spermatocytes of 
Salamandra. {[MEVES.] 


A, Early segmented spireme; two centrosomes outside the nucleus in the remains of the 
attraction-sphere. &. Longitudinal splitting of the spireme, appearance of the astral rays, disin- 
tegration of the sphere. C. Early amphiaster and central spindle. 2. Chromosomes in the form 
of rings, nuclear membrane disappeared, amphiaster enlarging, mantle-fibres developing. 


from the cytoplasm, and to that view, in a modified form, he still 
adheres. Flemming (’82), on the whole, inclined to the opinion 
that the achromatic figure arose inside the nucleus, yet expressed the 


74 CELL-DIVISTON 


opinion that the question of nuclear or cytoplasmic origin was one of 
minor importance. A long series of later researches on both plants 
and animals has fully sustained this opinion, showing that the origin 
of the achromatic figure does in fact differ in different cases. Thus 
in Infusoria the entire mitotic figure is of intranuclear origin (there 
are, however, no asters); in echinoderm eggs the spindle is of nuclear, 
the asters of cytoplasmic, origin; in the testis-cells and some tissue- 
cells of the salamander, a complete amphiaster is first formed in the 
cytoplasm, but to this are afterward added elements probably derived 
from the linin-network; while in higher plants there is some reason 
to believe that the entire achromatic figure may be of cytoplasmic 
origin. Such differences need not surprise us when we reflect that 
the achromatic part of the nucleus (linin-network, etc.) is probably of 
the same general nature as the cytoplasm. 

Many observers have maintained that the material of the astral 
rays and spindle-fibres is directly derived from the substance of the 
protoplasmic meshwork, whether nuclear, cytoplasmic, or both; but 
its precise origin has long been a subject of debate. This question, 
critically considered in Chapter VI., will be here only briefly sketched. 
By Klein (78), Van Beneden (’83), Carnoy (84, ’85), and a large num- 
ber of later observers, the achromatic fibres, both of spindles and of 
asters, are regarded as identical with those of a preéxisting reticulum 
which have merely assumed a radiating arrangement about the cen- 
trosome. The amphiaster has, therefore, no independent existence, 
but is merely an image, as it were, somewhat like the bipolar figure 
arising when iron filings are strewn in the field of a horseshoe magnet. 
Boveri, on the other hand, who has a small but increasing following, 
maintains that the amphiastral fibres are not identical with those of 
the preéxisting meshwork, but a new formation which, as it were, 
“crystallizes anew’’ out of the general protoplasmic substance. The 
amphiaster is therefore a new and independent structure, arising in, 
or indirectly from, the preéxisting material, but not by a direct mor- 
phological transformation of that material. This view, which has 
been advocated by Driiner (’94), Braus (’95), Meves ('97, 4, '98), 
and with which my own later observations (’99) also agree, is more 
fully discussed at page 318. 

In 1887 an important forward step was taken through the inde- 
pendent discovery by Van Beneden and Boveri that in the egg of 
Ascaris the centrosome does not disappear at the close of mitosis, but 
remains as a distinct cell-organ lying beside the nucleus in the cyto- 


1 Tn the case of echinoderm eggs, I have found reason (’95, 2) for the conclusion that the 
spindie-fibres are derived not merely from the linin-substance, but also from the chromatin. 
Despite some adverse criticism, I have found no reason to change my opinion on this point. 
The possible significance of such a derivation is indicated elsewhere (p. 302). 


ORIGIN OF THE MITOTIC FIGURE 75 


plasm. These investigators agreed that the amphiaster is formed 
under the influence of the centrosome, which by its division creates 
two new “centres of attraction” about which the astral systems arise, 
and which form the foci of the entire dividing system. In them are 
centred the fibrillee of the astral system, toward them the daughter- 


Fig. 28.— Metaphase and anaphases of mitosis in cells (spermatocytes) of the salamander. 
[DRUNER.] 

&. Metaphase. The continuous central spindle-fibres pass from pole to pole of the spindle. 
Outside them the thin layer of contractile mantle-fibres attached to the divided chromosomes, of 
which only two are shown. Centrosomes and asters. /. Transverse section through the mitotic 
figure showing the ring of chromosomes surrounding the central spindle, the cut fibres of the latter 
appearing as dots. G. Anaphase; divergence of the daughter-chromosomes, exposing the cen- 
tral spindle as the interzonal fibres; contractile fibres (principal cones of Van Beneden) clearly 
shown. “7. Later anaphase (dyaster of Flemming); the central spindle fully exposed to view; 
mantle-fibres attached to the chromosomes. Immediately afterward the cell divides (see Fig. 29). 


chromosomes proceed, and within their respective spheres of influ- 
ence are formed the resulting daughter-cells. Both Van Beneden and 
Boveri fully recognized the importance of their discovery. ‘‘We are 
justified,” said Van Beneden, “in regarding the attraction-sphere with 
its central corpuscle as forming a permanent organ, not only of the 
early blastomeres, but of all cells, and as constituting a cell-organ equal 


76 CELL-DIVISION 
in rank to the nucleus itself; and we may conclude that every central 
corpuscle is derived from a preéxisting corpuscle, every attraction- 
sphere from a preéxisting sphere, and that division of the sphere 
precedes that of the cell-nucleus.”! Boveri expressed himself in 
similar terms regarding the centrosome in the same year (’87, 2, 
p. 153), and the same general result was reached by Vejdovsky 
nearly at the same time,” though it was less clearly formulated than 
by either Boveri or Van Beneden. 

~All these observers agreed, therefore, that the achromatic figure 
arose outside the nucleus, in the cytoplasm; that the primary impulse 
to cell-division was given, not by the nucleus, but by the centrosome, 
and that a new cell-organ had been discovered whose special office 


Fig. 29. — Final phases (telephases) of mitosis in salamander cells. [FLEMMING.] 


7. Epithelial cell from the lung; chromosomes at the poles of the spindle, the cell-body divid- 
ing; granules of the ‘‘mid-body” or Zwischenkérper at the equator of the disappearing spindle. 
F. Connective tissue-cell (lung) immediately after division; daughter-nuclei reforming, the cen- 
trosome just outside of each; mid-body a single granule in the middle of the remains of the 
spindle. 


was to preside over cell-division. ‘The centrosome is an indepen- 
dent permanent cell-organ, which, exactly like the chromatic elements, 
is transmitted by division to the daughter-cells. Zhe centrosome rep- 
resents the dynamic centre of Cells 

That the centrosome does in many cases, especially in embryonic 
cells, behave in the manner stated by Van Beneden and Boveri seems 
at present to admit of no doubt; and it has been shown to occur in 


LS 75D 2G 288; pp: E5 is ete: S Boveri; 207.) 25) po Wha. 


ORIGIN OF THE MITOTIC FIGURE TS 


many kinds of adult tissue-cells during their resting state ; for example 
in pigment-cells, leucocytes, connective tissue-cells, epithelial and 
endothelial cells, in certain gland-cells and nerve-cells, in the cells 
of some plant-tissues, and in some of the unicellular plants and ani- 
mals, such as the diatoms and flagellates and rhizopods. On the other 
hand, Van Beneden’s conception of the attraction-sphere has proved 
untenable; for this structure has been clearly shown in some cases 
to disintegrate and disappear at the close or the beginning of mitosis! 
(Eig. 27): 

Whether the centrosome theory can be maintained is still in doubt ; 
but evidence against it has of late rapidly accumulated. 

In the first place, it has been shown that the primary impulse to 
cell-division cannot be given by fission of the centrosome, for there are 
several accurately determined cases in which the chromatin-elements 
divide independently of the centrosome, and it is now generally agreed 
that the division of chromatin and centrosome are two parallel events, 
the nexus between which still remains undetermined.” 

Secondly, an increasing number of observers assert the total disap- 
pearance of the centrosome at the close of mitosis ; while some very 
convincing observations have been made favouring the view that cen- 
trosomes may be formed de xovo without connection with preexisting 
ones (pp. 213, 305). 

Thirdly, a large number of recent observers (including Strasburger 
and many of his pupils) of mitosis in the flowering plants and 
pteridophytes agree that in these forms mo centrosome exists at any 
stage of mitosis, the centre of the aster being occupied by a vague 
reticular mass, and the entire achromatic figure arising by the 
gradual grouping of fibrous cytoplasmic elements (kinoplasm or 
filar plasm) about the nuclear elements.*?» If we can assume the cor- 
rectness of these observations, the centrosome-theory must be greatly 
modified, and the origin of the amphiaster becomes a far more com- 
plex problem than it appeared under the hypothesis of Van Beneden 
and Boveri. That such is indeed the case is indicated by nothing 
more strongly than by Boveri’s own remarkable recent experiments 
on cell-division (referred to at page 108). 


C. DeErarirs or MiIrTosis 


Comparative study has shown that almost every detail of the pro- 
cesses described above is subject to variation in different forms of cells. 
Before considering some of these modifications it may be well to point 
out what we are at present justified in regarding as its essential 


LGR pase: 2 Cf p. 108. 3 Cf p. 82. 


78 CELI-DIVISION 


features. These are:(1) The formation of the chromatic and achro- 
matic figures; (2) the longitudinal splitting of the chromosomes or 
spireme-thread; (3) the transportal of the chromatin-halves to the 
respective daughter-cells. Each of these three events is endlessly 
varied in detail ; yet the essential phenomena are everywhere the same, 
with one important exception relating to the division of the chromo- 
somes that occursin the maturation of certain eggs and spermatozoa.! 
It may be stated further that the study of mitosis in some of the iower 
forms (Protozoa) gives reason to believe that the asters are of second- 
ary importance as compared with the spindle, and that the formation 
of spireme and chromosomes is but tributary to the division of the 
smaller chromatin-masses of which they are made up. 


1. Varieties of the Mitotic Figure 


(a) The Achromatic Figure. The phenomena involved in the his- 
tory of the achromatic figure are in general most clearly displayed 
in embryonic or rapidly dividing cells, especially in egg-cells (Figs. 
31, 60), where the asters attain an enormous development, and the 
centrosomes are especially distinct. In adult tissue-cells the asters 
are relatively small and difficult of demonstration, the spindle large 
and distinct; and this is particularly striking in the cells of higher 
plants where the asters are but imperfectly developed. Plant-mitoses 
are characterized by the prominence of the cell-plate (Fig. 34), which 
is rudimentary or often wanting in animals, a fact correlated no 
doubt with the greater development of the cellmembrane in plants. 
With this again is correlated the fact that division of the cell-body in 
animal cells generally takes place by constriction in the equatorial 
plane of the spindle; while in plant-cells the cell is usually cut in 
two by a cell-wall developed in the substance of the protoplasm and 
derived in large part from the cell-plate. 

In animal cells we may distinguish two general types in the forma- 
tion of the amphiaster, which are, however, connected by interme- 
diate gradations. In the first of these, typically illustrated by the 
division of epithelial and testis-cells in the salamander (Flemming, 
Hermann, Driiner, Meves), a complete amphiaster is first formed in 
the cytoplasm outside the nucleus, while the nuclear membrane is 
still intact. As the latter fades away and the chromosomes appear, 
some of the astral rays grow into the nuclear space and become 
attached to the chromosomes, which finally arrange themselves in a 
ring about the original spindle (Figs. 27, 28). In the completed 
amphiaster, therefore, we may distinguish the original ceztral spindle 
(Hermann, 91) from the surrounding mantle-fibres, the latter being 


1 Cf. Chapter V. 


¥ 


DETAILS OF MITOSIS 79 


attached to the chromosomes, and being, according to Hermann, the 
principal agents by which the daughter-chromosomes are dragged 
apart. The mantle-fibres thus form two hollow cones or half-spin- 
dles, separated at their bases by the chromosomes and completely 
surrounding the continuous fibres of the central spindle, which come 
into view as the “interzonal fibres’ during the anaphases (Fig. 28). 

There is still considerable uncertainty regarding the origin and 
relation of these two sets of fibres. It is now generally agreed with 
Van Beneden that the mantle-fibres are essentially a part of the 
asters, z.c. are simply those astral rays that come into connection 
with the chromosomes — 
wholly cytoplasmic in ori- 
gin (Hermann, Driiner, 
MacFarland), or in part 
cytoplasmic, in part dif- 
ferentiated from the linin- 
network (Flemming, 
Meves). Driiner (95), 
Braus (’95) (salamander), 
and MacFarland (P/ezro- 
phyllidia, ’97) believe the 
central spindle to arise 
secondarily through the 
union of two opposing 
groups of astral rays in 
the area between the 
centrosomes. On, the 
other hand, Hermann 
Cor), Flemming (91), 
Heidenhain (94), Kos- 


: Fig. 30.— Mid-body in embryonic cells of Limax. [HOFF- 
fanecki, (797), Wan der ee 


Stricht (98 ): and others Earlier stage above, showing thickenings along the line 


of cleavage. Later stage, below, showing spindle-plate and 


believethe central spindle ¢ytopiasmic plate. 


to exist from the first in 

the form of fibres stretching between the diverging centrosomes; and 
Heidenhain believes them to be developed from a special substance, 
forming a “ primary centrodesmus,” which persists in the resting cell, 
and in which the centrosomes are embedded.! MacFarland’s observa- 
tions on gasteropod-eggs (’97) indicate that even nearly related forms 
may differ in the origin of the central spindle, since in Pleurophyllidia 
it is of secondary origin, as described above, while in Diaulula it is a 
primary structure developed from what he describes as the “centro- 
some,” but which, as shown at page 314, is probably to be regarded as 


F an Gf pe SUS 


2 


890 CELL-DIVISION 


an attraction-sphere surrounding the centrosomes, and is perhaps 
comparable to Heidenhain’s ‘ centrodesmus.”’ 

In the second type, illustrated in the cleavage of echinoderm, 
annelid, molluscan, and some other eggs, a central spindle may be 
formed, — sometimes already during the anaphases of the preceding 
mitosis (Figs. 99, 155), — but afterward disappears, the asters moving 


Fig. 31.— The middle phases ot mitosis in the first cleavage of the Ascaris-egg. [BOVERI.] 


A. Closing prophase, the equatorial plate forming. 2. Metaphase; equatorial plate estab- 
lished and the chromosomes split; 4. the equatorial plate, viewed ez face, showing the four chro- 
mosomes. C. Early anaphase; divergence of the daughter-chromosomes (polar body at one 
side). J. Later anaphase; Z. 4. second polar body. 

(For preceding stages see Fig. 90; for later stages Fig. 145.) 


to opposite poles of the nucleus. Between these two poles a new 
spindle is then formed in the nuclear area, while astral rays grow 
out into the cytoplasm. There is strong evidence that in this case 
the entire spindle may arise inside the nucleus, z.e. from the sub- 
stance of the linin-network, as occurs, for example, in the eggs of 
echinoderms (Fig. 25, £), and in the testis-cells of arthropods. In 
other cases, however, a part at least of the spindle is of cytoplasmic 


4 
. 
| 
7 
| 


DETAILS OF MITOSIS SI 


origin, since the ends of the spindle begin to form before dissolution 
of the nuclear membrane, and the latter is pushed inwards in folds 
by the ingrowing fibres (Figs. 25, C, 99).! In some cases, however, 
it seems certain that the nuclear membrane fades away before com- 
pletion of the spindle (first maturation-division of Z7halassema, Che- 
topterus), and it is probable that the middle region of the spindle is 
here formed from the linin-network. In most, if not all, mitoses of 
the second type the chromosomes do not form a ring about the 
equator of the spindle, but extend in a flat plate completely through 


G 7 \— 


Fig. 32. — Mitosis in Sf#pocaulon. [SWINGLE.] 


See 


A. Early prophase with single aster and centrosome. Z&. Initial formation of intranuclear 
spindle. C. Divergence of the daughter-centrosomes. J. Early anaphase; nuclear membrane 
still intact. 


its substance. Here, therefore, it is impossible to speak of a “ cen- 
tral spindle.” It is nevertheless probable that the spindle-fibres are 
of two kinds, viz. continuous fibres, which form the interzonal fibres 
seen during the anaphases, and half-spindle fibres, extending only 
from the poles to the chromosomes. It is possible that these two 
kinds of fibres, though having the same origin, respectively corre- 


1Cf Platner (’86) on Arion and Lepidoptera, Watasé (’91) on. Loligo, Braus (’95) on 
Triton, and Griffin (’96, 99) on Thalassema. Erlanger (’97, 5) endeavours to show that in 
the mitosis of embryonic cells in the cephalopods (Sefiz), where the inpushing of the mem- 
brane was previously shown by Watasé, the entire spindle arises from the nucleus. 
G 


82 CELL-DIVISION 


spond in function to those of the central spindle and to the mantle- 
fibres. It seems probable that the difference between the two types 
of spindle-formation may be due to, or is correlated with, the fact 
that the nuclear transformation takes place relatively earlier in the 
first type. When the nucleus lags behind the spindle-formation the 
centrosomes take up their position prematurely, as it were, the cen- 
tral spindle disappearing to make way for the nucleus. 

It is in the mitosis of plant-cells that the most remarkable type of 
achromatic figure has been observed. In some of the lower forms 
(Algae) mitosis has been clearly shown to conform nearly to the 
process observed in animal cells, the amphiaster being provided with 
very large asters and distinct centrosomes, and its genesis corre- 
sponding broadly with the second type described above (Figs. 32, 33), 
though with some interesting modifications of detail... Swingle (97) 
describes in Sztytopocaulon a process closely similar to that seen in 
many animal cells, the minute but very distinct centrosomes being 
surrounded by quite typical cytoplasmic asters, passing to opposite 
poles of the nucleus, and a spindle then developing between them 
out of the achromatic nuclear substance (Fig. 32). In the flowering 
plants and pteridophytes, on the other hand, mitosis seems to be of a 
quite different type, apparently taking place zz the enitre absence of 
centrosomes. Guignard (’91, 1, 92, 2) clearly described and figured 
typical centrosomes and attraction-spheres both in the ordinary 
mitosis (Fig. 34) and in the fertilization of the higher plants, giving 
an account of their behaviour nearly agreeing with the views then 
prevailing among zodlogists. Although these accounts have been 
supported by some other workers,” and have recently been in part 
reiterated by Guignard himself (’98, 1), they have not been sustained 
by some of the best and most careful later observers, who describe a 
mode of spindle-formation differing radically from that seen in thal- 
lophytes and in animals generally.* According to these observations, 
begun by Farmer and Belajeff, and strongly sustained by the care- 
ful studies of Osterhout, Mottier, Nemec, and others, the achromatic 
figure is almost wholly of cytoplasmic origin, arising from a fibrillar 
material (“‘kinoplasm ” or “ filar plasm,” of Strasburger), which at the 
beginning of mitosis forms a net-like mass surrounding the nucleus, 
from which fibrillz radiate out into the cytoplasm. As the nuclear 
membrane fades, these fibrille, continually increasing, invade the 
nuclear area, gather themselves into bundles, converging to a number 

1 See especially Swingle (’97) on Sphacelariacee, Strasburger (’97) on Fucus, Mottier 
(98) on Dictyota ; cf. also Harper (’97) on Erysiphe and Peziza. 

2 Cf. Schaffner (98), Fulmer (’98). 

3 See Osterhout (’97) on Egutsetum, Mottier (’97, 1, °97, 2) on Lz/izm, Lawson (’98) on 


Cobaa, Nemec (’99) on Allium, Debski (’97, ’99) on Chara, also Belajeff (94) and 
Farmer (’95). 


DETAILS OF MITOSIS 83 


of centres (without centrosomes), and thus give rise to an irregular 
multipolar figure (Figs. 36, 133). This figure finally resolves itself 
into a definite bipolar spindle which is devoid of centrosomes, and 
in the earlier stages also of asters, though in the later phases some- 
what irregular asters are formed. On the basis of these observations 
Mottier! proposes to distinguish provisionally two well-defined types 
of mitosis in plants which he designates as the “thallophyte”’ and the 
““cormophyte” types. The latter seems wholly irreconcilable with 
the process observed in animal-cells ; for the whole course of spindle- 
formation seems diametrically opposed in the two cases, and should 
the cormophyte-type be established it would, to say the least, greatly 
restrict the application of the centrosome-theory of Van Beneden and 
Boveri. Only future re- 
search can definitely de- 
termine the question. 
There can be no doubt 
that the descriptions of 
Guignard and his follow- 
ers do not rest upon pure 
imagination ; for it is easy 
to observe at the spindle- 
poles in some prepara- 
tions (¢.¢. sections of root- 
tips of Allium, Lilium, 
etc.) deeply _ staining- 
bodies suchas’ thése Fig. 33. — Mitosis in ascus-nuclei of a fungus, Erysiphe. 


authors describe. These [H4krer.] 
AG ” A. Resting nucleus with disc-shaped centrosome (c). 
centrosomes seem, 


B, Early prophase with aster. C. Later prophase; amphi- 
however, to be of quite aster; intranuclear spindle forming. J. Spindle estab- 
and the careful studies of 

Osterhout, Mottier, and Nemec seem to give good ground for the 
conclusion that they have no such significance as the centrosomes of 
lower plants or of animals. It should nevertheless be borne in mind 
that true centrosomes (“ blepharoplasts’’) have been demonstrated in 
the spermatogenic divisions of some of the vascular cryptogams, and 
that analogous bodies occur in the corresponding divisions of the 
cycads (p. 175). We should therefore still hold open the possibility 
that centrosomes may occur in the vegetative mitoses of the higher 
plants, their apparent absence being possibly due to lack of staining- 
capacity or similar conditions rendering their demonstration difficult.? 


TO 2 Da lose 
2 Mention may here be made of the barrel-shaped truncated spindles described in some 
of the plants. In Bastdiobolus, Fairchild (’97) finds spindles of this type, having no asters 


84 CELL-D/IVISTON 


A no less remarkable mode of spindle-formation, which is in a cer- 
tain way intermediate between the cormophyte-type and the usual 
animal type is described by Mead (’97, ’98, 1) in the first maturation- 
division of Chetopterus. Here the completed amphiaster is of quite 
typical form, and the centrosomes persist for the following mitcsis ; 
yet Mead is convinced that the amphiaster is synthetically formed by 
the union of two separate asters and centrosomes (Fig. 150) which 


Fig. 34. — Division of pollen-mother-cells in the lily as described by GUIGNARD. 

A. Anaphase of the first division, showing the twelve daughter-chromosomes on each side, the 
interzonal fibres stretching between them, and the centrosomes, already double, at the spindle- 
poles. 4. Later stage, showing the cell-plate at the equator of the spindle and the daughter- 
spiremes (dispireme-stage of Flemming). C. Division completed; double centrosomes in the 
resting cell. “2. Ensuing division in progress; the upper cell at the close of the prophases, the 
chromosomes and centrosomes still undivided; lower cell in the late anaphase, cell-plate not yet 
formed. 


have no genetic connection, arising independently de xovo in the 
cytoplasm.’ Improbable as such a conclusion may seem on a prio77 
grounds, it is supported by very strong evidence,” and, taken together 


and nearly parallel fibres, each of which terminates in a deeply staining granule. Nearly 
similar spindles have been described by Strasburger (’80) in Sfévrogyra, and in the embryo- 
sac of MWonotropa. It is not impossible that such spindles may represent a type intermediate 
between the “cormoptyte” and ‘thallophyte”’ types of Mottier. 

anG72 ps 800. 

2 I have had the privilege of examining some of Mead’s beautiful preparations. 


y 


PDEMALTETS» (OF MIT OSLS 85 


with the facts described in plants, it indicates that the forces involved 
in spindle-formation are far more complex than Van Beneden’s and 
Boveri's hypothesis would lead one to suppose.! 

The centrosome and centrosphere appear to present great varia- 
tions that have not yet been thoroughly cleared up and will be more 
critically discussed beyond.?, They are known to undergo extensive 
changes in the cycle of cell-division and to vary greatly in different 
forms (Fig. 152). In some cases the aster contains at its centre 
nothing more than a minute deeply staining granule, which doubtless 


Fig. 36.— Division of spore-mother-cells in Zguisetwm, showing spindle-formation. [OSTERHOUT.] 


A. Early prophase, “ kinoplasmic”’ fibrillz in the cytoplasm. Z. Multipolar fibrillar figure invad- 
ing the nuclear area, after disappearance of the nuclear membrane. C. Multipolar spindle, 
D. Quadripolar spindle which finally condenses into a bipolar one. 


represents the centrosome alone. In other cases the granule is sur- 
rounded by a larger body, which in turn lies within the centrosphere 
or attraction-sphere. In still other cases the centre of the aster is 
occupied by a large reticular mass, within which no smaller body can 
be distinguished (¢,¢. in pigment-cells); this mass is sometimes called 
the centrosome, sometimes the centrosphere. Sometimes, again, the 
spindle-fibres are not focussed at a single point, and the spindle 


1 See p. 276 for the peculiar spindles, devoid of asters, observed during the maturation of 
the egg in certain forms. Cj: also Morgan’s experiments on the artificial production of asters 
and centrosomes, p. 307. 25SEC P-. 304). 


86 CELL-DIVISION 


appears truncated at the ends, its fibres terminating in a transverse 
row of granules (maturation-spindles of Ascarzs, and some plant-cells). 
It is not entirely certain, however, that such spindles observed in 
preparations represent the normal structure during life, 


b. The Chromatic Figure. —The variations of the chromatic 
figure must for the most part be considered in the more special 
parts of this work. There seems to be no doubt that a single 


continuous spireme-thread may be formed (cf p. 113), but it is 
equally certain that the thread may appear ae the beginning 
in a number of distinct segments, z.c. as a segmented spireme, 
and there are some cases in which no distinct spireme can be 
seen, the reticulum resolving itself directly into the chromosomes. 
The chromosomes, when fully formed, vary greatly in appear- 
ance. In many of the tissues of adult plants and animals they 
are rod-shaped and are often bent in the middle like a V (Figs. 
28, 131). They often have this form, too, in embryonic cells, as 
in the segmentation-stages of the egg in Ascaris (Fig. 31) and 
other forms. The rods may, however, be short and straight (seg- 
menting eggs of echinoderms, etc.), and may be reduced to spheres, 
as in the maturation-stages of the germ-cells. In the equatorial plate 
the V-shaped chromosomes are placed with the apex of the V turned 
toward the spindle (Fig. 28), while the straight rods are placed 
with one end toward the spindle. In either case the daughter- 
chromosomes first begin to move apart at the point nearest the 
spindle, the separation proceeding thence toward the free portion. 
The V-shaped chromosomes, opening apart trom the apex, thus give 
rise in the early anaphase to <>-shaped figures; while rod-shaped 
chromosomes often produce ,A- and |-shaped figures (the stem of the 
1 being double). The latter, opening farther apart, form straight 
rods twice the length of the original chromosome (since each consists 
of two daughter-chromosomes joined at one end). This rod finally 
breaks across the middle, thus giving the deceptive appearance of a 
transverse instead of a longitudinal division (Fig. 52). The <>- 
shaped figures referred to above are nearly related to those that 
occur in the so-called heterotypical mitoses. Under this name Flem- 
ming (°87) first described a peculiar modification of the division of the 
chromosomes that has since been shown to be of very great impor- 
tance in the early history of the germ-cells, though it is not confined 
to them. In this form the chromosomes split at an early period, but 
the halves remain united by their ends. Each double chromosome 
then opens out to form a closed ring (Fig. 37), which by its mode of 
origin is shown to represent two daughter-chromosomes, each forming 
half of the ring, united by their ends. The ring finally breaks in two 
to form two U-shaped chromosomes which diverge to opposite poles 


DETAILS OF MITOSIS 87 


of the spindle as usual. As will be shown in Chapter V.,the divisions 
by which the germ-cells are matured are in many cases of this type; 
but the primary rings here in many cases represent not two but four 
chromosomes, into which they afterward break up. 


Fig. 37. — Heterotypical mitosis in spermatocytes of the salamander. [FLEMMING.] 

A. Prophase, chromosomes in the form of scattered rings, each of which represents two 
daughter-chromosomes joined end toend. &. The rings ranged about the equator of the spindle 
and dividing; the sweilings indicate the ends of the chromosomes. C. The same viewed from the 
spindle-pole. 2. Diagram (Hermann) showing the central spindle, asters, and centrosomes, and 
the contractile mantle-fibres attached to the rings (one ot the latter dividing). 


2. Bivalent and Plurivalent Chromosomes 


The last paragraph leads to the consideration of certain varia- 
tions in the number of the chromosomes. Boveri discovered that the 
species Ascaris megalocephala comprises two varieties which differ in 
no visible respect save in the number of chromosomes, the germ-nuclei 
of one form (“variety bivalens”’ of Hertwig) having two chromosomes, 


88 CELL-DIVISION 


while in the other form (“variety univalens’’) there is but one. Brauer 
discovered a similar fact in the phyllopod Artemza, the number of 
somatic chromosomes being 168 in some individuals, in others only 
84 (p. 281). 

It will appear hereafter that in some cases the primordial germ- 
cells show only half the usual number of chromosomes, and in 
Cyclops the same is true, according to Hacker, of all the cells of 
the early cleavage-stages. 

In ‘all cases where the number of chromosomes is apparently 
reduced (‘‘ pseudo-reduction ” of Rickert) it is highly probable that 
each chromatin-rod represents not one but two or more chromosomes 
united together, and Hacker has accordingly proposed the terms 
bivalent and plurivalent for such chromatin-rods.! The truth 
of this view, which originated with Vom Rath, is, I think, conclusively 
shown by the case of Artemza described at page 281, and by many facts 
in the maturation of the germ-cells hereafter considered. In Ascaris 
we may regard the chromosomes of Hertwig’s “variety univalens ” 
as really bivalent or double, z.e. equivalent to two such chromosomes 
as appear in “variety bivalens.” These latter, however, are probably 
in their turn plurivalent, z.e. represent a number of units of a lower 
order united together; for, as described at page 148, each of these 
normally breaks up in the somatic cells into a large number of shorter 
chromosomes closely similar to those of the related species Ascaris 
lumbricotdes, where the normal number is 24. 

Hacker has called attention to the striking fact that plurivalent 
mitosis is very often of the heterotypical form, as is very common 
in the maturation-mitoses of many animals (Chapter V.), and often 
occurs in the early cleavages of Ascaris ; but it is doubtful whether 
this is a universal rule. 


3. Mitosis in the Unicellular Plants and Animals 


The process of mitosis in the one-celled plants and animals has a 
peculiar interest, for it is here that we must look for indications of 
its historical origin. But although traces of mitotic division were 
seen in the Infusoria by Balbiani (’58-’61), Stein (59), and others 
long before it was known in the higher forms, it has only recently 
received adequate attention and is still imperfectly understood. 

Mitotic division has now been observed in many of the main divi- 
sions of Protozoa and unicellular plants; but in the present state of 

1 The words divalent and univalent have been used in precisely the opposite sense 
by Hertwig in the case of 4scaris, the former term being applied to that variety having ¢iwo 
chromosomes in the germ-cells, the latter to the variety with one. These terms certainly 
have priority, but were applied only to a specific case. Hacker’s use of the words, which is 
strictly in accordance with their etymology, is too valuable for general descriptive purposes to 
be rejected. 


DETAILS. OF MITOSIS : 89 


the subject it must be left an open question whether it occurs in all. 

In some of the gregarines and Heliozoa, the process is of nearly or 

quite the same type as in the Metazoa. From such mitoses, how- 

ever, various gradations may be traced toward a much simpler pro- 

cess, such as occurs in Ameba and the lower flagellates; and it is not 

improbable that we have here representatives of more primitive con- 

ditions. Among the more interesting of these modifications may be 

mentioned : — 
1. Even in forms that nearly approach the mitosis of higher types 


Fig. 38. — Mitotic division in Infusoria. [R. HERTWIG.] 


A-C, Macronucleus of Spirochona, showing pole-plates. 2-#/. Successive stages in the 
division of the micronucleus of Paramecium. D. The earliest stage, showing reticulum. G. Fol- 
lowing stage (“sickle-form”’) with nucleolus. . Chromosomes and pole-plates. /. Late ana- 
phase. A. Final phase. 


the nuclear membrane may persist more or less completely through 
every stage (Woctiluca, Euglypha, Actinospherium). 

2. Asters may be present (Heliozoa, gregarines) or wanting (In- 
fusoria, Radiolaria). 

3. In one series of forms the centrosome or sphere is represented 
by a persistent intranuclear body (nucleolo-centrosome) of consider- 
able size, which divides to form a kind of central spindle (/ug/lena 
Ameba, Infusoria ?). 

4. In a second series the centrosome or sphere is a persistent 


gO CELL-DIVISION 


extranuclear body, as in most Metazoa (/7e/iozoa, Noctiluca, Para- 
meba). 

5. Ina few forms having a scattered nucleus the chromatin-gran- 
ules are only collected about the apparently persistent sphere or 
centrosome at the time of its division, and afterward scatter through 
the cell, leaving the sphere lying in the general cell-substance 
( Zetramitus). 

6. The arrangement of the chromatin-granules to form chromo- 
somes appears to be of a secondary importance as compared with 


A 


Fig. 39. — Mitosis in the rhizopod, Huglypha. [SCHEWIAKOFF.] 

In this form the body is surrounded by a firm shell which prevents direct constriction of the 
cell-body. The latter therefore divides by a process of budding from the opening of the shell 
(the initial phase shown at A); the nucleus meanwhile divides, and one of the daughter-nuclei 
afterward wanders out into the bud. 

A. Early prophase; nucleus near lower end containing a nucleolus and numerous chromo- 
somes. #4. Equatorial plate and spindle formed inside the nucleus; pole-bodies or pole-plates 
(z.e. attraction-spheres or centrosomes) at the spindle-poles. C. Metaphase. J. Late ana- 
phase, spindle dividing; after division of the spindle the outer nucleus wanders out into the bud. 


D>? 


higher forms, and the essential feature in nuclear division appears to 
be the fission of the individual granules. 

We may first consider especially the achromatic figure. The basis 
of our knowledge in this field was laid by Richard Hertwig through his 
studies on an infusorian, Spzrochona ('77), and a rhizopod, Actino- 
spherium (84). In both these forms a typical spindle and equatorial 
plate are formed zustde the nuclear membrane by a direct transfor- 
mation of the nuclear substance. In Spirochona (Fig. 38, A-C) a 


DETAILS OF MITOSIS gI 


hemispherical “end-plate” or “pole-plate”’ is situated at either pole 
of the spindle, and Hertwig’s observations indicated, though they 
did not prove, that these plates arose by the division of a large 
“nucleolus.” Nearly similar pole-plates were somewhat described by 
Schewiakoff ('88) in Exglypha (Fig. 39), and it seems clear that they 
are the analogues of the centrosomes or attraction-spheres in higher 
forms. In Luglena, as shown by Keuten, the pole-plates, or their 
analogues, certainly arise by division of a distinct and persistent intra- 
nuclear body (‘“nucleolus” or ‘“ nucleolo-centrosome’”’) which elon- 


B 


Fig. 40.— Mitosis in the flagellate, Auglena, [KEUTEN.] 


‘ 


A. Preparing for division; the nucleus contains a ‘‘ nucleolus” or nucleolo-centrosome sur- 
rounded by a group of chromosomes. #&. Division of the ‘‘nucleolus” to form an intranuclear 
spindle. C. Later stage. YD. The nuclear division completed. 


gates to form a kind of central spindle around which the chromatin 
elements are grouped (Fig. 40); and Schaudinn (’95) described a 
similar process in Am@ba. Richard Hertwig’s latest work on 
Infusoria (95) indicates that a similar process occurs in the micro- 
nuclei of Paramecium, which at first contain a large ‘‘nucleolus”’ 
and afterward a conspicuous pole-plate at either end of the spindle 
(Fig. 38, D-H). The origin of the pole-plates was not, however, 
positively determined. A corresponding dividing body is found in 
Ceratium (Lauterborn, ’95), and as in the Infusoria the entire 
nucleus transforms itself into a fibrillar spindle-like body. 


g2 CELL-DIVISTON 


Still simpler conditions are found in some of the flagellates.' In 
Chilomonas the sphere may still be regarded as intranuclear, since it 
lies in the middle of an irregular mass of chromatin-granules, though 
the latter are apparently not enclosed by a membrane. Nuclear 
division is here accomplished by fission of the sphere and the aggre- 
gation of the chromatin-granules around the two products. In 
Tetramitus, finally (Fig. 16), the nucleus is represented by chromatin- 
granules that are scattered irregularly through the cell and only at 
the time of division collect about the dividing sphere. 


Fig. 41. 


Mitosis in the Heliozoa. [SCHAUDINN.] 


A. Spherastrum ; vegetative cell showing nucleus, “ central granule” (centrosome), and axial 
rays. 4-G. Acanthocystis. L-D. Prophases of mitosis. #. Budding to form swarm-spores. 
Ff. Swarm-spores, devoid of centrosomes. G. Swarm-spores preparing for division; intranuclear 
origin of centrosome. 


In a second series of forms, represented by Woctz/uca (Ishikawa, 
94, 98), (Calkins, ’98, 2), Parameba (Schaudinn, ’96, 1), Acténophrys 
and Acanthocystis (Schaudinn, ’96, 2), and the diatoms (Lauterborn, 
96), the sphere lies outside the nucleus in the cytoplasm and the 
mitosis is closely similar to that observed in most Metazoa. This is 
most striking in the Heliozoa, where the centrosome persists through 
the vegetative condition of the cell as the “ central granule,” to which 
the axial filaments of the pseudopodia converge. Schaudinn (’96, 2) 
shows that by the division of this body a typical extranuclear amphi- 
aster and central spindle are formed (Fig. 41), while the chromatin 


1 Calkins, ’98, 1, ’98, 2. 


DETAILS OF MITOSTS 93 


passes through a spireme-stage, breaks into very short rod-shaped 
chromosomes which split lengthwise and arrange themselves in the 
equator of the spindle, while the nuclear membrane fades away. 
Noctiluca (Fig. 42), as shown by Ishikawa and Calkins, agrees with 
this in the main points; but the nuclear membrane does not at any 
period wholly disappear, and a distinct centrosome is found at the 
centre of the sphere. The latter body, which is very large, gives 


Fig. 42. — Mitosis in Noctiluca. [CALKINS.] 

A. Prophase; division of the sphere to form the central spindle; chromosomes converging to 
the nuclear pole. #&. Late anaphase, in horizontal section, showing centrosomes; the central 
spindle has sunk into the nucleus; nuclear membrane still intact except at the poles. C. Early 
anaphase; mantle-fibres connected with the diverging chromosomes. JZ. Final anaphase (which 
is also the initial prophase of the succeeding division of spore-forming mitosis) ; doubling of cen- 
trosome and splitting of chromosomes. 


rise by a division to a fibrillated central spindle, about which the 
nucleus wraps itself while mantle-fibres are developed from the 
sphere-substance and become attached to the chromosomes, the nu- 
clear membrane fading away along the surface of contact with the 
central spindle (Calkins). Broadly speaking, the facts are similar in 


94 CELL-DIVISION 


the diatoms (Szzirella, ¢. Lauterborn), where the central spindle, 
arising by a peculiar process from an_ extranuclear. centrosome, 
(sphere ?) sinks into the nucleus in a manner strongly suggesting that 
observed in .Vocteluca. 

In the interesting form Parameba, as described by Schaudinn 
(96, 1), the sphere (‘‘ Nebenkorper”’), which is nearly as large as the 
nucleus, divides to form a central spindle, about the equator of which 
the chromatin-elements become arranged in a ring (Fig. 43); but no 
centrosome has yet been demonstrated in the sphere. Parameba 
appears to differ from /wg/ena mainly in the fact that at the close of 
division the sphere is in the former left outside the daughter-nucleus 
and in the latter enclosed within it! The connecting link is perfectly 
given by Zetramztus, where no morphological nucleus is formed, and 
the sphere lies in the general cell-substance (p. 92); and we could 
have no clearer demonstration that the extra- or intranuclear position 
of sphere or centrosome is of quite secondary importance. As 
regards the formation of the spheres (pole-plates) Act:nospherium 
(Figs. 44, 45) seems to show a simpler condition than any of the 
above forms, since no permanent sphere exists, and Brauer (94) and 
R. Hertwig (98) agree that the pole-plates are formed by a gradual 
accumulation of the achromatic substance of the nucleus at opposite 
poles. 

A distinct centrosome (centriole ?) in the interior of the sphere has 
thus far only been observed in a few forms (Wocteluca, Actinosphe- 
rium), and neither its origin nor its relation to the sphere has yet 
been sufficiently cleared up. Both Ishikawa (’94) and Calkins (98, 2 
somewhat doubtfully concluded that in Woctz/uca the centrosomes 
arise within the nucleus, migrating thence out into the extranuclear 
sphere. With this agree R. Hertwig’s latest studies on Actenosphe- 
rium ('98), the spindle-poles being first formed from the pole-plates 
(themselves of nuclear origin), and the centrosomes then passing into 
them from the nucleus. Hertwig reaches the further remarkable 
conclusion that the centrosomes. arise as portions of the chromatin- 
network extruded at the nuclear poles (Fig. 45), first forming a 
spongy irregular mass, but afterward condensing into a deeply 
staining pair of granules which pass to the respective poles of the 
spindle. It is a remarkable fact that these centrosomes are only 
found in the two maturation-divisions, and are absent from the ordi- 
nary vegetative mitoses where the spindle-poles are formed by two 
cytoplasmic masses derived, as Hertwig believes, from the intra- 
nuclear plates. Schaudinn (96, 3) likewise describes and clearly 
figures an intranuclear origin of the centrosome in buds of Acantho- 
cystis (Fig. 41), which are derived by direct division of the mother- 


1 Cf. Calkins, ’98, 1, p. 388. 


DETAILS OF MITOSIS 95 
nucleus with no trace of a centrosome. In this same form, as 
described above, the ordinary vegetative mitoses are quite of the 
metazoan type, with a persistent extranuclear centrosome. 

The history of the chromatin in the mitosis of unicellular forms 
shows some interesting modifications. In a considerable number of 
forms a more or less clearly marked spireme-stage precedes the forma- 
tion of chromosomes (diatoms, Infusoria, dinoflagellates, Euglypha); 
in others, long chromosomes are formed without a distinct spireme- 
stage (JVoctzluca). It has been clearly demonstrated that in some 
cases these chromosomes split lengthwise, as in Metazoa (WVocéeluca, 


Fig. 43.— Mitosis in Parameba. [SCHAUDINN.] 


At the left, amoeboid phase, showing nucleus and “ Nebenk6rper.” At the right, four stages 
of division in the swarm-spores, 


diatoms, Actinophrys, probably in Exglypha); but in some cases they 
are stated to divide transversely in the middle (Infusoria according 
to Hertwig, Ceratium according to Lauterborn). These chromosomes 
appear always to arise, as in Metazoa, through the linear arrangement 
of chromatin-granules (Nocttluca, Actinospherium, Euglena), which 
themselves in many cases arise by the preliminary fragmentation of 
one or more large chromatin-masses (¢.g. in Woctiluca or Actinosphe- 
rium). In other forms no such linear aggregates are formed, and 
direct fission of the chromatin-granules appears to take place without 
the formation of bodies morphologically comparable with the chromo- 
somes of such forms as Woctiluca. This is apparently the case in 
Tetramitus, and Achromatium, other forms having a distributed 


96 CELL-DIVISION 


nucleus,! and in such forms as Chzlomonas and Trachelomonas, where 
the granules are permanently aggregated about a central body. Too 
little is known of the facts to justify a very positive statement; but 
on the whole they point toward the conclusion that in the simplest 


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Fig. 44.— Mitosis in the rhizoped Actinospherium. [BRAUER.] 


A. Nucleus and surrounding structures in the early prophase; above and below the reticular 
nucleus lie the semilunar ‘‘ pole-plates,” and outside these the cytoplasmic masses in which the 
asters afterward develop. 4. Later stage of the nucleus. 2. Mitotic figure in the metaphase, 
showing equatorial plate, intra-nuclear spindle, and pole-plates (f.f.). ©. Equatorial plate, 
viewed ez face, consisting of double chromatin-granules. 4. Early anaphase. /. G. Later ana- 
phases. A. Final anaphase. /. Telophase; daughter-nucleus forming, chromatin in loop-shaped 
threads; outside the nuclear membrane the centrosome, already divided, and the aster. ‘7 Later 
stage; the daughter-nucleus established; divergence of the centrosomes. Beyond this point the 
centrosomes have not been followed. 


types of mitosis no true chromosome-formation occurs, thus sustaining 
Brauer’s conclusion that the essential fact in the history of the chro- 
matin in mitosis is the fission of the individual granules.” 


1 The fission of the individual granules is carefully described and figured by Schewiakoft 
in Achromatium. 


* For speculations on the historical origin of the centrosome, etc., see p. 315. 


DETAILS OF MITOSIS 97 


4. Pathological Mitoses 


Under certain circumstances the delicate mechanism of cell-division 
may become deranged, and so give rise to various forms of patho- 
logical mitoses. Such a miscarriage may be artificially produced, as 
Hertwig, Galeotti, and others have shown, by treating the dividing 
cells with poisons and other chemical substances (quinine, chloral, 
nicotine, potassic iodide, etc.). Pathological mitoses may, however, 


é 


Fig. 45.— Mitosis in Actinospherium. [R. HERTWIG.] 
A. Encysted form, with resting nucleus; chromatin aggregated into large nucleolus-like body. 
B. prophase of division of the encysted form, showing chromosome-like bodies formed of granules, 
and spindle without centrosomes. C. Earlier prophase of the first maturation division, showing 
extrusion of chromatic substance to form the centrosome. J. Later stage, showing centrosome 
and aster. 


occur without discoverable external cause ; and it is a very interesting 
fact, as Klebs, Hansemann, and Galeotti have especially pointed out, 
that they are of frequent occurrence in abnormal growths such as 
cancers and tumours. 

The abnormal forms of mitoses are arranged by Hansemann in two 
general groups, as follows: (1) asymmetrical mitoses, in which the 
chromosomes are unequally distributed to the daughter-cells, and (2) 
multipolar mitoses, in which the number of centrosomes is more than 

H 


98 CELL-DIVISION 


two, and more than one spindle is formed. Under the first group are 
included not only the cases of unequal distribution of the daughter- 
chromosomes, but also those in which chromosomes fail to be drawn 
into the equatorial plate and hence are lost in the cytoplasm. 

Klebs first pointed out the occurrence of asymmetrical mitoses in 
carcinoma-cells, where they have been carefully studied by Hanse- 
mann and Galeotti. The inequality is here often extremely marked, 
so that one of the daughter-cells may receive more than twice as 
much chromatin as the other (Fig. 46). Hansemann, whose conclu- 


A 
“MW 


Gi 


i als 


| 


ee 


Fig. 46. — Pathological mitoses in human cancer-cells. [GALEOTTI.] 


A. Asymmetrical mitosis with unequal centrosomes. #&. Later stage, showing unequal distri- 
bution of the chromosomes. C. Quadripolar mitosis. J. Tripolar mitosis. . Later stage. 
#. Trinucleate cell resulting. 


sions are accepted by Galeotti, believes that this asymmetry of mito- 
sis gives an explanation of the familiar fact that in cancer-cells many 
of the nuclei are especially rich in chromatin (hyperchromatic cells), 
while others are abnormally poor (hypochromatic cells). Lustig and 
Galeotti (93) showed that the unequal distribution of chromatin is 
correlated with and probably caused by a corresponding inequality in 
the centrosomes which causes an asymmetrical development of the 
amphiaster. A very interesting discovery made by Galeotti (’93) is 
that asymmetrical mitoses, exactly like those seen in carcinoma, may 
be artificially produced in the epithelial cells of salamanders (Fig. 47) 
by treatment with dilute solutions of various drugs (antipyrin, cocaine, 
quinine). 


DEARAIES, (OF MIT OSTS: 990 


Normal multipolar mitoses, though rare, sometimes occur,‘as in the 
division of the pollen-mother-cells and the endosperm-cells of flower- 
ing plants (Strasburger); but such mitotic figures arise through the 
union of two or more bipolar amphiasters in a syncytium and are 
due to a rapid succession of the nuclear divisions unaccompanied by 
fission of the cell-substance. These are not to be confounded with 
pathological mitoses arising by premature or abnormal division of the 
centrosome. If one centrosome divide, while the other does not, 
triasters are produced, from which may arise three cells or a tri- 
nucleated cell. If both centrosomes divide, tetrasters or polyasters 
are formed. Here again the same result has been artificially attained 
by chemical stimulus (cf Schottlander, ’88). Multipolar mitoses are 


A B 
Fig. 47. Pathological mitoses in epidermal cells of salamander caused by poisons. 
[GALEOTTI.] 


A. Asymmetrical mitosis after treatment with 0.05% antipyrin solution. 2. Tripolar mitosis 
after treatment with 0.5 % potassic iodide solution. 


also common in regenerating tissues after irritative stimulus (Strobe); 
but it is uncertain whether such mitoses lead to the formation of 
normal tissue.1 

The frequency of abnormal mitoses in pathological growths is a 
most suggestive fact, but it is still wholly undetermined whether the 
abnormal mode of cell-division is the cause of the disease or the 
reverse. The latter seems the more probable alternative, since nor- 
mal mitosis is certainly the rule in abnormal growths; and Galeotti’s 
experiments suggest that the pathological mitoses in such growths 
may be caused by the presence of deleterious chemical products in 
the diseased tissue, and perhaps point the way to their medical 
treatment. 


1The remarkable polyasters formed in polyspermic fertilization of the egg are des 
scribed at page 1098. 


100 CELI-DIVISITON 


D. THE MECHANISM OF MITOSIS 


We now pass to a consideration of the forces at work in mitotic 
division, which leads us into one of the most debatable fields of 


aC 


Wt Z. 


B 
i Re 


Fig. 48. — Slightly schematic figures of dividing eggs 
of Ascaris, illustrating Van Beneden’s theory of mitosis. 
[VAN BENEDEN and JULIN.] 


A. Early anaphase; each chromosome has divided 
into two. &. Later anaphase during divergence of the 
daughter-chromosomes. a.c. Antipodal cone of astral 
rays; ¢.z. cortical zone of the attraction-sphere; z. inter- 
zonal fibres stretching between the daughter-chromo- 
somes; 7.2. medullary zone of the attraction-sphere ; 
p.c. principal cone, forming one-half of the contractile 
spindle (the action of these fibres is reénforced by that of 
the antipodal cone) ; s.e.c. subequatorial circle, to which 
the astral rays are attached. 


First suggested by Klein in 1878, this 


cytological inquiry. 


1. Function of the Ampht- 


aster 


All observers agree that 
the amphiaster is in some 
manner an expression of 
the forces by which cell- 
division is caused, and 
many accept, in one form 
or another, the first view 
clearly stated by Fol,! that 
the \ asters. represent) aa 
some manner centres of 
attractive forces focussed 
in the centrosome or dy- 
namic ‘cémtre’ of- thevcell 
Regarding the nature of 
these forces, there is, how- 
ever, so wide a divergence 
of opinion as to compel the 
admission that we have 
thus far accomplished little 
more than to clear the 
ground for a precise in- 
vestigation of the subject; 
and the mechanism of mi- 
tosis still lies before us as 
one of the most fascinating 
problems of cytology. 

(a) Lhe Theory of Fi- 
brillar Contractility. —The 
view that nas taken the 
strongest hold on recent 
research is the hypothesis 
of fibrillar contractility. 
hypothesis was independ- 


ently put forward by Van Beneden in 1883, and fully .outlined 


> 
U7g. D- ATS 


ae 


THE MECHANISM OF MITOSIS IOI 


by him four years later in the following words: “In our opinion 
all the internal movements that accompany cell-division have their 
immediate cause in the contractility of the protoplasmic fibrilla and 
their arrangement in a kind of radial muscular system, composed of 
antagonizing groups” (z.e. the asters with their rays). ‘In this sys- 
tem the central corpuscle (centrosome) plays the part of an organ of 
insertion. It is the first of all the various organs of the cells to divide, 
and its division leads to the grouping of the contractile elements in 
two systems, each having its own centre. The presence of these two 
systems brings about cell-division, and actively determines the paths 
of the secondary chromatic asters” (z.e. the daughter-groups of chro- 
mosomes) ‘in opposite directions. An important part of the phe- 
nomena of (karyo-) kinesis has its efficient cause, not in the nucleus, 
but in the protoplasmic body of the cell.”’! This beautiful hypothesis 
was based on very convincing evidence derived from the study of the 
Ascaris egg, and it was here that Van Beneden first demonstrated the 
fact, already suspected by Flemming, that the daughter-chromosomes 
move apart to the poles of the spindle and give rise to the two 
respective daughter-nuclei.” 

Van Beneden’s general hypothesis was accepted in the following 
year by Boveri (88, 2), who contributed many important additional 
facts in its support, though neither his observations nor those of later 
investigators have sustained Van Beneden’s account of the grouping 
of the astral rays. Boveri showed in the clearest manner that, during 
tne fertilization of Ascarzs, the astral rays become attached to the 
chromosomes of the germ-nuclei; that each comes into connection 
with rays from both the asters ; that the chromosomes, at first irregu- 
larly scattered in the egg, are drawn into a position of equilibrium in 
the equator of the spindle by the shortening of these rays (Figs. 90, 
147); and that the rays thicken as they shorten. He showed that as 
the chromosome splits, each half is connected only with rays (spindle- 
fibres) from the aster on its own side; and he followed, step by step, 
the shortening and thickening of these rays as the daughter-chromo- 
somes diverge. In all these operations the behaviour of the rays is 


187, p. 280. 

2°83, p. 544. Van Beneden describes the astral rays, both in Ascav7s and in tunicates, as 
differentiated into several groups. One set, forming the ‘ principal cone,” are attached to 
the chromosomes and form one-half of the spindle, and, by the contractions of these fibres, 
the chromosomes are passively dragged apart. An opposite group, forming the “ antipodal 
cone,” extend from the centrosome to the cell-periphery, the base of the cone forming the 
“polar circle.” These rays, opposing the action of the principal cones, not only hold the 
centrosomes in place, but, by their contractions, drag them apart, and thus cause an actual 
divergence of the centres. The remaining astral rays are attached to the cell-periphery and 
are limited by a subequatorial circle (Fig. 48). Later observations indicate, however, that 
this arrangement of the astral rays is not of general occurrence, and that the rays often do 
not reach the periphery, but lose themselves in the general reticulum. 


102 CELL-DIVTSION 


precisely like that of muscle-fibres ; and it is difficult to study Boveri’s 
beautiful figures and clear descriptions without sharing his conviction 
that “of the contractility of the fibrilla there can be no doubt.” ! 
Very convincing evidence in the same direction is afforded by 
pigment-cells and leucocytes or wandering cells, in both of which 
there is a very large permanent aster (attraction-sphere) even in the 
resting cell. The structure of the aster in the leucocyte, where it 
was first discovered by Flemming in 1891, has been studied very 
carefully by Heidenhain in the salamander. The astral rays here 
extend throughout nearly the whole cell (Fig. 49), and are believed 


; B 


Fig. 49. — Leucocytes or wandering cells of the salamander. [HEIDENHAIN.] 


A. Cell with a single nucleus containing a very coarse network of chromatin and two nucleoli 
(plasmosomes) ; 5. permanent aster, its centre occupied by a double centrosome surrounded by 
an attraction-sphere. &. Similar cell, with double nucleus; the smaller dark masses in the latter 
are oxychromatin-granules (linin), the larger masses are basichromatin (chromatin proper). 


by Heidenhain to represent the contractile elements by means of 
which the cell changes its form and creeps about. A similar con- 
clusion was reached by Solger (‘91) and Zimmermann (’93, 2) in the 
case of pigment-cells (chromatophores) in fishes. These cells have, 
in an extraordinary degree, the power of changing their form and of 
actively creeping about... Solger and Zimmermann have shown that 
the pigment-cell contains an enormous aster, whose rays extend in 
every direction through the pigment-mass, and it is almost impos- 
sible to doubt that the aster is a contractile apparatus, like a radial 
muscular system, by means of which the active changes of form are 
produced (Fig. 50). This interpretation of the aster receives addi- 
tional support through Schaudinn’s (96, 3) highly interesting dis- 


IV SS 9251p= 90s 


THE MECHANISM OF MITOSIS 103 
covery that the ‘‘central granule” of the Heliozoa is to be identified 
with the centrosome and plays the same 70/e in mitosis (Fig. 41). 
In these animals the axial filaments of the radiating pseudopodia con- 
verge to the central granule during the vegetative state of the cell, 
thus forming a permanent aster which Schaudinn’s observations prove 
to be directly comparable to that of a leucocyte or of a mitotic figure. 
There is in this case no doubt of the contractility of the rays, and a 


Fig. 50.— Pigment-cells and asters from the epidermis of fishes. [ZIMMERMANN. ] 


A, Entire pigment-cell, from Blennzus. The central clear space is the central mass of the aster 
from which radiate the pigment-granules; two nuclei below. 4. Nucleus (z) and aster after ex- 
traction of the pigment, showing reticulated central mass. C. Two nuclei and aster with rod- 
shaped central mass, from Sargus. 


strong, if indirect, argument is thus given in favour of contractility in 
other forms of asters.1 The contraction-hypothesis is beautifully 
illustrated by means of a simple and easily constructed model, devised 
by Heidenhain (’94, 96), which closely simulates some of the phenom- 
ena of mitosis. In its simplest form the model consists of a circle, 
marked on a flat surface, to the periphery of which are attached at equal 


1 For an interesting discussion and development of the contraction-hypothesis see 
Watasé, ’94. 


LOA CELL-DIVISION 


Pig. 51. — Heidenhain’s model of mitosis (mainly from 
HEIDENHAIN), 


A. Dotted lines show position of the rays upon sever- 
ing connection between the small rings. £. Position upon 
insertion of ‘‘nucleus.” C.D. Models with flexible hinged 
hoops, showing division. 


intervals a series of rub- 
ber bands (astral rays). 
At the other ends these 
bands are attached to a 
pair of small rings (cen- 
trosomes) fastened  to- 
gether. In the position 
of equilibrium, when the 
rays, vare’: stretched jag 
equal tension, the rays 
form a symmetrical aster 
with the centrosomes at 
the ‘centre of sthe: circle 
(Pig 5d, 4.) saelt thescone 
nection between the cen- 
trosomes be severed, they 
are immediately dragged 
apart to a new position of 
equilibrium with the rays 
grouped in two asters, as 
in the actual cell (dotted 
lines sin aE ie 5 tae elt 
a round pasteboard box 
of suitable size (nucleus) 
be inserted between two 
of the rays, it assumes 
an eccentric position, the 
cell-axis being formed by 
a line passing through its 
centre and that of the 
pair of small rings (cf. 
the epithelial cell, p. 57), 
and upon division of the 
aster it takes up a position 
between the two asters. 
In a second form of the 
models) the “circle ) ss 
formed of two half rings 
of flexible steel, joined 
by hinges; the _ diver- 
gence of the small rings 
is here accompanied by 
an elongation and partial 
constriction of the model 


THE MECHANISM OF MITOSIS 105 


in the equatorial plane; and if, finally, the hinge-connection be re- 
moved, each half of the ring closes to form a complete ring.! 

Heidenhain has fully worked out a theory of mitosis based upon 
the analogy of these pretty models. The astral rays of the cell 
(“organic radii’) are assumed to be in like manner of equal length 
and in a state of equal tonic contraction or tension, the centrosome 
forming the common insertion-point of the rays, and equilibrium of 
the system being maintained by turgor of the cell. Upon disappear- 
ance of the nuclear membrane and division of this insertion-point, the 
tension of the rays causes divergence of the centrosomes and forma- 
tion of the spindle between them, and by further contraction of the 
rays both the divergence of the daughter-chromosomes and the division 
of the cell-body are caused. A new condition of equilibrium is thus 
established in each daughter-cell until again disturbed by division of 
the centrosome.” In some cases (leucocytes) the organic radii are 
visible at all periods. More commonly they are lost to view by 
breaking up into the cell-reticulum, without, however, losing their 
essential relations. 

No one who witnesses the operation of Heidenhain’s models can 
fail to be impressed with its striking simulation of actual cell-division. 
Closer study of the facts shows, however, that the contraction-hypothe- 
sis must be considerably restricted, as has been done by the successive 
modifications of Hermann (91), Driiner(’95), and others. Hermann, 
to whom the identification of the central spindle is due, pointed out 
that there is no evidence of contractility in the central spindle-fibres, 
which elongate instead of shorten during mitosis; and he concluded 
that these fibres are non-contractile supporting elements, which form 
a basis on which the movements of the chromosomes take place. The 
mantle-fibres are the only contractile elements in the spindle, and it 
is by them that the chromosomes are brought into position about the 
central spindle and the daughter-chromosomes are dragged apart.® 
Driiner (95) still further restricts the hypothesis, maintaining that the 
progressive divergence of the spindle-poles is caused not by contrac- 
tion of the astral rays (“polar fibres’’), as assumed by Heidenhain 
(following Van Beneden and Boveri), but by an active growth or 
elongation of the central spindle, which goes on throughout the 
whole period from the earliest prophases until the close of the ana- 
phases. This view is supported by the fact that the central spindle- 


1 Tn a modification of the apparatus devised by Rhumbler (’97), the same effect is pro- 
duced without the hinges. 

2 Cf. p. 57. For critique of this hypothesis, see Fick (’97), Rhumbler (’96, ’97), and 
Meves (’97, 4). 

3 Belajeff (94) and Strasburger (’95) have accepted a similar view as applied to mitosis 
in plant-cells. 


106 CELL-DIVISION 


fibres are always contorted during the metaphases, as if pushing 
against a resistance; and it harmonizes with the facts observed in 
the mitoses of infusorian nuclei, where no asters are present. This 
view has been accepted, with slight modifications, by Flemming, 
Boveri, Meves, Kostanecki, and also by Heidenhain. A_ nearly 
decisive argument in its favour is given by such cases as the polar 
bodies, or the mitosis of salamander spermatocytes as described by 
Meves ('96, ‘97, 3), where the spindle-poles are pushed out to the 
periphery of the cell, the polar astral rays meanwhile nearly or quite 
disappearing (Fig. 130). This not only strongly indicates the push 
of the central spindle, but also shows that the assumption of a pull 
by the polar rays is superfluous. But beyond this both Driiner and 
Meves have brought arguments against contractility in the other 
astral rays, endeavouring to show that these, like the spindle-fibres, 
are actively elongating elements, and that (Meves, ’97, 3) the actual 
grouping of the rays during the anaphases is such as to suggest that 
even the division of the cell-body may be thus caused. A pushing 
function of the astral rays is also indicated by infolding of the nuclear 
membrane caused by the development of the aster as described by 
Platner, Watasé, Braus, Griffin, and others.!. The contraction-hy pothe- 
sis is thus restricted by Drier and Meves to the mantle-fibres 
alone, though many others, among them Flemming and Kostanecki, 
still accept the contractility of the astral rays. 

(0) Other Facts and Theories.— Even in the restricted form indi- 
cated above the contraction-hypothesis encounters serious difficulties, 
one of which is the fact urged by me in an earlier paper (’95), and 
subsequently by Richard Hertwig (’98), that in the eggs of echino- 
derms and many other dividing cells the daughter-chromosome 
plates, extending through the whole substance of the spindle, 
wander to the extreme ends of the spindle —a process which 
demands a contraction of the fibres almost to the vanishing point, 
while in point of fact not even a shortening and thickening of 
the fibres can be seen (Fig. 52); Moreovermin these (casessimo 
distinction can be seen between central spindle-fibres and mantle- 
fibres, and we can only save the contraction-hypothesis by the 
improbable assumption that fibres indistinguishably mingled, and 
having the same mode of origin, structure, and staining-reaction, have 
exactly opposite functions. The inadequacy of the general theory 
is sufficiently apparent from the fact that in amitosis cells many 


1 Cf p. 68. It should be pointed out that the originator of the pushing theory was 
Watasé (’93), who ingeniously developed an hypothesis exactly the opposite of Van Bene- 
den’s, assuming both astral rays and spindle-fibres to be actively elongating fibres, dove-tailing 
in the spindle-region, and pushing the chromosomes apart. This hypothesis is, I believe, in- 
consistent with the phenomena observed in multiple asters and elsewhere, yet it probably 
contains a nucleus of truth that forms the basis of Driiner’s conception of the central spindle. 


THE MECHANISM OF MITOSIS 107 


divide without any amphiaster whatever. In Infusoria mitosis seems 
to occur in the entire absence of asters, although the cells divide by 
constriction, and the analogy with Heidenhain’s model entirely fails. 


Fig. 52.— The later stages of mitosis in the egg of the sea-urchin Jovofneustes (A-D, X 1000; 
E-F, X 500). 

A. Metaphase; daughter-chromosomes drawing apart but still united at one end. 4, Daugh- 
ter-chromosomes separating. C. Late anaphase; daughter-chromosomes lying near the spindle- 
poles. YD. Final anaphase; daughter chromosomes converted into vesicles. 4. Immediately 
after division, the asters undivided; the spindle has disappeared. /. Resting 2-cell stage, the 
asters divided into two in anticipation of the next division. , 

In Figs. 4 and # the centrosome consists of a mass of intensely staining granules, which in 
Cand D elongates at right angles to the spindle-axis. In / the centrosome appears as a single 
or double granule, which in later stages gives rise to a pluricorpuscular centrum like that in 4. 
The connection between D and fis not definitely determined. 


In Euglypha, according to Schewiakoff (Fig. 39), division of the cell- 
body appears to take place quite independently of the mitotic figure. 
Again, a considerable number of cases are now known in which dur- 
ing the fertilization of the egg a large amphiaster is formed, with 


108 CELL-DIVISION 


astral rays sometimes extending throughout almost the entire egg, 
only to disappear or become greatly reduced without the occurrence 
of division, the ensuing cleavage being effected by a new amphiaster 
or by the recrudescence of the old.’. For these and other reasons we 
must admit the probability that contractility of the astral fibrillze, if 
it exists, is but the expression or consequence of a more deeply lying 
phenomena of more general significance. The subtlety of the prob- 
lem is strikingly shown by Boveri's remarkable observations on 
abnormal sea-urchin eggs (’96), which show (1) that the periodic 
division of the centrosome and formation of the amphiaster may take 
place independently of the nucleus; (2) that the spindle, as well as 
the asters, is concerned in division of the cell-body; and (3) that an 
amphiaster without chromosomes is unable to effect normal division 
of the cell-body. The first and third of these facts are shown by eggs 
in which during the first cleavage all of the chromatin passes to one 
pole of the spindle, so that one of the resulting halves of the egg 
receives no nucleus, but only a centrosome and aster. In this half 
perfect amphiasters are formed simultaneously with each cleavage in 
the other half, yet xo division of the protoplasmic mass occurs.2 The 
second fact is shown in polyspermic eggs, in which multipolar astral 
systems are formed by union of the several sperm-asters (Figs. 53, 101). 
In such eggs cleavages only occur between asters that are joined by a 
spindle. Normal cleavage of the cell-body thus requires the complete 
apparatus of mitosis, and even though the fibres be contractile they 
cannot fully operate in the absence of chromatin. 

We may now turn to theories based on the hypothesis, first sug- 
gested by Fol in 1873, that the astral foci (z.e. centrosomes) represent 
dynamic centres of attractive or other forces. It should be noted that 
this hypothesis involves two distinct questions, one relating to the 
origin of the amphiaster, the other to its mode of action; and we have 
seen that some of the foremost advocates of the contraction-hypothesis, 
including Van Beneden and Boveri, have held the centrosomes to be 
attractive centres. Apart from the movements of the chromosomes, 
the most obvious indication that the centrosomes are dynamic centres 
is the extraordinary resemblance of the amphiaster to the lines of force 
in a magnetic field as shown by the arrangement of iron-filings about 
the poles of a horseshoe magnet —a resemblance pointed out by Fol 
himself, and urged by many later writers,? especially Ziegler (95) 


IG p21: 

2 This result is opposed to Boveri’s earlier work on Ascaris (p. 355), and is modified by 
Ziegler (’98), who observed in a single case that an irregular cleavage occurred in the 
enucleated half after two or three divisions of the centrosome. On the other hand, it is sup- 

orted by Morgan’s convincing experiments on the eggs of Avbacia (p. 308). 
J 5 > 55 p- 3 

3 Cf. the interesting photographic figures of Ziegler (’95). A still closer s¢mealacrum of 

the amphiaster is produced by fine crystals of sulphate of quinine (a semiconductor) sus- 


THE MECHANISM OF MITOSIS 109g 


and Gallardo (96, ’97). It is impossible to regard this analogy as 
exact ; first, because it is inconsistent with the occurrence of tripolar 
astral figures ; second, as Meves has recently urged ! the course of the 
astral fibres does not really coincide with the lines of force, the most 
important deviation being the crossing of the rays opposite the equa- 
torial region of the spindle, which is impossible in the magnetic or 
electric field. We must, however, remember that the amphiaster is 
formed in a viscid medium, that it may perform various movements, 
and that its fibres probably possess the power of active growth. The 


D 


Fig. 53. — Division of dispermic eggs in sea-urchin eggs, schematic. [BOVERT.] 


A.C. E. Eggs before division, showing various connections of the asters. &.D. #. Result- 
ing division in the three respective cases, showing cleavage only between centres connected by a 
spindle. 


physical or chemical effect of the centres, through which the amphias- 
ter primarily arises, may thus be variously disturbed or modified in 
later stages, and the crossing of the rays is therefore not necessarily 
fatal to the assumption of dynamic centres. Biitschli (’92, ’98) has, 
moreover, recently shown that a close s¢mulacrum otf the amphiaster, 
showing a distinct crossing of the rays, may be produced in an arti- 
ficial alveolar structure (coagulated gelatine) by tractive forces cen- 


pended in spirits of turpentine (a poor conductor) between two electric poles. This experi- 
ment, devised by Faraday, has recently been applied by Gallardo (’96, ’97) to an analysis 
of the mitotic figure. 196, p.: 371. 


12 fe) CELI-DIVISTON 


tring in two adjacent points. This result is obtained by warming and 
then cooling a film of thick gelatine-solution, filled with air-bubbles, 
and then coagulating the mass in chromic acid. Such a film shows a 
fine alveolar structure, which assumes a radial arrangement about the 
air-bubbles, owing to the traction exerted on the surrounding structure 
by shrinkage of the bubbles on cooling. The amphiastral szmulacra 
are produced about twoadjacent bubbles, —a “ spindle ” being formed 
between them, and the “astral rays”’ sometimes showing a crossing 
like that seen in the actual amphiaster (Butschli is himself unable to 
explain fully how the crossing arises). The protoplasmic asters are 
maintained by Biitschli to be, in like manner, no more than a radial 
configuration of the alveolar cell-substance caused by centripetal 
diffusion-currents toward the astral centres.1 The most interesting 
part of this view is the assumption that these currents are caused by 
specific chemical changes taking place in the centrosome which causes 
an absorption of liquid from the surrounding region. ‘‘ The astral 
bodies are structures which, under certain circumstances, function in 
a measure as centres from which emanate chemical actions upon pro- 
toplasm and nucleus; and the astral phenomena which appear about 
the centrosomes are only a result incidental to this action of the central 
bodies upon the plasma.”? Through centripetal currents thus caused 
arise the asters, and they may even account, in a measure, for the move- 
ments of the chromosomes.’ This latter part of Bitschli’s conception 
is, I believe, quite inadequate; but the hypothesis of definite chemical 
activity in the centrosome is a highly important one, which is sustained 
by the staining-reactions of the centrosome and by its definite morpho- 
logical changes during the cycle of cell-division. 

More or less similar chemical hypotheses have been suggested by 
several other writers.4 Of these perhaps the most interesting is 
Strasburger’s suggestion,® that the movements of the chromosomes 
may be of a chemotactic character, which I suspect may prove to have 
been one of the most fruitful contributions to the subject. Beside this 
may be placed Carnoy’s still earlier hypothesis (85), that the asters 
are formed under the influence of specific ferments emanating from 
the poles of the nucleus. Mathews (’99, 2) has recently pointed out 
that there is a considerable analogy between the formation of the 
astral rays and that of fibrin-fibrils under the influence of fibrin-fer- 
ment, adding the suggestion that the centrosome may actually contain 


1 Carnoy (785) and Platner (’86) had previously held a similar view, suggesting that not 
only the spindle-formation, but also the movements of the chromosomes, might be explained 
as the resuit of protoplasmic currents. 

22O2-a1 p53 S- 

B20 2552,)p: 160.5) “925 a.upeaor 

4 Cf the first edition of this work, p. 77, also Ziegler (’95). SP ORY 2: 


THE MECHANISM OF MITOSIS horey 


fibrin-ferment. Attention may be called here to the fact, now definitely 
determined by experiment,’ that cell-division may be incited by chemi- 
cal stimulus. In most of the cases thus far experimentally examined 
the divisions so caused are pathological in character, but in others 
they are quite normal, as shown in Loeb’s remarkable results on the 
production of parthenogenesis in sea-urchin eggs by chemical stimulus, 
as described at pages 215 and 308. While these experiments by no 
means show that division is itself merely a chemical process, they 
strongly suggest that it cannot be adequately analyzed without reckon- 
ing with the chemical changes involved in it. 


Résumé. A review of the foregoing facts and theories shows how 
far we still are from any real understanding of the process involved 
either in the origin or in the mode of action of the mitotic figure. The 
evidence seems well-nigh demonstrative, in case of the mantle-fibres 
and the astral rays, that Van Beneden’s hypothesis contains an element 
of truth, but we must now recognize that it was formulated in too 
simple a form for the solution of so complex a problem. No satisfac- 
tory hypothesis can, I believe, be reached that does not reckon with 
the chemical changes occurring at the spindle-poles and in the nucleus ; 
and these changes are probably concerned not only with the origin of 
the amphiaster, but also with the movements of the chromosomes. In 
cases where the centrosome persists from cell to cell we may perhaps 
regard it as the vehicle of specific substances (ferments ?) which become 
active at the onset of mitosis, and run through a definite cycle of 
changes, to initiate a like cycle in the following generation; and it is 
quite conceivable that such substances may persist at the nuclear poles, 
or may be re-formed there as an after-effect, even though the formed 
centrosome disappears.?___In this consideration we may find a clue to 
the strange fact — should it indeed prove to be a fact —that the cen- 
trosome may divide, yet, afterward disappear without discoverable 
connection with the centrosomes of the succeeding mitosis, as several 
recent observers have maintained.* When all is said, we must admit 
that the mechanism of mitosis in every phase still awaits adequate 
physiological analysis. The suggestive experiments of Biitschli and 
Heidenhain lead us to hope that a partial solution of the problem may 
be reached along the lines of physical and chemical experiment. At 
present we can only admit that none of the conclusions thus far 
reached, whether by observation or by experiment, are more than the 
first zazve attempts to analyze a group of most complex phenomena 
of which we have little real understanding. 


1 See pp. 306, 308. ZIG paper 2 lis Cf p: 213. 


112 CELI-DIVTSION 


2. Division of the Chromosomes 


In developing his theory of fibrillar contractility, Van Beneden 
expressed the view—only, however, as a_ possibility—that the 
splitting of the chromosomes might be passively caused by the con- 
tractions of the two sets of opposing spindle-fibres to which each is 
attached.! Later observations have demonstrated that this sugges- 
tion cannot be sustained; for in many cases the chromatin-thread 
splits before division of the centrosome and the formation of the 
achromatic figure —sometimes during the spireme-stage, or even in 
the reticulum, while the nuclear membrane is still intact. Boveri 
showed this to be the case in Ascaris, and a similar fact has been 
observed by many observers since, both in plants and in animals. 


Fig. 54. — Nuclei in the spireme-stage. 


A. From the endosperm of the lily, showing true nucleoli. [FLEMMING.] 

&. Spermatocyte of salamander. Segmented double spireme-thread composed of chromo- 
meres and completely split. Two centrosomes and central spindle at s. [HERMANN.] 

C. Spireme-thread completely split, with six nucleoli. Endosperm of Fritidlaria. [FLEM- 
MING. ] 


The splitting of the chromosomes is therefore, in Boveri’s words, 
“an independent vital manifestation, an act of reproduction on the part 
of the chromosomes.” 

All of the recent researches in this field point to the conclusion 
that this act of division must be referred to the fission of the 
chromatin-granules or chromomeres of which the chromatin-thread 
is built. These granules were first clearly described by Balbiani 
(76) in the chromatin-network of epithelial cells in the insect- 
ovary, and he found that the spireme-thread arose by the linear 
arrangement of these granules in a single row like a chain of bacte- 
ria.2 Six years later Pfitzner (82) added the interesting discovery 


S77 f0)- 2988 ap ells) SISCerOlG poses 


| THE MECHANISM OF MITOSIS 113 


that during the mitosis of various tissue-cells of the salamander, the 
granules of the spireme-thread dzvzde by fission and thus determine the 
longitudinal splitting of the entire chromosome. This discovery was 
confirmed by Flemming in the following year (82, p. 219), and a simi- 
lar result has been reached by many other observers (Fig. 54). The 
division of the chromatin-granules may take place at a very early 
period. Flemming observed as long ago as 1881 that the chromatin- 


Co 
ao eae ya 
A P4 See a A of ' 


Fig. 55.— Formation of chromosomes and early splitting of the chromatin-granules in sperma- 
togonia of Ascaris megalocephala, var. bivalens. [BRAUER.] 


A. Very early prophase; granules of the nuclear recticulum already divided. 2. Spireme; 
the continuous chromatin-thread split throughout. C. Later spireme. 2. Shortening of the 
thread. £. Spireme-thread divided into two parts. “/. Spireme-thread segmented into four split 
chromosomes. 


thread might split in the spireme-stage (epithelial cells of the sala- 
mander), and this has since been shown to occur in many other cases ; 
for instance, by Guignard in the mother-cells of the pollen in the 
lily (or). Brauer’s recent work on the spermatogenesis of Ascaris 
shows that the fission of the chromatin-granules here takes place even 
before the spireme-stage, when the chromatin is still in the form of a 
reticulum, and long before the division of the centrosome (Fig. 55). 


He therefore concludes: ‘“ With Boveri I regard the splitting as an 
I 


114 CELL-DIVISION 


independent reproductive act of the chromatin. The reconstruction 
of the nucleus, and in particular the breaking up of the chromosomes 
after division into small granules and their uniform distribution 
through the nuclear cavity, is, in the first place, for the purpose of 
allowing a uniform growth to take place; and in the second place, 
after the granules have grown to their normal size, to admit of their 
precisely equal quantitative and qualitative division. I hold that all 
the succeeding phenomena, such as the grouping of the granules 
in threads, their union to form larger granules, the division of the 
thread into segments and finally into chromosomes, are of secondary 
importance; all these are only for the purpose of bringing about in 
the simplest and most certain manner the transmission of the daugh- 
ter-granules (Spalthalften) to the daughter-cells.”! “In my opinion 
the chrombdsomes are not independent individuals, but only groups of 
numberless minute chromatin-granules, which alone have the value 
of individuals.” ? 

These observations certainly lend strong support to the view that 
the chromatin is to be regarded as a morphological aggregate —as 
a congeries or colony of self-propagating elementary organisms 
capable of assimilation, growth, and division. They prove, more- 
over, that mitosis involves two distinct though closely related factors, 
one of which is the fission of the chromatic nuclear substance, while 
the other is the distribution of that substance to the daughter-cells. 
In the first of these it is the chromatin that takes the active part; 
in the second it would seem that the main 7d/e is played by the 
am phiaster. 


E. Direct or AmitotTic DIVISION 


1. General Sketch 


We turn now to the rarer and simpler mode of division known 
as amitosis; but as Flemming has well said, it is a somewhat trying 
task to give an account of a subject of which the final outcome is 
so unsatisfactory as this; for in spite of extensive investigation, we 
still have no very definite conclusion in regard either to the mechan- 
ism of amitosis or its biological meaning. Amitosis, or direct division, 
differs in two essential respects from mitosis. First, the nucleus 
remains in the resting state (reticulum), and there is no formation 
of a spireme or of chromosomes. Second, division occurs without 
the formation of an amphiaster; hence the centrosome is not con- 
cerned with the nuclear division, which takes place by a simple 
constriction. The nuclear substance, accordingly, undergoes a divi- 


s 93, Pp- 203, 204. 25 O8 p. 205. 


accent 


DIRECT OKR,AVMITOTIC DIVISION I15 


sion of its total wzass, but not of its individual elements or chromatin- 
granules (Fig. 56). 

Before the discovery of mitosis, nuclear division was generally 
assumed to take place in accordance with Remak’s scheme (p. 63). 
The rapid extension of our knowledge of mitotic division between 
the years 1875 and 1885 showed, however, that such a mode of 
division was, to say the least, of rare occurrence, and led to doubts 
as to whether it ever actually took place as a normal process. As 
soon, however, as attention was especially directed to the subject, 
many cases of amitotic division were accurately determined, though 


Fig. 56.— Group of cells with amitotically dividing nuclei; ovarian follicular epithelium of the 
cockroach. [WHEELER.] 


very few of them conformed precisely to Remak’s scheme. One 
such case is that described by Carnoy in the follicle-cells of the 
egg in the mole-cricket, where division bégins in the fission of the 
nucleolus, followed by that of the nucleus. Similar cases have 
been since described, by Hoyer (’90) in the intestinal epithelium of 
the nematode Rhabdonema, by Korschelt in the intestine of the 
annelid Ophryotrocha, and in a few other cases. In many cases, how- 
ever, no preliminary fission of the nucleolus occurs; and Remak’s 
scheme must, therefore, be regarded as one of the rarest forms of 
cell-division (!). 


2. Centrosome and Attraction-sphere in Amitosis 


The behaviour of the centrosome in amitosis forms an interesting question 
on account of its bearing on the mechanics of cell-division. Flemming observed 
(91) that the nucleus of leucocytes might in some cases divide directly without 


116 CELL-DIVISION 


the formation of an amphiaster, the attraction-sphere remaining undivided mean- 
while. Heidenhain showed in the following year, however, that in some cases 
leucocytes containing two nuclei (doubtless formed by amitotic division) might 
also contain two asters connected by a spindle. Both Heidenhain and Flemming 
drew from this the conclusion that direct division of the szclews is in this case inde- 
pendent of the centrosome, but that the latter might be concerned in the division 
of the cell-body, though no such process was observed. A little later, however, 
Meves published remarkable observations that seem to indicate a functional activity 
of the attraction-sphere during amitotic nuclear division in the “spermatogonia” 
of the.salamander.!. Krause and Flemming observed that in the autumn many 
of these cells show peculiarly lobed and irregular nuclei (the * polymorphic nuclei” of 
Bellonci). These were, pd sue are by some writers, regarded as degenerating 
nuclei. Meves, accuracy of his observations is in the 
main vouched for by Flemming see in the ensuing spring these nuclei become 
uniformly rounded, and may then divide amitotically. In the autumn the attraction- 
sphere is represented by a diffused and irregular granular mass, which more or less 
completely surrounds the nucleus. In the spring. as the nuclei become rounded, 
the granular substance draws together to form a definite rounded sphere, in which 
a distinct centrosome may sometimes be made out. Division takes place in the 
following extraordinary manner: The nucleus assumes a dumb-bell shape, while 
the attraction-sphere becomes drawn out into a band which surrounds the central 
part of the nucleus, and finally forms a closed ring, encircling the nucleus. After 
this the nucleus divides into two, while the ring- shaped attraction-sphere (‘‘archo- 
plasm”) is again condensed into a sphere. The appearances suggest that the ring- 
shaped sphere actually compresses the nucleus and cuts it through. In a later 
paper (794) Meves shows that the diffused “archoplasm” of the autumn-stage 
arises by the breaking down of a definite spherical attraction-sphere, which is 
re-formed again in the spring in the manner described, and in this condition the 
cells may divide ether mitotically or amztotically. He adds the interesting observa- 
tion, since confirmed by Rawitz (’94), that in the spermatocytes of the salamander 
the attraction-spheres of adjoining cells are often connected by intercellular bridges, 
but the meaning of this has not yet been determined. 

It is certain “that the remarkable transformation of the sphere into a ring during 
amitosis is not of universal, or even of general, occurrence, as shown by the later 
studies of Vom Rath (’95, 3). In leucocytes, for example, the sphere persists in 
its typical form, and contains a centrosome, during every stage of the division; but 
it is an interesting fact that during all these stages the sphere lies on the concave 
side of the nucleus in the bay which finally cuts through the entire nucleus. Again, 
in the liver-cells of the isopod Porcellio, the nucleus divides, not by constriction, as 
in the leucocyte, but by the appearance of a nuclear plate, in the formation of which 
the attraction sphere is apparently not concerned.? The relations of the centro- 
some and archoplasm in amitosis are, therefore, still in doubt; but, on the whole, 
the evidence goes to show that they take no essential part in the process. 


3. Biological Significance of Amttosts 


A survey of the known cases of amitosis brings out the following 
significant facts. It is of extreme rarity, if indeed it ever occurs in 
embryonic cells or such as are in the course of rapid and continued 

191, p. 628. 


2 Such a mode of amitotic division was first described by Sabatier in the crustacea (’89), 
and a similar mode has been observed by Carnoy and Van der Stricht. 


DIRECT OR AMITOTIC DIVISION 117 


multiplication. It is frequent in pathological growths and in cells 
such as those of the vertebrate decidua, of the embryonic envelopes 
of insects, or the yolk-nuclei (periblast, etc.), whch are on the way 
toward degeneration. In many cases, moreover, direct nuclear divi- 
sion is not followed by fission of the cell-body, so that multinuclear 
cells and polymorphic nuclei are thus often formed. These and 
many similar facts led Flemming in 1891 to express the opinion that 
so far as the higher plants and animals are concerned amitosis is ‘‘a 
process which does not lead to a new production and multiplication 
of cells, but wherever it occurs represents either a degeneration or an 
aberration, or perhaps in many cases (as in the formation of multi- 
nucleated cells by fragmentation) is tributary to metabolism through 
the increase of nuclear surface.’”! In this direction Flemming 
sought an explanation of the fact that leucocytes may divide either 
mitotically or amitotically (7. Peremeschko, Lowit, Arnold, Flemming). 
In the normal lymph-glands, where new leucocytes are continually 
regenerated, mitosis is the prevalent mode. Elsewhere (wandering- 
cells) both processes occur. ‘Like the cells of other tissues the 
leucocytes find their normal physiological origin (Neubildung) in 
mitosis; only those so produced have the power to live on and repro- 
duce their kind through the same process.”! Those that divide ami- 
totically are on the road to ruin. Amitosis in the higher forms is 
thus conceived as a purely secondary process, not a survival of a 
primitive process of direct division from the Protozoa, as Strasburger 
(82) and Waldeyer (’88) had conceived it. 

This hypothesis has been carried still further by Ziegler and Vom 
Rath (91). Ina paper on the origin of the bicod in fishes, Ziegler 
(87) showed that the periblast-nuclei in the egg of fishes divide ami- 
totically, and he was thus led like Flemming to the view that amitosis 
is connected with a high specialization of the cell and may be a fore- 
runner of degeneration. In a second paper (’91), published shortly 
after Flemming’s, he points out the fact that amitotically dividing 
nuclei are usually of large size and that the cells are in many cases 
distinguished by a specially intense secretory or assimilative activity. 
Thus, Riige (90) showed that the absorption of degenerate eggs in 
the Amphibia is effected by means of leucocytes which creep into the 
egg-substance. The nuclei of these cells become enlarged, divide ami- 
totically, and then frequently degenerate. Other observers (Korschelt, 
Carnoy) have noted the large size and amitotic division of the nuclei 
in the ovarian follicle-cells and nutritive cells surrounding the ovum in 
insects and Crustacea. Chun found in the entodermic cells of the 
radial canals of siphonophores huge cells filled with nests of nuclei 
amitotically produced, and suggested (90) that the multiplication of 


ION E25 pe 291. 


118 CELL-DIVISION 


nuclei was for the purpose of increasing the nuclear surface as an aid 
to metabolic interchanges between nucleus and cytoplasm. Amitotic 
division leading to the formation of multinuclear cells is especially com- 
mon in gland-cells. Thus, Klein has described such divisions in the 
mucous skin-glands of Amphibia, and more recently Vom Rath has 
carefully described it in the huge gland-cells (probably salivary) of the 
isopod Anilocra ('95). Many other cases are known. Dogiel (’90) 
has observed exceedingly significant facts in this field that place the 
relations between mitosis and amitosis in a clear light. It is a well- 
known fact that in stratified epithelium new cells are continually 
formed in the deeper layers to replace those cast off from the super- 
ficial layers. Dogiel finds in the lining of the bladder of the mouse 
that the nuclei of the superficial cells, which secrete the mucus cover- 
ing the surface, regularly divide amitotically, giving rise to huge mul- 
tinuclear cells, which finally degenerate and are cast off. The new 
cells that take their place are formed in the deeper layers by mitosis 
alone. Especially significant, again, is the case of the ciliate Infu- 
soria, which possess two kinds of nuclei in the same cell, a macro- 
nucleus and a micronucleus. The former is known to be intimately 
concerned with the processes of metabolism (cf. p. 342). During con- 
jugation the macronucleus degenerates and disappears and a new one 
is formed from the micronucleus or one of its descendants. The macro- 
nucleus is therefore essentially metabolic, the micronucleus genera- 
tive in function. In view of this contrast it is a significant fact that 
while both nuclei divide during the ordinary process of fission the 


mitotic phenomena are as a rule less clearly marked in the macronu-- 


cleus than in the micronucleus, and in some cases the former appears to 
divide directly while the latter always goes through a process of mitosis. 

These conclusions received a very important support in the work of 
Vom Rath on amitosis in the testis (93). On the basis of a compara- 
tive study of amitosis in the testis-cells of vertebrates, mollusks, and 
arthropods he concludes that amitosis never occurs in the sperm-pro- 
ducing cells (spermatogonia, etc.), but only in the supporting cells 
(Randzellen, Stiitzzellen). The former multiply through mitosis alone. 
The two kinds of cells have, it is true, a common origin in cells which 
divide mitotically. When, however, they have once become differen- 
tiated, they remain absolutely distinct; amitosis never takes place in 
the series which finally results in the formation of spermatozoa, and 
the amitotically dividing “supporting-cells ’ sooner or later perish. 
Vom Rath thus reached the remarkable conclusion that “* when once 
a cell has undergone amitotic division it has received its death- 
warrant; it may indeed continue for a time to divide by amitosis, but 
inevitably perishes in the end.” ! 


SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 119 


There is, however, strong evidence that this conclusion is too 
extreme. Meves(’94) has given good reason for the conclusion that 
in the salamander the nuclei of the sperm-producing cells (spermato- 
gonia) may divide by amitosis yet afterward undergo normal mitotic 
division, and Preusse (’95) has reached a similar result in the case of 
insect-ovaries. Perhaps the most convincing evidence in this direc- 
tion is afforded by Pfeffer’s (99) recent experiments on Sfzvogyra. 
If this plant be placed in water containing 0.5 to 1.0% of ether, active 
growth and division continue, but only by amitosis. If, however, the 
same individuals be replaced in water, sztotec division ts resumed and 
entirely normal growth continues. This seems to show conclusively 
that amitosis, in lower forms of life at least, does not necessarily mean 
the approach of degeneration, but is a result of special conditions. 
Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that Flemming’s hypothesis in a 
general way represents the truth, and that in the vast majority of cases 
amitosis is a secondary process which does not fall in the generative 
series of cell-divisions. 


F. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 


All cells arise by division from preéxisting cells, cell-body from 
cell-body, nucleus from nucleus, plastids (when these bodies are pres- 
ent) from plastids, and in some cases centrosomes from centrosomes. 
The law of genetic continuity thus applies not merely to the cell con- 
sidered as a whole, but also to some of its structural constituents. 

_ In mitosis, the usual and typical mode of division, the nucleus under- 

goes a complicated transformation, and, together with some of the 
cytoplasmic material, gives rise to the mztotic figure. Of this, the 
most characteristic features are the chromatic figure, consisting of 
chromosomes derived from the chromatin, and the achromatic figure, 
derived from the cytoplasm, the nucleus, or from both, and consisting 
of a spindle, at each pole of which, as a rule, is a centrosome and 
aster. There is, however, strong evidence that both these latter struc- 
tures may in some cases be wanting, and the spindle is therefore prob- 
ably to be regarded as the most essential element. 

The chromosomes, always of the same number in a given species 
(with only apparent exceptions), arise by the transformation of the 
chromatin-reticulum into a thread which breaks into segments and 
splits lengthwise throughout its whole extent. The two halves are 
thereupon transported in opposite directions along the spindle to 
its respective poles and there enter into the formation of the two 
corresponding daughter-nuclei. The spireme-thread, and hence the 
chromosome, arises from a single series of chromatin-granules or 
chromometes which, by their fission, cause the splitting of the thread. 


120 CELI-DIVISION 


Every individual chromatin-granule therefore contributes its quota 
to each of the daughter-nuclei, but it is uncertain whether they are 
persistent bodies or only temporary structures like the chromosomes 
themselves. 

The spindle may arise from the achromatic substance of the 
nucleus, from the cytoplasmic substance, or from both. When cen- 
trosomes are present it is they, as a rule, that lead the way in divi- 
sion. About the daughter-centrosomes as foci are formed the asters 
and between them stretches the spindle, forming an amphiaster 
which is the most highly developed form of the achromatic figure. 
When centrosomes are absent, as now appears to be the case in the 
higher plants, the spindle is formed from fibrous protoplasmic ele- 
ments that gradually group themselves into a spindle. 

The mechanism of mitosis is imperfectly understood. Experi- 
mental studies give ground for the conclusion that the changes 
undergone by the chromatic and the achromatic figures respectively 
are parallel but in a measure independent processes, which are how- 
ever so correlated that both must cooperate for complete cell-division. 
Thus there is strong evidence that the fission of the chromatin-gran- 
ules, and the splitting of the thread, is not caused by division of the 
centrosome or the formation of the spindle, but only accompanies it 
as a parallel phenomenon. The divergence of the daughter-chromo- 
somes, on the other hand, is in some manner determined by the 
spindle-fibres. There are cogent reasons for the view that some of 
these fibres are contractile elements which, like muscle-fibres, drag 
the daughter-chromosomes asunder; while other spindle-fibres act as 
supporting and guiding elements, and probably by their elongation 
push the spindle-poles apart. The adequacy of this explanation is, 
however, doubtful, and it is not improbable that the centrosome or 
spindle-poles are centres of chemical or other physiological activities 
that play an essential part in the process and are correlated with 
those taking place in the chromatin. The functions of the astral 
rays are likewise still involved in doubt, the rays being regarded by 
some investigators as contractile elements like muscle-fibres, by others 
as rigid supporting fibres, or even as actively pushing elements like 
those of the central spindle. It is generally believed further that they 
play a definite part in division of the cell-body —a conclusion sup- 
ported by the fact that the size of the aster is directly related to that 
of the resulting cell. On the other hand division of the cell-body 
may apparently occur in the absence of asters (as in amitosis, or 
among the Infusoria). 

These facts show that mitosis is due to the codrdinate play of an 
extremely complex system of forces which are as yet scarcely com- 
prehended. Its general significance is, however, obvious. The effect 


LITERATURE 120 


of mitosis 1s to produce a meristic division, as opposed to a mere mass- 
division, of the chromatin of the mother-cell, and its equal distribution 
to the nuclet of the daughter-cells. To this result all the operations 
of mitosis are tributary; and it is a significant fact that this process 
is characteristic of all embryonic and actively growing cells, while 
mass-division, as shown in amitosis, is equally characteristic of highly 
specialized or degenerating cells in which development is approaching 
its end. 


EME RALTURES vil 1 


Auerbach, L.— Organologische Studien. Aveslau, 1874. 

Van Beneden, E.— Recherches sur la maturation de Il’ceuf, la fécondation et la 
division cellulaire: Arch. de Biol., VV. 1883. 

Van Beneden and Neyt.— Nouvelles recherches sur la fécondation et la division 
mitosque chez l’Ascaride mégalocephale: Aull. Acad. roy. de Belgique, 111. 14, 
NOwOs) oo7. 

Boveri, Th. — Zellenstudien: I. Jena. Zettschr., XXI. 1887; II. /ozd. XXII. 1888 ; 
Ill. /oid. XXIV. 1890. 

Driiner, L.— Studien iiber den Mechanismus der Zelltheilung. /ena. Zeitschr., 
DOD K5 Mla aiteXoyile 

Erlanger, R. von. — Die neuesten Ansichten iiber die Zelltheilung und ihre Mechanik : 
Zool. Centralb., II. 2. 18096. 

Id.— Uber die Befruchtung und erste Teilung des Ascariseies: Arch. mk. Anat., 
OIE 18075 

Flemming, W., ’92. — Entwicklung und Stand der Kenntnisse tiber Amitose: 
Merkel und Bonnet’s Ergebnisse, 1. 1892. 

Id. — Zelle. (See Introductory list. Also general list.) 

Fol, H. — (See List IV.) 

Heidenhain, M. — Cytomechanische Studien: Arch. f. Entwickmech., 1.4. 1895. 

Id. — Neue Erlauterungen zum Spannungsgesetz der centrirten Systeme: J/orph. 
ATO Ul.” 1SO7,- 

Hermann, F. — Beitrag zur Lehre von der Entstehung der karyokinetischen Spindel : 
Arch. mik. Anat., XXXVII. 1891. 

Hertwig, R. — Uber Centrosoma und Centralspindel: Sztz.-Berg. Ges. Morph. und 
Phys. Miinchen, 1895, Heft 1. 

Kostanecki and Siedlecki. — Uber das Verhalten der Centrosomen zum Protoplasma : 
Arch. mik. Anat., XLVII{. 1896. 

Mark, E. L. — (See List IV.) 

Meves, Fr. — Zellteilung: Merkel und Bonnet’s Ergebnisse, V1. 1897. 

Reinke, F. — Zellstudien: I. Arch. mik. Anat., XLII. 1894; II. Zod. XLIV. 1894. 

Strasburger, E. — Karyokinetische Probleme: Jahro. f. W7ss. Botan., XXVIII. 1895. 

Strasburger, Osterhout, Mottier, and Others. — Cytologische Studien aus dem Bonner 
Institut: Jahrb. wiss. Bot., XXX. 1897. 

Waldeyer. W.— Uber Karyokinese und ihre Beziehungen zu den Befruchtungsvor- 
gangen: Arch. mik. Anat., XXXII. 1888. Q./.d7.S., XXX. 1889-90. 


1 See also Literature, IV., p. 231. ” 


CEP ER. lt 
THE GERM-CELLS 


“Not all the progeny of the primary impregnated germ-cells are required for the forma- 
tion of the body in all animals; certain of the derivative germ-cells may remain unchanged 
and become included in that body which has been composed of their metamorphosed and 
diversely combined or confluent brethren; so included, any derivative germ-cell may com- 
mence and repeat the same processes of growth by imbibition and of propagation by spon- 
taneous fission as those to which itself owed its origin; followed by metamorphoses and 
combinations of the germ-masses so produced, which concur to the development of another 
individual.” RICHARD OWEN! 


\ 
“ Es theilt sich demgemiss das befruchtete Ei in das Zellenmaterial des Individuums und 
in die Zellen fiir die Erhaltung der Art.” M. NussBAuM.2 


Tue germ from which every living form arises is a single cell, de- 
rived by the division of a parent-cell of the preceding generation. 
In the unicellular plants and animals this fact appears in its simplest 
form as the fission of the entire parent-body to form two new and 
separate individuals like itself. In all the multicellular types the 
cells of the body sooner or later become differentiated into two groups, 
which as a matter of practical convenience may be sharply distin- 
guished from one another. These are, to use Weismann’s terms: (1) 
the somatic cells, which are differentiated into various tissues by 
which the functions of individual life are performed and which col- 
lectively form the “ body,” and (2) the germ-cel/s, which are of minor 
significance for the individual life and are destined to give rise to 
new individuals by detachment from the body. It must, however, be 
borne in mind that the distinction between germ-cells and somatic} 
cells is not absolute, as some naturalists have maintained, but only/ 
relative. The cells of both groups have a common origin in the’ 
parent germ-cell; both arise through mitotic cell-division during the 
cleavage of the ovum or in the later stages of development ; both have 
essentially the same structure and both say have the same power of 
development, for there are_ many cases in which a small fragment 
of the body consisting of only a few somatic cells, perhaps only of 
one, may give rise by regeneration to a complete body. The dis- 
tinction between somatic and germ-cells is an expression of the 


1 Parthenogenesis, p. 3, 1849. 
2 Arch. Mik, Anat., XVIII, p. 112, 1880. 


122 


| 


d 


THE GERM-CELLS 123 


physiological division of labour; and while it is no doubt the most 
fundamental and important differentiation in the multicellular body, 
it is nevertheless to be regarded as differing only in degree, not in 
kind, from the distinctions between the various kinds of somatic cells. 

In the lowest multicellular forms, such as Volvoxr (Fig. 57), the 
differentiation appears in a very clear form. Here the body consists 
of a hollow sphere, the walls of which consist of two kinds of cells. 
The very numerous smaller cells are devoted to the functions of nutti- 


Fig. 57. — Volvox, showing the small ciliated somatic cells and eight large germ-cells (drawn 
from life by J. H. EMERYON). 


tion and locomotion, and sooner or later die. A number, usually eight, 
of larger cells are set aside as germ-cells, each of which by progressive 
fission may form a new individual like the parent. In this case the 
germ-cells are simply scattered about among the somatic cells, and no 
special sexual organs exist. In all the higher types the germ-cells 
are more or less definitely aggregated in groups, supported and nour- 
ished by somatic cells specially set apart for that purpose and forming 
distinct sexual organs, the ovaries and spermaries or their equivalents. 
Within these organs the germ-cells are carried, protected, and nour- 
ished; and here they undergo various differentiations to prepare 
them for their future functions. 

In the earlier stages of embryological development the progenitors 
of the germ-cells are exactly alike in the two sexes and are indistin- 


124 THE GERM-CELLS 


guishable from the surrounding somatic cells. As development pro-- 


ceeds, they are first differentiated from the somatic cells and then 
diverge very widely in the two sexes, undergoing remarkable trans- 
formations of structure to fit them for their specific functions. The 
structural difference thus brought about between the germ-cells is, 
however, only the result of physiological division of labour. The 
female germ-cell, or ovum, supplies most of the material for the 
body of the embryo and stores the food by which it is nourished. It 
is therefore very large, contains a great amount of cytoplasm more or 
less laden with food-matter (yolk or deutoplasm), and in many cases 
becomes surrounded by membranes or other envelopes for the pro- 
tection of the developing embryo. On the whole, therefore, the early 
life of the ovum is devoted to the accumulation of cytoplasm and the 
storage of potential energy, and its nutritive processes are largely 
constructive or anabolic. On the other hand, the male germ-cell or 
spermatozo6n contributes to the mass of the embryo only a very 
small amount of substance, comprising as a rule only a single nucleus 
and a very small quantity of cytoplasm. It is thus relieved from the 
drudgery of making and storing food and providing protection for 
the embryo, and is provided with only sufficient cytoplasm to form a 
locomotor apparatus, usually in the form of one or more cilia, by 
which it seeks the ovum. It is therefore very small, performs active 
movements, and its metabolism is characterized by the predominance 
of the destructive or katabolic processes by which the energy neces- 
sary for these movements is set free.’ When finally matured, there- 
fore, the ovum and spermatozoon have no external resemblance; and 
while Schwann recognized, though somewhat doubtfully, the fact 
that the ovum is a cell, it was not until many years afterward that 
the spermatozoon was proved to be of the same nature. 


A. THE Ovum 


The animal egg (Figs. 58-59) is a huge spheroidal cell, sometimes 
naked, but more commonly surrounded by one or more membranes 
which may be perforated by a minute opening, the mzzcropy/e, through 
which the spermatozoon enters (Fig. 63). It contains an enormous 
nucleus known as the germeznal vesicle, within which is a very con- 
spicuous nucleolus known to the earlier observers as the germinal 
spot. In many eggs the latter is single, but in other forms many 


1 The metabolic contrast between the germ-celis has been fully discussed in a most sug- 
gestive manner by Geddes and Thompson in their work on the Zvolution of Sex; and these 
authors regard this contrast as but a particular manifestation of a metabolic contrast charac- 
teristic of the sexes in general. 


FR 


THE OVUI 125 


nucleoli are present, and they are sometimes of more than one kind, 
as in tissue-cells.1_ In many forms no centrosome or attraction-sphere 
is found in the egg until the initial stages in the formation of the 
polar bodies, though Mertens (’93) describes a centrosome and attrac- 
tion-sphere in the young ovarian eggs of a number of vertebrates 
(Fig. 79), while Platner (89) and Stauffacher (’93) find what they 
believe to be centrosomes in much later stages of Az/ostomum and 
Cyclas, lying outside the nuclear membrane. Beside these cases 
should be placed those described by Balbiani, Munson, Nemec, and 
others in which a body closely resembling an attraction-sphere is 
identified as a “yolk-nucleus”’ or ‘‘vitelline body,” as described at 
page 158. In none of these cases is the identification of this 
body wholly satisfactory, nor is it known to have any connection with 
the polar mitoses. Most observers find no centrosome until the 
prophases of the first polar mitosis. Its origin is still problematical, 
some observers believing it to arise de novo in the cytoplasm (Mead), 
others concluding that it is of nuclear origin (Mathews, Van der 
Stricht, Riickert), still others that it persists in the cytoplasm hidden 
among the granules. In any case it is again lost to view after forma- 
tion of the polar bodies, to be replaced by the cleavage-centrosomes 
which arise in connection with the spermatozoon (p. 187). 

The egg-cytoplasm almost always contains a certain amount of 
nutritive matter, the yo/k or deutoplasm, in the form of liquid drops, 
solid spheres or other bodies suspended in the meshwork and varying 
greatly in different cases in respect to amount, distribution, form, and 
chemical composition. 


1. Lhe Nucleus 


The nucleus or germinal vesicle occupies at first a central or nearly 
central position, though it shows in some cases a distinct eccentricity 
even in its earliest stages. As the growth of the egg proceeds, the 
eccentricity often becomes more marked, and the nucleus may thus 
come to lie very near the periphery. In some cases, however, the 
peripheral movement of the germinal vesicle occurs only a very short 
time before the final stages of maturation, which may coincide with 
the time of fertilization. Its form is typically that of a spherical sac, 
surrounded by a very distinct membrane (Fig. 58); but during the 
growth of the egg it may become irregular or even amoeboid (Fig. 77), 
and, as Korschelt has shown in the case of insect-eggs, may move 
through the cytoplasm toward the source of food. Its structure is 


1 Hacker (’95, p. 249) has called attention to the fact that the nucleolus is as a rule 
single in small eggs containing relatively little deutoplasm (ccelenterates, echinoderms, 
many annelids, and some copepods), while it is multiple in large eggs heavily laden with 
deutoplasm (lower vertebrates, insects, many crustacea). 


126 THE GERM-CELLS 


on the whole that of a typical cell-nucleus, but is subject to very great 
variation, not only in different animals, but also in different stages of 
ovarian growth. Sometimes, as in the echinoderm ovum, the chro- 
matin forms a beautiful and regular reticulum consisting of numer- 
ous chromatin-granules suspended in a network of linin (Fig. 58). 
In other cases, no true reticular stage exists, the nucleus containing 
throughout the whole period of its growth the separate daughter-chro- 
mosomes of the preceding division (copepods, selachians, Amphibia),! 


S 
Fig. 58. — Ovarian egg of the sea-urchin, Toxofmeustes (X 750). 
gv. Nucleus or germinal vesicle, containing an irregular discontinuous network of chromatin; 
gs. nucleolus or germinal spot, intensely stained with haematoxylin. The naked cell-body con- 
sists of a very regular alveolar meshwork, scattered through which are numerous minute granules 
or microsomes. (Cf Figs. 11,12.) Below, at s, is an entire spermatozo6n shown at the same 
enlargement (both middle-piece and flagellum are slightly exaggerated in size). 


and these chromosomes may undergo the most extraordinary changes 
of form, bulk, and staining-reaction during the growth of the egg.” 
It is a very interesting and important fact that during the growth 
and maturation of the ovum a large part of the chromatin of the 
germinal vesicle may be lost, either by passing out bodily into the 
cytoplasm, by conversion into supernumerary or accessory nucleoli 
which finally degenerate, or by being cast out and degenerating at 
the time the polar bodies are formed (Figs. 97, 128). 

The nucleolus of the egg-cell is, as elsewhere, a variable quantity 
and is still imperfectly understood. It often attains an enormous 
development, forming the ‘‘ Keimfleck” or ‘‘ germinal spot” of the 


1p. 273. * p. 338. 


THE OVUM 127 


early observers. There are some cases (¢.g. echinoderm eggs) in 
which it is always a single large spherical body (Fig. 58), and this 
condition appears to be characteristic of the very young ovarian eggs 
of most animals. As a rule, however, the number of nucleoli in- 
creases with the growth of the ovum, until, in such forms as Amphibia 
and reptiles, they may be numbered by hundreds. 

In a large number of cases the nucleoli are of two quite distinct 
types, which Flemming has distinguished as the “ principal nucleolus ”’ 


Fig. 59.— Ovum of the cat, within the ovary, directly reproduced from a photograph of a 
preparation by DAHLGREN. [Enlarged 235 diameters.] The ovum lies in the Graafian follicle 
within the discus proligerus, the latter forming the immediate foilicular investment (corona 
radiata) of the egg. Within the corona is the clear zona pellucida or egg-membrane. (Cf 
Fig. 92.) 


(Hauptnucleolus) and “accessory nucleoli” (Vebennucleoli). These 
differ widely in staining-reaction ; but it does not yet clearly appear 
whether they definitely correspond to the plasmosomes and karyo- 
somes of tissue-cells (p. 34). The principal nucleolus, which alone 
is present in such eggs as those of echinoderms, often stains deeply 
with chromatin-stains, yet differs more or less widely from the 
chromatin-network,! and in some cases at least it does not contribute 


1 Cf. List, ’96, Montgomery, ’98, 2, and Obst., ’99. 


128 THE GERM-CELLS 


to the formation of chromosomes. It cannot therefore be directly com- 
pared to the net-knots or karyosomes of tissue-cells. This nucleolus is 
often vacuolated and sometimes assumes the form of a hollow vesicle. 
It is rarely double or multiple. The accessory nucleoli, on the other 
hand, are in general coloured by plasma-stains, thus resembling the 
plasmosomes of tissue-cells; they are often multiple, and as a rule 
they arise secondarily during the growth of the egg (Fig. 61). The 
accessory nucleoli often have no connection with the principal; but 
in some mollusks anc annelids an accessory and a principal nucleolus 
are closely united to form a single compound body (Figs. 60, 61). 
The numerous nucleoli of the amphibian or reptilian egg appear to be 
of the “accessory”’ type. The singular inconstancy of the nucleolus 
is evidenced by the fact that even closely related species may differ 
in this regard. Thus, in Cyclops brevicornts, according to Hacker, the 
very young ovum contains a single intensely chromatic nucleolus; at 
a later period a number of paler accessory nucleoli appear; and still 
later the principal nucleolus disappears, leaving only the accessory 
ones. In C. strenuus, on the other hand, there is throughout but a 
single nucleolus. 

The physiological meaning of the nucleoli is still involved in doubt. 
Many cases are, however, certainly known in which the nucleolus 
plays no part in the later development of the nucleus, being cast out 
or degenerating 7 sz¢a at the time the polar bodies are formed. It 
is, for example, cast out bodily in the medusa -7/guorea (Hacker) and 
in various annelids and echinoderms, afterward lying for some time 
as a “metanucleus”’ in the egg-cytoplasm before degenerating. In 
these cases the chromosomes are formed in the germinal vesicle inde- 
pendently of the nucleoli (Fig. 125), which degenerate 77 szt# when 
the membrane of the germinal vesicle disappears. In such cases it 
seems quite certain that the nucleoli do not contribute to the forma- 
tion of the chromosomes, and that their substance represents passive 
material which is of no further direct use. Hence we can hardly 
doubt the conclusion of Hacker, that the nucleoli of the germ-cells 
are, in some cases at least, accumulations of by-products of the nuclear 
action, derived from the chromatin either by direct transformation of 
its substance, or as chemical cleavage-products or secretions. It will 
be shown in Chapter V. that in some cases a large part of the 
chromatic reticulum is cast out, and degenerates at the time the polar 
bodies are formed. The immense growth of the chromatin during 
the ovarian development is probably correlated in some way with the 
intense constructive activity of the cytoplasm (p. 339); and when this 
latter process has ceased a large part of the chromatin-substance, 
having fulfilled its functions, is cast aside. It seems not improbable 
that the nucleoli are tributary to the same general process, perhaps 


THE OVUM 129 


Fig. 60.— Eggs of the annelid Nerezs, before and after fertilization, x 400 (for intermediate 
stages see Fig. 95). 


A. Before fertilization. The large germinal vesicle occupies a nearly central position. It con- 
tains a network of chromatin in which are seen five small darker bodies; these are the quadruple 
chromosome-groups, or tetrads, in process of formation (not all of them are shown) ; these alone 
persist in later stages, the principal mass of the network being lost; ..s. double germinal spot, 
consisting of a chromatic and an achromatic sphere: This egg is heavily laden with yolk, in the 
form of clear dentoplasm-spheres (@) and fat-drops (/), uniformly distributed through the cyto- 
plasm. The peripheral layer of cytoplasm (peri-vitelline layer) is free from deutoplasm. Outside 
this the membrane. &. The egg some time after fertilization and about to divide. The deuto- 
plasm is now concentrated in the lower hemisphere, and the peri-vitelline layer has disappeared. 
Above are the two polar bodies (g.4.)._ Below them lies the mitotic figure, the chromosomes 
dividing. 


K 


130 THE GERM-CELLS 


serving as storehouses of material formed incidentally to the general 
nuclear activity, but not of further direct use. 

Carnoy and Le Brun (’97, ’99) reach, however, the conclusion that 
in the germinal vesicle of Amphibia the chromosomes are derived 
not from the chromatin-network, but solely from the nucleoli. The 
apparent contradiction of this result with that of other observers is, 


Fig. 61.— Germinal yesicles of growing ovarian eggs of the lamellibranch, Uzio (4—D), and 
the spider, Zpevra (Z—-F).\ [OBsT.] 


A. Youngest stage with single (principal) nucleolus. &, Older egg, showing accessory nucle- 
olus attached to the principal. C. The two nucleoli separated. DD. Much older stage, showing 
the two nucleoli united. &. Germinal vesicle of Hpeira, showing one accessory nucleolus at- 
tached to the principal, and one free. /. Later stage; several accessory nucleoli attached to the 
principal. ‘ 


perhaps, only a verbal one; for the “nucleoli” are here evidently 
chromatin-masses, and the disappearance of the chromatic network is 
comparable with what occurs at a later period in the annelid egg 
(Figs. 97, 128). 


2. Lhe Cytoplasm 


The egg-cytoplasm varies greatly in appearance with the varia- 
tions of the deutoplasm. In such eggs as those of the echinoderm 


_~ —— 


THE OVUM 131 


(Fig. 58), which have little or no deutoplasm, the cytoplasm forms a 
regular meshwork, which 1s in this case an undoubted alveolar struc- 
ture, the structure of which has already been described at p. 28. In 
eggs containing yolk the deutoplasm-spheres or granules are laid 
down in the spaces of the meshwork and appear to correspond to the 
alveolar spheres of the echinoderm egg (p. 50). If they are of large 
size the cytoplasm assumes a “‘pseudo-alveolar” structure (Fig. 60), 
much as in plant-cells laden with reserve starch; but reasons have 
already been given (p. 50) for regarding this as only a modification 
of the “primary” alveolar structure of Biitschli. There is good 
reason to believe, however, that the egg-cytoplasm may in some cases 
form a true reticular structure with the yolk-granules lying in its 
interstices, as many observers have described. In many. cases a pe- 
ripheral layer of the ovum, known as the cortical or peri-vitelline layer, 
is tree from deutoplasm-spheres, though it is continuous with the 
protoplasmic meshwork in which the latter lie (Fig. 60). Upon 
fertilization, or sometimes before, this layer may disappear by a 
peripheral movement of the yolk, as appears to be the case in 
Nereis. In other cases the peri-vitelline substance rapidly flows 
toward the point at which the spermatozoon enters, where a_proto- 
plasmic germinal disc is then formed; for example, in many fish-eggs. 

The character of the yolk varies so widely that it can here be con- 
sidered only in very general terms. The deutoplasm-bodies are com- 
monly spherical, but often show a more or less distinctly rhomboidal 
or crystalloid form as in Amphibia and some fishes, and in such cases 
they may sometimes be split up into parallel lamella known as yo/é- 
plates. Their chemical composition varies widely, judging by the 
staining-reactions; but we have very little definite knowledge on this 
subject, and have to rely mainly on the results of analysis of the total 
yolk, which in the hen’s egg is thus shown to consist largely of pro- 
teids, nucleo-albumins, and a variety of related substances which are 
often associated with fatty substances and small quantities of car- 
bohydrates (glucose, etc.). In some cases the deutoplasm-spheres 
stain intensely with nuclear dyes, such as haematoxylin; ¢.g. in many 
worms and mollusks; in other cases they show a greater affinity for 
plasma-stains, as in many fishes and Amphibia and annelids (Fig. 60). 
Often associated with the proper deutoplasm-spheres are drops of oil, 
either scattered through the yolk (Fig. 60) or united to form a single 
large drop, as in many pelagic fish-eggs. 

The deutoplasm is as a rule heavier than the protoplasm; and in 
such cases, if the yolk is accumulated in one hemisphere, the egg 
assumes a constant position with respect to gravity, the egg-axis 
standing vertically with the animal pole turned upward, as in the 
frog, the bird, and many other cases. There are, however, many 


I 


Lo) 


cases in which the egg may lie in any position. 


2 THE 


GERM-CELLS 


When fat-drops are 


present they usually lie in the vegetative hemisphere, and since they 


eects 
oe 
Cette e 


Fig. 62.— Schematic figure of a 
median longitudinal section of theegg 
of a fly (A7Zusca), showing axes of the 
bilateral egg and the membranes. 
[From KORSCHELY and HEIDER, 
after HENKING and BLOCHMANN.] 

em, The germ-nuclei uniting; 
m,. micropyle; #.¢. the polar bodies. 
The flat side of the egg is the dorsal, 
the convex side the ventral, and the 
micropyle is at the anterior end. 
The deutoplasm (small circles) lies 
in the centre surrounded by a periph- 
eral or peri-vitelline layer of proto- 
piasm. The outer heavy line is the 
chorion, the inner lighter line the 
vitelline membrane, both being per- 
forated by the micropyle, from which 
exudes a mass of jelly-like substance. 


are lighter than the other constituents 
they usually cause the egg to lie with 
the animal pole turned downwards, as 
is the case with some annelids (Vere7s) 
and many pelagic fish-eggs. 


3. The E-ge-envelopes 

The egg-envelopes fall under three 
categories, These are 7; — 

(a) The vetelline membrane, secreted 

by the ovum itself. 

(0) The chorion, formed outside the 
ovum by the activity of the 
maternal follicle-cells. 

(c) Accessory envelopes, secreted by 
the walls of the oviduct or other 
maternal structures after the 
ovum has left the ovary. 

Only the first of these properly be- 
longs to the ovum, the second and third 
being purely maternal products. There 
are some eggs, such as those of certain 
ceelenterates (e.g. Renilla), that are 
naked throughout their whole develop- 
ment. In many others, of which the 
sea-urchin is a type, the fresh-laid egg is 
naked but forms a vitelline membrane 
almost instantaneously after the sperma- 
tozoon touches it.t. In other forms (in- 
sects, birds) the vitelline membrane may 
be present before fertilization, and in 
such cases the egg is often surrounded 
by a chorion as well. The latter is 
usually very thick and firm and may 
have a shell-like consistency, its surface 
sometimes showing various peculiar 
markings, prominences, or sculptured 
patterns characteristic of the species 
(insects ).? 


1 That the vitelline membrane does not preéxist seems to be established by the fact that 
egg-fragments likewise surround themselves with a membrane when fertilized. [ HERTWIG. ] 
In some cases, according to Wheeler, the insect-egg has only a chorion, the vitelline 


membrane being absent. 


THE OVUM 133 

The accessory envelopes are too varied to be more than touched 
upon here. They include not only the products of the oviduct or 
uterus, such as the albumin, shell-membrane, and shell of birds and 
reptiles, the gelatinous mass investing amphibian ova, the capsules 
of molluscan ova and the like, but also nutritive fluids and capsules 
secreted by the external surface of the body, as in leeches and earth- 
worms. 

When the egg is surrounded by a membrane before fertilization it 
is often perforated by one or more openings known as micropyles, 
through which the spermatozoa make their entrance (Figs. 62, 63). 
Where there is but one micropyle, 
it is usually situated very near the 
upper or anterior pole (fishes, 
many insects), but it may be at the 
opposite pole (some insects and 
mollusks), or even on the side 
(imsects). In many insects there 
is a group of half a dozen or more Fie Os = Uaper pole eine eae oF Aree: 
micropyles near the upper pole of xauta. [Ussow.] 


UL 


the egg, and perhaps correlated The egg is surrounded by a very thick 
with this is the fact that severa] membrane, perforated at m by the funnel- 
shaped micropyle; below the latter lies the 


spermatozoa enter the Ss; though egg-nucleus in the peri-vitelline layer of pro- 
only one is concerned with the  toplasm; #4. the polar bodies. 
actual process of fertilization. 

The plant-ovum, which is usually known as the odsfhere (Figs. 64, 
107), shows the same general features as that of animals, being a 
relatively large, quiescent, rounded cell containing a large nucleus. 
It never, however, attains the dimensions or the complexity of struc- 
ture shown in many animal eggs, since it always remains attached to 
the maternal structures, by which it is provided with food and invested 
with protective envelopes. It is therefore naked, as a rule, and is 
not heavily laden with reserve food-matters such as the deutoplasm 
of animalova. A vitelline membrane is, however, often formed soon 
after fertilization, as in echinoderms. The most interesting feature 
of the plant-ovum is the fact that it often contains plastids (leuco- 
plasts or chromatophores) which, by their division, give rise to those 
of the embryonic cells. These sometimes have the form of typical 
chromatophores containing pyrenoids, as in lo/vox and many other 
Algz (Fig. 64). In the higher forms (archegoniate plants), according 
to the researches of Schmitz and Schimper, the egg contains numer- 
ous minute colourless “leucoplasts,’’ which afterward develop into 
green chromatophores or into the starch-building amyloplasts. This 
is a point of great theoretical interest ; for the researches of Schmitz, 
Schimper, and others have rendered it highly probable that these 


134 THE GERM-CELLS 


plastids are persistent morphological bodies that arise only by the 
division of preéxisting bodies of the same kind, and hence may be 
traced continuously from one generation to another through the 


C 

Fig. 64. — Germ-cells of Volvox. [OVERTON.] 

A. Ovum (oésphere) containing a large central nucleus and a peripheral layer of chromato- 

phores; #. pyrenoid. 8. Spermatozoid; ¢.v. contractile vacuoles ; e. ‘‘ eye-spot”’ (chromoplastid) ; 
?- pyrenoid. C. Spermatozoid stained to show the nucleus (7). 


germ-cells. In the lower plants (Algz) they may occur in both germ- 
cells; in the higher forms they are found in the female alone, and in 
such cases the plastids of the embryonic body are of purely maternal 
origin. 


B. THE SPERMATOZOON 


Although spermatozoa were among the first of animal cells ob- 
served by the microscope, their real nature was not determined for 
more than two hundred years after their discovery. Our modern 
knowledge of the subject may be dated from the year 1841, when 
Kolliker proved that they were not parasitic animalcules, as the early 
observers supposed, but the products of cells preéxisting in the 
parent body. Kolliker, however, did not identify them as cells, but 
believed them to be of purely nuclear origin. We owe to Schweigger- 
Seidel and La Valette St. George the proof, simultaneously brought 
forward by these authors in 1865,’ that the spermatozo6én is a com- 
plete cell, consisting of nucleus and cytoplasm, and hence of the same 
morphological nature as the ovum. It is of extraordinary minute- 
ness, being in many cases less than jo 9/599 the bulk of the ovum? 


1 Arch. Mik. Anat., 1. 65. 
2 seacurchin. 70x sustes i i r i , =a! — 
In the sea urchin, Toxopneustes, I estimate its bulk as being between z5qoq5 and spplous 
the volume of the ovum. The inequality isin many cases very much greater. 


—— 


THE SPERMATOZOON 135 


Its precise study is therefore difficult, and it is not surprising that our 
knowledge of its structure and origin is still far from complete. 


1. /agellate Spermatozoa 


In its more usual form the animal spermatozodn resembles a 
minute, elongated tadpole, which swims very actively about by the 
vibrations of a long, slender tail morpho- 
logically comparable with a single cilium 
or flagellum. Such a spermatozoon con- 
sists typically of four parts, as shown in 
Fig. 65 :— 

I. The nucleus, which forms the main 
portion of the “head,” and consists of a 
very dense and usually homogeneous mass 
of chromatin staining with great intensity 
with the so-called “nuclear dyes” (e.g. 
hematoxylin or the basic tar-colours such 
as methyl-green). It is surrounded by a 
very thin cytoplasmic envelope. 

2. An apical body, or acrosome, lying at 
the front end of the head, sometimes very 
minute, sometimes almost as large as the 
nucleus, and in some cases terminating in 
a sharp spur by means of which the 
spermatozoon bores its way into the ovum. 

3. The mzddle-piece, or connecting 
piece, a larger cytoplasmic body lying 
behind the head and giving attachment to 
the tail, from which it is not always dis- 
tinctly marked off. This body shows the 
same staining-reactions as the acrosome, 
having an especial affinity for ‘“ plasma- 
stains”’ (acid fuchsin, etc.). At its front 
end it is in some forms (mammals) sepa- 
rated from the nucleus by a short clear 
region, the wzeck. Like the acrosome, the 
middle-piece is in some cases derived from an ‘‘archoplasmic’”’ mass, 
representing an attraction-sphere (Lwmbricus) or a portion of the 
Nebenkern (insects), and it contains, or according to some authors 
actually arises from, the centrosome (salamander, mammals, insects, 
etc. ). 

4. The ¢az/, or flagellum, in part, at least, a cytoplasmic product 
developed in connection with the centrosome and “archoplasm”’ 


Apical body or acrosome. 


Nucleus. 


End-knob. 


Middle-piece. 


Envelope of the tail. 


Axial filament. 


End-piece. 


i 


Fig. 65.— Diagram of the 
flagellate spermatozoon, 


THE GERM-CELLS 


— 
Loe) 
OV 


(attraction-sphere or ‘‘ Nebenkern”’) of the mother-cell. It consists 
of a fibrillated aval filament surrounded by a cytoplasmic envelope, 
and in certain cases (Amphibia) bears on one side a fin-like undulat- 
ing membrane (Fig. 66). Toward the tip of the flagellum the enve- 
lope suddenly disappears or becomes very thin, leaving a_ short 
enad-piece which by some authors is considered to consist of the naked 
axial filament. The axial filament may be traced through the 
middle-piece up to the head, at the base of which it usually termi- 


Fig. 66.— Spermatozoa of fishes and Amphibia. [BALLOWITZ.] 


A. Sturgeon. 4. Pike. C. D. Leuciscus. LE. Triton (anterior part). /. Triton (posterior 
part of flagellum). G. Raja (anterior part). a. apical body; e. end-piece; 7 flagellum; 4. end- 
knob; m. middle-piece; 2. nucleus; s. apical spur. 


nates in a minute body, single or double, known as the exa-knob. 
Recent research has proved that the axial filament grows out from 
the spermatid-centrosome, the latter in some cases persisting as the 
end-knob (insects, mollusks, mammals), in other cases apparently 
enlarging to form the main body of the middle-piece (salamander). 
The tail-envelopes, on the other hand, arise either from the “archo- 
plasm” of the -Nebenkern (insects) together with a small amount 
of unmodified cytoplasm, or from the latter alone (salamander, rat). 


THE SPERMATOZOON 137 


From a physiological point of view we may arrange the parts of 
the spermatozoon under two categories as follows : — 

1. The essential structures which play a direct part in fertilization. 

These are : — 

(a) The xaclews, which contains the chromatin. 

(0) The mzddle-piece, which either contains a formed centrosome 
or pair of centrosomes (end-knob), or is itself a meta- 
morphosed centrosome. This is probably to be regarded 
as the fertilizing element par excellence, since there is reason 
to believe that when introduced into the egg it gives the 
stimulus to division. 

2. The accessory structures, which play no direct part in fertilization, 
viz. : — 

(a) The aper or spur, by which the spermatozo6n attaches itself 
to the egg or bores its way into it, and which also serves 
for the attachment of the spermatozoon to the nurse-cells 
or supporting cells of the testis. 

(6) The ¢az/, a locomotor organ which carries the nucleus and 
centrosome, and, as it were, deposits them in the egg at 
the time of fertilization. There can be little doubt that 
the substance of the flagellum is contractile, and that its 
movements are of the same nature as those of ordinary 
cilia. Ballowitz’s discovery of its fibrillated structure is 
therefore of great interest, as indicating its structural as 
well as physiological similarity to a muscle-fibre. The 
outgrowth of the axial filament from the centrosome is 
probably comparable to the formation of spindle-fibres or 
astral rays, a conclusion of especial interest in its relation 
to Van Beneden’s theory of mitosis (p. 100). 

Tailed spermatozoa conforming more or less nearly to the type 
just described are with few exceptions found throughout the Metazoa 
from the coelenterates up to man; but they show a most surprising 
diversity in form and structure in different groups of animals, and 
the homologies between the different forms have not yet been fully 
determined. The simpler forms, for example, those of echinoderms 
and some of the fishes (Figs. 66 and 100), conform very nearly to the 
foregoing description. Every part of the spermatozoon may, how- 
ever, vary more or less widely from it (Figs. 66-68). The head 
(nucleus) may be spherical, lance-shaped, rod-shaped, spirally twisted, 
hook-shaped, hood-shaped, or drawn out into a long filament; and 
it is often divided into an anterior and a posterior piece of different 
staining-capacity, as is the case with many birds and mammals, 
but it is probable that the anterior of these may represent the acro- 
some. An interesting form of head is described by Wheeler (’97) in 


138 THE GERM-CELLS 


Fig. 67.— Spermatozoa of various animals. [4-/, Z, from BALLOWITZ; 7, A, from VON 
BRUNN.] 

A (At the left). Beetle (Cof77s), partly macerated to show structure of flagellum; it con- 
sists of a supporting fibre (s.f) and a fin-like envelope (/); 2. nucleus; a. a. apical body divided 
into two parts (the posterior of these is perhaps a part of the nucleus). J. Insect (Calathus), 
with barbed head and fin-membrane. C. Bird (Phydlopneuste). D. Bird (Muscicapa), showing 
spiral structure; nucleus divided into two parts (x1, z2); no distinct middle-piece. £. Bulfinch; 
spiral membrane of head. /. Gull (Zavzs) with spiral middle-piece and apical knob. G. #. Giant 
spermatozoén and ordinary form of Zadorna. /. Ordinary form of the same stained, showing 
apex, nucleus, middle-piece and flagellum. ¥% ‘‘ Vermiform spermatozo6n” and, A. ordinary 
spermatozoén of the snail Palwdina. L. Snake (Coluber), showing apical body (a), nucleus, 
greatly elongated middle-piece (7), and flagellum (7). 


THE SPERMATOZOON 139 


the spermatozoon of MJ/yzostoma, where it is a greatly elongated 
fusiform body, passing insensibly into the tail without distinct middle- 
piece and containing a single series of chromatin-discs. The num- 
ber of these in JZ. glabrum is 24, which is the somatic number 
of chromosomes in this species. In JZ. cerriferum the number of 
chromatin-discs is more than 60. Somewhat similar spermatozoa 
occur in the accelous Turbellaria.’ The acrosome sometimes appears 
to be wanting, e.g. in some fishes (Fig. 66). When present, it is 
sometimes a minute rounded knob, sometimes a sharp stylet, and in 
some cases terminates in a sharp barbed spur by which the sperma- 
tozoon appears to penetrate the ovum (77zfov). In the mammals it 
is sometimes very small (rat), sometimes very large (guinea-pig), and 
in some forms is surrounded by a cytoplasmic layer forming the 
“head-cap”’ (Figs. 68, 86). It is sometimes divided into two distinct 
parts, a longer posterior piece and a knob-like anterior piece (insects, 
according to Ballowitz). 

The middle-piece or connecting-piece shows a like diversity (Figs. 
66-68). In many cases it is sharply differentiated from the flagellum, 
being sometimes nearly spherical, sometimes flattened like a cap 
against the nucleus, and sometimes forming a short cylinder of the 
same diameter as the nucleus, and hardly distinguishable from 
the latter until after staining (newt, earthworm). In other cases it 
is very long (reptiles, some mammals), and is scarcely distinguishable 
from the flagellum. In still others (birds, some mammals) it passes 
insensibly into the flagellum, and no sharply marked limit between 
them can be seen. In many of the mammals the long connecting- 
piece is separated from the head by a narrow “neck” in which the 
end-knobs lie, as described below. 

Internally, the middle-piece consists of an axial filament and an 
envelope, both of which are continuous with those of the flagellum. 
In some cases the envelope shows a distinctly spiral structure, like 
that of the tail-envelope; but this is not always visible. The most 
interesting part of the middle-piece is the ‘end-knob” in which the 
axial filament terminates, at the base of the nucleus. In some cases 
this appears to be single. More commonly it consists of two or more 
minute bodies lying side by side (Fig. 68, 4, PD). 

The flagellum or tail is merely a locomotor organ which plays no 
part in fertilization. It is, however, the most complex part of the 
spermatozoon, and shows a very great diversity in structure. Its 
most characteristic feature is the axzal filament, which, as Ballowitz 
has shown, is composed of a large number of parallel fibrilla, like a 
muscle-fibre. This is surrounded by a cytoplasmic envelope, which 
sometimes shows a striated or spiral structure, and in which, or in 


IN Gj Wihleeler;sps 7 


140 


THE GERM-CELLS 


connection with which, may be developed secondary or accessory fila- 


ments and other structures. 


At the tip the axial filament may lose 


its envelope and thus give rise to the so-called “ end-piece ” (Retzius). 
In Zriton, for example (Fig. 66, /), the envelope of the axial fila- 
ment (‘‘ principal filament’’) gives attachment to a remarkable fin-like 


THIEL! 
PY Yi! 


yp 


RAW S 1isi a) 


STR ER EL 


1g 
Ae | 


Fig. 68. —Spermatozoa of mammals. 
BALLOWITZ.] 


[4-F from 


A. Badger (living). #&. The same after staining. 
C. Bat (Vesperugo). D. The same, flagellum and 
middle-piece or connecting-piece, showing end-knobs. 
£. Head of the spermatozoGn of the bat (RAzno- 
lophus) showing details. #. Head of spermatozo6n 
of the pig. G. Opossum (after staining). A. Doubie 
spermatozoa from the vas deferens of the opossum. 
I. Rat. 

h.c. head-cap (acrosome); 4. end-knob; m. mid- 
dle-piece; 7. nucleus (in 4, Z, F, consisting of two 
different parts). 


membrane, having a frilled or 
undulating free margin along 
which is developed a ‘ mar- 
ginal filament.” Toward the 
tip of the tail the fin, and 
finally the entire envelope, 
disappears, leaving only the 
axial filament to form the end- 
piece. After maceration the 
envelope shows a conspicuous 
cross-striation, which perhaps 
indicates a spiral structure 
such as occurs in the mam- 
mals. The marginal filament, 
on the other hand, breaks 
up into numerous parallel 
fibrillae, while the axial fila- 
ment remains unaltered (Bal- 
lowitz). 

A fin-membrane has also 
been observed in some insects 
and fishes, and has been as- 
serted to occur in mammals 
(man included). Later ob- 
servers have, however, failed 
to find the fin in mammals, 
and their observations indi- 
cate that the axial filament is 
merely surrounded by an 
envelope which sometimes 
shows traces of the same 
spiral arrangement as that 
which is so conspicuous in 
the connecting-piece. In the 
skate the tail has two fila- 
ments, both composed of 
parallel fibrillz, connected by 
a membrane and = spirally 
twisted about each other; a 


THE SPERMATOZOON I4I 


somewhat similar structure occurs in the toad. In some beetles there 
is a fin-membrane attached to a stiff axial “supporting fibre” (Fig. 
67, A). The membrane itself is here composed of four parallel fibres, 
which differ entirely from the supporting fibre in staining-capacity 
and in the fact that each of them may be further resolved into a 
large number of more elementary fibrillee. 


: 
i 
! 


Oa. ; 


Fig. 69. — Unusual forms of spermatozoa. 
g- 09 Pp 


| 
: 
| 


A. B.C. Living amoeboid spermatozoa of the crustacean Polyphemus. [ZACHARIAS.] 

D, E. Spermatozoa of crab, Dromia. F. Of Ethusa, G. of Maja, H. of /nachus. [GROBBEN.] 
/. SpermatozoGn of lobster, Homarus. [HERRICK.] 

F. Spermatozo6n of crab, Porcellana. [GROBBEN.] 


Many interesting details have necessarily been passed over in the foregoing 
account. One of these is the occurrence, in some mammals, birds, Amphibia (frog), 
and mollusks, of two kinds of spermatozoa in the same animal. In the birds and 
Amphibia the spermatozoa are of two sizes, but of the same form, the larger being 
known as “ giant spermatozoa” (Fig. 67, G, 7). In the gasteropod Paludina the 
two kinds differ entirely in structure, the smaller form being of the usual type and 
not unlike those of birds, while the larger, or “ vermiform,” spermatozoa have a 
worm-like shape and bear a tuft of cilia at one end, somewhat like the spermatozoids 
of plants (Fig. 67, 7, A). In this case only the smaller spermatozoa are functional 
(von Brunn). 


142 THE GERM-CELLS 


No less remarkable is the conjugation of spermatozoa in pairs (Fig. 68, 47), which 
takes place in the ves deferens in the opossum (Selenka) and in some insects 
(Ballowitz, Auerbach). Ballowitz’s researches (’95) on the double spermatozoa 
of beetles (ydésctd@) prove that the union is not primary, but is the result of an 
actual conjugation of previously separate spermatozoa. Not merely two, but three 
or more spermatozoa may thus unite to form a “ spermatozeugma,” which swims like 
a single spermatozoon. Whether the spermatozoa of such a group separate before 
fertilization is unknown; but Ballowitz has found the groups, after copulation, in 
the female receptaculum, and he believes that they may enter the egg in this form. 
The physiological meaning of the process is unknown. 


2. Other Forms of Spermatozoa 


The principal deviations from the flagellate type of spermatozo6n 
occur among the arthropods and nematodes (Fig. 69). In many of 
these forms the spermatozoa have no flagellum, and in some cases they 
are actively amoeboid; for example, in the daphnid Polyphemus (Fig. 
69, A, B, C)as described by Leydig and Zacharias. More commonly 
they are motionless like the ovum. In the chilognathous myriapods 
the spermatozoén has sometimes the form of a bi-convex lens (Po/j- 
desmus), sometimes the form of a hat or helmet having a double brim 
(Julus). In the latter case the nucleus is a solid disc at the base of 
the hat. In many decapod Crustacea the spermatozoon consists of a 
cylindrical or conical body from 
one end of which radiate a num- 
ber of stiff spine-lke processes. 
The nucleus lies near the base. 
In none of these cases has the 
centrosome been identified. 


3. Paternal Germ-cells of 
Plants 


In most of the flawering 
plants the male germ-cells are 
represented by two “‘ generative 
nuclei,” lying at the tip of the 
pollen tube (Fig. 106). On the 
C ‘other hand, in the cycads (Figs. 

Fig. '70. — Spermatozoids of Chara. [BELA- 87, 108) and in a large number 
JEFF. ] of the lower plants (pterido- 

A. Mother-cells with reticular nuclei. B. Later phytes, Muscinee, and many 
tee un STEAL O18 forming. & Mature sper- others), the male eerm-cell is a 
matozoid (the elongate nucleus black). zg 7 =) 

minute actively swimming cell, 
known as the sfervmatozoid, which is closely analogous to the sper- 
matozoon. The spermatozoids are in general less highly differenti- 
ated than spermatozoa, and often show a distinct resemblance to the 


———— 


THE SPERMATOZOON 143 


asexual swarmers or zoospores so common in the lower plants (Figs. 
70,71). They differ in two respects from animal spermatozoa: first 
in possessing not one but two or several flagella; second, in the fact 
that these are attached as a rule not to the end of the cell, but on 
the side. In the lower forms plastids are present in tg form of 
chromatophores, one 
of which may be dif- 
ferentiated into a red 
Heye-Spotyc) aS) inl 
Volvox and Fucus 
(Pigs! 57,71, 4), and 
they may even contain 
contractile vacuoles 
(Volvox); but both 
these structures are 
wanting in the higher 
forms ‘hese con- 
sist only of a nucleus 
with a very small 
amount of cytoplasm, 
and have typically a 
spiral form. In Chara, 
where their structure 
and development 
have recently been 
carefully studied by 
Belajeff, the sperma- 
tozoids have an elon- 
gated spiral form with 
two long flagella at- 
tacmedunearst he 
pointed end, which is 
directed forward in 


swimming (Fig. 70). Fig. 71.— Spermatozoids of plants. [4, B, C, &, after 
The main body of the GUIGNARD; D, F, after STRASBURGER.] 
spermatozoid is oc- A. Of an alga (Fucus); a red chromatophore at the right 


; of the nucleus. &. Liverwort (FPedlia). C. Moss (Sphagnum). 
cupied by a dense, D. Marsilia. E. Fern, (Angiopteris). F. Fern, Phegopteris 


apparently homoge- (the nucleus dark). (C/ Figs. 87, 88.) 

neous nucleus sur- 

rounded by a very delicate layer of cytoplasm. Behind the nucleus lies 
a granular mass of cytoplasm, forming one end of the cell, while in 
front is a slender cytoplasmic tip to which the flagella are attached. 
Nearly similar spermatozoids occur in the liverworts and mosses. In 
the ferns and other pteridophytes a somewhat different type occurs 


144 THE GERM-CELLS 


(Figs. 71, 88). Here the spermatozoid is twisted into a conical spiral 
and bears numerous cilia attached along the upper turns of the spire. 
The nucleus occupies the lower turns, and attached to them is a large 
spheroidal cytoplasmic mass, which is cast off when the spermatozoid 
is set fregggr at the time it enters the archegonium. This, according 
to Strasb¥fver, probably corresponds to the basal cytoplasmic mass of 
Chara. The upper portion of the spire to which the cilia are attached 
is composed of cytoplasm alone, as in Chara. Ciliated spermatozoids, 
nearly similar in type to those of the higher cryptogams, have recently 
been discovered in the cycads by Hirase (Gzzgko), Ikeno (Cycas), and 
Webber (Zamiia). hey are here hemispherical or pear-shaped bodies 
of relatively huge size (in Zamia upward of 250 yw in length), with a 
large nucleus filling most of the cell and a spiral band of cilia making 
from two to six turns about the smaller end (Figs. 87, 108). 

As will be shown farther on (p. 173), the “anterior”? cytoplasmic 
region of the spermatozoid, to which the cilia are attached, is probably 
the analogue of the middle-piece of the animal spermatozo6n; and 
the work of Belajeff, Strasburger, Ikeno, Hirase, Webber, and Shaw 
gives good ground for the conclusion that it has an essentially simi- 
lar mode of origin, though we are still unable to say exactly how far 
the comparison can be carried. The “ posterior’ region of the sper- 
matozoid appears to correspond, broadly speaking, to the acrosome. 


C. ORIGIN OF THE GERM-CELLS 


Both ova and spermatozoa take their origin from cells known as 
primordial germ-cells, which become clearly distinguishable from the 
somatic cells at an early period of development, and are at first exactly 
alike in the two sexes. What determines their subsequent sexual 
differentiation is unknown save in a few special cases. From such 
data as we possess, there is very strong reason to believe that, with 
a few exceptions, the primordial germ-cells are sexually indifferent, 
z.e. neither male nor female, and that their transformation into ova 
or spermatozoa is not due to an inherent predisposition, but is a reac- 
tion to external stimulus. Most of the observations thus far made 
indicate that this stimulus is given by the character of the food, and 
that the determination of sex is therefore in the last analysis a prob- 
lem of nutrition. Thus Mrs. Treat (’73) found that if caterpillars 
were starved before entering the chrysalis state they gave rise to a 
preponderance of male imagoes, while conversely those of the same 
brood that were highly fed produced an excess of females. Yung(’81) 
reached the same result in the case of Amphibia, highly fed tadpoles 
producing a great excess of females (in some cases as high as 92%) 
and underfed ones an excess of males. The same result, again, is 


ORIGIN OF THE GERM-CELLS 145 


given by the interesting experiments of Nussbaum (’97) on the rotifer 
Hydatina, which is an especially favourable case since sex is here de- 
termined at a very early period, dcfore the egg is laid, the eggs being 
of two sizes, of which the smaller give rise only to males, and the 
larger only to females. The earlier experiments of Maupas (91) on 
this form seemed to show conclusively that the decisive factor was 
temperature acting on the parent organism, since in a high tempera- 
ture an excess of females produced male eggs, and in a low tempera- 
ture the reverse result ensued. Nussbaum shows, however, that this 
is not a direct effect of temperature, but an indirect one due to the 
greater birth-rate and the greater activity of the animals under a 
higher temperature, which result in a speedier exhaustion of food. 
Direct experiment shows that, under equal temperature-conditions, 
well-fed females produce a preponderance of female offspring, and 
vice versa, precisely as in the Lepidoptera and Amphibia. These cases 
show that sex may be determined by conditions of nutrition either 
affecting the embryo itself (Lepidoptera, Amphibia) long after the egg 
is laid, or by similar conditions affecting the parent-organism and 
through it the ovarian egg. 

Nutrition is, however, not the only determining cause of sex, as is 
shown by the long-known case of the honey-bee. Here sex is deter- 
mined by fertilization, the males arising only from unfertilized eggs 
by parthenogenesis, while the fertilized eggs give rise exclusively to 
females, which develop into fertile forms (queens) or sterile forms 
(workers), according to the nature of the food. This is a very excep- 
tional case, yet here too it is the more highly fed larve that produce 
fertile females. It is interesting to compare with this case that of the 
plant-lice or aphides. In these forms the summer broods, living 
under favourable conditions of nutrition, produce only females the 
eggs of which develop parthenogenetically. In the autumn, under 
less favourable conditions, males as well as females are produced; and 
that this is due to the external conditions and not to a fixed cyclical 
change of the organism is proved by the fact that in the favourable 
environment of a greenhouse the production of females alone may 
continue for years.? 

We are not yet able to state whether there is any one causal ele- 
ment common to all known cases of sex-determination. The observa- 
tions cited above, as well as a multitude of others that cannot here be 
reviewed, render it certain, however, that sex as such is not inherited. 
What is inherited is the capacity to develop into either male or 
female, the actual result being determined by the combined effect of 
conditions external to the primordial germ-cell. 


1 See Geddes, Sex, in Encyclopedia Britannica ; Geddes and Thompson, The Evolution 


of Sex, 1889; Brooks, The Law of Heredity, 1883; Watasé (’92), The Phenomena of 
Sex-differentiation. 


146 THE GERM-CELLS 


In the greater number of cases the primordial germ-cells arise in 
a germinal epithelium which, in the ccelenterates (Fig. 72), may be a 
part of either the ectoderm or entoderm, and, in the higher types, is a 
modified region of the peritoneal epithelium lining the body-cavity. 
In such cases the primordial germ-cells may be scarcely distinguish- 
able at first from the somatic cells of the epithelium. But in other 
cases the germ-cells may be traced much farther back in the develop- 
ment, and they or their progenitors may sometimes be identified in 
the gastrula or blastula stage, or even in the early cleavage-stages. 
Thus in the worm Sagi/¢a, Hertwig has traced the germ-cells back to 


Fig. '72.— Origin of the germ-cells in a hydro-medusa, Cladonema. [WEISMANN-4 


A, Young stage; section through wall of manubrium of the medusa; ova developing in the 
ectoderm (ec). &. Later stage, showing older ova (0) and “nutritive cells” (7). The ova 
contain small nuclei probably derived from engulfed nutritive cells. 


two primordial germ-cells lying at the apex of the archenteron. In 
some of the insects they appear still earlier as the products of a large 
“ pole-cell”’ lying at one end of the segmenting ovum, which divides 
into two and finally gives rise to two symmetrical groups of germ- 
cells. Hacker has recently traced very carefully the origin of the 
primordial germ-cells in Cyc/ops from a “stem-cell” (Fig. 74) clearly 
distinguishable from surrounding cells in the early blastula stage, not 
only by its size, but also by its large nuclei rich in chromatin, and by 
its peculiar mode of mitosis, as described beyond. 

The most beautiful and remarkable known case of early differenti- 
ation of the germ-cells is that of Ascaris, where Boveri was able to 
trace them back continuously through all the cleavage-stages to the 


ORIGIN OF THE GERM-CELLS 147 


two-cell stage! Moreover, from the outset the progenitor of the germ- 
cells differs from the somatic cells not only in the greater size and rich- | 
ness of chromatin of its nuclet, but also tn its mode of mitosis; for in : 
all those blastomeres destined to produce somatic cells a portion of 


Fig. '73.— Origin of the primordial germ-cells and casting out of chromatin in the somatic 
cells of Ascaris. [BOVERI.] 


A. Two-cell stage dividing; s. stem-cel!, from which arise the germ-cells. &. The same from 
the side, later in the second cleavage, showing the two types of mitosis and the casting out of 
chromatin (c) in the somatic cell.  C. Resulting 4-cell stage; the elimimatec Snromatin at c, 


D. The third cleavage, repeating the foregoing process in the two upper cells, 


the chromatin is cast out into the cytoplasm, where it degenerates, and 
only in_the germ-cells is the sum-total of the chromatin retained... In 
Ascaris megalocephala univalens the process is as follows (Fig. 73): 
Each of the first two cells receives two elongated chromosomes. As 


148 ‘THE GERM-CELLS 


the ovum prepares for the second cleavage, the two chromosomes 
reappear in each, but differ in their behaviour(Fig. 73, 4, 4). In one 
of them, which is destined to produce only somatic cells, the thickened 
ends of each chromosome are cast off into the cytoplasm and degen- 
erate. Only the thinner central part is retained and distributed to 
the daughter-cells, breaking up meanwhile into a large number of 
segments which split lengthwise in the usual manner. In the 
other cell, which may be called the stem-cell (Fig. 73, s), all the 
chromatin is preserved and the chromosomes do not segment into 
smaller pieces. The results are plainly apparent in the four-cell stage, - 
the two somatic nuclei, which contain the reduced amount of chro- 
matin, being small and pale, while those of the two stem-cells are far 
larger and richer in chromatin (Fig. 73, oN At the ensuing division 
(Fig. 73, 1) the numerous minute segments reappear in the two 
somatic cells, divide, and are distributed like ordinary chromosomes ; 
and the same is true of all their descendants thenceforward. The 
other two cells (containing the large nuclei) exactly repeat the 
history of the two-cell stage, the two long chromosomes reappearing 
in each of them, becoming segmented and casting off their ends 
in one, but remaining intact in the other, which gives rise to two 
cells with large nuclei as before. This process is repeated five 
times (Boveri) or six (Zur Strassen), after which the chromatin- 
elimination ceases, and the two stem-cells or primordial germ-cells 
thenceforward give rise only to other germ-cells and the entire 
chromatin is preserved. Through this remarkable process it comes 
to pass that in this animal only the germ-cells. receive the sum- 
total of the egg-chromatin handed down from the parent. All of the 
somatic cells contain only a portion of the original germ-substance. 
“The original nuclear constitution of the fertilized egg is transmitted, 
as if by a law of primogeniture, only to one daughter-cell, and by 
this again to one, and so on; while in the other daughter-cells the 
chromatin in part degenerates, in part is transformed, so that all of 
the descendants of these side-branches receive small reduced nuclei.” ! 

It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of this dis- 
covery; for although it stands at present an almost isolated case, yet 
it gives us, as I believe, the key to a true theory of differentiation 
development,? and may in the end prove the means of explaining 
many phenomena that are now among the unsolved riddles of the cell. 

Hacker (’95) has shown that the nuclear changes in the stem- 
cells and primordial eggs of Cyclops show some analogy to those of 
Ascaris, though no casting out of chromatin occurs. The nuclei are 
very large and rich in chromatin as compared with the somatic cells, 
and the number of chromosomes, though not precisely determined, 


1 Boveri, ’91, p. 437. 2 Cf p. 420. 


ORIGIN OF THE GERM-CELLS 149 


is less than in the somatic cells (Fig. 74). Vom Rath, working 
in the same direction, believes that in the salamander also the 
number of chromosomes in the early progenitors of the germ-cells 
is one-half that characteristic of the somatic cells.’ In both these 
cases, the chromosomes are doubtless bivalent, representing two 


Fig. 74. — Primordial germ-cells in Cyclops. [HACKER.] 


A, Young embryo, showing stem-cell (st). &. The stem-cell has divided into two, giving 
rise to the primordial germ-cell (g). C. Later stage, in section; the primordial germ-cell has 
migrated into the interior and divided into two; two groups of chromosomes in each, 


chromosomes joined together. In Ascarzs, in like manner, each of 
the two chromosomes of the stem-cell or primordial germ-cells is 
probably plurivalent, and represents a combination o* several units 
of a lower order which separate during the segmentation of the 
thread when the somatic mitosis occurs. 


1 Cf. p. 256, Chapter V. 


150 THE GERM-CELLS 


f 


D. GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS 


1. Zhe Ovum 


(a) Growth and Nutrition. — Aside from the transformations of 
the nucleus, which are considered elsewhere, the story of the ova- 
rian history of the egg is largely a record of the changes involved in 
nutrition and the storage of material. As the primordial germ-cells 
enlarge to form the mother-cells of the eggs, they almost invariably 
become intimately associated with neighbouring cells which not only 
support and protect them, but also serve as a means for the elabora- 
tion of food for the growing egg-cell. One of the simplest arrange- 
ments is that occurring in ccelenterates, where the egg lies loose 
either in one of the general layers or in a mass of germinal tissue, 
and may crawl actively about among the surrounding cells like an 
Ameba. In such cases (hydroids) the egg may actually feed upon 
the surrounding cells, taking them bodily into its substance or fusing 
with them! and assimilating their substance with its own. In such 
cases (7ubularia, Hydra) the nuclei of the food-cells long persist in 
the egg-cytoplasm, forming the so-called ‘‘ pseudo-cells,” but finally 
degenerate and are absorbed by the egg. It would here seem as 
if a struggle for existence took place among the young ovarian cells, 
the victorious individuals persisting as the eggs; and this view is 
probably applicable also.to the more usual case where the egg is 
only indirectly nourished by its brethren. 

In most cases, as ovarian development proceeds, a definite associa- 
tion is established between the egg and the surrounding cells. In 
one of the most frequent arrangements the ovarian cells form a 
regular layer or fol/tcle about the ovum (Figs. 59, 79), and there is 
very strong reason to believe that the follicle-cells are immediately 
concerned with the conveyance of nutriment to the ovum. A num- 
ber of observers have maintained that the follicle-cells may actually 
migrate into the interior of the egg, and this seems to be definitely 
established in the case of the tunicates and mollusks (Fig. 75).? 
Such cases are, however, extremely rare; and, as a rule, the material 
elaborated by the nutritive cells is passed into the egg either in solu- 
tion or in the form of granular or protoplasmic substance.? An 
interesting case of this kind occurs in the cycads, where, according 
to Ikeno (’98), the egg-cell is connected with the surrounding cells 
by broad protoplasmic bridges through which cytoplasmic material 
flows directly into the egg-cell. 

Very curious and suggestive conditions occur among the annelids 
and insects. In the annelids the nutritive cells often do not form 


1 Cf. Doflein, ’97. * See Floderus, ’95, and Obst, ’99. FIGS [Ob Biot 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS I51 


a follicle, but in some forms each egg is accompanied by a single 
nurse-cell, attached to its side, with which it floats free in the body- 
cavity. In Ophryotrocha, where it has been carefully described by 
Korschelt, the nurse-cell is at first much larger than the egg itself, 
and contains a large, irregular nucleus, rich in chromatin (Fig. 76). 
The egg-cell rapidly grows, apparently at the expense of the nurse- 
cell, which becomes reduced to a mere rudiment attached to one side 
of the egg and finally disappears. There can hardly be a doubt, 
as Korschelt maintains, that the nurse-cell is in some manner con- 
nected with the elaboration of food for the growing egg-cell; and 
the intensely chromatic 
character of the nucleus is 
well worthy of note in this 
connection. Still more in- 
teresting are the conditions 
observed by Wheeler ('96, 
97) in Myzostoma, where 
the young egg is accom- 
panied by two nurse-cells, 
one at either end. These 
cells fuse bodily with the 
egg, one having “ some- 
thing to do in forming the 
vacuolated cytoplasm at 
Bie, animal pole;’. . . the 
other in forming the granu- 
lar cytoplasm at the vege- 


Eative- pole.” .€o7, p. 42). 


The polar axis thus deter- Fig. 75.— Ovarian eggs of Helix. [OBST.] 
mined persists as that of A. Earlier stage, surrounded by follicle. 4. Later 
stage, showing inward migration and absorption of fol- 


Ene atipe - ovum. ~~ This 
seems one of the clearest 
cases showing the establishment of the egg-polarity through the 
relation of the egg to its environment.1 

Somewhat similar nurse-cells occur in the insects, where they have 
been carefully described by Korschelt. The eggs here lie in a series 
in the ovarian “egg-tubes” alternating with nutritive cells vari- 
ously arranged in different cases. In the butterfly Vanessa, each 
egg is surrounded by a regular follicular layer of cells, a few of 
which at one end are differentiated into nurse-cells. These cells 
are very large and have huge ameeboid nuclei, rich in chromatin 
(Fig. 77, A). In the ear-wig, Forficula, the arrangement is still more 
remarkable, and recalls that occurring in Ophryotrocha. Here each 


1 Cfp. 386. 


licle-cells. 


152 THE GERM-CELLS 


egg lies in the egg-tube just below a very large nurse-cell, which, 
when fully developed, has an enormous branching nucleus as shown 
in Fig. 163. In these two cases, again, the nurse-cell is character- 
ized by the extraordinary development of its nucleus —a fact which 
points to an intimate relation between the nucleus and the metabolic 
activity of the cell. 

In all these cases it is doubtful whether the nurse-cells are sister- 
cells of the egg which have sacrificed their own development for the 
sake of their companions, or whether they have had a distinct origin 
from a very early period. That the former alternative is possible is 
shown by the fact that such a sacrifice occurs in some animals after 
the eggs have been laid. Thus in the earthworm, Lambricus terres- 


Fig. 76. — Egg and nurse-cell in the annelid, Ofhryotrocha. [KORSCHELT.] 
A. Young stage, the nurse-cell (7) larger than the egg (0). &. Growthofthe ovum. C. Late 
stage, the nurse-cell degenerating. 


tris, several eggs are laid, but only one develops into an embryo, and 
the latter devours the undeveloped eggs. A similar process occurs 
in the marine gasteropods, where the eggs thus sacrificed may 
undergo certain stages of development before their dissolution.” 
(b) Differentiation of the Cytoplasm and Deposit of Deutoplasm. — 
In the very young ovum the cytoplasm is small in amount and free 
from deutoplasm. As the egg enlarges, the cytoplasm increases 
enormously, a process which involves both the growth of the pro- 
toplasm and the formation of passive deutoplasm-bodies suspended 
in the protoplasmic network. During the growth-period a peculiar 
body known as the yolk-nucleus appears in the cytoplasm of many 
ova, and this is probably concerned in some manner with the growth 


PSeepussoe 2 See McMurrich, ’96, 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS 153 


of the cytoplasm and the formation of the yolk. Both its origin and 
its physiological 7é/e are, however, still involved in doubt. 

The deutoplasm first appears, while the eggs are still very small, 
in the form of granules which seem to have at first no constant posi- 
tion with reference to the egg-nucleus, even in the same species. 
Thus Jordan (’93) states that in the newt (Dzemycty/us) the yolk may 
be first formed at one side of the egg and afterward spread to other 
parts, or it may appear in more or less irregular separate patches 
which finally form an irregular ring about the nucleus, which at this 
period has an approximately central position. In some Amphibia 


OU 


2 


Fig. 77.— Ovarian eggs of insects. [KORSCHELT.] 


55” 
A. Egg of the butterfly, Vanessa, surrounded by its follicle; above, three nurse-cells (7.c.) with 


branching nuclei; ».v. germinal vesicle. 2B. Egg of water-beetle, Dytzscus, living; the egg (a.v.) 


lies between two groups of nutritive cells; the germinal vesicle sends amoeboid processes into the 
dark mass of food-granules. 


the deutoplasm appears near the periphery and advances inward 
toward the nucleus. More commonly it first appears in a zone 
surrounding the nucleus (Fig. 78, C, ) and advances thence toward 
the periphery (trout, Henneguy ; cephalopods, Ussow). In still others 
(e.g. in myriapods, Balbiani) it appears in irregular patches scattered 
quite irregularly through the ovum (Fig. 78, 4). In Lranchipus the 
yolk is laid down at the centre of the egg, while the nucleus lies at 
the extreme periphery (Brauer). These variations show in general 
no definite relation to the ultimate arrangement—a fact which 
proves that the eccentricity of the nucleus and the polarity of the 


154 THE GERM-CELLS 


egg cannot be explained as the result of a simple mechanical dis- 
placement of the germinal vesicle by the yolk, as some authors have 
maintained. ; 
The primary origin of the deutoplasm-grains is a question that 
involves the whole theory of cell-action and the relation of nucleus 


Fig. '78.— Young ovarian eggs, showing yolk-nuclei and deposit of deutoplasm, 

A. Myriapod ( Geophilus) with single ‘‘ yolk-nucleus”’ (perhaps an attraction-sphere) and scat~- 
tered deutoplasm. [BALBIANI.] 

B. The same with several yolk-nuclei, and “ attraction-sphere,” s. [BALBIANI.] 

C. Fish (.Scorpena), with deutoplasm forming a ring about the nucleus, and an irregular mass 
of “eliminated chromatin”’ (? yolk-nucleus). [VAN BAMBEKE.] 

D. Ovarian egg of young duck (three months) surrounded by a follicle, and containing a “‘ yolk- 
nucleus,” y.72. [MERTENS.] 


and cytoplasm in metabolism. The evidence seems perfectly clear 
that in many cases the deutoplasm arises 7 szfw in the cytoplasm 
like the zymogen-granules in gland-cells. But there is now also a 
very considerable body of evidence indicating that a part of the 
egg-cytoplasm is directly or indirectly derived from the nucleus 
through the agency of the yolk-nucleus or otherwise; and the 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS I55 
subject can best be considered after an account of that body. It 
may be mentioned here, however, that a large number of observers 
have maintained a giving off of nuclear substance to the cytoplasm, 
in the form of actual buds from the nucleus (Blochmann, Scharff, 
Balbiani, etc.) as separate chromatin-rods or portions of the chromatin 
network (Fol, Blochmann, Van Bambeke, Erlanger, Mertens, Calkins, 
Nemec, etc.) or as nucleolar substance (Leydig, Balbiani, Will, Ley- 
dig, Henneguy), but nearly all of these cases demand reéxamination. 


Fig. '79.— Young ovarian eggs of birds and mammals. [MERTENS.] 


A. Egg of young magpie (eight days), surrounded by the follicle and containing germinal 
vesicle and “ attraction-sphere.” £. Primordial egg (o6gonium) of new-born cat, dividing. C. Egg 
of new-born cat containing “ attraction-sphere’’ (s) and centrosome. J. Of young thrush sur- 
rounded by follicle and containing besides the nucleus an attraction-sphere and centrosome (s), 
and a yolk-nucleus (y.z.). &. Of young chick containing nucleus, attraction-sphere, and fatty 
deutoplasm-spheres (black). /#. Egg of new-born child, surrounded by follicle and containing 
nucleus and attraction-sphere. 


(c) Yolk-nucleus. —The term yolk-nucleus or vitelline body (Dotter- 
kern, corps vitellin) has been applied to various bodies or masses 
that appear in the cytoplasm of the growing ovarian egg; and it 
must be said that the word has at present no well-defined mean- 
ing. As originally described by von Wittich (’45) in the eggs of 
spiders, and later by Balbiani (’93) in those of certain myriapods, 
the yolk-nucleus has the form of a single well-defined spheroidal 


156 THE GERM-CELLS 


mass which appears at a very early period and persists throughout 
the later ovarian history. In other forms there are several so-called 
‘“ yolk-nuclei,” sometimes of fairly definite form as described in the 
Amphibia by Jordan (’93) and in some of the myriapods by Balbiani 
(°93). In some forms the numerous “ yolk-nuclei” are irregular, ill- 
defined granular masses scattered through the cytoplasm, as described 
by Stuhlman (’86) in the eggs of insects. In still others the “ yolk- 
nucleus” or “vitelline body” closely simulates an attraction-sphere, 
being surrounded by distinct astral radiations and enclosing one or 
more central granules like centrosomes (Geophzlus, Balbiani, ’93, and 
Limulus, Munson, ’98). Balbiani is thus led to regard the yolk- 
nucleus in general as being a metamorphosed attraction-sphere. 
Miss Foot (96) has brought forward evidence to show that the polar 
rings, observed in the eggs of certain leeches and earthworms, are 
also to be regarded as “ yolk-nuclei” (Fig. 102). Henneguy (’93, 
96) finally compares the yolk-nucleus to the macronucleus of the 
Infusoria (!). 

In the present state of the subject it is quite impossible to reconcile 
the discordant accounts that have been given regarding the structure, 
origin, and fate of the “yolk-nuclei”, and from the facts thus far 
determined we can only conclude that the various forms of ‘ yolk- 
nuclei” have little more in common than the name. ~ It is, in. the 
first place, doubtful whether the “ yolk-nuclei” simulating an attrac- 
tion-sphere have anything in common with the other forms; and 
Mertens (’93), Munson (98), have shown that the young ovarian ova 
of various birds and mammals (including man) and of Lewzlus 
contain one or more “ yolk-nuclei” in addition to the “ attraction- 
sphere” (“vitelline body” of Munson). In the second place there 
seem to be two well-defined modes of origin of the yolk-nucleus. In 
one type, illustrated by Jordan’s observations on the newt (’93), the 
“yolk-nuclei” arise separately zz sz¢w in the cytoplasm without direct 
relation to the nucleus. The same is true of the small peripheral 
“yolk-nuclei” of Zzizu/us (Munson). Ina second and more frequent 
type the ‘“‘yolk-nucleus” first appears very near to or in contact with 
the nucleus, suggesting that the latter is directly concerned in its 
formation. The latter is the case, for example, in the eggs of Cyma- 
togaster (Hubbard, 94) Syxgnathus (Henneguy, ’96), the earthworm 
(Calkins, ’95, Foot, ’96), Polyzontum and other myriapods (Nemec, 
97, Van Bambeke, ’98), L2szadis (Munson, ’98), Cypris (Woltereck, 
98), and JZolgula (Crampton, ’99). In nearly all of these forms the 
yolk-nucleus first appears in the form of a cap closely applied to one 
side of the nucleus (Figs. 80, 81), sometimes so closely united to the 
latter that it is difficult to trace a boundary between them. Ata 
later period the yolk-nucleus moves away from the nucleus and in 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS 157 


most, if not in all, cases breaks up into smaller and smaller fragments 
which contribute, directly or indirectly, to the cytoplasmic growth. 
In all these cases the history of the yolk-nucleus is such as to indi- 
cate the participation of the nucleus in its formation. Calkins (’95) 
endeavours to show that the yolk-nucleus in Lembvicus is directly 
derived from the nucleus by a casting out of a portion of the chro- 


< 


Ei ha (( 


we 
: at 
mit g = { 
ee et 


Ff 


eal 


, 


’ 
R 
~ 
peel pan ened 


Fig. 80.—Yo'k-nucleus in earthworm, spider, and ascidian. (A, B, CALKINS; C-Z, VAN 
BAMBEKE; /-/, CRAMPTON.] 

A. Early ovarian egg of Lumbricus. 6. Later stage; fragmentation of yolk-nucleus. C. Ova- 
rian egg of Pholcus. D. Later stage; disintegration of yolk-nucleus. /. Remains of the yolk- 
nucleus scattered through the cytoplasm. /. Early stage of yolk-nucleus in A/o/gula. G-I, Dis- 
integration of the yolk-nucleus and enlargement of the products to form deutoplasm-spheres. 


matin-reticulum —a result agreeing in principle with earlier obser- 
vations on other eggs by Balbiani, Henneguy, Leydig, Will, and 
other observers. This conclusion rests partly on the apparent direct 
continuity of yolk-nucleus and chromatin, partly on the staining- 
reactions. Thus when treated with the Biondi-Ehrlich mixture (basic 
methyl-green, acid red fuchsin), the yolk-nucleus at first stains green 
like the chromatin, while the cytoplasm is red, and this is the case 


r 


158 THE GERM-CELLS 


even after the yolk-nucleus has quite separated from the nuclear 
membrane. Later, however, as the yolk-nucleus breaks up, it changes 
its staining power, and stains red like the cytoplasm. The later 
observations of Miss Foot (’96) give ground to doubt the conclusion 
that the yolk-nucleus is here actually metamorphosed chromatin, 
for by the combined action of lithium carmine and Lyons blue its 
substance is sharply differentiated from the chromatin. Still later 
studies by Crampton (’99) on J/o/gu/a demonstrate that in this case 
the yolk-nucleus is not directly derived from chromatin, but they 
nevertheless indicate clearly the formation of the yolk-nucleus by or 
under the immediate influence of the nucleus—a conclusion also 
reached on less satisfactory evidence by Hubbard, Van Bambeke, 
Woltereck, and Nemec. The general morphological history of the 
yolk-nucleus is here closely similar to that of Lambricus (Fig. 80), 
except that no direct continuity between it and the nuclear substance 
was observed. Stained with methyl-green-fuchsin the yolk-nucleus 
and major part of the nuclear substance stain red, while the scattered 
nuclear chromatin-granules and the cytoplasm stain green. Millon’s 
test, combined with digestion-experiments and the foregoing staining- 
reactions, proves that the yolk-nucleus and the red staining nuclear 
substance consist of albuminous substance and differ widely from 
the general cytoplasm, which probably consists largely of nucleo- 
albumins (cf p. 331). These reactions give strong ground for the 
conclusion that the substance of the yolk-nucleus, which progressively 
accumulates just outside the egg-nucleus, is formed through the direct 
activity of the latter, perhaps arising within the nucleus and passing 
out into the cytoplasm. It is possible, further, that even the scattered 
“yolk-nuclei” that seem to be of purely cytoplasmic origin may arise 
in a similar manner, either, as Crampton suggests, through the early 
formation and breaking up of a single yolk-nucleus, or in some less 
obvious way. 

Interesting questions are suggested by those ‘‘ yolk-nuclei,” such 
as occur in Geophilus and Limulus, that so closely simulate an 
attraction-sphere. Munson’s observations show that this body 
(‘‘vitelline body’’) first appears in the very young ova as a crescent 
applied to the nucleus precisely as in J/olgula or Lumbricus, but 
containing one or more central granules (Fig. 81). In later stages 
it becomes spherical, moves away from the nucleus, and assumes the 
form of a typical radial attraction-sphere with concentric microsome- 
circles and astral rays. It is hardly possible to doubt that this body 
in Limulus is of the same general nature as the yolk-nucleus of 
Lumbricus, Molgula, Cypris, Cymatogaster, or Pholcus ; and if it be 
a true attraction-sphere in the one case we must probably so regard 
it in all. This identification is, however, by no means complete ; 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS 159 


and even Munson’s careful studies do not seem definitely to establish 
its connection with the attraction-sphere or centrosome of the last 
oogonium-division. That a body simulating an attraction-sphere and 
containing a central granule may arise de novo in the cytoplasm 
is shown by Lenhossék’s observations on the spermatids of the 
rat (p. 170); and the central granule is in this case certainly not 
a centrosome, since the true centrosomes are found in another 
part of the cell. It is quite possible that the “vitelline body” of 
Limulus may have a similar origin. Nemec (’97) finds in Polyzonium 
in the earliest stages a single body applied to the nucleus and 
later two bodies, one of which enlarges to form a cap-shaped yolk- 


Fig. 81.— Forms of yolk-nuclei in Limulus and Polyzonium. [A-C, MUNSON; D-F, NEMEC.] 


A. Very young ovarian eggs of Limulus; at the left ‘‘vitelline body” (v) in the form of a cap 
on the nucleus; at the right older egg showing astral formation. 4. Older stage of the same; 
“vitelline body” in the form of an attraction-sphere with central granule. C. Peripheral ‘‘ yolk- 
nuclei” (y.7.) in Limulus. D. Very early ovarian egg of a myriapod, Polyzonium, with yolk- 
nucleus. . Older egg with yolk-nucleus and astral body (a). /. Still later stage, beginning 
disintegration of the yolk-nucleus. 


nucleus like those described above, while the other assumes the 
structure of a radiating attraction-sphere containing a central 
granule (centrosome ?), and his observations suggest that the two 
bodies in question may have a common origin (Fig. 81). In none 
of these cases do the astral radiations, surrounding this body, seem 
to have any connection with cell-division, and it is probable that 
a careful comparison of their physiological significance here, in 
leucocytes, and in mitotic division, may give us a better understand- 
ing of the general significance of astral formations in protoplasm. 
The fate and physiological significance of the yolk-nucleus are 
still to a considerable extent involved in doubt. In many cases it 


160 THE GERM-CELLS 


breaks up into smaller and smaller granules (Lumbricus, Molgula, 
Pholcus, some myriapods, Axfedon), which scatter through the cyto- 
plasm and are believed by many observers (Balbiani, Mertens, Will, 
Calkins, Crampton, Nemec), following the earlier views of Allen 
Thomson, to become directly converted into deutoplasm-spheres 
(Fig. 80). Other observers (Van Bambeke, Foot, Stuhlman, and 
others) adopt the original view of Siebold, that the fragments of 
the yolk-nucleus are absorbed or converted into protoplasmic 
elements and thus only indirectly contribute to the yolk. In still 
other cases (e.g. the ‘“vitelline body” of Lzmu/us) the yolk-nucleus 
does not fragment, but seems to serve as a centre about which new 
deutoplasmic material is formed. A review of the general subject 
shows that we are justified only in the somewhat vague conclusion 
that the yolk-nucleus is probably involved in some manner in the 
general cytoplasmic growth; and that the facts strongly suggest, 
though they hardly yet prove, that at least some forms of yolk-nuclei 
are products of the nuclear activity and form a connecting link 
between that activity and the constructive processes of the cyto- 
plasm. That the yolk-nuclei have no very definite morphological 
value, and that they are not necessary to growth, seems to be shown 
by Henneguy’s observation, that in the eggs of vertebrates it is in 
some forms invariably present, in others only rarely, and in still 
others is quite wanting (96, p. 162). If this bé the case, we must 
conclude that the yolk-nucleus consists of material that contributes to 
the constructive process, but is not necessarily localized in a definite 
body. As to its exact 7é/e we are, as Henneguy has said, reduced 
to mere hypotheses.! The facts indicate that this material is a prod- 
uct of the nuclear activity, and that it may in some cases contribute 
directly to formed elements of the cytoplasm. It is probable, how- 
ever, that beyond this the yolk-nucleus may supply materials, perhaps 
ferments, that play a more subtle part in the constructive process, 
and of whose physiological significance we are quite ignorant. The 
whole subject seems a most interesting and important one for further 
study of the actions of the cell in constructive metabolism, and it is to 
be hoped that further research will place the facts in a clearer light. 


2. Origin of the Spermatozoon 
ro) 


(a) General. — The relation of the various parts of the sperma- 
tozoon to the structures of the spermatid is one of the most 
interesting questions in cytology, since it is here that we must 
look for a basis of interpretation of the part played by the sperma- 


196, p. 170. 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS 161 


tozoon in fertilization. Obviously the most important of the 
questions, thus suggested, is the source of the sperm-nucleus and 
centrosome, ihoweh the relation of the other parts to the spermatid- 
cytoplasm involves some interesting problems. 

Owing to the extreme minuteness of the spermatozo6n, the 
changes involved in the differentiation of its various parts have 
always been, and in some respects still remain, among the most 
vexed of cytological questions. The earlier observations of Kolliker, 
Schweigger-Seidel, and La Valette St. George, already mentioned, 
established the fact that the spermatozoon is a cell; but it required 
a long series of subsequent researches by many observers, foremost 
among them La Valette St. George himself, to make known the 
general course of spermatogenesis. This is, briefly, as follows: 
From the primordial germ-cells arise cells known as spermatogonia, 
which at a certain period pause in their divisions and undergo a con- 
siderable growth. Each spermatogonium is thus converted into a 
spermatocyte, which by two rapidly succeeding divisions gives rise to 
four spermatozoa, as follows.2, The primary spermatocyte first 
divides to form two daughter-cells known as spermatocytes of the 
second order or sperm-mother-cells. Each of these divides again — 
as a rule, without pausing, and without the reconstruction of the 
daughter-nuclei—to form two sfermatids or sperm-cells. Each of 
the four spermatids is then directly transformed into a single sperma- 
tozoon, its nucleus becoming very small and compact, its cytoplasm 
giving rise to the tail and to certain other structures. The number 
of chromosomes entering into the nucleus of each spermatid and 
spermatozoon is always one-half that characteristic of the tissue-cells, 
and this reduction in number is in most, if not in all, cases effected 
during the two divisions of the primary spermatocyte. The reduction 
of the chromosomes, which is the most interesting and significant 
feature of the process, will be considered in the following chapter, 
and we are here only concerned with the transformation of the sper- 
matid into the spermatozoon. 

All observers are now agreed that the nucleus of the spermatid is 
directly transformed into ‘that of the spermatozoon, the chromatin 
becoming extremely compact and losing, as a rule, all trace of its 
reticular structure. It is further certain that in some cases at least 
the spermatid-centrosome passes into, or gives rise to, a part of the 
middle-piece, and that from it the axial filament grows out into the 
tail. The remaining structures arise, as a rule, from the cytoplasm, 
and both the acrosome and the envelope of the axial filament often 
show a direct relation to the remains of, the achromatic figure (‘“ ar- 

1 The terminology, now almost universally adopted, is due to La Valette St. George. Cf 
Fig. 118. 2 See Fig. 119. 

M 


162 THE GERM-CELLS 


choplasm” or “ kinoplasm”’) which is found in the spermatid in the 
form of a sphere (sometimes an attraction-sphere) or ‘‘ Nebenkern ” 
or both. Apart from the nuclear history, these facts have been 
definitely determined in only a few cases, and much confusion still 
exists in the accounts of different observers. Thus a number of 
investigators (e.g. Platner, Field, Benda, Julin, Prenant, Niessing) 
have asserted that the centrosome passes into the acrosome, instead of 


Fig. 82.— Formation of the spermatozo6n in an insect, dvasa. [PAULMIER.] 


A. Telophase of secondary spermatocyte-division, showing extra chromosome (small dyad of 
Fig. 127) below. &. Reconstitution of the nuclei. C. Spermatid with Nebenkern (/V) and 
acrosome (a). DD. Nebenkern double, with centrosome between the two halves. 4. # G. Elon- 
gation of the spermatid, outgrowth of axial filament, migration of acrosome. //. Giant spermatid 
(double size) with two centrosomes and axial filaments. /. Giant spermatid (quadruple size) 
with four centrosomes and axial filaments. 


the middle-piece —a result which stands in contradiction with the fact 
that during fertilization in a large number of accurately known cases 
the centrosome arises from or in immediate relation to the middle- 
piece ‘Amphibia, echinoderms, tunicates, annelids, mollusks, insects, 
etc.; see p. 212). The clearest and most positive evidence on this 
question, afforded by recent observations on the spermatogenesis of 
insects, annelids, mollusks, Amphibia, and mammals, leaves, however, 
little doubt that the former result was an error and that, as the facts 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS 163 


of fertilization would lead us to expect, the centrosome of the sper- 
matid passes into the middle-piece. 

Accounts vary considerably regarding the origin of the acrosome, 
which according to most authors is of cytoplasmic origin, while a few 
describe it as arising inside or from the anterior part of the nucleus. 

(6) Composition of the Spermatid.— The contusion that has arisen 
in this difficult subject is owing to the fact that the spermatid may 
contain, besides the nucleus and centrosome, no less than three addi- 
tional bodies, which were endlessly confused in the earlier studies 
on the subject. These are the Vedbenfern,' the attraction-sphere or 
tdtozome (Meves), and the chromatotd Nebenkorper (Benda). 

The Nebenkern (Fig. 82), first described by Biitschli (’71) in the 
spermatids of butterflies, was afterward shown by La Valette (’86), 
Platner (86, ’89), and many later investigators to arise wholly or in 
part from the vemazns of the spindle of the second spermatocyte 
division. Its origin is thus related to that of an attraction-sphere 
(which it often closely simulates), since the latter likewise arises 
from the achromatic figure. To the remains of the spindle, however, 
may be added granular elements, probably forming reserve-material 
(“‘centro-deutoplasm of Erlanger), that are scattered through the cyto- 
plasm or aggregated about the equator of the spindle (Fig. 126). 
Thus the Nebenkern may have a double origin, though its basis is 
formed by the spindle-remains. The Nebenkern sometimes takes a 
definite part in the formation of the tail-envelopes and of the acro- 
some (insects), but in many cases it seems to be wholly wanting.? 
The idiozome is in some cases an undoubted attraction-sphere derived 
from the aster of the last division and at first containing the centro- 
some, ¢.g. in the earthworm as shown by Calkins (’95) and Er- 
langer (‘96, 4), in the salamander and guinea-pig, Meves ('96, ’99), 
and in ffe/zr according to Korff (’99), though in later stages the 
centrosomes usually pass out of the body of the idiozome. In some 
cases, however (in the rat, according to Lenhossék, ’99), the idiozome 
seems to arise independently through condensation of the cytoplasmic 
substance into a sphere having no relation to the centrosomes. In 
some cases the idiozomes of adjoining cells remain for a time con- 
nected by bridges of material (Fig. 7) representing the remains of 
the spindle, and hence corresponding to a Nebenkern (e.g. salaman- 
der, Meves, ’96), and the distinction between Nebenkern and idio- 
zome here fades away. The idiozome is usually concerned in the 
formation of the acrosome (Amphibia, mammals), but sometimes seems 


1 The English equivalent of this should be paranucleus, but the latter word has already 
been used in various other senses, and it seems preferable to retain Biitschli’s original Ger- 
man word. 

2 For critical discussion, see Erlanger, ’97, I. 


164 THE GERM-CELLS 


to degenerate without contributing directly to the sperm-formation 
(//elzx). The chromatoid Nebenko6rper, finally, is a small rounded 
body, staining with plasma-stains, which appear always to degenerate 
without taking direct part in the formation of the spermatozoon. It 
is possibly an extruded nucleolus (Lenhossék), but its origin and 
meaning are not definitely known. 

(c) Lransformation of the Spermatid into the Spermatozoon.—In 
the works of earlier authors it is often impossible to distinguish 


Fig. 83.— Formation of the spermatozodn from the spermatid in the salamander. [HER- 
MANN. ] 


A. Young spermatid, showing the nucleus above, and below the colourless sphere, the ring, 
and the chromatic sphere. 4. Later stage, showing the chromatic sphere and ring at the base 
ofthe nucleus. C.D. £./F, Later stages, showing the transformation of the chromatic sphere into 
the middle-piece (vz). 


which of the various achromatic elements mentioned above have been 
under observation. We may therefore confine ourselves mainly to 
the latest works, in which these distinctions are clearly recognized. 
Owing to their great size, the spermatozoa of Amphibia have been 
the subject of most careful study; yet a clearer view of the subject 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS 165 


may, perhaps, be obtained by taking the spermatogenesis of annelids 
and insects as a basis of comparison. In the insects (butterflies), 
Bitschli showed, in 1871, that the tail is formed by an elongation 
of the cell-body, into which extends the elongated Nebenkern, now 
divided into two longitudinal halves (Fig. 82). Platner ('89), confirm- 
ing this observation, further showed that the Nebenkern (in Pygera) 
consisted of two parts, stating that one (‘‘large mitosome’’) gives rise 
to the investment of the axial filament, the other (‘‘ small mitosome ) 
to the middle-piece; while a third still smaller body, described as a 
“centrosome,” passes to the apex. The later works of Henking (’91) 
and Wilcox (95, ’96) render it nearly certain that Platner confused 
the acrosome with the centrosome, the first-named observer finding in 
Pyrrhocoris and the second in Ca/loptenus that Platner’s “centrosome” 
is derived from the Nebenkern, while Wilcox traced the centrosome 
directly into the middle-piece. Paulmier, finally, has shown in Anasa 
that the axial filament grows out from the centrosome,! proving that 
such is the case by the highly interesting observation that in giant 
spermatozoa, arising by the non-division of the primary or secondary 
spermatocytes, either two or four centrosomes are present, each of 
which gives rise to a single axial filament, though only one Nebenkern 
is present (Fig. 82). (The bearing of this important fact on the 
centrosome-question is indicated elsewhere.) These observations, 
made on three widely different orders of insects, seem to leave no 
doubt that in insects the centrosome lies in the middle-piece (7.z. at 
the base of the nucleus), while both the acrosome and the inner tail- 
envelopes are derived from the Nebenkern. The outer envelope of 
the tail is derived from unmodified cytoplasm. 

In the earthworm the phenomena are slightly different, the middle- 
piece arising from an idiozome or attraction-sphere (Calkins, ’95), in 
which lies the centrosome (Erlanger, ’96), while the Nebenkern seems 
to have no part in the formation of either acrosome or tail-envelopes.” 

We turn now to the Amphibia, elasmobranchs, and mammals, in 
which the same general result has been attained, though there is still 
some divergence of opinion regarding the exact history of the centro- 
some. Working on the basis laid by Flemming (’87, ’88), Hermann 
(89) traced the middle-piece in the salamander to a ‘‘ Nebenkorper,” 
which he believed to be not a Nebenkern but an attraction-sphere, 


1 Moore (’95) seems to have been the first actually to describe the outgrowth of the axial 
filament from the centrosome, in the elasmobranchs. It has since been described by Meves 
(97, 2) and Hermann (’97) in the salamander, by Lenhossék (’97), Meves (’98, ’99), and 
Bardeleben (’97) in the rat, guinea-pig, and man; by Godlewski (’97) and Korff (99) in 
flelix, and by several others. 

2 Calkins’s preparations, which I have carefully examined, seem to leave no doubt that the 
middle-piece arises from a true attraction-sphere derived from the spindle-poles; but 
Erlanger believes that the granular “ centrodeutoplasm ” also contributes to the sphere. 


166 THE GERM-CELLS 


consisting of three parts, lying side by side in the cytoplasm (Fig. 83). 
These are (@)a colourless sphere, shown by Meves’s later researches to 
be probably an attraction-sphere ; () a minute, intensely staining cor- 
puscle, and (c) a small, deeply staining ring. The concurrent results 
of Hermann (’89, '92, ’97), Benda (’93), and Meves (’96, ’97, 2) have 
shown that the small corpuscle (c) 7s one of the centrosomes of the 
spermatid, and all these observers agree that it passes into or gives 


Fig. 84.—Formation of the spermatozoén in Amphibia. [A-Z. Salamandra, MEVES; 
E-K. Amphiuma, MCGREGOR. ] 


A. Spermatid with peripheral pair of centrosomes lying outside the sphere, and axial filament. 
4. Centrosomes near the nucleus, outer one ring-shaped. C. Inner centrosome inside the 
nucleus, enlarging to form middle-piece. 2. Portion of much older spermatid, showing divergence 
of two halves of the ring (7). &. Portion of mature spermatozo6n, showing upper half of ring at 
v, and the axial filament proceeding from it. 

F. Spermatid of Amphiuma, showing sphere-bridges and ring-shaped mid-bodies. G. Later 
stage; outer centrosome ring-shaped, inner one double; sphere (s) converted into the acrosome. 
#H/, Migration of the centrosomes. /. Middle-piece at base of nucleus. ‘7%. The inner centrosome 
forms the end-knob within the middle-piece, which is now inside the nucleus. A. Enlargement of 
middle-piece, end-knob within it; elongation of the ring. 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS 167 


rise to the middle-piece. According to Meves, who has most thor- 
oughly studied the entire formation of the spermatozoon, the history 
of these parts is as follows: In the young spermatids the two centro- 
somes lie quite at the periphery of the cell (Fig. 84),! and from the 
outer one grows out the axial filament. The two centrosomes, leav- 
ing the idiozome by which they are first surrounded, now pass 
inwards toward the nucleus, the outer one meanwhile becoming trans- 
formed into the ring mentioned above, while the axial filament passes 
through it to become attached to the inner centrosome. The latter 
pushes into the base of the nucleus and enlarges enormously to form 
a cylindrical body constituting the main body of the middle-piece. 
The ring meanwhile divides into two parts, the anterior of which 
gives rise to a small, deeply staining body at the posterior end of the 
middle-piece identical with the ‘‘end-knob.”’ The other half of the 
ring wanders out along the tail, finally lying at the limit between 
the main part of the latter and the end-piece. The envelope of the 
axial filament, here confined to that side opposite the marginal fin 
(z.e. the “ventral” side of Czermak), is formed by an outgrowth of the 
general cytoplasm along the axial filament. The fin and marginal 
filament are believed by Meves, as I understand him, to be formed 
HOM ytnes axial alament, (O7; 2,.p. 127). The ‘acrosome, finally, is 
formed from the idiozome which wanders around the nucleus to its 
anterior pole. McGregor’s results on Amphzuma (’99) agree in their 
broader features with those of Meves, but differ on two points, one of 
which is of great importance. The acrosome here arises from only 
a part of the sphere (idiozome), while a second smaller part passes to 
the base of the nucleus and forms the main part of the middle-piece. 
The inner centrosome passes into the middle-piece fo persist as the end- 
knob from which the axial filament passes out into the tail (Fig. 84). 
The history of the sphere thus recalls the phenomena seen in the Ne- 
benkern of the insect-spermatid ; though the posterior moiety does not 
contribute to the tail-envelope, while the history of the inner centrosome 
is somewhat like that observed in the mammals, as described beyond. 

In the elasmobranchs Moore (’95), Hermann (’98), Suzuki (98), and 
Benda (’98) likewise traced the spermatid-centrosome into the middle- 
piece (Fig. 85), and Moore first showed that from it the axial filament 
grows out.? Moore derived both middle-piece and acrosome from the 


1 Cf their position in epithelial cells, p. 57. 

2 Hermann (’97) gives a somewhat different account of the process, believing that the 
ring is derived from the mid-body of the last mitosis. Meves and McGregor have, however, 
shown that the ring and mid-body coexist in the early spermatids (Fig. 84), which seems 
decisive against Hermann’s conclusion. 

3 Hermann finds also the ring observed in the salamander, and believes it to be the mid- 
body. The middle-piece is regarded by him as a product of the spindle-remains, but on 
both these points he is contradicted by Suzuki. 


168 THE GERM-CELLS 


“archoplasm”’ of the spermatid. Suzuki's studies clearly show, how- 
ever, that the entire axial filament of the long middle-piece arises by 
the elongation of the inner centrosome, while the outer centrosome, 
from which the axial filament of the tail grows out, lies at the pos- 
terior limit of the middle-piece (Fig. 85). A nearly similar result is 
reached by Korff (99) in the case of //e/zx. It was shown by God- 
lewski (’97) that in this form the axial filament likewise grows out 


a 


Fig. 85.— Formation of the spermatozodn in elasmobranchs. [4-C, SUZUKI; D, MOORE; 
and in Helix, E-G, KORFF.] 


A-D. Outgrowth of axial filament from peripheral centrosome (c1), which persists at the 
posterior limit of the middle-piece or connecting-piece (7). Elongation of inner centrosome (c 2) 
to form the axial filament of the latter. 4-G show similar phenomena in /He//x, with casting off 
of the sphere (s). 

a. Acrosome; ¢1, peripheral, and c?. inner centrosome; f flagellum; 4 end-knob, derived 
from inner centrosome. 


from the centrosome. Korff’s later studies show that here, exactly 
as in the elasmobranch, the axial filament grows out from the periph- 
eral centrosome and is afterward transformed into a ring (Fig. 85). 
The inner centrosome elongates to form a rod, which afterward 
becomes a long filament traversing the elongated middle-piece and 
terminating in front in an end-knob at the base of the nucleus, while 
the ring lies at its posterior limit. The idiozome (a true attraction- 
sphere) degenerates without taking part in the formation of an acro- 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF. THE GERM-CELLS I 69 


some. The envelope of the middle-piece is here formed out of the 
general cytoplasm. 

In the mammals the recent work of Lenhossék on the rat (’98) and 
Meves on the rat, guinea-pig, and man (’98, ’99) gives a result agree- 
ing in its broader features with the forms already considered. In all 
these mammals the young spermatids are closely similar to those of 
the salamander, containing two peripherally placed centrosomes, from 
the outer one of which the axial filament grows out (Fig. 86). Meves 


Fig. 86.— Formation of the spermatozo6n in mammals. [MEVES.] 


A. Spermatid of man, showing centrosomes and axial filament. 2. Spermatid of guinea-pig, 
with acrosome. C. Nearly mature spermatozoén, showing backward migration of the ring. 
D. Mature spermatozoén; ~. final position of the ring. 

a, Acrosome surrounded by cytoplasm of the cell-body, most of which is afterward thrown 
off; c. centrosomes; c.f. connecting-piece; f flagellum; 4%. neck, containing end-knobs; 
Ss. remains of the sphere (idiozome). 


and Lenhossék differ somewhat in their accounts of the later history 
of these centrosomes, though agreeing that both contribute to the 
formation of the middle-piece. Lenhossék states that in the rat both 
centrosomes persist at the base of the nucleus to form the end-knob, 
which, as Jensen showed (’87), is double in this animal. Meves finds 
the process to be more complicated, agreeing in the main with that 
observed by him in the salamander. In man and the rat the inner 
centrosome passes to the base of the nucleus and flattens against it 
to form a small disc-shaped body. The posterior centrosome divides 


170 THE GERM-CELLS 


into two parts, of which the anterior gives rise to the end-knob, while 
the posterior is transformed into a ring, which wanders back to its 
final position at the posterior end of the so-called “ connecting-piece.” 
From this it follows that the latter body (Verbindungsstiick) does not 
correspond to the middle-piece of the salamander (here represented 
by the small disc-shaped body at the base of the nucleus), but belongs 
to the flagellum proper. The origin of the axial filament and end- 
knob is, however, nearly the same in the two cases. In the guinea- 
pig the process is somewhat more complicated and is not quite cleared 
up by Meves; but the origin and fate of the ring is the same, and the 
end-knob passes into the neck of the spermatozoon as in the rat. 
Taken together, these observations conclusively show that in mam- 
mals and Amphibia the end-knob is a derivative of the centrosome, 
thus sustaining, though with some modifications, Hermann’s earlier 
conjecture (92) as to the nature of this body; and they overturn 
Niessing’s result (96) that the centrosome passes into the acrosome. 
As in the salamander, the acrosome is formed from an idiozome 
derived in the guinea-pig from the remains of the attraction-sphere 
(Meves), while in the rat, according to Lenhossék, it is independently 
formed in the cytoplasm without relation to the preceding mitotic 
figure or the centrosomes. Within the sphere appears a small, deeply 
staining body, resembling a centrosome, yet staining differently from 
the true centrosome, which enlarges to form the acrosome, while 
about it is formed a clear substance forming the “ head-cap” (p. 139). 
In the rat the acrosome remains small (‘ Spitzenknopfchen ” of Mer- 
kel); in the guinea-pig it becomes nearly as large-as the nucleus 
itself (Fig. 86). An interesting feature in the formation of the 
mammalian spermatozoon is the casting off of a portion of the 
spermatid-cytoplasm in the form of a ‘cytoplasmic vesicle” or “ tail- 
vesicle,” which degenerates without further use (Fig. 86). This pro- 
cess, described by Meves (’99) in the guinea-pig, is closely similar to 
that which occurs in the spermatozoid-formation in ferns (p. 144). 


Résumé. In reviewing the foregoing facts we find, despite many 
variations in detail, three points of fundamental agreement, namely : 
(1) the origin of the sperm-nucleus from that of the spermatid ; (2) the 
origin of a part at least of the ‘‘middle-piece”’ from the spermatid- 
centrosomes; and (3) the outgrowth of the axial filament from one of 
the spermatid-centrosomes. It is clear, however, that the term szdd/e- 
piece has been applied to structures of quite different morphological 
nature, which agree only in lying behind the nucleus. Thus in the 
salamander the inner centrosome gives rise to the main body of the 
middle-piece ; in the rat or in man it gives rise only to the small disc- 
shaped body lying in the “neck” in front of the so-called middle- 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS Lal 


piece; while in //e/zx or the elasmobranch it is transformed into a 
long filament traversing a cytoplasmic ‘“‘ middle-piece”’ which forms 
a considerable part of the flagellum. The term mzddle-piece has thus 
become highly ambiguous and should only be employed, if at all, as 
a convenient descriptive term which has no definite morphological 
meaning. 

A very striking fact in the origin of the spermatozo6n is the promi- 
nent part played by the “‘archoplasm,” z.e. substance in the form 
of idiozome or Nebenkern derived from the mitotic figure. Both the 
source and the fate of this material seem, however, to vary in differ- 
ent cases, the acrosome now arising from the Nebenkern (insects), 
now from the idiozome (salamander), the envelope of the flagellum 
being formed in some cases from the Nebenkern (insects), in others 
from unmodified cytoplasm (salamander, snail), while the idiozome 
may form the acrosome (salamander, mammal) or degenerate without 
apparent use (snail). We find here, I think, additional reason for 
regarding “‘archoplasm” not as a distinct and permanent form of 
protoplasm, but only as a phase in the general metabolic transfor- 
mation of the cell-substance, which may or may not persist and play a 
definite morphological 7é/e in the cell according to circumstances. 
The close relation of this substance to the motor phenomena of the 
cell cannot, however, be overlooked.! 

The outgrowth of the axial filament from the centrosome is a highly 
interesting fact, whether we compare it with the analogous phenomena 
in plants (p. 172) or with the facts observed in ordinary ciliated cells. 
In the latter case (Fig. 17), as has long been known, each cilium is 
attached to a small, highly refracting body known as the “basal 
knob” lying near the cell-periphery. These bodies stain intensely 
in iron hematoxylin, and it has been recently suggested by Henneguy 
(98) and Lenhossék (’98) that they are of the same nature as centro- 
somes. The truth of this surmise must be tested by further study ; 
but it seems highly probable that they are at least analogous to the 
spermatid-centrosome. Ishikawa (’99) has clearly shown that in the 
formation of the swarm-spores of Vocfz/uca the flagellum grows out 
from that end of the cell at which the centrosome lies, its substance 
apparently arising from the central spindle, while the centrosome lies 
at its base. A very interesting fact discovered by Moore (95) in 
elasmobranchs, and confirmed by Meves (’97, 5) and Henneguy (’98) 
in the insects, is a more or less abortive attempt to form a flagellum 
by the spermatocytes, 7.c. one or two generations before the sper- 
matozo6n. In the insects (Fig. 166) Henneguy has found the cilia 
actually attached to the centrosomes of the mitotic figure, thus remov- 
ing every doubt as to their nature.” 


PiC (e323. 2 Cf Paulmier on giant spermatozoa, p. 165. 


172 THE GERM-CELLS 


It is an important question whether the axial filament actually 
arises from the substance of the centrosome or is formed by differ- 
entiation from the cytoplasmic substance, after the fashion of an 
astral ray or spindle-fibre. Meves (’97, p. 117) accepts the latter 
alternative; but the observations of Korff on //e/zx and of Suzuki 
on elasmobranchs seem to show clearly that, in these cases at least, 
the inner centrosome elongates bodily to form an extremely long fila- 
ment traversing the greater part of the flagellum, and apparently of 
the same nature as the true axial filament developed from the outer 
or distal centrosome. This seems to establish a probability in favour 
of the first of the above alternatives, and to show that contractile 
elements may be directly derived from the centrosome-substance. 
If this be true, this substance is itself nearly related with “ archo- 
plasm”; and the origin of a centrosome de novo may be brought 
under the same category with the formation of archoplasm.1 


3. Formation of the Spermatozoids in Plants 


While the origin of the spermatozoids has not yet been as fully 
investigated as that of the spermatozoa, recent researches have given 
good ground for the conclusion that essentially similar phenomena 
are involved in the two cases. All recent observers are agreed that 
the nucleus of the spermatozoid is directly derived from that of the 
spermatid, while the cytoplasm of the latter gives rise to the cilia and 
to certain other structures. The principal interest of the subject now 
lies in the origin of the cilia and their relation to the “‘archoplasmic”’ 
or ‘‘kinoplasmic”’ structures of the mother-cell. Belajeff (92, ’94) 
found that in C/ara the cilia grow forth from a small, highly refract- 
ing body, taking an intense plasma-stain, that lies in the cytoplasma 
beside the nucleus. He afterward found the same body ‘ which 
reminds one of a centrosome”’ in the developing spermatozoids of 
ferns and Equisetacez (Fig. 88), where it grows out into a band, 
lying in the anterior part of the spermatozoid, from which the cilia 
grow forth. Comparing these results with those of Hermann, Bela- 
jeff concluded “that the deeply staining corpuscle” (2.e. the cen- 
trosome) “in the spermatids of the salamander and the mouse 
corresponds completely to the deeply staining corpuscle in the sper- 
matogenic cells of the Characez, ferns, and Equisetacez”’; that, 
furthermore, ‘‘the middle-piece of the spermatozoon represents the 
band which bears the cilia of the plant spermatozoid, while the tail- 
like flagella? of the salamander or mouse represents the cilia.” ® 


r= 


Cf p. 321. For the function of the centrosome in fertilization, see p. 208. 
In the original “ Faden” perhaps meant to designate the axial filament. 


295 
i 


bo 


GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF THE GERM-CELLS 173 


This tallies with Strasburger’s earlier conclusion that the cilia-bearing 
region consists of “kinoplasm” and corresponds to the middle-piece 
(92, p. 139), but gives a still more definite basis of comparison.! 

The history of the centrosome-like bodies (d/epharoplasts of Web- 
ber, '97, 3) has been carefully followed out in Zamza and Gingko by 
‘Webber ('97), and in Cycas by Ikeno (97, ’98) with nearly similar 
results. In all these forms (Fig. 87) the blepharoplasts appear in the 


/ 
} 


Fig. 87.— Formation of the spermatozoids in the cycads. [A, GINGKO; B-D, Zamia, 
WEBBER; &-/, Cycas, IKENO.] 

A. Developing pollen-tube, showing stalk-cell (s), vegetative cell (v) and generative cell (2), 
the latter with two blepharoplasts. 2. Generative cell, somewhat later, with blepharoplasts and 
asters. CC. The same in the prophases of division, showing breaking up of blepharoplasts. 
D. The two spermatids formed by division of the generative cell; blepharoplasts fragmented ; 
from these fragments arises the cilia-bearing band. . Blepharoplast of Cycas, at a stage some- 
what later than Fig. C; cilia developing. / Later stage; ciliated band (derived from the last 
stage) attached to a prolongation from thenucleus. G. Cilia-bearing band continuous. /#. Nearly 
ripe spermatozoid with nucleus in the centre; ciliated band, shown in section, forming a spiral. 
7. Slightly later stage, viewed from above, showing the spiral course of the band (cilia omitted). 


penultimate cell-generation lying one on either side the nucleus, and 
in earlier stages surrounded by astral radiations very closely resem- 
bling those of a typical mitotic aster, and they lie opposite the poles 


1 The “anterior” region of the spermatozoid thus corresponds to the “ posterior” region 
of the spermatozoén, the confusion of terms having arisen from the fact that the former 
-swims with the cilia-bearing region in front, the latter with the flagellum directed backward. 


174 THE GERM-CELLS 


of the ensuing division-spindle. They seem, however, to have no 
part in the formation of the mitotic figure or in division, and both 


Fig. 88.— Formation of the spermatozoids in the vascular cryptogams, Marszia (Ad, D, 
£-G, BELAJEFF; B, C, O, SHAW), Gymnogramme (H-K, BELAJEFF), and Eguisetum (L-N, 
BELAJEFF). 

A. Primary spermatogonium (two generations before the primary spermatocytes) in division, 
showing centrosomes. 4%. Primary spermatocyte with pair of ‘‘ blepharoplastoids”” (centrosomes). 
C. Spindle of primary spermatocyte (first maturation-division). 2. Four of the eight secondary 
spermatocytes with blepharoplast. A-G. Prophase of second maturation-division. A. Pair of 
spermatids (Gymnogramme) with blepharoplasts. /-‘% Formation of the ciliated band from the 
blepharoplast. A. Nearly ripe spermatozoid, showing ciliated band (4), nucleus, and “ cyto- 
plasmic vesicle” (the latter is ultimately cast off). Z. 14. Spermatids of Aguzsetum. N. Ripe 


spermatozoid from above, showing spiral ciliated band. O. Ripe spermatozoid of Marsidia with 
very long spiral ciliated band. 


STAINING-REACTIONS OF THE GERM-NUCLEI W775 


Webber and Ikeno have produced apparently strong evidence! that 
they arise separately and de xovo in the cytoplasm. After the ensu- 
ing division (by which the two spermatids are formed) the astral rays 
disappear, and the blepharoplast gives rise by a peculiar process to a 
long, spiral, deeply staining band, from which the cilia grow forth. 
The later studies of Shaw ('98, 1) and Belajeff (’99) on the blepharo- 
plasts in Onoclea and MMarsilia leave no doubt that these bodies are 
to be identified with centrosomes.. In J/arsz/za Shaw first found the 
blepharoplasts lying at the poles of the spindle during the anaphase 
of the first maturation-division and very closely resembling centro- 
somes. Each blepharoplast, at first single, divides into two during the 
late telophase, and during the prophases of the second division the 
halves diverge to opposite poles of the nucleus and lie at the respec- 
tive spindle-poles. This account is confirmed by Belajeff, who shows 
further that during the prophases astral rays surround the blepharo- 
plasts, and a central spindle is formed between them (Fig. 88). 
Belajeff also finds centrosomes in all of the earlier spermatogenic 
divisions. The blepharoplasts are thus proved to be, in one case at 
least, dividing organs which in every way correspond to the centro- 
somes of the animal spermatocytes; and the justice of Belajeff’s 
comparison is demonstrated. Shaw believed that the primary blepha- 
roplast, which by division gives rise to those of the two spermatids, 
arose de novo. He made, however, the significant observation that 
in Marstla “‘ blepharoplastoids,” exactly like the blepharoplasts, ap- 
pear at the spindle-poles of the preceding (antepenultimate) division, 
and that each of these divides into two in the late telophase. These 
are said to disappear, without relation to the blepharoplasts which at 
a slightly later period are found at the spindle-poles of the first matu- 
ration division; but in view of the demonstrated continuity of the 
blepharoplasts during the second division we may well hesitate to 
accept this result, as well as Webber’s conclusion regarding the 
independent and separate origin of the blepharoplasts in Zamza. In 
any case the facts give the strongest ground for the conclusion that 
the formation of the spermatozoids agrees in its essential features 
with that of the spermatozoa, and for the expectation that the history 
of the achromatic structures in fertilization will yet be found to show 
an essential agreement in plants and animals. 


E. STAINING-REACTIONS OF THE GERM-NUCLEI 


It was pointed out by Ryder in 1883 that in the oyster the germ- 
nuclei stain differently in the two sexes; for if the hermaphrodite 


1 Dr. Webber has kindly given me an opportunity to look through his beautiful prepa- 
rations. 


176 THE GERM-CELLS 


gland of this animal be treated with a mixture of saffranin and methyl- 
green, the egg-nuclei are coloured red, the sperm-nuclei bluish green. 
A similar difference was afterward observed by Auerbach (91) in 
the case of many vertebrate germ-cells, where the egg-nucleus was 
shown to have a special affinity for various red and yellow dyes 
(eosin, fuchsin, aurantia, carmine), while the sperm-nuclei were espe- 
cially stained with blue and green dyes (methyl-green, aniline-blue, 
hematoxylin). He was thus led to regard the chromatin of the egg 
as especially “erythrophilous,”’ and that of the sperm as ‘ cyanophi- 
lous.’ That the distinction as regards colour is of no value has been 
shown by Zacharias, Heidenhain, and others; for staining-agents can- 
not be logically classed according to colour, but according to their 
chemical composition; and a red dye, such as saffranin, may in a 
given cell show the same affinity for the chromatin as a green or blue 
dye of different chemical nature, such as methyl-green or haema- 
toxylin. .Thus Field has shown that the sperm-nucleus of Astevzas 
may be stained green (methyl-green), blue (hematoxylin, gentian 
violet), red (saffranin), or yellow (iodine), and it is here a manifest 
absurdity to speak of ‘‘cyanophilous”’ chromatin (cf. p. 335). It is 
certainly a very interesting fact that a difference of staining-reaction 
exists between the two sexes, as indicating a corresponding difference 
of chemical composition in the chromatin; but even this has been 
shown to be of a transitory character, for the staining-reactions of the 
germ-nuclei vary at different periods and are exactly alike at the time 
of their union in fertilization. Thus Hermann has shown that when 
the spermatids and immature spermatozoa of the salamander are 
treated with saffranin (red) and gentian violet (blue),' the chromatic 
network is stained blue, the nucleoli and the middle-piece red; while 
in the mature spermatozoon the reverse effect is produced, the nuclei 
being clear red, the middle-piece blue. A similar change of staining- 
capacity occurs in the mammals. The great changes in the staining- 
capacity of the egg-nucleus at different periods of its history are de- 
scribed at pages 338-340. Again, Watasé has observed in the newt 
that the germ-nuclei, which stain differently throughout the whole 
period of their maturation, and even during the earlier phases of 
fertilization, become more and more alike in the later phases, and at 
the time of their union show identicai staining-reactions.2, A very 
similar series of facts has been observed in the germ-nuclei of plants 
by Strasburger (p. 220). These and many other facts of like import 
demonstrate that the chemical differences between the germ-nuclei 
are not of a fundamental but only of a secondary character. They 
are doubtless connected with the very different character of the meta- 
bolic processes that occur in the history of the two germ-cells; and 


1 By Flemming’s triple method. 2°92 puAoe: 


LITERATURE Raz 


the difference of the staining-reaction is probably due to the fact 
that the sperm-chromatin contains a higher percentage of nucleinic 
acid, while the egg-chromatin is a nuclein containing a much higher 
percentage of albumin. 


BCC AC Wii =. Tit + 


Ballowitz, E.— Untersuchungen iiber die Struktur der Spermatozoen: 1. (éirds) 
Arch. mik. Anat., XXXII. 1888; 2. (insects) Zeitschr. wiss. Zool., L. 1890; 
3. (fishes, amphibia, reptiles) Arch. mik. Anat., XXXVI. 1890; 4. (mam- 
mals) Zeit. wiss. Zool., LI. 1891. 

Belajeff, W.— Uber die Centrosomen in den spermatogenen Zellen: Ber. d. 
deutsch. bot. Ges., XVII1., 6. 1899. 

Boveri, Th.— Uber Differenzierung der Zellkerne wahrend der Furchung des Eies 
von Ascaris meg.: Anat. Anz. 1887. 

—Id. — Die Entwicklung von Ascaris megalocephala mit besonderer Riicksicht auf die 
Kernverhaltnisse: Festschr. fiir C. v. Kupffer. Jena, 1899. 

Brunn, M. von. — Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Samenkorper und ihrer Entwickelung 
bei Vogeln und Saugethieren: Arch. mk. Anat., XXXIII. 1889. 

Hacker, V.— Die Eibildung bei Cyclops und Camptocanthus: Zool. Jahro., V. 
1892. (See also List V.) 

Hermann, F. — Urogenitalsystem: Struktur und Histiogenese der Spermatozoen : 
Merkel und Bonnet’s Ergebnisse, WU. 1892. 

Ikeno, S.— Untersuchungen iiber die Entwickelung der Geschechtsorgane, eéc., bei 
Cycas: Jahrb. wiss. Bot.. XXXII1., 4. 1898. 

Kolliker, A. — Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Geschlechtsverhaltnisse und der Samen- 

fliissigkeit wirbelloser Tiere. erin, 1841. 

Leydig, Fr.— Beitrage zur Kenntniss des thierischen Eies im unbefruchteten Zu- 
stande: Zool. Jahrb., III. 1889. 

Meves, F. — Uber die Entwicklung der mannlichen Geschechtszellen von Salaman- 
dra: Arch. mik. Anat., XLVIII. 1896. 

Id. — Uber Struktur und Histogenese der Samenfaden des Meerschweinchens : 
Arch. mtk. Anat., LIV. 1899. 

Schweigger-Seidel, F.— Uber die Samenkérperchen und ihre Entwicklung: Arch. 
wuk. Anat.,1. 1865. 

Strasburger, E. —Histologische Beitrage; Heft IV.: Das Verhalten des Pollens 
und die Befruchtungsvorgange bei den Gymnospermen, Schwarmsporen, pflanz- 
liche Spermatozoiden und das Wesen der Befruchtung. /7scher, Jena, 1892. 

Thomson, Allen. — Article * Ovum,” in Todd’s Cyclopedia of Anatomy and Physi- 
ology. 1859. 

Van Beneden, E. — Recherches sur la composition et la signification de l’ceuf: J7em. 
cour. del’ Acad. roy. de Belgique. 1870. 

Waldeyer, W.— Eierstock und Ei. Lezpzzg, 1870. 

Id. — Bau und Entwickelung der Samenfaden: Verh. d. Anat. Ges. Leipzig, 1887. 


1 See also Literature, V., p. 287. 


CHAPTER AY. 
FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


“Tt is conceivable, and indeed probable, that every part of the adult contains molecules 
derived both from the male and from the female parent; and that, regarded as a mass of 
molecules, the entire organism may be compared to a web of which the warp is derived from 
the female and the woof from the male.” Hux ey.} 


In mitototic cell-division we have become acquainted with the means 
by which, in all higher forms at least, not only the continuity of life, 
but also the maintenance of the species, is effected; for through this 
beautiful mechanism the cell hands on to its descendants an exact dupli- 
cate of the idioplasm by which its own organization is determined. 
As far as we can see from an @ priori point of view, there is no reason 
why, barring accident, cell-division should not follow cell-division in 
endless succession in the stream of life. It is possible, indeed prob- 
able, that such may be the fact in some of the lower and simpler forms 
of life where no form of sexual reproduction is known to occur. In 
the vast majority of living forms, however, the series of cell-divisions 
tends to run in cycles in each of which the energy of division finally 
comes to an end and is only restored by an admixture of living mat- 
ter derived from another cell. This operation, known as fertzliza- 
tion or fecundation, is the essence of sexual reproduction ; and in it we 
behold a process by which on the one hand the energy of division is 
restored, and by which on the other hand two independent lines of 
descent are blended into one. Why this dual process should take 
place we are as yet unable to say, nor do we know which of its two 
elements is to be regarded as the primary and essential one. 

Harvey and many other of the early embryologists regarded fer- 
tilization as a stimulus, given by the spermatozoon, through which the 
ovum was “animated” and thus rendered capable of development. 
In its modern form this conception appears in the “dynamic ” theories 
of Herbert Spencer, Butschli, Hertwig, and others, which assume that 
protoplasm tends gradually to pass into a state of increasingly sta- 
ble equilibrium in which its activity diminishes, and that fertilization 
restores it to a labile state, and hence to one of activity, through mix- 
ture with protoplasm that has been subjected to different conditions. 
Butschli (76) pointed out that the life-cycle of the metazoon is com- 


1 Evolution, in Sczence and Culture, p. 296, from Enc. Brit, 1878. 
178 


FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 179 


parable to that of a protozoan race, a long series of cell-divisions being 
in each case followed by a mixture of protoplasms through conjuga- 
tion; and he assumed that, in both cases, conjugation results in reju- 
venescence through which the energy of growth and division is 
restored and a new cycle inaugurated. The same view has been 
advocated by Minot, Engelman, Hensen, and many others. Mau- 
pas (88, ’89), in his celebrated researches in the conjugation of Infu- 
soria, attempted to test this conclusion by following out continuously 
the life-history of various species through the entire cycle of their exist- 
ence. Though not yet adequately confirmed, and indeed opposed in 
some particulars by more recent work,! these researches have yielded 
very strong evidence that in these unicellular animals, even under 
normal conditions, the processes of growth and division sooner or 
later come to an end, undergoing a process of natural ‘“ senescence,” 
which can only be counteracted by conjugation. That fertilization in 
higher plants and animals does in fact incite division and growth is a 
matter of undisputed observation. We know, however, that in parthe- 
nogenesis the egg may develop without fertilization, and we do not 
know whether the tendency to “senescence” and the need for fer- 
tilization are primary attributes of living matter. 

The foregoing views may be classed together as the rejuvenescence 
theory. Parallel to that theory, and not necessarily opposed to or 
confirmatory of it, is the view that fertilization is in some way con- 
cerned with the process of variation. Long since suggested by Tre- 
viranus and more lately developed by Brooks? and Weismann ® is the 
hypothesis that fertilization is a source of variation —a conclusion sug- 
gested by the experience of practical breeders of plants and animals. 
Weismann brings forward strong arguments against the rejuvenescence- 
theory, and regards the need for fertilization as a secondary acquisi- 
tion, the mixture of protoplasms to which it leads producing variations 
—or rather insuring their “mingling and persistent renewal” *— 
which form the material on which selection operates. On the other 
hand, a considerable number of writers, including Darwin, Spencer, 
O. Hertwig, Hatschek, and others, believe that although crossing may 
lead to variability within certain limits, its effect in the long run tends 
to neutralize indefinite variability and thus to hold the species true to 
the type. 

It is remarkable that we should still remain uncertain as to the physi- 
ological meaning of a process so general and one that has been the 
subject of such prolonged research. Both the foregoing general views 
are in harmony with the results of Darwin’s work on variation and 
with the experience of practical breeders, which have shown that 


1 Cf Joukowsky, ’99. 3 Amphimixis, 1891. 
2 The Law of Heredity, 1883. + ’g9, p. 326. 


180 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


crossing produces both greater vigour and greater variability. In view 
of all the facts, however, we are constrained to the admission that the 
essential nature of sexual reproduction must remain undetermined until 
the subject shall have been far more thoroughly investigated, espe- 
cially in the unicellular forms, where the key to the ultimate problem 
is undoubtedly to be sought. 


A. PRELIMINARY GENERAL SKETCH 


Among the unicellular plants and animals, fertilization is effected 
by means of conjugation, a process in which two individuals either 
fuse together permanently or unite temporarily and effect an exchange 


Fig. 89. — Fertilization of the egg of the snail, Physa. [KOSTANECKI and WIERZEJSKL] 


A. The entire spermatozo6n lies in the egg, its nucleus at the right, flagellum at the left, while 
the minute sperm-amphiaster occupies the position of the middle-piece. The first polar body has 
been formed, the second is forming. 4. The enlarged sperm-nucleus and sperm-amphiaster lie 
near the centre; second polar body forming and the first dividing. The egg-centrosomes and 
asters afterward disappear, their place being taken by those of the spermatozoén, 


of nuclear matter, after which they separate. /y a// the higher forms 
Sertilization consists tn the permanent fusion of two germ-cells, one of 
paternal and one of maternal origin. Ne may first consider the fer- 
tilization of the animal egg, which appears to take place in essentially 
the same manner throughout the animal kingdom, and to be closely 
paralleled by the corresponding process in plants. 


PRELIMINARY GENERAL SKETCH 181 


Leeuwenhoek, whose pupil Hamm discovered the spermatozoa 
(1677), put forth the conjecture that the spermatozoon must pene- 
trate into the egg; and the classical experiments of Spallanzani on 
the frog’s egg (1786) proved that the fertilizing element must be the 
spermatozoa and not the liquid in which they swim. The penetration 
of the ovum was, however, not actually seen until 1854, when Newport 
observed it in the case of the frog’s egg; and it was described by 
Pringsheim a year later in one of the lower plants, @dvgontum. The 
first adequate description of the process was given by Hermann Fol, 
in 1879, though many earlier observers, from the time of Martin 
Barry (43) onward, had seen the spermatozoon inside the egg-enve- 
lopes, or asserted its entrance into the egg. 

In many cases the entire spermatozoon enters the egg (mollusks, 
insects, nematodes, some annelids, Petromyzon, axolotl, etc.), and in 
such cases the long flagellum may sometimes be seen coiled within 
the egg (Fig. 89). Only the nucleus and middle-piece, however, are 
concerned in the actual fertilization; and there are some cases 
(echinoderms) in which the tail is left outside the egg. At or near 
the time of fertilization, the egg successively segments off at the upper 
pole two minute cells, known as the folar bodies (Figs. 89, 90, 116) or 
directive corpuscles, which degenerate and take no part in the subse- 
quent development. This phenomenon takes place, as a rule, imme- 
diately after entrance of the spermatozoon. It may, however, occur 
before the spermatozoon enters, and it forms no part of the process 
of fertilization proper. It is merely the final act in the process of 
maturation, by which the egg is prepared for fertilization, and we 
may defer its consideration to the following chapter. 


1. The Germ-nuclet in Fertilization 


The modern era in the study of fertilization may be said to begin 
with Oscar Hertwig's discovery, in 1875, of the fate of the sperma- 
tozoon within the egg. Earlier observers had, it is true, paved the 
way by showing that, at the time of fertilization, the egg contains 
wo nucle: that fuse together or become closely associated before 
development begins. (Warneck, Butschli, Auerbach, Van Beneden, 
Strasburger.) Hertwig discovered, in the egg of the sea-urchin 
(Toxopueustes lividius), that one of these nuclet belongs to the egg, 
while the other ts derived from the spermatozoon. ‘This result was 
speedily confirmed in a number of other animals, and has since been 
extended to every species that has been carefully investigated. The 
researches of Strasburger, De Bary, Schmitz, Guignard, and others 
have shown that the same is true of plants. / every known case an 


1 See 1’ Hénogénie, pp. 124 ff., for a full historical account. 


182 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


essential phenomenon of fertilization ts the union of a sperm-nucleus, 
of paternal origin, with an egg-nucleus, of maternal origin, to form the 
primary nucleus of the embryo. This nucleus, known as the cleavage- 
or segmentation-nucleus, gives rise by dtvision to all the nuclei of the 
body, and hence every nucleus of the child may contain nuclear substance 
derived from both parents. And thus Hertwig was led to the conclu- 
sion (°84), independently reached at the same time by Strasburger, 
Kolliker, and Weismann, that the nucleus is the most essential ele- 
ment concerned in hereditary transmission. 

This conclusion received a strong support in the year 1883, through 
the splendid discoveries of Van Beneden on the fertilization of the 
thread-worm, Ascaris megalocephala, the egg of which has since ranked 
with that of the echinoderm as a classical object for the study of cell- 
problems. Van Beneden’s researches especially elucidated the struc- 
ture dnd transformations of the germ-nuclei, and carried the analysis 
of fertilization far beyond that of Hertwig. In Ascaris, as in all 
other animals, the sperm-nucleus is extremely minute, so that at first 
sight a marked inequality between the two sexes appears to exist 
in this respect. Van Beneden showed not only that the inequality in 
size totally disappears during fertilization, but that the two nuclei 
undergo a parallel series of structural changes which demonstrate 
their precise morphological equivalence down to the minutest detail ; 
and here, again, later researches, foremost among them those of 
Boveri, Strasburger, and Guignard, have shown that, essentially, the 
same is true of the germ-cells of other animals and of plants. The 
facts in Ascaris (variety b¢valens) are essentially as follows (Fig. 
go): After the entrance of the spermatozoon, and during the for- 
mation of the polar bodies, the sperm-nucleus rapidly enlarges and 
finally forms a typical nucleus exactly similar to the egg-nucleus. 
The chromatin in each nucleus now resolves itself into two long, 
worm-like chromosomes, which are exactly similar in form, size, and 
staining-reaction in the two nuclei. Next, the nuclear membrane 
fades away, and the four chromosomes lie naked in the egg-substance. 
Every trace of sexual difference has now disappeared, and it is 
impossible to distinguish the paternal from the maternal chromo- 
somes (Fig. 90, Y, /). Meanwhile an amphiaster has been devel- 
oped which, with the four chromosomes, forms the mitotic figure for 
the first cleavage of the ovum, the chromatic portion of which has 
been synthetically formed by the union of two equal germ-nuclet. The 
later phases follow the usual course of mitosis. Each chromosome 
splits lengthwise into equal halves, the daughter-chromosomes are 
transported to the spindle-poles, and here they give rise, in the usual 
manner, to the nuclei of the two-celled stage. Each of these nuclet, 
therefore, recetves exactly equal amounts of paternal and maternal 
chromatin. 


PRELIMINARY GENERAL SKETCH 183 


EX F 


Fig. 90. — Fertilization of the egg of Ascaris megalocephala, var. bivalens. [BOVERI] (For 
later stages see Figs. 31, 145.) 


A. The spermatozo6n has entered the egg, its nucleus is shown at 3; beside it lies the granu- 
lar mass of “archoplasm” (attraction-sphere) ; above are the closing phases in the formation 
of the second polar body (two chromosomes in each nucleus). 4. Germ-nuclei (2, #) in the 
reticular stage; the attraction-sphere (a) contains the dividing centrosome. C. Chromosomes 
forming in the germ-nuclei; the centrosome divided. 2. Each germ-nucleus resolved into two 
chromosomes ; attraction-sphere (a) double. £. Mitotic figure forming for the first cleavage ; 
the chromosomes (c) alteady split. #. First cleavage in progress, showing divergence of the 
daughter-chromosomes toward the spindle-poles (only three chromosomes shown). 


FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


—_— 
ore) 
aS 


These discoveries were confirmed and extended in the case of 
Ascaris by Boveri and by Van Beneden himself in 1887 and 1888 
and in several other nematodes by Carnoy in 1887. Carnoy found 
the number of chromosomes derived from each sex to be in Coronzlla 
4, in Ophiostomum 6, and in Filarotdes 8. A little later Boveri 
(’90) showed that the law of numerical equality of the paternal and 
maternal chromosomes held good for other groups of animals, being 
in the sea-urchin Achznws 9, in the worm Sagztta 9, in the medusa 
Tiara 14, and in the mollusk Péervotrachea 16 from each sex. Similar 
results were obtained in other animals and in plants, as first shown by 
Guignard in the lily (91), where each sex contributes 12 chromosomes. 


Fig. 91.— Germ-nuclei and chromosomes in the eggs of nematodes. [CARNOY.] 


A. Egg of nematode parasitic in Scv//7um ; the two germ-nuclei in apposition, each containing 
four chromosomes; the two polar bodies above. 4. Egg of Filaroides; each germ-nucleus with 
eight chromosomes; polar bodies above, deutoplasm-spheres below. 


In the onion the number is 8 (Strasburger); in the annelid Ophryo- 
trocha it is only 2 from each sex (Korschelt). In all these cases the 
number contributed by each ts one-half the number characteristic of the 
body-cells, The union of two germ-cells thus restores the normal 
number, and here we find the explanation of the remarkable fact 
commented on at page 67 that the number of chromosomes in sexually 
produced organisms is always even. 

These remarkable facts demonstrate the two germ-nuclei to be in 
a morphological sense precisely equivalent, and they not only lend 
very strong support to Hertwig’s identification of the nucleus as the 
bearer of hereditary qualities, but indicate further that these qualities 


IGF Ove 


PRELIMINARY GENERAL SKETCH I 85 


must be carried by the chromosomes ; for their precise equivalence in 
number, shape, and size is the physical correlative of the fact that 
the two sexes play, on the whole, equal parts in hereditary transmis- 
sion. 


2. The Achromatic Structures in Fertilization 


It is generally agreed that the amphiaster of the primary mitotic 
figure of the fertilized ovum arises from the egg-substance precisely 


~~ 6° 6 a@a® : Lia 4 
A Se a) . \ * z hs » 
ee $ . / 
be = * 
cc“ 


Fig. 92. 


Maturation and fertilization of the egg of the mouse. [SOBOTTA.] 

A. The ovarian egg still surrounded by the follicle-cells and the membrane (z.f. zona pel- 
lucida); the polar spindle formed. 2. Egg immediately after entrance of the spermatozoén 
(sperm-nucleus at #). C. The two germ-nuclei (g, 92) still unequal; polar bodies above. 
D. Germ-nuclei approaching, of equal size. &. The chromosomes forming. /. The minute 
cleavage-spindle in the centre; on either side the paternal and maternal groups of chromosomes. 


as in the ordinary mitosis of tissue-cells, and its mode of origin there- 
fore involves the same questions as those already discussed at page 72. 
It is quite otherwise with the centrosomes at the astral centres, the 


186 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


origin of which still remains one of the most difficult, as it is one of 
the most interesting, problems relating to fertilization. 

After the formation of the polar bodies, the egg-nucleus is recon- 
stituted near the upper pole of the egg, and the entire polar mitotic 
apparatus disappears. In the meantime a new astral system (sperm- 


E 


Fig. 93. — Fertilization of the egg of the gasteropod, Prerotrachea. |BOVERI.] 


A, The egg-nucleus (#) and sperm-nucleus (.S) approaching after formation of the polar 
bodies; the latter shown above (P. B.); each germ-nucleys contains sixteen chromosomes; the 
sperm-amphiaster fully developed. &. The mitotic figure for the first cleavage nearly established ; 
the nuclear membranes have disappeared, leaving the maternal group of chromosomes above the 
spindle, the paternal below it. 


PRELIMINARY GENERAL SKETCH 


187 


aster or amphiaster) is developed in the neighbourhood of the sperm- 
nucleus, and this in a large number of cases gives rise or is definitely 


related to the cleavage- 
amphiaster  (ccelente- 
rates, flat-worms, echi- 
noderms, nematodes, 
annelids, arthropods, 
mollusks, tunicates, ver- 
tebrates). In many of 
these cases the sperm- 
aster, which by divi- 
sion gives rise to the 
amphiaster, has been 
found to arise in inti- 
mate relation with the 
middle- piece of the 
spermatozoon; ¢.g. in 
echinoderms(F lemming, 
Hertwig, Boveri, Wil- 
son, Mathews, Hill, etc.), 
in the axolotl (Fick) and 
salamander (Micheelis), 
in the tunicates (Hill), 
annelids (Foot, Vejdov- 
sky), insects (Henking), 
nematodes (Meyer, Er- 
langer), and mollusks 
(Henking, Kostanecki, 
and Wierzejski). The 
agreement between 
forms so diverse is very 
strong evidence that this 
is a very general phe- 
nomenon, and it is one of 
great interest, owing to 
the fact that the middle- 
piece is itself derived 
from or contains the 
centrosome of the sper- 
matid.! ; 

The facts may be il- 
lustrated by a_ brief 
description of the phe- 


rat ce 
i /3 oe ce eee 
A B 


Fig. 94. — Entrance and rotation of the sperm-head and 
formation of the sperm-aster in the sea-urchin, 7oxopneustes 
(A-F, x 1600; G, H, X 800). 


A. Sperm-head before entrance; z. 
dle-piece and part of the flagellum. 4. C. Immediately 
after entrance, showing entrance-cone. J. Rotation of the 
sperm-head, formation of the sperm-aster about the middle- 
piece. Z. Casting off of middle-piece; centrosome at focus 
of the rays (cf Fig. 12). The changes figured occupy about 
eight minutes. /. G, Approach of the germ-nuclei; growth 
of the aster. 


nucleus; #. mid- 


Ta GyapealizOs 


188 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


nomena in the sea-urchin 7oxopneustes (Fig. 94). As described at 
page 197, the tail is in this case left outside, and only the head and 
middle-piece enter the egg. Within a few minutes after its entrance, 
and while still very near the periphery, the lance-shaped sperm-head, 
carrying the middle-piece at its base, rotates through nearly or quite 
180°, so that the pointed end is directed outward and the middle- 
piece is turned inward (Fig. 94, 4—/’).1 During or shortly after the 
rotation appears a minute aster centring in or very near the middle- 
piece. As it enlarges, the middle-piece itself is thrown to one side 
(Fig. 12), where it soon degenerates, while in the centre of the aster 
a minute intensely staining centrosome may be seen. Both sperm- 
nucleus and aster now rapidly advance toward the centre of the egg, 
the aster leading the way and its rays extending far out into the 
cytoplasm and finally traversing nearly an entire hemisphere. The 
central mass of the aster comes in contact with the egg-nucleus, 
divides into two, and the daughter-asters pass to opposite poles of 
the egg-nucleus, while the sperm-nucleus flattens against the latter 
and assumes the form of a biconvex lens (Fig. 95). The nuclei now 
fuse to form the cleavage-nucleus. Shortly afterward the nuclear 
membrane fades away, a spindle is developed between the asters, and 
a group of chromosomes arises from the cleavage-nucleus. These 
are 36 or 38 in number; and although their relation to the paternal 
and maternal chromatin cannot in this case be accurately traced, 
owing to the apparent fusion of the nuclei, there can be no doubt on 
general grounds that one-half have been derived from each germ- 
nucleus. The egg then divides into two, four, etc., by ordinary 
mitosis (Figs. 4, 52). 

In the type of fertilization just described, the polar bodies are 
formed long before the entrance of the spermatozo6n and the germ- 
nuclei conjugate immediately upon entrance of the spermatozo6n, 
fusing to form a true cleavage-nucleus. In a second and more 
frequent type (Ascaris, Fig. 90; Physa, Fig. 89; Werezs, Fig. 97; 
Cyclops, Fig. 98) the sperm-nucleus penetrates for a certain distance, 
often to the centre of the egg, and then pauses while the polar 
bodies are formed. It then conjugates with the re-formed egg- 
nucleus. In this case the sperm-aster always divides to form an 
amphiaster before conjugation of the nuclei, while in the first case 
the aster may be still undivided at the time of union. This 
difference is doubtless due merely to a difference in the time 
elapsing between entrance of the spermatozoon and conjugation 
of the nuclei, the amphiaster having, in the second case, time to 


1 The first, as far as I know, to observe the rotation of the sperm-head was Flemming 
in the echinoderm-egg (’81, pp. 17-19). It has since been clearly observed in several other 
cases, and is probably a phenomenon of very general occurrence. 


PRELIMINARY GENERAL SKETCH 189 


form during extrusion of the polar bodies. The two types just 
described (Fig. 96) are connected by various gradations. Thus, 
in the lamprey, the frog, the rabbit, and in Amphzorus, one polar 
body is expelled before, and one after, the entrance of the sper- 
matozoon ; in the annelid Opfhryotrocha, entrance takes place when 
the first polar spindle is in the stage of the equatorial plate ; 


Fig. 95.— Conjugation of the germ-nuclei and division of the sperm-aster in the sea-urchin 
Toxopneustes, X 1000. (For later stages see Fig. 52.) 

A. Union of the nuclei; extension of the aster. &. Flattening of the sperm-nucleus against the 
egg-nucleus; division of the aster. 


190 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


while in Chetopterus and Pieris the first polar spindle has advanced 
into the anaphase.! 

It is an interesting and significant fact that the aster or amphiaster 
always leads the way in the march toward the egg-nucleus; and in 
many cases it may be far in advance of the sperm-nucleus.? Boveri 
(87, 1) has observed in sea-urchins that the sperm-nucleus may indeed 
be left entirely behind, the aster alone conjugating with the egg- 


Fig. 96.— Diagrams of two principal types of fertilization. /, Polar bodies formed after the 
entrance of the spermatozoa (annelids, mollusks, flat-worms). //. Polar bodies formed before 
entrance (echinoderms). 


A. Sperm-nucleus and centrosome at ¢; first polar body forming at 2. @&. Polar bodies 
formed; approach of the nuclei. C. Union of the nuclei. 2. Approach of the nuclei. &. Union 
of the nuclei. /. Cleavage-nucleus. 


nucleus and causing division of the egg wthout union of the germ- 
nucler, though the sperm-nucleus afterward conjugates with one of 
the nuclei of the two-cell stage. This process, known as “ partial fer- 
tilization,” is undoubtedly to be regarded as abnormal. It affords, 
however, a beautiful illustration of the view that 2z¢ zs the centro- 
some alone that incites division of the egg, and ts therefore the fer- 
tilizing element proper (Boveri, ’87, 2). 

The foregoing facts lead us to a consideration of Boveri’s theory 
of fertilization, which has for several years formed a central point of 
discussion. The ground for this theory had been prepared by Oscar 


Gap. Lot. 2 Cf. Kostanecki and Wierzejski, ’96. 


PRELIMINARY GENERAL SKETCH IOI 


Hertwig and Fol. The latter (’73) early reached the conclusion that 
the asters represented “centres of attraction” lying outside and 
independent of the nucleus. Oscar Hertwig showed, in 1875, that 


~~ 
SS 


\ 
\ 


Fig. 97.— Fertilization of the egg of Neves, from sections. ( 400.) 

A. Soon after the entrance of the spermatozo6n, showing the minute sperm-nucleus at ¢, the 
germinal vesicle disappearing, and the first polar mitotic figure forming. The empty spaces repre- 
sent deutoplasm-spheres (slightly swollen by the reagents), the firm circles oil-drops. 8. Sperm- 
nucleus () advancing, a minute amphiaster in front of it; first polar mitotic figure established ; 
polar concentration of the protoplasm. C. Later stage; second polar body forming. DD. The 
polar bodies formed; conjugation of the germ-nuclei; the egg-centrosomes and asters have 
disappeared, leaving only the sperm-amphiaster (cf Fig. 60). 


in the sea-urchin egg, the amphiaster arises by the division of a 
single aster that first appears near the sperra-nucleus and accompanies 
it in its progress toward the egg-nucleus. A similar observation was 
soon afterward made by Fol (79) in the eggs of Asterzas and 


Sagitta, and in the latter case he determined the fact that the astral 


192 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


rays do not centre in the nucleus, as Hertwig described, dut at a 
point in advance of it—a fact afterward confirmed by Hertwig 
himself and by Boveri (’88, 1). Hertwig and Fol afterward found 
that in cases of polyspermy, when several spermatozoa enter the egg, 
each sperm-nucleus is accompanied by an aster, and Hertwig proved 
that each of these might give rise to an amphiaster (Fig. 101). In 
1886-87 Vejdovsky brought forward strong evidence to show that 
in the. fresh-water annelid ARhyuchelmis the cleavage-amphiaster 
arises directly from the sperm-amphiaster, itself derived by the 
division of a “ periplast’ (attraction-sphere) imported into the egg by 
the spermatozo6n, while the polar amphiaster entirely disappears. 
It was Boveri (’87,2) who first carefully studied the facts with 
reference to the centrosome, reaching the conclusion (in the case of 
Ascaris and the sea-urchin) that a single centrosome is_ brought 
in by the spermatozoon, and that it divides to form two centres about 
which are developed the two asters of the cleavage-figure. He was 
thus led to the following conclusion, which has received the sup- 
port of many later investigators: Zhe ripe egg possesses all of the 
organs and qualities necessary for division excepting the centrosome, 
by which diviston ts initiated. The spermatozoon, on the other hand, 
es provided with a centrosome, but lacks the substance in which this 
organ of division may exert tts activity. Through the union of the 
two cells in fertilization, all of the essential organs necessary for 
division are brought together; the egg now contains a centrosome 
which by tts own division leads the way in the embryonic develop- 
ment. Nery numerous observations, supporting this conclusion, have 
been made by later observers. Bohm could find in Petromyzon (88) 
and the trout (91) no radiations near the egg-nucleus after the 
formation of the polar-bodies, while a beautiful sperm-aster is devel- 
oped near the sperm-nucleus and divides to form the amphiaster. 
Platner (86) had already made similar observations in the snail 
Avion, and the same result was soon afterward reached by Brauer 
(92) in the case of Aranchipus, and by Julin (’93) in Sétyleopszs. 
Fick’s careful study of fertilization of the axolotl (93) proved in 
a very convincing manner not only that the amphiaster is a product 
of the sperm-aster, but also that the latter is developed about the 
mtddle- piece as a centre. The same result was indicated by Foot’s 
observations on the earthworm (’94), and it was soon afterward 
conclusively demonstrated in echinoderms through the independent 
and nearly simultaneous researches of myself on the egg of Zovo- 
pueustes, of Mathews on Arbacia, and of Boveri on Echznus. Nearly 
at the same time a careful study was made by Mead (’95, ’98, 1) of 
the annelid Chefopterus, and of the starfish Astertas by Mathews, 


£38 72) Peehs5: 


PRELIMINARY GENERAL SKETCH 193 


both observers independently showing that the polar spindle contains 
distinct centrosomes, which, however, degenerate after the formation 
of the polar bodies, their place being taken by the sperm-centrosome, 
which divides to form an amphiaster before union of the nuclei, as 
in Rhynchelmis. "Exactly the same result has since been reached by 
Hill (95) and Reinke (’95) in Spherechinus, by Hill in the tunicate 
Phallusia, by Kostanecki and Wierzejski (96) in Physa (Fig. 89), 
and by Van der Stricht (98) in Z/ysanozoon ; and in all of these the 
centrosome is likewise shown to arise from the middle-piece or in 
its immediate neighbourhood. Among others who have produced 


Fig. 98. — Fertilization of the egg in the copepod, Cyclops strenuus. [RUCKERT.] 


A, Sperm-nucleus soon after entrance, the sperm-aster dividing. £&. The germ-nuclei ap- 
proaching; ¢, the enlarged sperm-nucleus with a large aster at each pole; @, the egg-nucleus 
re-formed after formation of the second polar body, shown at the right. C. The apposed reticular 
germ-nuclei, now of equal size; the spindle is immediately afterward developed between the two 
enormous sperm-asters ; polar body at the left. 


evidence that the cleavage-centrosome stands in definite relation to 
the spermatozoon, may be mentioned Oppel (’92) in reptiles, Brauer 
(92) in Branchipus, Henking (’92) in insects, Rickert (’95, 2) in 
Cyclops, Sobotta (95) in the mouse and (98) Amphizoxrus, Ziegler (95) 
in Diplogaster and Rhabditis, Castle (96) in Czona, Korschelt 
(95) in Ophryotrocha, Meyer ('95) in Strongylus, Griffin (‘96, ’99) 
in Thalassema, and Coe.(’98) in Cerebratulus. 

Beside the foregoing evidence may be placed the following addi- 
tional data based on experiment and the study of pathological fer- 
tilization. (1) In the case of sea-urchin eggs, Hertwig, Boveri, and 

50) 


194 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


several later observers have shown that egg-fragments, obtained by 
shaking eggs to pieces, are readily penetrated by the spermatozoa, 
and that such fragments, ede containing no nuclear matter from 
the egg. may segment and give rise to perfect larve.! (2) Boveri 
(88) has observed that in ordinary fertilization the sperm-aster may 
separate from the sperm-nucleus, travel through the cytoplasm to the 
egg-nucleus and cause cleavage, the sperm- conliers afterward fusing 
with one of the nuclei of the two-cell stage (“‘ partial fertilization ”’). 
(3) Most remarkable of all, Boveri, confirmed by Ziegler (’98), has 
recently observed that during the first cleavage the whole of the 
chromatin may pass to one pole, so that upon division one of the 
halves of the egg receives only a centrosome without a nucleus. In 
the nucleated half cleavage proceeds as usual. In the enucleated 
half the centrosomes and asters continue for a considerable period 
to multiply at the same rate as the cleavage of the nucleated half, 
though the cell-body does not itself divide.” Putting these facts 
together we must conclude (1) that something is introduced into the 
egg by the middle-piece of each spermatozo6n entering it that is 
See a centrosome or has the power to incite the formation of one; 
(2) that the centrosome thus arising is structurally independent of 
both nuclei and may divide independently of them; (3) that indepen- 
dently of the division of the nucleus or cell-body there is some kind 
of historical continuity between the oe mascores of successive genera- 
tions. 

In the case of echinoderm-eggs this continuity is not yet known to 
be effected by actual persistence of the centrosomes.*? There are, 
however, a number of cases in which the division of the primary 
cleavage-centrosomes and the persistence of their descendants as 
those of the daughter-cells seem to have been conclusively shown — 
for example on Ascarvzs (Van Beneden, Boveri, Kostanecki, and Sied- 
lecki), in the trout (Henneguy, ’96), in 7halassema (Griffin, 96, 99), 
in Chetopterus (Mead, 95,98), in Physa (Kostanecki and Wierzejski, 
96), in Cerebratulus (Coe, 98), and in Rhynchelmis (Vejdovsky and 
Mrazek, ’98). In YZkhalassema and Cerebratulus (Figs. 99, 155) the 
centrosome is a minute granule at the focus of the sperm-aster, 
which divides to form an amphiaster soon after the entrance of the 
spermatozoon. During the early anaphase of the first cleavage, each 
centrosome divides into two, passes to the outer periphery of the 
centrosphere, and there forms a minute amphiaster for the second 

Z 52h: Pp. 353- AG pe Oo. 

° Erlanger’s statement (’98) that the centrosomes persist through the first cleavage in 
echinoderm-eggs is not supported by his figures; and I am convinced from my own long- 
continued studies of these eggs, as well as by an examination of Erlanger’s preparations, 


kindly placed in my hands by Professor Biitschli, that these difficult objects are very unfayour- 
able for a decision of the question. 


PRELIMINARY GENERAL SKETCH 195 


cleavage before the first cleavage takes place. The minute centro- 
somes of the second cleavage are therefore the direct descendants of 
the sperm-centrosome; and there is good reason to believe that the 
continuity is not broken in later stages. The facts are nearly similar 


Fig. 99. — Fertilization in an annelid (armed Gephyrean), 7halassema. [GRIFFIN.] 


A. Second polar body forming; sperm-nucleus and centrosome below. &. Approach of the 
egg-nucleus and sperm-nucleus, the latter accompanied by the sperm-amphiaster. C. Union of 
the nuclei. 2. Later stage of last. &. Prophase of cleavage-spindle. /. Anaphase of the same; 
centrosome divided. G. H./. Successive stages in the nuclear reconstitution and formation of 
the daughter-amphiasters for the second cleavage. % Two-cell stage. 


in the trout, in Chetopterus, and in Physa.+ In Ascaris division of 
the centrosome first occurs at a somewhat later period (Figs. 90, 176). 
If now the centrosomes were indeed permanent cell-organs, we 
should thus reach the following result: During cleavage the cytoplasm 


of the blastomeres ts derived from that of the egg, the centrosomes from 


1906 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


the spermatosoon, while the nuclei (chromatin) are equally derived from 
both germ-cells. 

There is very strong reason to accept the first part of this con- 
clusion (applying to nucleus and cytoplasm), but the question of 
the centrosomes remains an open one. The array of evidence given 
above, derived from the study of so many diverse groups, seems to 
place Boveri's lucid and enticing hypothesis upon a strong foundation. 
Two essential points still remain, however, to be determined: first, 
whether the facts observed in Ascarzs, Echinoderms, Physa, Thalas- 
sema, and the like, are typical of all forms of fertilization ; and, second, 
whether, if so, the primary cleavage-centrosome is actually imported 
into the-egg by the spermatozoon or is only formed under its influence 
out of the egg-substance. Both these questions have been raised by 
recent investigators, apparently on good evidence, and some of this 
evidence is directly opposed to both of the principal assumptions of 
Boveri’s theory. Thus, Wheeler ('97) has found that in JZyzostoma 
both centrosomes are derived trom the egg; Carnoy and Le Brun 
(‘97) maintain that in Ascaris one centrosome is derived from each of 
the germ-nuclei; in some mollusks, according to MacFarland (’97) 
and Lillie (97), both egg-centrosomes and sperm-centrosomes dis- 
appear, to be replaced by two centrosomes of unknown origin; while 
recent botanical workers are unable to find any centrosomes in fertili- 
zation. These and other divergent results will be critically considered 
beyond (p. 208) in connection with a more detailed examination of 
the general subject. It may be pointed out here, however, that 
recent researches on spermatogenesis (p. 170) render it nearly certain 
that the centrosome of the sperm-aster cannot be the unmodified cen- 
trosome of the spermatid, since the latter, in some cases, enlarges to 
form a “ middle-piece”’ or analogous structure that is far larger than 
the sperm-centrosome. 


B. UNION OF THE GERM-CELLS 


It does not lie within the scope of this work to consider the 
innumerable modes by which the germ-cells are brought together, 
further than to recall the fact that their union may take place inside 
the body of the mother or outside, and that in the latter case both 
eggs and spermatozoa are as a rule discharged into the water, where 
fertilization and development take place. The spermatozoa may 
live for a long period, either before or after their discharge, without 
losing their fertilizing power, and their movements may continue 
throughout this period. In many cases they are motionless when 
first discharged, and only begin their characteristic swimming move- 
ments after coming in contact with the water. There is clear evi- 


UNION OF THE GERM-CELLS 197 


dence of a definite attraction between the germ-cells, which is 
in some cases so marked (for example in the polyp Renz//a) that 
when spermatozoa and ova are mixed in a small vessel, each ovum 
becomes in a few moments surrounded by a dense fringe of sperma- 
tozoa attached to its periphery by their heads and by their move- 
ments actually causing the ovum to move about. The nature of the 
attraction is not positively known, but Pfeffer’s researches on the 
spermatozoids of plants leave little doubt that it is of a chemical 
nature, since he found the spermatozoids of ferns and of Se/aginclla 
to be as actively attracted by solutions of malic acid or malates (con- 
tained in capillary tubes) as by the substance extruded from the 


Fig. 100. — Entrance of the spermatozo6n into the egg. 4A-G. Inthe sea-urchin, 7oxopneustes. 
#7, In the medusa, M/itrocoma, [METSCHNIKOFF.] /. In the star-fish Asterias. [FOL.] 


A, Spermatozo6n of Toxopmeustes, X 2000; a. the apical body, 7. nucleus, #2. middle-piece, 
Ff. flagellum. &. Contact with the egg-periphery. C. D. Entrance of the head, formation of the 
entrance-cone and of the vitelline membrane (v), leaving the tail outside. #. / Later stages. 
G. Appearance of the sperm-aster (s) about 3-5 minutes after first contact; entrance-cone break- 
ing up. A. Entrance of the spermatozoén into a preformed depression. /. Approach of the 
spermatozo6n, showing the preformed attraction-cone. 


neck of the archegonium. Those of mosses, on the other hand, are 
indifferent to malic acid, but are attracted by cane-sugar. These 
experiments indicate that the specific attraction between the germ- 
cells of the same species is owing to the presence of specific chemical 
substances in each case. There is clear evidence, furthermore, that 
the attractive force is not exerted by the egg-nucleus alone, but by 
the egg-cytoplasm; for, as the Hertwigs and others have shown, 
spermatozoa will readily enter egg-fragments entirely devoid of a 
nucleus. 

In naked eggs, such as those of some echinoderms, and ccelen- 
terates, the spermatozo6n may enter at any point; but there are 
some cases in which the point of entrance is predetermined by the 


198 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


presence of special structures through which the spermatozoon 
enters (Fig. 100). Thus, the starfish-egg, according to Fol, pos- 
sesses before fertilization a peculiar protoplasmic “attraction-cone ” 
to which the head of the spermatozo6n becomes attached, and through 
which it enters the egg. In some of the hydromeduse, on the other 
hand, the entrance point is marked by a funnel-shaped depression at 
the egg-periphery (Metschnikoff). When no preformed attraction- 
cone is present, an “entrance-cone” is sometimes formed by a rush 
of protoplasm toward the point at which the spermatozoon strikes 
the egg and there forming a conical elevation into which the sperm- 
head passes. In the sea-urchin (Fig. 100) this structure persists 
only a short time after the spermatozoon enters, soon assuming a 
ragged flame-shape and breaking up into slender rays. In some 
cases the egg remains naked, even after fertilization, as appears to 
be the case in many ccelenterates. More commonly a vitelline mem- 
brane is quickly formed after contact of the spermatozoon, — e.g. 
in Amphioxus, in the echinoderms, and in many plants,—and by 
means of this the entrance of other spermatozoa is prevented. In 
eggs surrounded by a membrane before fertilization, the spermato- 
zoon either bores its way through the membrane at any point, as is 
probably the case with mammals and Amphibia, or may make its 
entrance through a micropyle. 

In some forms only one spermatozoon normally enters the ovum, 
as in echinoderms, mammals, many annelids, etc., while in others 
several may enter (insects, elasmobranchs, reptiles, the earthworm, 
Petromyzon, etc.) In the former case more than one spermatozoon 
may accidentally enter (pathological polyspermy), but development 
is then always abnormal. In such cases each sperm-centrosome 
gives rise to an amphiaster, and the asters may then unite to form 
the most complex polyasters, the nodes of which are formed by the 
centrosomes (Fig. 101). Such eggs either do not divide at all or 
undergo an irregular multiple cleavage and soon perish. If, how- 
ever, only two spermatozoa enter, the egg may develop for a time. 
Thus Driesch has determined the interesting fact, which I have con- 
firmed, that sea-urchin eggs into which two spermatozoa have accli- 
dentally entered undergo a double cleavage, dividing into four at the 
first cleavage, and forming eight instead of four micromeres at the 
fourth cleavage. Such embryos develop as far as the blastula stage, 
but never form a gastrula.! In cases where several spermatozoa 
normally enter the egg (physiological polyspermy), only one of the 
sperm-nuclei normally unites with the egg-nucleus, the supernumer- 
ary sperm-nuclei either degenerating, or in rare cases —é.g. in elas- 
mobranchs and reptiles — living for a time and even dividing to form 


1 For an account of the internal changes, see p. 355. 


UNION OF THE GERM-CELLS 199 


“merocytes” or accessory nuclei. The fate of the latter is still in 
doubt; but they certainly take no part in fertilization. 

It is an interesting question how the entrance of supernumerary 
spermatozoa is prevented in normal monospermic fertilization. In 
the case of echinoderm-eggs Fol advanced the view that this is 
mechanically effected by means of the vitelline membrane formed 
instantly after the first spermatozoon touches the egg. This is indi- 
cated by the following facts. Immature eggs, before the formation 


NS 


Ba 


Ni 


. 
= 


Fig. 101. — Pathological polyspermy. 


A. Polyspermy in the egg of Ascaris ; below, the egg-nucleus; above, three entire spermatozoa 
within the egg. [SALA.] 

B. Polyspermy in sea-urchin egg treated with 0.005% nicotine solution; ten sperm-nuclei 
shown, three of which have conjugated with the egg-nucleus. C. Later stage of an egg similarly 
treated, showing polyasters formed by union of the sperm-amphiasters. [O. and R. HERTWIG.] 


of the polar bodies, have no power to form a vitelline membrane, 
and the spermatozoa always enter them in considerable numbers. 
Polyspermy also takes place, as O. and R. Hertwig’s beautiful ex- 
periments showed (’87), in ripe eggs whose vitality has been dimin- 
ished by the action of dilute poisons, such as nicotine, strychnine, 
and morphine, or by subjection to an abnormally high temperature 


200 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


(31° C.); and in these cases the vitelline membrane is only slowly 
formed, so that several spermatozoa have time to enter.t Similar 
mechanical explanations have been given in various other cases. 
Thus Hoffman believes that in teleosts the micropyle is blocked by 
the polar bodies after the entrance of the first spermatozoon; and 
Calberla suggested (Petromyson) that the same result might be 
caused by the tail of the entering spermatozodn. It is, however, 
far from certain whether such rude mechanical explanations are 
adequate; and there is considerable reason to believe that the egg 
may possess a physiological power of exclusion called forth by the 
first spermatozoon. Thus Driesch found that spermatozoa did not 
enter fertilized sea-urchin eggs from which the membranes had been 
removed by shaking.2. In some cases no membrane is formed (some 
ccelenterates), in others several spermatozoa are found inside the 
membrane (nemertines), in others the spermatozoon may penetrate 
the membrane at any point (mammals), yet monospermy is the rule. 


1. immediate Results of Union 


The union of the germ-cells calls forth profound changes in both. 

(a) The Spermatozoon. — Almost immediately after contact the tail 
ceases its movements. In some cases the tail is left outside, being 
carried away on the outer side of the vitelline membrane, and only 
the head and middle-piece enter the egg (echinoderms, Fig. 100). 
In other cases the entire spermatozo6n enters (amphibia, earthworm, 
insects, etc., Fig. 89), but the tail always degenerates within the 
ovum and takes no part in fertilization. Within the ovum the 
sperm-nucleus rapidly grows, and both its structure and staining- 
capacity rapidly change (cf. p. 182). The most important and signifi- 
cant result, however, is az zmmediate resumption by the sperm-nucleus 
and sperm-centrosome of the power of diviston, which has hitherto 
been suspended. This is not due to the union of the germ-nuclei ; 
for, as the Hertwigs and others have shown, the supernumerary 
sperm-nuclei in polyspermic eggs may divide freely without copu- 
lation with the egg-nucleus, and they divide as freely after entering 
enucleated egg-fragments. The stimulus to division must therefore 
be given by the egg-cytoplasm. It is a very interesting fact that 
in some cases the cytoplasm has this effect on the sperm-nucleus 


1 The Hertwigs attribute this to a diminished irritability on the part of the egg-substance. 
Normally requiring the stimulus of only a single spermatozoén for the formation of the vitel- 
line membrane, it here demands the more intense stimulus of two, three, or more before the 
membrane is formed. That the membrane is not present before fertilization is admitted by 
Hertwig on the ground stated at page 132. 

2On the other hand, Morgan states (’95, 5, p. 270) that one or more spermatozoa will 
enter nucleated or enucleated egg-fragments whether obtained before or after fertilization. 


UNION OF THE GERM-CELLS 201 


only after formation of the polar bodies ; for when in sea-urchins the 
spermatozoa enter immature eggs, as they freely do, they penetrate 
but a short distance, and no further change occurs. 

(6) The Ovum.— The entrance of the spermatozoon produces an 
extraordinary effect on the egg, which extends to every part of its 
organization. The rapid formation of the vitelline membrane, already 
described, proves that the stimulus extends almost instantly through- 
out the whole ovum.’ At the same time the physical consistency 
of the cytoplasm may greatly alter, as for instance in echinoderm 
eggs, where, as Morgan has observed, the cytoplasm assumes immedi- 


ately after fertilization a peculiar pb 
viscid character which it afterward | 
loses. In many cases the egg con- 22, pr 


tracts, performs amoeboid movements, 
or shows wave-like changes of form. 


Again, the egg-cytoplasm may show  / 

active streaming movements, as in ae 

the formation of the entrance-cone in bees anes OES 

echinoderms, or in the flow of periph- Sees 

eral protoplasm toward the region Con oe 

of entrance to form the germinal \2% geese 
=0:0 


disc, as in many pelagic fish-eggs. 
An interesting phenomenon is the 
formation, behind the advancing 
sperm-nucleus, of a peculiar funnel- Sa pr 
shaped mass of deeply — staining Hiperon ones or ine leech) Cops 
material extending outward to the during fertilization. [WHITMAN.] 
periphery. This’ has been ‘carefully | 2-4- polar bodies; p. polar rings; 
5 4 cleavage-nucleus near the centre. 
described by Foot (’94) in the earth- . 
worm, where it is very large and conspicuous, and I have since ob- 
served it also in the sea-urchin (Fig. 94). 

The most profound change in the ovum is, however, the migration 
of the germinal vesicle to the periphery and the formation of the 
polar bodies. In many cases either or both these processes may occur 
before contact with the spermatozo6n (echinoderms, some vertebrates ). 
In others, however, the egg awaits the entrance of the spermatozo6n 
(annelids, gasteropods, etc.), which gives it the necessary stimulus. 
This is well illustrated by the egg of Merezs. In the newly dis- 
charged egg the germinal vesicle occupies a central position, the 
yolk, consisting of deutoplasm-spheres and oil-globules, is uniformly 
distributed, and at the periphery of the egg is a zone of clear peri- 
vitelline protoplasm (Fig. 60). Soon after entrance of the sperma- 


00 9220'g 0.0:0 05 
~ * = 3 
50:0 Oa gor o'o OO ogo: 
QE SRy 2 ro D8 Go99 8G OS 

SO STR “e002 
Sees, "2,00 


1 T have often observed that the formation of the membrane, in 7oxopneustes, proceeds 
like a wave from the entrance-point around the periphery, but this is often irregular. 


202 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


tozo6n the germinal vesicle moves toward the periphery, its membrane 
fades away, and a radially directed mitotic figure appears, by means 
of which the first polar body is formed (Fig. 97). Meanwhile the 
protoplasm flows toward the upper pole, the peri-vitelline zone disap- 
pears, and the egg now shows a sharply marked polar differentiation. 
A remarkable phenomenon, described by Whitman in the leech (’78), 
and later by Foot in the earthworm (’94), is the formation of “ polar 
rings,’ a process which follows the entrance of the spermatozoon 
and accompanies the formation of the polar bodies. These are two 
ring-shaped cytoplasmic masses which form at the periphery of the 
egg near either pole and advance thence toward the poles, the upper 
one surrounding the point at which the polar bodies are formed 
(Fig. 102). Their meaning is unknown, but Foot (96) has made 
the interesting discovery that they are probably of the same nature 
as the yolk-nuclei (p. 156). 


2. Paths of the Germ-nuclet (Pro-nuclet )} 


After the entrance of the spermatozo6n, both germ-nuclei move 
through the egg-cytoplasm and finally meet one another. The paths 
traversed by them vary widely in different forms. In general two 
classes are to be distinguished, according as the polar bodies are 
formed before or after entrance of the spermatozoon. In the former 
case (echinoderms) the germ-nuclei unite at once. In the latter case 
the sperm-nucleus advances a certain distance into the egg and then 
pauses while the germinal vesicle moves toward the periphery, and 
gives rise to the polar bodies (Ascavzs, annelids, etc.). This signifi- 
cant fact proves that the attractive force between the two nuclei is 
only exerted after the formation of the polar bodies, and hence that 
the entrance-path of the sperm-nucleus is not determined by such 
attraction. A second important point, first pointed out by Roux, is 
that the path of the sperm-nucleus is carved, its ‘ entrance-path”’ 
into the egg forming a considerable angle, with its ‘ copulation-path ” 
toward the egg-nucleus. 

These facts are well illustrated in the sea-urchin egg (Fig. 103), 
where the egg-nucleus occupies an eccentric position near the point 
at which the polar bodies are formed (before fertilization). Entering 


1The terms female pro-nucleus, male pro-nucleus (Van Beneden), are often applied 
to the germ-nuclei before their union. These should, I think, be rejected in favour of 
Hertwig’s terms ege-sucleus and sperm-nucleus, on two grounds: (1) The germ-nuclei are 
true nuclei in every sense, differing from the somatic nuclei only in the reduced number of 
chromosomes. As the latter character has recently been shown to be true also of the 
somatic nuclei in the sexual generation of plants (p. 275), it cannot be made the ground for 
a special designation of the germ-nuclei. (2) The germ-nuclei are not male and female 
in any proper sense (Pp. 243). 


INION OF THE GERM-CELLS 203 
the egg at any point, the sperm-nucleus first moves rapidly inward 
along an entrance-path that shows no constant relation to the position 
of the egg-nucleus and is approximately but never exactly radial, 


z.e. toward a point near the centre of the egg. After penetrating a 


\ 


wan cere 


Fig. 103. — Diagrams showing the paths of the germ-nuclei in four different eggs of the sea- 
urchin, Zoxopneustes. From camera drawings of the transparent living eggs. 
In all the figures the original position of the egg-nucleus (reticulated) is shown at 2 ; the point 


at which the spermatozo6n enters at # (entrance-cone). 


Arrows indicate the paths traversed by 
the nuclei. 


At the meeting-point (47) the egg-nucleus is dotted. The cleavage-nucleus in its 
final position is ruled in parallel lines, and through it is drawn the axis of the resulting cleavage- 
figure. The axis of the egg is indicated by an arrow, the point of which is turned away from the 


micromere-pole. Plane of first cleavage, passing near the entrance-point, shown by the curved 
dotted line. 


certain distance its direction changes slightly to that of the copula- 
tion-path, which, again, is directed not precisely toward the egg- 
nucleus, but toward a meeting-point where it comes in contact with 
the egg-nucleus. The latter does not begin to move until the 


204 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


entrance-path of the sperm-nucleus changes to the copulation-path. 
It then begins to move slowly in a somewhat curved path toward the 
meeting-point, often showing slight amoeboid changes of form as it 
forces its way through the cytoplasm. From the meeting-point the 
apposed nuclei move slowly toward the point of final fusion, which 
in this case is near, but never precisely at, the centre of the egg. 

These facts indicate that the paths of the germ-nuclei are deter- 
mined by at least two different factors, one of which is an attraction 
or other dynamical relation between the nuclei and the cytoplasm, 
the other an attraction between the nuclei. The former determines 
the entrance-path of the sperm-nucleus, while both factors probably. 
operate in the determination of the copulation-path along which it 
travels to meet the egg-nucleus. The real nature of neither factor 
is known. 


Hertwig first called attention to the fact — which is easy to observe in the living 
sea-urchin egg —that the egg-nucleus does not begin to move until the sperm- 
nucleus has penetrated some distance into the egg and the sperm-aster has attained 
a considerable size; and Conklin (’94) has suggested that the nuclei are passively 
drawn together by the formation, attachment, and contraction of the astral rays. 
While this view has some facts in its favour, it is, I believe, untenable, for many 
reasons, among which may be mentioned the fact that neither the actual paths of 
the pro-nuclei nor the arrangement of the rays support the hypothesis; nor does 
it account for the conjugation of nuclei when no astral-rays are developed (as in 
Protozoa or in plants). Ihave often observed in cases of dispermy in the sea-urchin, 
that both sperm-nuclei move at an equal pace toward the egg-nucleus; but if one of 
them meets the egg-nucleus first, the movement of the other is immediately retarded, 
and only conjugates with the egg-nucleus, if at all, after a considerable interval ; and 
in polyspermy the egg-nucleus rarely conjugates with more than two sperm-nuclei. 
Probably, therefore, the nuclei are drawn together by an actual attraction which is 
neutralized by union, and their movements are not improbably of a chemotactic char- 
acter. Conklin (99) has recently suggested that the nuclei are drawn together by 
the agency of protoplasmic currents in the egg-substance. 


3. Union of the Germ-nuclet. The Chromosomes 


The earlier observers of fertilization, such as Auerbach, Stras- 
burger, and Hertwig, described the germ-nuclei as undergoing a com- 
plete fusion to form the first embryonic nucleus, termed by Hertwig 
the cleavage- or segmentation-nucleus. As early as 1881, however, 
Mark clearly showed that in the slug ZLzmax this is not the case, the 
two nuclei merely becoming apposed without actual fusion. Two 
years later appeared Van Beneden’s epoch-making work on Ascazzs, 
in which it was shown not only that the nuclei do not fuse, but that 
they give rise to two independent groups of chromosomes which 
separately enter the equatorial plate and whose descendants pass 
separately into the daughter-nuclei. Later observations have given 
the strongest reason to believe that, as far as the chromatin is con- 


ly 
ly 


UNION OF THE GERM-CELLS 205 


cerned, a true fusion of the nuclei never takes place during fertili- 
zation, and that the paternal and maternal chromatin say remain 
separate and distinct in the later stages of development — possibly 
throughout life (p. 299). In this regard two general classes may be 
distinguished. In one, exemplified by some echinoderms, by Amphz- 
oxus, Phallusia, and some other animals, the two nuclei meet each 
other when in the reticular form, and apparently fuse in such a manner 
that the chromatin of the resulting nucleus shows no visible distinc- 
tion between the paternal and maternal moieties. In the other class, 
which includes most accurately known cases, and is typically repre- 
sented by Ascaris (Fig. 90) and other nematodes, by Cyclops (Fig. 98), 
and by Prerotrachea (Fig. 93), the two nuclei do not fuse, but only 
place themselves side by side, and in this position give rise each to 
its own group of chromosomes. On general grounds we may confi- 
dently maintain that the distinction between the two classes is only 
apparent, and probably is due to corresponding differences in the rate 
of development of the nuclei, or in the time that elapses before their 
union. If this time be very short, as in echinoderms, the nuclei 
unite before the chromosomes are formed. If it be more prolonged, 
as in Ascaris, the chromosome-formation takes place before union. 

With a few exceptions, which are of such a character as not to 
militate against the rulef¢he number of chromosomes arising from the 
germ-nuclet ts always the same in both, and is one-half the number 
characteristic of the tissue-cells of the species. By their unton, there- 
fore, the germ-nuclet give rise to an equatorial plate containing the 
typical number of chromosomes. This remarkable discovery was first 
made by Van Beneden in the case of Ascaris, where the number of 
chromosomes derived from each sex is either one or two. It has 
since been extended to a very large number of animals and plants, a 
partial list of which follows. 


1 Indeed, Boveri has found that in 4scar?s both modes occur, though the fusion of the 
germ-nuclei is exceptional. (Cf p. 296.) 


FERTILIZATION 


OF THE OVUM 


A’ PARTIAL LIST SHOWING THE NUMBER OF CHROMOSOMES CHAR- 


ACTERISTIC OF 
VaRIOUS PLANTS 


THE 


GERM-NUCLEI 
AND ANIMALS ! 


AND SomaTic NUCLEI 


IN 


GERM- SomartIc 
Nuccei. | NuCLei. 
a =a ew 
I ares 
| 
2 | 4 
” [..] 
Aaa) 4S 
6 12 
Le] x 
aie a SS) 
EeSie | deltas 
7a Ne 14 
8 | 16 
i ale 
eel el 
= NST 


9 18 
10 20 
II [22] 
12 24 


} This table is compiled from papers both on 


NAME. Group. 
| Ascaris megalocephala, | Nematodes. 
var. univalens. 

| Id., var. bivalens. a 

| Ophryotrocha. Annelids. 
Styleopsis. Tunicates. 
Coronilla. Nematodes. 
Pallavicinia. Hepatice. 
Anthoceras. > 
Spiroptera. Nematodes. 
Prosthecerzeus. Polyclades. 
Nais. Phanerogams. 
Spirogyra. Conjugate. 
Gryllotalpa. Insects. 
Caloptenus. 4) 
AE quorea. Hydromedusz. 
Pentatoma. Insects. 
Filaroides. Nematodes. 
Prosthiostomum. Polyclades. 
Leptoplana. * 
Cycloporus. 5 
Hydrophilus. Insects. 
Phallusia. Tunicates. 
Limax. Gasteropods. 
Rat. Mammals. 
Ox, guinea-pig, man. 9 
Ceratozamia. Cyads. 
Pinus. Conifere. 
Scilla, Triticum. Angiosperms. 

| Allium. 55 
Podophyllum. Bs 
Echinus. Echinoderms. 
Thysanozoon. Polyclades. 
Sagitta. Cheetognaths. 
Cheetopterus. Annelids. 

| Ascidia. Tunicates. 

| Lasius. Insects. 
Allolobophora. Annelids. 

| Myzostoma. = 


AUTHORITY. 


Van Beneden, 
Boveri. 

” 
Korschelt. 
Julin. 

Carnoy. 
Farmer. 
Davis. 
Carnoy. 
Klinckostr6m, 

Francotte. 
Guignard. 
Strasburger. 
Vom Rath. 
Wilcox. 
Hacker. 
Montgomery. 
Carnoy. 
Francotte. 

” 


. 


Vom Rath. 
Hill. 
Vom Rath. 
Moore. 
Bardeleben. 
Overton, 
Guignard. 
Dixon. 
Overton. 
Strasburger, 
Guignard. 
Mottier. 
Boveri. 


Van der Stricht. 


Boverl. 
Mead. 
Boveri. 
Henking. 
Foot. 
Wheeler. 


brackets are inferred. 


fertilization and maturation. 


Numbers in 


UNION OF THE GERM-CELLS 207 


aes Rees Name. ; Group. AUTHORITY. 
LZ er 24 Thalassema. | Annelids. | Griffin. 
II (12). 22 (24) Cyclops strenuus. | Copepods. | Riickert. 
12, *| 1:24 ..  brevicornis. 2 Hacker. 
aie eee e, Helix. | Gasteropods. Platner, Vom Rath. 
Fat ell ee Branchipus. Crustacea. Brauer. 
lie Pyrrhocoris. Insects. Henking. 
5 $3 Salmo. Teleosts. Bohm. 
a - Salamandra. Amphibia. Flemming. 
- . Rana. 5 Vom Rath. 
6 BS Mouse. Mammals. Sobotta. 
< Osmunda. | Ferns. Strasburger. 
o A Lilium. | Angiosperms. Strasburger, 
Guignard. 
45 » | Helleborus. % Strasburger. 
3 es Leucojum, Pzonia, e Overton. 
| Aconitum. 
14 28 Tiara. Hydromeduse. Boveri. 
ef " Pieris. Insects. Henking. 
16 32 Cerebratulus, Micrura. Nemertines. Coe. 
of 3 Pterotrachea, Carinaria, 
Phyllirhoe. | Gastropods. Boveri. 
” irl Diaptomus, Heterocope. | Copepods. Riickert. 
» [+5] Anomalocera, Eucheta. | > Vom Rath. 
+ [..] | Lumbricus. | Annelids. Calkins. 
Ge a7\e "630 Torpedo, Pristiurus. | Elasmobranchs. | Riickert. 
[18(19)] 36(38) | Toxopneustes. | Echinoderms. | Wilson. 
30 =| [60] | Crepidula. Gasteropods. | Conklin. 
84 168 | Artemia. | Crustacea. | Brauer. 


The above data are drawn from sources so diverse and show so 
remarkable a uniformity as to establish the general law with a very 
high degree of probability. The few known exceptions are almost 
certainly apparent only and are due to the occurrence of plurivalent 
chromosomes. This is certainly the case with Ascaris (cf. p. 87). 
It is probably the case with the gasteropod A770x, where, as described 
by Platner, the egg-nucleus gives rise to numerous chromosomes, the 
sperm-nucleus to two only; the latter are, however, plurivalent, for 
Garnault showed that they break up into smaller chromatin-bodies, 
and that the germ-nuclei are exactly alike at the time of union. We 
may here briefly refer to remarkable recent observations by Riickert 
and others, which seem to show that not only the paternal and mater- 
nal chromatin, but also the chromosomes, may retain their individu- 
ality throughout development.'| Van Beneden, the pioneer observer 


1°89, pp. 10, 33. 


208 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


in this direction, was unable to follow the paternal and maternal 
chromatin beyond the first cleavage-nucleus, though he surmised that 
they remained distinct in later stages as well; but Rabl and Boveri 
brought forward evidence that the chromosomes did not lose their 
identity, even in the resting nucleus. Rickert (’95, 3) and Hacker 
(95, 1) have recently shown that in Cyc/ops the paternal and mater- 
nal chromatin-groups not only remain distinctly separated during the 
anaphase, but give rise to double nuclei in the two-cell stage (Fig. 146). 
Each half again gives rise to a separate group of chromosomes at 
the second cleavage, and this is repeated at least as far as the blas- 
tula stage. Herla and Zoja have shown furthermore that if in 
Ascaris the egg of variety ézvalens, having two chromosomes, be 
fertilized with the spermatozoon of variety wz7zvalens having one 
chromosome, the three chromosomes reappear at each cleavage, at 
least as far as the twelve-cell stage (Fig. 145); and according to Zoja, 
the paternal chromosome is distinguishable from the two maternal at 
each step by its smaller size. We have thus what must be reckoned 
as more than a possibility, that every cell in the body of the child may 
receive from each parent not only half of its chromatin-substance, 
but one-half of its chromosomes, as distinct and individual descendants 
of those of the parents. 


C. THE CENTROSOME IN FERTILIZATION 


In examining more critically the history of the centrosomes we may 
conveniently take Boveri’s hypothesis of fertilization as a point of 
departure, since it has long formed the focus of discussion of the 
entire subject. Before the hypothesis is more closely scrutinized we 
may first eliminate two other views, both of which are irreconcilable 
with it, though neither has stood the test of later research. The first 
of these, doubtfully suggested by Van Beneden (’87) and definitely 
maintained by Wheeler (97) in the case of J/yzostoma, is that the 
cleavage-centrosomes have no definite relation to the spermatozoon, 
but are derived from the egg—a conclusion that has the @ priori 
support of the fact that in parthenogenesis the centrosomes are cer 
tainly of maternal origin. 

Van Beneden’s early statement may be passed by, since it was no 
more than a surmise. Wheeler, after a careful research, found that no 
sperm-aster accompanied the sperm-nucleus — a fact correlated with 
the absence of a middle-piece in the spermatozo6én, — and reached the 
conclusion that after formation of the polar bodies, the egg-centro- 
somes persisted to become directly converted into the cleavage-centro- 
somes (Fig. 104). That the absence of a distinct middle-piece is not a 
valid argument is shown by the insect-spermatozoon, where the region 


THE CHNETROSOME IN FERTILIZATION 209 


of the middle-piece is likewise not marked off from the tail, yet as we 
have seen (p. 165) the centrosome passes into this part of the sperma- 
tozoon. Kostanecki’s later examination of the fertilization of the 


Fig. 104.— Fertilization of the egg of the parasitic annelid, A/yzostoma. [WHEELER.] 


A. Soon after entrance of the spermatozo6n; the sperm-nucleus at #7; at ? the germinal 
vesicle; at ¢ the double centrosome. JZ. First polar body forming at @ ; ~. the cast-out nucle- 
olus or germinal spot. C. The polar bodies formed ( 7.4.) ; germ-nuclei of equal size; atc the 
centrosomes. J. Approach of the germ-nuclei; the amphiaster formed. 


same animal (’98), while inconclusive on the main point, leaves little 

doubt that Wheeler’s evidence was equally so; for ne has on the one 

hand shown that the sperm-nucleus is often accompanied by a sperm- 
P 


210 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


aster containing a pair of centrosomes, on the other hand that these, 
like the egg-centrosomes, wholly disappear from view at a later period, 
the cleavage-centrosomes having only a conjectural origin. 

The second of the views in question is that the cleavage-centro- 
somes are derived from both germ-cells; and this in turn has in its 
favour the a przort evidence that in the Infusoria conjugation takes 
place between two mitotic figures (p. 224). It appears in two forms, 
of which the first, though undoubtedly erroneous, has had so interest- 
ing a history as to deserve a brief review. It was predicted by Rabl 
in 1889 that if the centrosome be a permanent cell-organ, the con- 
jugation of germ-cells and germ-nuclei would be found to involve 
also a conjugation of centrosomes. Unusual interest was therefore 
aroused when Fol, in 1891, under the somewhat dramatic title of the 
“Quadrille of Centres,” described precisely such a conjugation of 
centrosomes as Rabl had predicted. The results of this veteran 
observer were very positively and specifically set forth, and were of 
so logical and consistent a character as to command instant accept- 
ance on the part of many authorities. In the eggs of the sea-urchin 
the sperm-centrosome and egg-centrosome were asserted to divide 
each into two, the daughter-centrosomes then conjugating two and 
two, paternal with maternal, to form the cleavage-centrosomes. The 
same result was announced by Guignard (’91) in the lily, by Conklin 
(93) in the gasteropod Cvepfzdila, less definitely by Blanc (’93) in the 
trout, and still later by Van der Stricht (95) in Amphiorus. None 
of these results have stood the test of later work. Fol’s result was 
opposed to the earlier conclusions of Boveri and Hertwig, and a careful 
reexamination of the fertilization of the echinoderm egg, indepen- 
dently made in 1894-95 by Boveri (£chznus), by myself ( Zoxopneustes), 
and Mathews (Ardacza, Asterias), and slightly later by Hill (’95) and 
Reinke (95) in Spherechinus, demonstrated its erroneous character. 
Various attempts have been made to explain Fol’s results as based on 
double-fertilized eggs, on imperfect method, on a misinterpretation of 
the double centrosomes of the cleavage-spindle, yet they still remain 
an inexplicable anomaly of scientific literature. 

Serious doubt has also been thrown on Conklin’s conclusions by 
subsequent research. Kostanecki and Wierzejski (96) made a very 
thorough study, by means of serial sections, of the fertilization of 
the gasteropod Physa, and reached exactly the same result as that 
obtained in the echinoderms. Here, also, the egg-centres degenerate, 
their place being taken by a new pair, arising in intimate relation with 
the middle-piece of the spermatozoon, about which forms a sperm- 
amphiaster (Fig. 89). Conklin, after renewed research, himself 
admitted that no quadrille occurs in Crepzdu/a, though he still believes 
that a union of paternal and maternal attraction-spheres takes place. 


THE CENTROSOME IN FERTILIZATION PAA 


Guignard’s results, too, have entirely failed of confirmation by later 
observers (p. 221), and in his own latest contribution to the subject 
(99) the centrosomes are conspicuous by their absence in both the 
text and the figures. In-like manner Van der Stricht’s conclusions 
have been shown by Sobotta(’97) to be without substantial founda- 
tion, while Blanc’s account, opposed to the earlier work of Bohm, is 
too incomplete to carry any weight. The entire case for the “ qua- 
drille”’ has thus fallen to the ground. In its second form the supposed 
double origin of the centrosomes rests upon a single research upon 
Ascaris by Carnoy and Le Brun (’97, 2), who assert that the cleavage- 
centrosomes arise de movo and separately, one inside of each of the 
germ-nuclei, to migrate thence out into the cytoplasm. At the close 
of mitosis they wholly disappear, to be replaced by a new pair, like- 
wise of intranuclear origin. Since this result is totally opposed to 
those of Van Beneden, Boveri, Erlanger, and Kostanecki and Sied- 
lecki on the same object, and is contradicted in the most positive man- 
ner by Furst,! it may be received with some scepticism. The work of 
Kostanecki and Siedlecki (’96) demonstrates the division of the sperm- 
centrosome in Ascaris as described by Boveri; and while it still 
remains possible that the daughter-centrosomes may for a very brief 
period disappear (as in some of the mollusks described beyond), no 
ground is given for such a conclusion as Carnoy has drawn. No one 
familiar with the object can repress the suspicion that Carnoy and 
Le Brun have confused the centrosomes with the nucleoli; but only 
renewed research can determine the point. 

The ground is now clear for a closer study of Boveri's hypothesis 
in the light of more recent research. It should first be pointed out 
that that hypothesis is based upon and forms a part of the more gen- 
eral theory of the autonomy of the centrosome; and if the latter 
theory cannot be sustained, the @ fvzorvz side of Boveri's hypothesis 
assumes a different aspect. In point of fact the general outcome of 
recent research on fertilization has been on the whole unfavourable to 
the view that the cleavage-centrosomes must necessarily be individu- 
ally identical with permanent preéxisting centrosomes — indeed, it is 
in this very field that some of the most convincing evidence against 
the persistence of the centrosome has been produced. The mode of 
origin of the cleavage-centrosomes is nevertheless a question of high 
interest on account of the unmistakable genetic relations existing 
between the centrosome of the spermatid and spermatozoon and those 
of the sperm-amphiaster within the egg. ; 

There are two points of capital importance to be determined before 
a definite decision regarding the origin of the cleavage-centrosomes 
can be reached. First, are the centrosomes of the sperm-aster within 


1998; p: 105. 


212 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


the egg identical with, or the descendants of, a centrosome or pair 
of centrosomes in the middle-piece of the spermatozoon? Second, 
do they actually persist to form those of the cleavage-amphiaster ? 
In the present state of knowledge we are not in a position to give an 
affirmative answer to the first of these questions. As has been shown 
in Chapter III.,it is no longer possible to doubt that the middle- 
piece either contains or is itself a metamorphosed centrosome ; but, as 
pointed out at page 196, it does not seem possible that the extremely 
minute centrosome of the sperm-aster can represent the entire cen- 
trosome of the middle-piece (however we conceive the origin of the 
latter). At most we can only assume that a part of the latter per- 
sists as the sperm-centrosome within the egg. The exact origin of 
the latter still remains problematical. A large number of observers 
are now agreed that the sperm-aster is formed about a focus that is 
either in or very near the middle-piece;! but no one, I believe, has 
yet succeeded in showing that the centrosome actually is the meta- 
morphosed middle-piece, or escapes from it.2?_ The possibility there- 
fore remains that the centrosome of the sperm-aster is, not actually 
imported as such into the egg, but is either only a portion of the 
original spermatid-centrosome, or, as was first suggested by Miss Foot 
(97) and further discussed by Mead (’98, 2), is, like the aster, formed 
anew in the egg-cytoplasm. If the latter alternative be the case, the 
original form of Boveri’s hypothesis would have to be abandoned; 


1 For example, in echinoderms (Flemming, ’81, O. and R. Hertwig, ’86, Boveri, ’95, 
Wilson and Mathews, ’95, Hill, ’95, Reinke, ’95, R. Hertwig, ’96, Doflein, ’97, 2, Erlanger, ’98), . 
in Pterotrachea and Pieris (Henking, ’91, 792), in the axolotl (Fick, ’93), and 77zton 
(Micheelis,-’97), in Phadlusia (Hill, ’95), in Ophryotrocha (Korschelt, ’95), in Physa 
(Kostanecki and Wierzejski, 96), in Strongylus (Meyer, ’95), in 7hysanozodjn (Van der 
Stricht, 98), and Prosthiostomum (Francotte, 98). In a large number of other cases the 
sperm-aster is found near the sperm-nucleus, but its relation to the middle-piece has not 
been demonstrated. 

2 I myself formerly concluded (’95, 2) that the entire middle-piece of echinoderms is the 
centrosome —a result apparently confirmed in a most positive manner by Erlanger (’98), 
as well as by R. Hertwig (’96) and Doflein (’97, 2). I have, however, demonstrated this 
to be an error, showing that the extremely minute centrosome is quite distinct from the 
middle-piece, the latter being thrown aside and degenerating in the egg-cytoplasm outside 
of the newly formed sperm-aster (Figs. 12, 94). This fact, of which the phenomena in 
Toxopneustes leave no doubt (see Wilson, ’97, ’99), is, I think, fatal to Kostanecki’s and 
Wierzejski’s theory of fertilization (’96, pp. 374-375), according to which the archoplasm of 
the middle-piece gives rise to the new astral system and is thus the essential fertilizing sub- 
stance (the centrosome being merely a mechanical centre for the attachment of the rays); 
but the most careful examination has still failed to show whether the centrosome actually 
escapes from the middle-piece, nor have other observers had better success with any animal. 
Erlanger (96, 2,’97, 4) believes he has seen the centrosome in the Ascaris spermatozoén 
as a distinct body lying behind the nucleus, and that it can be traced continuously into the 
egg and after its division into the two poles of the cleavage-figure. Neither the schematic 
figures of his preliminary nor the photographic ones of his final paper seem sufficient to 
establish either the identity or the subsequent history of the granule in question. 


THE CENTROSOME IN FERTILIZATION 213 


though in substance it would still retain an element of truth, as pointed 
out beyond. 

We may now examine the question whether the sperm:centrosomes 
are actually identical with the cleavage-centrosomes. That such is 
the case is positively maintained in the case of Ascaris by Boveri, 
Kostanecki, and Erlanger, in PAysa by Kostanecki and Wierzejski 
(96), in Thalassema by Griffin ((96, ’99), and in Chedopterus by Mead 
(95, ’98). The two last-mentioned observers, who have followed 
the phenomena with especial care, produce very strong evidence 
that at no time do the sperm-centrosomes and asters disappear, and 
that the former may be traced in unbroken continuity from the time 
of their first appearance to the daughter-cells resulting from the first 
cleavage (Figs. 99, 155). On the other hand, a considerable number 
of observers, beginning with Hertwig (Phy/lirrhoé, Pterotrachea, ’75), 
have found that as the sperm-nucleus enlarges the sperm-asters di- 
minish in size, until, in many cases, they nearly or quite disappear ; for 
example, in Prosthecer@us (Klinckowstrom, ’97), in the mouse (Sobotta, 
95), in Pleurophyllidia (MacFarland, ’97), Physa (Kostanecki and 
Wierzejski, 96), Avenzicola (Child, ’97), UVuzo (Lillie, ’97), JZyzostoma 
(Kostanecki, ’98), and Cerebratulus (Coe, '98).1 Several of these 
observers (Klinckowstrém, MacFarland, Lillie, Child) have found that 
not only the asters dwt also the centrosomes totally disappear about 
the time the germ-nuclei come together, a new pair of cleavage- 
centrosomes and asters being afterward developed at the poles of 
the united nuclei. These conclusions, if correct, place in a new 
light the disappearance of the egg-centrosomes; for this process 


1 Coe has pointed out that the eggs of various animals may be arranged in a series show- 
ing successive graduations in the disappearance of the sperm-asters. ‘ At the head of the 
series we must place the eggs of Ascarzs and AZyzostoma (according to Kostanecki) and 
similar ones in which the sperm-asters make their appearance only a short time before the 
formation of the cleavage-spindle, and which, consequently, suffer no diminution in size. 
Following these are the eggs of Chetopterus (Mead) and Ofphryotrocha (Worschelt) and 
of some echinoderms in which the sperm-asters develop very early, but are not described 
as decreasing in size before the formation of the cleavage-spindle. Then come the eggs of 
Toxopneustes (Wilson) and 7halassema (Griffin), where the sperm-asters appear early and 
develop to a very considerable size, but nevertheless become very much smaller and less 
conspicuous after the germ-nuclei have come together. After these we must place the eggs 
of Physa (Kostanecki and Wierzejski), for here the sperm-asters, after becoming very large 
and conspicuous, degenerate to such an extent that only a very few exceedingly delicate 
fibres remain. Those of Cerebradulus follow next. 

“Here the sperm-asters increase in size until they extend throughout the whole body 
of the cell, but at the time of fusion of the germ-nuclei they degenerate completely. The 
peripheral portions of their fibres, however, may be followed, as stated above of Pleuro- 
phillidia, Prosthecerwus, etc., where the sperm-asters degenerate soon after their forma- 
tion, so that for a considerable period the egg is without trace of aster-hbres. Yet in all 
of those cases where the sperm-asters disappear and their centrosomes become lost among 
the other granules of the cell, we are justified in believing that the sperm-centrosomes 
nevertheless retain their identity, and later reappear in the cleavage-asters” (’98, p. 455). 


214 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


would thus seem to be of the same nature as the disappearance of 
the sperm-centrosomes, and both Boveri's theory of fertilization and 
the general hypothesis of the permanence of the centrosomes would 
receive a serious blow. 

The investigators to whom these observations are due have ranged 
themselves in two groups in the interpretation of the phenomena. 
On the one hand, Lillie and Child do not hesitate to maintain that 
the centrosomes actually go out of existence as such, to be re-formed 
like the asters out of the egg-substance; and that such a new forma- 
tion of centrosomes is possible seems to be conclusively shown by the 
experiments of Morgan and Loeb described at pages 215 and 307. On 
the other hand, Sobotta, MacFarland, Kostanecki, and Coe, relying 
partly on the analogy of other forms, partly on the occasional pres- 
ence of the centrosomes during the critical stage, urge that the dis- 
appearance of the sperm-centrosomes is only apparent, and is due to 
the disappearance of the asters, which renders difficult or impossible 
the identification of the centrosomes among the other protoplasmic 
granules of the egg. These authors accordingly still uphold Boveri's 
theory. 

It is difficult to sift the evidence at present, for it has now become 
very important to reéxamine, in the light of these facts, those cases 
in which the absolute continuity of the centrosome has been main- 
tained —for example, in Ascaris, Chetopterus, and Thalassema—in 
order to determine whether there may not be here also a brief critical 
period in which the centrosomes disappear. There are, however, 
some facts which tend to sustain the conclusion that even though the 
sperm-centrosomes disappear from view, there is some kind of genetic 
continuity between them and the cleavage-centrosomes. First, both 
Kostanecki and Wierzejski (96) and Coe (’98) have found that there 
is some variation in eggs apparently equally well preserved, a few 
individuals showing the sperm-centrosomes at the poles of the united 
nuclei at the same period when they are invisible in other individuals. 
Second, both these observers, Coe most clearly, have shown that the 
egg-centrosomes disappear considerably earlier than the sperm-cen- 
trosomes, and Coe has traced the sperm-centrosomes continuously 7 
the exact points (the poles of the united nuclet) at which the cleavage- 
centrosomes afterward appear (Fig. 155). This important observation 
leads to the suspicion that the apparent disappearance of the centro- 
somes may be due to a loss of staining-capacity at the critical period, 
or that even though the formed centrosome disappears its substance 
reappears in its successor. Here again we come to the view sug- 
gested at page I11, that the centrosome may be regarded as the vehicle 
of a specific chemical substance which is transported to the nuclear 
poles by its division, and may there persist even though the body of the 


FERTILIZATION IN PLANTS 215 


centrosome be no longer visible. On such a basis we may perhaps 
find a reconciliation between these observations and Boveri’s theory, 
and may even bring the fertilization of plants into relation with it 
(p. 221). Even in case of the nucleus, universally recognized as a 
permanent cell-organ, it is not the whole structure that persists as 
such during division, but only the chromatin-substance—in some 
cases only a small fraction of that substance. The law of genetic 
continuity therefore would not fail in case of the centrosome, though 
only a portion of its substance were handed on by division ; and even 
if we take the most extreme negative position, assuming that the 
sperm-centrosome is wholly formed anew under the stimulus of the 
spermatozoon, we should still not escape the causal zerus between 
it and the centrosome of the spermatid. 

Boveri himself has suggested! that the egg may be incited to 
development by a specific chemical substance carried by the sperma- 
tozoon, and the same view has been more recently urged by Mead,? 
while Loeb’s recent remarkable experiments on sea-urchins (’99) show 
that the egg may in this case (dAvdacza) undergo complete parthe- 
nogenetic development as the result of artificial chemical stimulus. 
Assuming such a substance to exist, by what part of the spermato- 
zoon is it carried? It is possible that the vehicle may be the nucleus, 
which forms the main bulk of that which enters the egg; and this 
view seems to be supported by what is at present known of fertiliza- 
tion in the plants (p. 221). Yet when we regard the facts of fertili- 
zation in animals, taken in connection with the mode of formation of 
the spermatozoon, we find it difficult to avoid the conclusion that the 
substance by which the stimulus to development is normally given is 
originally derived from the spermatid-centrosome, is conveyed into 
the egg by the middle-piece, and is localized in the sperm-centro- 
somes which are conveyed to the nuclear poles during the amphi- 
aster-formation. Accepting such a view, we could gain an intelligible 
view of the genetic relation between spermatid-centrosome, middle- 
piece, sperm-centrosome, and cleavage-centrosomes, without commit- 
ting ourselves to the morphological hypothesis of the persistence of 
the centrosome as an individualized cell-organ. Such a conclusion, 
I believe, would retain the substance of Boveri's theory while leaving 
room for the abandonment of the too simple morphological form in 
which it was originally cast. 


De PERTICLIZATION IN PLANTS 


The investigation of fertilization in the plants has always lagged 
somewhat behind that of the animals, and even at the present time 


IVOT, Ps 4glr Hos ay Oh ee SS Cjap ull. 


216 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


our knowledge of it is rather incomplete. It is, however, sufficient 
to show that the essential fact is everywhere a union of two germ- 
nuclei—a process agreeing fundamentally with that observed in 
animals. On the other hand, almost nothing is known regarding the 
centrosome and the archoplasmic or kinoplasmic structures; and 
most recent observations point to the conclusion that in the lowering 
plants and pteridophytes no centrosomes are concerned in fertilization. 

Many early observers from the time of Pringsheim (’55) onward 
described a conjugation of cells in the lower plants, but the union of 
germ-nuclet, as far as I can find, was first clearly made out in the 
flowering plants by Strasburger in 1877-78, and carefully described 
by him in 1884. Schmitz observed a union of the nuclei of the 


Ca 


Fig. 105. — Fertilization in Pilularia, [CAMPBELL.] 

A. B. Early stages in the formation of the spermatozoid. C. The mature spermatozoid; the 
nucleus lies above in the spiral turns; below is a cytoplasmic mass containing starch-grains (cf 
the spermatozoids of ferns and of Marszda, Fig. 71). D. Archegonium during fertilization. In 
the centre the ovum containing the apposed germ-nuclei (¢, @). 


conjugating cells of Spzrogyra in 1879, and made similar observations 
on other alge in 1884. Among other forms in which the same 
phenomenon has been described may be mentioned Gdigonium 
(Klebahn, ’92), Vaucheria (Oltmanns, 95), Cystopus (Wager, ’96), 
Spherotheca and Erysiphe (Harper, ’96), Hucus (Farmer and Williams, 
96, Strasburger, 97), Basidiobolus (Fairchild, ’97), Pzlularia (Fig. 
105, Campbell, ’88), Oxoclea (Shaw, ’98, 2), Zama (Webber, ’97, 2), 
and Lilium (Guignard, ’91, Mottier, 97), Gzzkgo (Hirase, ’97).' In 
all of these forms and many others fertilization is effected by the 
union of a single paternal and a single maternal uninucleated cell, 
such as occurs throughout the animal kingdom. There are, however, 
some apparently well-determined exceptions to this rule occurring 
in the ‘‘compound” multinucleate odspheres of some of the lower 


1 For unicellular forms see pp. 228, 280. 


FERTILIZATION IN PLANTS 217 


plants. In Albugo bliti (one of the Peronosporez), for example, as 
shown by the recent work of Stevens (’99), the mature ovum contains 
about a hundred nuclei, and is fertilized by a multinucleate proto- 
plasmic mass derived from the antheridium, each nucleus of the latter 
conjugating with one of the egg-nuclei. But although the conjugat- 
ing bodies are here multinucleate, the germ-nuclei conjugate two and 
two (as is also the case in the multinucleate cysts of Actznospherium, 
Pp. 279); and the case therefore forms no real exception to the 
general rule that one paternal nucleus unites with one maternal. 


Fig. 106.— Formation of the ovum and penetration of the pollen-tube in flowering plants. 
[STRASBURGER. ] 

A. Embryo-sac of Monotropa, showing the division that follows the two maturation-divisions 
and produces the upper and lower ‘‘tetrads.” 4. The same, ready for fertilization, showing ovum 
(0), synergidze (s), upper and lower polar cells (f), and antipodal cells (a). C. Penetration of 
the pollen-tube (7.4) in Orchis ; 0. ovum, with synergidze at either side, 2.7. generative nuclei in 
the pollen-tube. J. Slightly Jater stage with generative nuclei entering the micropyle. 


Whether a union of more than two germ-nuclei occurs in any of the 
lower plants is a question still disputed by botanists.1 Such plural 
fusion is rendered @ fyzorz improbable by the observations thus far 
made upon the one-celled forms both in plants and in animals; and 
the known facts are sufficient to show that it must be, to say the 
least, an exceptional process. 

In cases where the paternal germ-cell is a ciliated spermatozoid, as 
in Fucus, Pilularia, and the ferns and cycads, the germ-nuclei differ 


1 Cf Hartog, ’91, ’96, Trow, ’95, Stevens, ’99, Zimmerman, ’96, and literature there cited. 


218 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


more or less widely at the time of union, the sperm-nucleus being 
smaller, more compact, and deeply staining (Figs. 105, 108), as is the 
case in such forms of fertilization as the echinoderm-egg. In the 
case of angiosperms all earlier observers, including Strasburger (’78, 
84), Guignard (‘or, 1), and Mottier (’97, 1), found the conjugating 
nuclei to be closely similar at the time of union. The recent obser- 
vations of Guignard (99) and Nawaschin (’99) show, however, that 
even here the sperm-nucleus is smaller, more compact, and of differ- 
ent form (spindle-shaped) from the egg-nucleus (Fig. 107). 

The ovum or odsphere of the flowering plant is a large, rounded 
cell containing a large nucleus and numerous minute colourless 
plastids from which arise, by division, the plastids of the embryo 
(chromatophores, amyloplasts). In the angiosperms the ovum forms 
one of the eight cells constituting the embryo-sac which morphologi- 
cally represents the female prothallium or sexual generation of the 
pteridophyte and is itself embedded in the ovule within the ovary.! 
The male germ-cells are represented in the cycads by two ciliated 
spermatozoids (p. 175), in the angiosperms by two spindle-shaped 
“ oenerative nuclei” which are suspected by Guignard and Nawaschin 
to be motile bodies, though no cilia were seen. These lie near the 
tip of the pollen-tube (Fig. 107), which is developed as an outgrowth 
from the pollen-grain and represents a rudimentary male prothallium 
or sexual generation.” 

The formation of the pollen-tube, and its growth down through 
the tissue of the pistil to the ovule, was observed by Amici (’23), 
Brongniart (’26), and Robert Brown (’31); and in 1833-34 Corda was" 
able to follow its tip through the micropyle into the ovule.?  Stras- 
burger first demonstrated the fact that the generative nucleus, carried 
at the tip of the pollen-tube, enters the ovum and unites with the egg- 
nucleus, and the facts have been since carefully studied by himself, 
by Guignard, Mottier, Webber, Ikeno, Hirase, and a number of others. 
In the cycads, according to the last-named two observers, a single 
spermatozoid enters the egg, its nucleus soon fusing with that of the 


1 The eight cells are at first arranged in an upper and a lower “tetrad” of four cells each, 
the former including the ovum, two synergidz, and an “upper polar cell,” the latter a 
“lower polar cell” and three antipodal cells (Figs. 106, 107); cf p. 263. 

2 Gfx p 204 

8 It is interesting to note that the botanists of the eighteenth century engaged in the same 
fantastic controversy regarding the origin of the embryo as that of the zodlogists of the 
time. Moreland (1703), followed by Etienne Francois Geoffroy, Needham, and others, 
placed himself on the side of Leeuwenhoek and the spermatists, maintaining that the poilen 
supplied the embryo which entered the ovule through the micropyle (the latter had been 
described by Grew in 1672); and even Schleiden adopted a similar view. On the other 
hand, Adanson (1763) and others maintained that the ovule contained the germ which was 
excited to development by an aura or vapour emanating from the pollen and entering through 
the trachez of the pistil. 


FERTILIZATION IN PLANTS 219 
egg (Fig. 108); and the earlier observers of the angiosperms, includ- 
ing Strasburger (84, 88) and Guignard (’g1, 1), likewise found that 
only one of the generative nuclei entered the embryo-sac. Guignard 


Fig. 107.— Fertilization in the lily. [J from MOTTIER, the others from GUIGNARD,] 


A, Embryo-sac, ready for fertilization. £. Both generative nuclei have entered the embryo- 
sac; one is approaching the egg-nucleus, the other uniting with the upper polar nucleus. C. Union of 
the germ-nuclei; below, union of the second generative nucleus and the two polar nuclei. D. The 
fertilized egg, showing fusion of the germ-nuclei. £. The fertilized egg dividing; below, division 
of the endosperm-nuclei. a. antipodal cells; e. endosperm-nuclei; 0, the odsphere or ovum; 
p. polar nuclei; /. 4 pollen-tube. 


and Nawaschin have, however, recently made the remarkable dis- 
covery that in Leleum and /ritzllaria both generative nuclei enter 
the embryo-sac. One of these conjugates with the egg-nucleus and 


220 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


thus effects fertilization (Fig. 107). The other conjugates with one of 
the polar nuclet (usually the upper), which then unites with the other 
polar nucleus (cf. p. 264). By division of the fertilized egg arises the 
embryo; while by division of the compound nucleus resulting from the 
fusion of the polar nuclei 
and the second sperm nu- 
cleus are formed the endo- 
sperm-cells, which serve 
for the nourishment of the 
embryo. This remarkable 
double copulation within 
the embryo-sac is without 
a parallel and is of wholly 
problematical meaning, but 
in no way contradicts the 
general rule regarding the 
union of two germ-nuclei 
to produce the embryo.! 


1 As in the case of animals (p. 
176), the germ-nuclei of phanero- 
gams also show marked  differ- 
ences in structure and staining-reac- 
tion before their union, though they 
ultimately become exactly equiva- 
lent. Thus, according to Rosen 
(92, p- 443), on treatment by 
fuchsin-methyl-blue the male germ- 
nucleus is ‘cyanophilous,” the 
female “erythrophilous,” as de- 
scribed by Auerbach in animals. 
Strasburger, while confirming this 
observation in some cases, finds the 
reaction to be inconstant, though 
the germ-nuclei usually show marked 
differences in their staining-capac- 
ity. These are ascribed by Stras- 
burger (92, ’94) to differences in 
the conditions of nutrition; by 
Zacharias and Schwarz to. corre- 
sponding differences in chemical 


Fig. 108. — Fertilization ina cycad, Zama. [WEBBER.] 
A. Spermatozoid. 4. The same after entrance into 
the egg, showing nucleus (z) and cilia-bearing band (c). Gi th 1 Tene bein 
C. The ovum shortly after entrance of the spermatozoid. ee Prog h karo tx rebate hee 


D. Union of the germ-nuclei, cilia-bearing band near 1 general richer in nuclein, and the 
periphery (c). female nucleus poorer. This dis- 


tinction disappears during fertiliza- 
tion, and Strasburger has observed, in the case of gymnosperms (after treatment with a 
mixture of fuchsin-iodine-green), that the paternal nucleus, which is at first ‘ cyanophil- 
ous,” becomes “ erythrophilous,” lke the egg-nucleus before the pollen-tube has reached 
the egg. Within the egg both stain exactly alike. These facts indicate, as Strasburger 
insists, that the differences between the germ-nuclei of plants are, as in animals, of a 
temporary and non-essential character. 


FERTILIZATION IN PLANTS ° 221 


The nature and origin of the achromatic elements involved in the 
fertilization of plants is still almost wholly in the dark. No observer 
has yet succeeded in observing either centrosomes or asters in the 
fertilization of the thallophytes, despite the fact that in some of these 
forms mitosis takes place with both these structures in a manner 
nearly analogous to that observed in animals.! In the cycads Zamia 
and Cycas, Webber and Ikeno (98) agree that the entire spermato- 
zoid enters, but only the nucleus appears to be concerned in fertiliza- 
tion. The cilia-bearing band —a product of the blepharoplast, and, 
as described at page 175, probably the analogue of the middle-piece 
of the animal spermatozo6n — remains near the egg-periphery, gives 
rise to no astral or other fibrillar formations, and apparently remains 


quite passive (Fig. 108). 


In angiosperms, too, the evidence seems to show that no centro- 
somes are concerned in fertilization. Guignard (91, 1), in a very 
detailed and clearly illustrated paper, gave an account of the centro- 
somes in the lily agreeing almost exactly with the “quadrille of 
centres” as described by Fol.” paternal and maternal centrosomes 
conjugating two by two. The later and very careful studies of Mot- 
tier and others have, however, entirely failed to confirm Guignard’s 
results, the germ-nuclei fusing without the participation of centro- 
somes or astral formations, and after a time dividing, without centro- 
somes, in the manner characteristic of the higher plants.? Neither 
in the cryptogams has any one thus far succeeded in finding fertiliza- 
tion-centrosomes or asters at the time the germ-nuclei unite. Stras- 
burger contributes, however, the interesting observation that in /vzcus 
the cleavage-centrosomes afterward appear on that side of the 
cleavage-nucleus derived from the sperm-nucleus, which he believes 
from analogy may indicate the importation of a “new dynamic 
centre” into the egg by the spermatozoid.4 Combining these facts 
with the phenomena involved in the origin of the spermatozoids, 
Strasburger suggests that the sperm-nucleus may import into the 
egg either a formed centrosome (probably thus in /wczs) or a cer- 
tain quantity of “ kinoplasm,” which incites the mitotic phenomena 
in the absence of individualized centrosomes.® This view harmo- 
nizes with that suggested at pages 111 and 214, and we may perhaps 
here in the end find a reconciliation between the various types, not 
only of fertilization but also of mitosis, in plants and animals. 

On their face the facts of fertilization in plants, especially in the 
phanerogams, seem to indicate that the stimulus to development 
is given by the paternal germ-nucleus. Nevertheless, the analogy of 
animal fertilization would lead us to expect that the fertilizing sub- 


1 Cf. p. 82. 8 Cf p. 82. 597, p. 420. 
2 Che ps 210. 4797, p. 418. 


222 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


stance is contained not in the nucleus but in the cytoplasm — more 
specifically, in the case of spermatozoids, in the cilia-bearing body 
derived from the blepharoplast, which in its development so strongly 
suggests a centrosome (p. 172). Webber’s and Ikeno’s observations 
on the cycads are not necessarily fatal to this view; for, as I have 
shown (p. 188), the middle-piece in the echinoderm is likewise cast 
off and degenerates near the periphery of the egg, and the centro- 
some is.a body far more minute. The possibility has been admitted 
that this centrosome may be formed de zovo under the influence of 
the middle-piece, which itself perishes. In like manner it may also 
be possible that the primary stimulus in Zamza and like cases is given 
by the cilia-bearing body, even though this body itself disappears and 
the mitotic apparatus is not formed until long afterward. 


E. CONJUGATION IN UNICELLULAR FoRMS 


The conjugation of unicellular organisms possesses a peculiar inter- 
est, since it is undoubtedly a prototype of the union of germ-cells 
in the multicellular forms. Biutschli and Minot long ago maintained 
that cell-divisions tend to run in cycles, each of which begins and 
ends with an act of conjugation. In the higher forms the cells pro- 
duced in each cycle cohere to form the multicellular body; in the 
unicellular forms the cells separate as distinct individuals, but those 
belonging to one cycle are collectively comparable with the multi- 
cellular body. The validity of this comparison, in a morphological 
sense, is generally admitted.! No process of conjugation, it is true, is 
known to occur in many unicellular and in some multicellular forms, 
and the cyclical character of cell-division still remains sb judice.? 
It is none the less certain that a key to the fertilization of higher 
forms must be sought in the conjugation of unicellular organisms. 

The difficulties of observation are, however, so great that we are 
as yet acquainted with only the outlines of the process, and have still 
no very clear idea of its finer details or its physiological meaning. 
The phenomena have been most closely followed in the Infusoria by 
Bitschli, Engelmann, Maupas, and Richard Hertwig, though many 
valuable observations on the conjugation of unicellular plants have 
been. made by De Bary, Schmitz, Klebahn, and Overton. All these 
observers have reached the same general result as that attained 
through study of the fertilization of the egg; namely, that an essen- 
tial phenomenon of conjugation is a wuzon of the nuclei of the conju- 
gating cells. Among the unicellular plants both the cell-bodies and 
the nuclei completely fuse. Among animals this may occur; but in 


Cf. p. 58. (CA jos UTS 


CONJUGATION IN UNICELLULAR FORMS 223 


many of the Infusoria union of the cell-bodies is only temporary, and 
the conjugation consists of a mutual exchange and fusion of nuclei. 
It is impossible within the limits of this work to attempt more than a 
sketch of the process in a few forms. 

We may first consider the conjugation of Infusoria. Maupas’s 
beautiful observations have shown that in this group the life-history 


Second fission. 


V ne aire : 
First fission, after separation. 


: Differentiation of micro- and 
macronuclei. 
5 5. IF 2 0 d Separation of the gametes. 
Division of the cleavage-nu- 
cleus. 
c 
Cleavage-nucleus. 


Sao es Exchange and fusion of the 


germ-nuclei. 


Be SAIL. LV 
x aie Fe 


2 Se ee Germ-nuclei. 


Formation of the polar bodies. 


ce gS Union of the gametes. 
ed Sy 


Fig. 109. — Diagram showing the history of the micronuclei during the conjugation of Para- 
mecium. [Modified from MAUPAS.] 


X and Y represent the opposed macro- and micronuclei in the two respective gametes; circles 
represent degenerating nuclei; black dots, persisting nuclei. 


of the species runs in cycles, a long period of multiplication by cell- 
division being succeeded by an “epidemic of conjugation,” which 
inaugurates a new cycle, and is obviously comparable in its physio- 
logical aspect with the period of sexual maturity in the Metazoa. If 
conjugation does not occur, the race rapidly degenerates and dies out ; 
and Maupas believes himself justified in the conclusion that conju- 


224. FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


gation counteracts the tendency to senile degeneration and causes 
rejuvenescence, as maintained by Biitschli and Minot. 


In Stylonychia pustulata, which Maupas followed continuously from the end of 
February until July, the first conjugation occurred on April 29th, after 128 bi-parti- 
tions; and the epidemic reached its height three weeks later, after 175 bi-partitions. 
The descendants of individuals prevented from conjugation died out through “senile 
degeneracy,” after 316 bi-partitions. Similar facts were observed in many other 
forms. The degeneracy is manifested by a very marked reduction in size, a partial 
atrophy of the cilia, and especially by a more or less complete degradation of the 
nuclear apparatus. In Stylonychia pustulata and Onychodromus grandis this process 
especially affects the micronucleus, which atrophies, and finally disappears, though 
the animals still actively swim, and for a time divide. Later, the macronucleus 
becomes irregular, and sometimes breaks up into smaller bodies. In other cases, 
the degeneration first affects the macronucleus, which may lose its chromatin, 
undergo fatty degeneration, and may finally disappear altogether (Stylonychia 
miytilus), after which the micronucleus soon degenerates more or less completely, 
and the race dies. It is a very significant fact that toward the end of the cycle, as 
the nuclei degenerate, the animals become incapable of taking food and of growth; 
and it is probable, as Maupas points out, that the degeneration of the cy toplasmic 
organs is due to disturbances in nutrition caused by the degeneration of the nucleus. 


The more essential phenomena occurring during conjugation are 
as follows. The Infusoria possess two kinds of nuclei, a large 
macronucleus and one or more small szcronucler. During conjuga- 
tion the macronucleus degenerates and disappears, and the micronu- 
cleus alone is concerned in the essential part of the process. The 
latter divides several times, one of the products, the eerm-nucleus, 
conjugating with a corresponding germ-nucleus from the other indi- 
vidual, while the others degenerate as “corpuscules de rebut.” The 
dual nucleus thus formed, which corresponds with the cleavage- 
nucleus of the ovum, then gives rise by division to both macronuclei 
and micronuclei of the offspring of the conjugating animals (Fig. 109). 

These facts may be illustrated by the conjugation of Pavamacium 
caudatum, which possesses a single macronucleus and micronucleus, 
and in which conjugation is temporary and fertilization mutual. The 
two animals become united by their ventral sides and the macronu- 
cleus of each begins to degenerate, while the micronucleus divides 
twice to form four spindle-shaped bodies (Fig. 110, A, 4). Three of 
these degenerate, forming the “corpuscules de rebut,” which play 
no further part. The fourth divides into two, one of which, the 
“female pronucleus,”’ remains in the body, while the other, or “‘ male 
pronucleus,” passes into the other animal and fuses with the female 
pronucleus (Fig. 110, C-#7). Each animal now contains a cleavage- 
nucleus equally derived from both the conjugating animals, and the 
latter soon separate. The cleavage-nucleus in each divides three 


1 Cf. p. 179. 


pe L 


Fig. 110.— Conjugation of Paramecium caudatum. 
MAupPaAS.] (The macronuclei dotted in all the figures.) 


A. Micronuclei preparing for their first division. 


[4-C, after R. HERTWIG; D-&, after 


B. Second division. C. Third division; 


three polar bodies or ‘‘ corpuscules de rebut,” and one dividing germ-nucleus in each animal. JD. 


Exchange of the germ-nuclei. &. The same, enlarged. 


same, enlarged. A. Cleavage-nucleus, (c) preparing 
nucleus has divided twice. Y After three divisions 
breaking up. A. Four of the nuclei enlarging to form 
takes place. 

fa) 225 


F. Fusion of the germ-nuclei. G. The 
for the first division. /. The cleavage- 
of the cleavage-nucleus; macronucleus 
new macronuclei. The first fission soon 


226 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


times successively, and of the eight resulting bodies four become 
macronuclei and four micronuclei (Fig. 110, //-A’). By two  suc- 
ceeding fissions the four macronuclei are then distributed, one to each 
of the four resulting individuals. In some other species the micro- 
nuclei are equally distributed in like manner, but in P. caudatum the 
process is more complicated, since three of them degenerate, and 
the fourth divides twice to produce four new micronuclei. In either 
case at the close of the process each of the conjugating individuals 


Fig. 111. — Conjugation of Vorticellids. [MAuPas.] 


A. Attachment of the small free-swimming microgamete to the large fixed macrogamete; 
micronucleus dividing in each (Carchesium). B. Microgamete containing eight micronuclei; 
macrogamete four (Vorticedla). C. All but one of the micronuclei have degenerated as polar 
bodies or “ corpuscules de rebut.” 2. Each of the micronuclei of the last stage has divided into 
two to form the germ-nuclei; two of these, one from each gamete, have conjugated to form the 
cleavage-nucleus seen at the left; the other two, at the right, are degenerating. 


has given rise to four descendants, each containing a macronucleus 
and micronucleus derived from the cleavage-nucleus. From this time 
forward fission follows fission in the usual manner, both nuclei divid- 
ing at each fission, until, after many generations, conjugation recurs. 

Essentially similar facts have been observed by Richard Hertwig 
and Maupas in a large number of forms. In cases of permanent 
conjugation, as in Vorticella, where a smaller microgamete unites with 
a larger macrogamete, the process is essentially the same, though the 
details are still more complex. Here the germ-nucleus derived from 
each gamete is in the macrogamete one-fourth and in the microgamete 


CONJUGATION IN UNICELLULAR FORMS 227, 


one-eighth of the original micronucleus (Fig. 111). Each germ- 
nucleus divides into two, as usual, but one of the products of each 
degenerates, and the two remaining pronuclei conjugate to form a 
cleavage-nucleus. 

The facts just described show a very close parallel to those observed 
in the maturation and fertilization of the egg. In both cases there 
is a union of two similar nuclei to form a cleavage-nucleus or its 
equivalent, equally derived from both gametes, and this is the pro- 
genitor of all the nuclei of the daughter-cells arising by subsequent 
divisions. In both cases, moreover (if we confine the comparison 
to the egg), the original nucleus does not conjugate with its fellow 
until it has by division produced a number of other nuclei all but 
one of which degenerate. Maupas does not hesitate to compare 


Fig. 112, — Conjugation of Noctiluca. [ISHIKAWA.] 


> 


A. Union of the gametes, apposition of the nuclei. 4. Complete fusion of the gametes. 
Above and below the apposed nuclei are the centrosomes. C. Cleavage-spindle, consisting of 
two separate halves. 


these degenerating nuclei or “corpuscules de rebut” with the polar 
bodies (p. 181), and it is a remarkable coincidence that their number, 
like that of the polar bodies, is often three, though this is not always 
the case. 

A remarkable peculiarity in the conjugation of the Infusoria 
is the fact that the germ-nuclei unite when in the form of spindles 
or mitotic figures. These spindles consist of achromatic fibres, or 
“archoplasm,” and chromosomes, but no asters or undoubted cen- 
trosomes have been thus far seen in them. During ‘union the 
spindles join side by side (Fig. 110, G), and this gives good reason 
to believe that the chromatin of the two gametes is equally distrib- 
uted to the daughter-nuclei as in Metazoa. In the conjugation of 
some other Protozoa the nuclei unite while in the resting state; but 
very little is known of the process save in the cystoflagellate Woctz- 
luca, which has been studied with some care by Cienkowsky and 
Ishikawa (Fig. 112). Here the conjugating animals completely fuse, 
but the nuclei are merely apposed and give rise each to one-half of 


228 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


the mitotic figure. At either pole of the spindle is a centrosome, the 
origin of which remains undetermined. 

It is an interesting fact that in /Voc¢e/uca, in the gregarines, and 
probably in some other Protozoa, conjugation is followed by.a very 
rapid multiplication of the nucleus followed, by a corresponding divi- 
sion of the cell-body to form “spores,” which remain for a time 
closely aggregated before their liberation. The resemblance of this 


Fig. 113. — Conjugation of Spirogyza. [OVERTON.] 

A. Union of the conjugating cells (S. communis). B. The typical, though not invariable, 
mode of fusion in S. Wederi; the chromatophore of the “female” cell breaks in the middle, 
while that of the “male” cell passes into the interval. C. The resulting zygospore filled with 
pyrenoids, before union of the nuclei. D. Zygospore after fusion of the nuclei and formation 
of the membrane. 


process to the fertilization and subsequent cleavage of the ovum is 
particularly striking. 

The conjugation of unicellular plants shows some interesting 
features. Here the conjugating cells completely fuse to form a 
‘““zyeospore”’ (Figs. 113, 140), which as a rule becomes surrounded 
by a thick membrane, and, unlike the animal conjugate, may long 
remain in a quiescent state before division. Not only do the nuclei 


SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 229 


unite, but in many cases the plastids also (chromatophores). In 
Spirogyra some interesting variations in this regard have been ob- 
served. In some species De Bary has observed that the long band- 
shaped chromatophores unite end to end so that in the zygote the 
paternal and maternal chromatophores lie at opposite ends. In 
S. Webert, on the other hand, Overton has found that the single 
maternal chromatophore breaks in two in the middle and the paternal 
chromatophore is interpolated between the two halves, so as to lie 
in the middle of the zygote (Fig. 113). It follows from this, as De 
Vries has pointed out, that the origin of the chromatophores in the 
daughter-cells differs in the two species, for in the former case one 
receives a maternal, the other a paternal, chromatophore, while in 
the latter, the chromatophore of each daughter-cell is equally derived 
from those of the two gametes. The final result is, however, the 
same; for, in both cases, the chromatophore of the zygote divides 
in the middle at each ensuing division. In the first case, therefore, 
the maternal chromatophore passes into one, the paternal into the 
other, of the daughter-cells. In the second case the same result is 
effected by two succeeding divisions, the two middle-cells of the four- 
celled band receiving paternal, the two end-cells maternal, chro- 
matophores. In the case of a Sfzvogyra filament having a single 
chromatophore it is therefore “‘ wholly immaterial whether the indi- 
vidual cells receive the chlorophyll-band from the father or the 
mother” (De Vries).! 


F. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 


All forms of fertilization involve a conjugation of cells by a 
process that is the exact converse of cell-division. In the lowest 
forms, such as the unicellular algz, the conjugating cells are, in a 
morphological sense, precisely equivalent, and conjugation takes 
place between corresponding elements, nucleus uniting with nucleus, 
cell-body with cell-body, and even, in some cases, plastid with plastid. 
Whether this is true of the centrosomes is not known, but in the 
Infusoria there is a conjugation of the achromatic spindles which 
certainly points to a union of the centrosomes or their equivalents. 
As we rise in the scale, the conjugating cells diverge more and more, 
until in the higher plants and animals they differ widely not only 
in form and size, but also in their internal structure, and to such an 
extent that they are no longer equivalent either morphologically or 
physiologically. Both in animals and in plants the paternal germ- 


1 De Vries’s conclusion is, however, not entirely certain; for it is impossible to deter- 
mine, save by analogy, whether the chromatophores maintain their individuality in the 
zygote. 


230 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 


cell loses most of its cytoplasm, the main bulk of which, and hence 
the main body of the embryo, is now supplied by the egg; and 
in the higher plants, the egg alone retains the plastids which 
are thus supplied by the mother alone. On the other hand, the 
paternal germ-cell is the carrier of something which incites the egg 
to development, and thus constitutes the fertilizing element in the 
narrower sense. ‘There is strong ground for the conclusion that in 
the animal spermatozoon this element is, if not an actual centro- 
some, a body or a substance directly derived from a centrosome of 
the parent body and contained in the middle-piece. Boveri's theory, 
according to which fertilization consists essentially of the replace- 
ment of a missing or degenerating egg-centrosome by the importation 
of a sperm-centrosome, was stated in too simple and mechanical a 
form; for the facts of spermatogenesis show conclusively that the 
spermatid-centrosome is not simply handed on unmodified by the 
spermatozoon to the egg, and the theory wholly breaks down in 
the case of the higher plants. But although the theory probably 
cannot be sustained in its morphological form, it may still contain 
a large element of truth when recast in physiological terms. Like 
mitosis, fertilization is perhaps at bottom a chemical process, the 
stimulus to development being given by a specific chemical substance 
carried in some cases by an individualized centrosome or one of its 
morphological products, in other cases by less definitely formed 
material. In the case of animals, we cannot ignore the historical 
continuity shown in the origin of the spermatid-centrosomes, the 
formation of the middle-piece, and the origin of the sperm-centro- 
somes and sperm-amphiaster in the egg, even though we do not 
yet know whether the sperm-centrosome is .as such imported into 
the egg. And this chain of phenomena suggests that even in the 
higher plants, where no centrosomes seem to occur, the fertilizing 
substance, even if brought into the egg in an unformed state, may 
still be genetically related to the mitotic apparatus of the preceding 
division.! 

Through the differentiation between the paternal and germ-cells 
in the higher forms indicated above, their original morphological 
equivalence is lost and only the nuclei remain of exactly the same 
walue. This is shown by their history in fertilization, each giving 
rise to the same number of chromosomes exactly similar in form, 
size, and staining-reactions, equally distributed by cleavage to the 
daughter-cells, and probably to all the cells of the body. We thus 
find the essential fact of fertilization and sexual reproduction to be a 
anion of equivalent nuclei, and to this all other processes are tributary. 

As regards the most highly differentiated type of fertilization and 


1 Cf, Strasburger’s view, p. 221. 


LITERATURE 231 


development we reach therefore the following conception. From the 
mother comes in the main the cytoplasm of the embryonic body which 
is the principal substratum of growth and differentiation. From both 
parents comes the hereditary basis or chromatin by which these pro- 
cesses are controlled and from which they receive the specific stamp of 
the race. From the father comes the stimulus inducing the organiza- 
tion of the machinery of mitotic division by which the egg splits up 
into the elements of the tissues, and by which each of these elements 
receives its quota of the common heritage of chromatin. Huxley hit 
the mark two score years ago when in the words that head this chap- 
ter he compared the organism to a web of which the warp is derived 
from the female and the woof from the male. Our principal advance 
upon this view is the knowledge that this web is probably to be sought 
in the chromatic substance of the nuclei; and perhaps we shall not 
push the figure too far if we compare the amphiaster to the loom on 
which the fabric is woven. 


LIDGE RAEURES lV 


Van Beneden, E. — Recherches sur la maturation de l’ceuf, la fécondation et la divi- 
sion cellulaire: Arch. Biol.,1V. 1883. 

Van Beneden and Neyt.— Nouvelles recherches sur la fécondation et la division 
mitosique chez l’Ascaride mégalocephale: Aull. Acad. roy. de Belgique, 111. 14, 
No. 8. 1887. 

Boveri, Th. — Uber den Anteil des Spermatozoon an der Teilung des Eies: S?z.- 
Ber. d. Ges. f. Morph. u. Phys. in Miinchen, B. I11., Heft 3. 1887. 

Id. — Zellenstudien, II. 1888. 

Id.— Befruchtung: Merkel und Bonnet’s Ergebnisse, 1. 1891. 

Id. — Uber das Verhalten der Centrosomen bei der Befruchtung des Seeigeleies, etc. : 
Verhandl. Phys. Med. Ges. Wurzburg, XX1X._ 1895. 

Butschli, 0. — Studien iiber die ersten Entwicklungsvorgange der Eizelle, 7. 5. w.: 
Abh. Senckenb. Ges., X. 1876. 

Coe, W. R., 99. The Maturation and Fertilization of the Egg of Cerebratulus: Zool. 
JSahrb., XII. 

Fick, R.— Uber die Reifung und Befruchtung des Axolotleies: Zeztschr. Wess. Zodl., 
EV eras 1893: 

Griffin, B. B. — Studies on the Maturation, Fertilization, and Cleavage of Thalassema 
and Zirphea: Journ. Morph., XV. 1899. 

Guignard, L.— Nouvelles études sur la fécondation: Anz. d. Sciences nat. Bot., 
SSIs SISOL: 

Hartog, M. M.— Some Problems of Reproduction, etc.: Quart. Journ. Mic. Scz., 
XXXIII. 1891. 

Hertwig, 0.— Beitrdge zur Kenntniss der Bildung, Befruchtung und Teilung des 
tierischen Eies, 1.: Morph. Jahrb.,1. 1875. 

Hertwig, R.— Uber die Konjugation der Infusorien: Adz. d. bayr. Akad. da. Wiss., 
II. Cl. XVII. 1888-89. 

Id. — Uber Befruchtung und Konjugation: Verh. deutsch. Zool. Ges. Berlin, 1892. 


1 See also Literature, V.. p. 287. 


232 FERTILIZATION OF THE OVUM 

Kostanecki, K. v., and Wierzejski, A.— Uber das Verhalten der sogen. achromati- 
schen Substanzen im befruchteten Ei: Arch. mk. Anat., XLVII. 2. 1896. 

Mark, E. L. — Maturation, Fecundation, and Segmentation of Limax campestris: 
Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass., V1. 1881. 

Maupas.— Le rejeunissement karyogamique chez les Ciliés: Arch. d. Zodl., 2m° 
série, VII. 1889. 

Mead, A. D.— The Origin and Behaviour of the Centrosomes of the Annelid Egg: 
Journ. Morph., X1V.2. 1898. 

Riickert, J. — Uber das Selbstandigbleiben der vaterlichen und miitterlichen Kern- 
substanz wahrend der ersten Entwicklung des befruchteten Cyclops-Eies : Arch. 
mik. Anat., XLV. 3. 1895. 

Strasburger, E.— Neue Untersuchungen iiber den Befruchtungsvorgang bei den 
Phanerogamen, als Grundlage fiir eine Theorie der Zeugung. /eva, 1884. 
Id.— Uber Kern- und Zellteilung im Pflanzenreich, nebst einem Anhang tiber 

Befruchtung. _/eva, 1888. (See Literature II.) 

Vejdovsky, F.— Entwickelungsgeschichtliche Untersuchungen, Heft 1, Reifung, 
Befruchtung und Furchung des Rhynchelmis-Eies. Prag, 1888. 

Waldeyer, W. — Befruchtung und Vererbung: Verh. Ges. deutsch. Natur. u. Aerste, 
LXIX. 1897. 

Wilson, Edm. B. — Atlas of Fertilization and Karyokinesis. lew York, 1895. 

Zoja, R.—Stato Attuale degli Studi sulla Fecondazione: Poll. Scientif. di Pavia, 
XVIII, XIX. 1896-97. 


CEEAP TERN. 


OOGENESIS AND SPERMATOGENESIS. REDUCTION OF THE 
CHROMOSOMES 


“Es kommt also in der Generationenreihe der Keimzelle irgendwo zu einer Reduktior 
der urspriinglich vorhandenen Chromosomenzahl auf die Halfte, und diese Zah/en-reduk- 
tion ist demnach nicht etwa nur ein theoretisches Postulat, sondern eine Thatsache.” 

Boveri.t 


VAN BENEDEN’S epoch-making discovery that the nuclei of the con- 
jugating germ-cells contain each one-half the number of chromosomes 
characteristic of the body-cells has now been extended to so many 
plants and animals that it may probably be regarded as a universal 
law of development. The process by which the reduction in number 
is effected, forms the most essential part of the phenomena of satura- 
tion by which the germ-cells are prepared for their union. No phe- 
nomena of cell-life possess a higher theoretical interest than these. 
For, on the one hand, nowhere in the history of the cell do we find so 
unmistakable and striking an adaptation of means to ends or one of 
so marked a prophetic character, since maturation looks not to the 
present but to the future of the germ-cells. On the other hand, the 
chromatin-reduction suggests questions relating to the morphological 
constitution of nucleus and chromatin, Thien have an important 
bearing on all theories of the ultimate structure of living matter and 
now nd in the foreground of scientific discussion among the most 
debatable and interesting of biological problems. 

Two fundamentally different views have been held of the manner 
in which the reduction is effected. The earlier and simpler view, 
which was suggested by Van Beneden and adopted in the earlier 
works of Weismann, Boveri, and others, assumed an actual degenera- 
tion or casting out of half. of the chromosomes during the growth 
of the germ-cells—a simple and easily intelligible process. Later 
researches conclusively showed, however, that this view cannot be 
sustained, and that reduction ts effected by a rearrangement and redis- 
tribution of the nuclear substance without loss of any of its essential 
constituents. It is true that a large amount of chromatin is lost dur- 
ing the growth of the egg.?__ It is nevertheless certain that this loss is 
not directly connected with the process of reduction; for, as Hertwig 


1 Zellenstudien, II1., p. 62. 2 Cf. Figs. 97, 116. 
233 


9° 
~ 


4 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


oe) 


and others have shown, no such loss occurs during spermatogenesis, 
and even in the odgenesis the evidence is clear that an explanation 
must be sought in another direction. The attempts to find such an 
explanation have led to some of the most interesting researches of 
modern cytology; and though only partially successful, they have 
raised many new questions which promise to give in the end a deeper 
insight into some of the fundamental questions of cell-morphology. 
For this reason they deserve careful consideration, despite the fact 
that taken as a whole the subject still remains an unsolved riddle in 
the face of which we can only return again and again to Boveri's 
remark that whatever be its theoretical interpretation the numerical 
reduction of the chromosomes is itself not a theory but a fact. 


A LB & 


Fig. 114. — Formation of the polar bodies before entrance of the spermatozo6n, as seen in the 
living ovarian egg of the sea-urchin, Zoxopneustes (X 365). 


A. Preliminary change of form in the germinal vesicle. &. The first polar body formed, the 
second forming. C. The ripe egg, ready for fertilization, after formation of the two polar bodies 
(. 6.1, 2); e. the egg-nucleus. In this animal the first polar body fails to divide, For its division 
see Fig. 89. 


A. GENERAL OUTLINE 


The general phenomena of maturation fall under two heads: viz. 
oogenesis, which includes the formation and maturation of the ovum, 
and spermatogenesis, comprising the corresponding phenomena in case 
of the spermatozo6n. Recent research has shown that maturation 
conforms to the same type in both sexes, which show as close a paral- 
lel in this regard as in the later history of the germ-nuclei. Stated in 
the most general terms, this parallel is as follows:! In both sexes the 
final reduction in the number of.chromosomes Is effected in the course 
of the last two cell-divisions, or satwration-divisions, by which the 
definitive germ-cells arise, each of the four cells thus formed having 
but half the usual number of chromosomes. In the female but one 


1 The parallel was first clearly pointed out by Platner in 1889, and was brilliantly demon- 
strated by Oscar Hertwig in the following year. 


GENERAL OUTLINE 235 
of the four cells forms the “ovum” proper, while the other three, 
known as the fo/ar bodies, are minute, rudimentary, and incapable of 
development (Figs. 89, 97, 114). In the male, on the other hand, all 
four of the cells become functional spermatozoa. This difference 
between the two sexes is probably due to the physiological division of 
labour between the germ-cells, the spermatozoa being motile and very 
small, while the egg contains a large amount of protoplasm and yolk, 
out of which the main mass of the embryonic body is formed. In the 
male, therefore, all of the four cells may become functional; in the 
female the functions of development have become restricted to but one 


Primordial germ-cell. 


ey Division-period (the number of divi- 
Oégonia. sions is much greater). 
Growth-period. 


Primary odcyte or ovarian egg. 


Secondary odcytes (egg and 
first polar body). 


Mature egg and three polar bodies. —____ ss 


Fig. 115. — Diagram showing the genesis of the egg. [After BOVERI.] 


Maturation-period. 


of the four, while the others have become rudimentary (cf. p. 124). 
The polar bodies are therefore not only rudimentary cells (Giard, ’76), 
but may further be regarded as abortive eggs — a view first put forward 
by Mark in 1881, and ultimately adopted by nearly all investigators.' 
The evidence is steadily accumulating that reduction is accomplished 
by two maturation-divisions throughout the animal kingdom, even in 
the unicellular forms; though in certain Infusoria an additional divi- 
sion occurs, while in some other Protozoa only one maturation-division 
has thus far been made out. Among plants, also, two maturation- 


1 A beautiful confirmation of this view is given by Francottes’s (’97) observations on a 
turbellarian, Prosthecereus. The first polar body is here often abnormally large, all grada- 
tions having been observed from the normal size up to cells nearly as large as the egg itself. 
Such polar bodies are occasionally fertilized and develop into small gastrulas, first forming a 
single polar body like the second polar body of the egg. Here, therefore, two of the four 
cells are exceptionally capable of development. It may be added that Fol long ago observed 
the penetration of the small polar bodies by spermatozoa in the echinoderms; and this has 
been more recently observed by Kostanecki in mollusks. 


236 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


divisions occur in all the higher forms (Muscinez, pteridophytes, and 
phanerogams), and in some, at least, of the lower ones. Here, how- 
ever, the phenomena are complicated by the fact that the two divi- 
sions do not as a rule give rise directly to the four sexual germ-cells, 
but to four asexual spores which undergo additional divisions before 
the definitive germ-cells are produced. In the flowering plants there 
are only a few such divisions, which give rise to structures within the 
pollen-tube or embryo-sac. In the archegoniate cryptogams, on the 
other hand, each spore gives rise, by repeated divisions, to a “ sexual 
generation " (prothallium, etc.) that intervenes between the process 
of reduction and that of fertilization. The following account deals 
primarily with reduction in animals, the plants being afterward con- 
sidered. 


1. Reduction in the Female. Formation of the Polar Bodies 


As described in Chapter ITI., the egg arises by the division of cells 
descended from the primordial egg-cells of the maternal organism, 
and these may be differentiated from the somatic cells at a very early 
period, sometimes even in the cleavage-stages. As development pro- 
ceeds, each primordial cell gives rise, by division of the usual mitotic 
type, to a number of descendants known as oégonza (Fig. 115), which 
are the immediate predecessors of the ovarian egg. At a certain 
period these cease to divide. Each of them then grows to form an 
ovarian egg, its nucleus enlarging to form the germinal vesicle, its 
cytoplasm becoming more or less laden with food-matters (yolk or 
deutoplasm), while egg-membranes may be formed around it. The 
ovum may now be termed the odcyte ( Boveri) or ovarian egg. 

In this condition the egg-cell remains until near the time of fertili- 
zation, when the process of maturation proper —z.e. the formation of 
the polar bodies —takes place. In some cases, ¢.g. in the sea-urchin, 
the polar bodies are formed before fertilization, while the egg is still 
in the ovary. More commonly, as in annelids, gasteropods, nema- 
todes, they are not formed until after the spermatozodn has made 
its entrance; while in a few cases one polar body may be formed 
before fertilization and one afterward, as in the lamprey-eel, the frog, 
and Amphiorus. In all these cases the essential phenomena are the 
same. Two minute cells are formed, one after the other, near the 
upper or animal pole of the ovum (Figs. 97, 116); and in many cases 
the first of these divides into two as the second is formed (Fig. 89). 

A group of four cells thus arises, namely, the mature egg, which 
gives rise to the embryo, and three small cells or polar bodies which \ 
take no part in the further development, are discarded, and soon die 


1 Cf. p. 189. 


GENERAL OUTLINE 287, 


without further change. The egg-nucleus is now ready for unitm 
with the sperm-nucleus. 


Fig. 116. — Diagrams showing the essential facts in the maturation of the egg. The somatic 
number of chromosomes is supposed to be four. 


A. Initial phase; two tetrads have been formed in the germinal vesicle. &. The two tetrads 
have been drawn up about the spindle to form the equatorial plate of the first polar mitotic 
figure. C. The mitotic figure has rotated into position, leaving the remains of the germinal 
vesicle at gv. DD. Formation of the first polar body; each tetrad divides into two dyads. 
£. First polar body formed; two dyads in it and in the egg. / Preparation for the second 
division. G. Second polar body forming and the first dividing; each dyad divides into two 
single chromosomes. A. Final result; three polar bodies and the egg-nucleus (@), each con- 
taining two single chromosomes (half the somatic number) ; c. the egg-centrosome which now 
degenerates and is lost. 


238 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


#A study of the nucleus during these changes brings out the follow- 

ing facts. During the multiplication of the odgonia the number of 
chromosomes is the same as that occurring in the division of the 
somatic cells, and the same number enters into the formation of the 
chromatic reticulum of the germinal vesicle. During the formation 
of the polar bodies this number becomes reduced to one-half, the 
nucleus of each polar body and the egg-nucleus receiving the reduced 
number. In some manner, therefore, the formation of the polar 
bodies is connected with the process by which the reduction is ef- 
fected. The precise nature of this process is, however, a matter 
which has been certainly determined in only a few cases. 

We need not here consider the history of opinion on this subject 
further than to point out that the early observers, such as Purkinje, 
Von Baer, Bischoff, had no real understanding of the process and 
believed the germinal vesicle to disappear at the time of fertilization. 
To Biitschli (’76), Hertwig, and Giard (76, ’77) we owe the discovery 
that the formation of the polar bodies is through s7¢otzc division, the 
chromosomes of the equatorial plate being derived from the chro- 
matin of the germinal vesicle! In the formation of the first polar 
body the group of chromosomes splits into two daughter-groups, and 
this process is immediately repeated in the formation of the second 
without an intervening reticular resting stage. The egg-nucleus 
therefore receives, like each of the polar bodies, one-fourth of the 
mass of chromatin derived from the germinal vesicle. — 

But although the formation of the polar bodies was thts shown to 
be a process of true cell-division, the history of the chromosomes was 
found to differ in some very important particulars from that of the 
tissue-cells. The essential facts, which were first carefully studied 
in Ascaris by Van Beneden (’83, ’87), and especially by Boveri (’87, 1), 
are in a typical case as follows (Figs. 116, 117): As the egg prepares 
for the formation of the first polar body, the chromatin of the ger- 
minal vesicle groups itself in a number of masses, each of which 
splits up into a group of four bodies united by linin-threads to form a 
“quadruple group” or tetrad (Vierergruppe). The number of tetrads 
7s always one-half the usual number of chromosomes. Thus in Ascaris 
(megalocephala, bivalens) the germinal vesicle gives rise to two tetrads, 
the normal number of chromosomes in the earlier divisions being 
four; in the mole-cricket there are six tetrads, the somatic number 
of chromosomes being twelve; in Cyclops the respective numbers are 
twelve and twenty-four (one of the most frequent cases); while in 
Artemia there are eighty-four tetrads and one hundred and sixty- 


1 The early accounts asserting the disappearance of the germinal vesicle were based on 
the fact that in many cases only a small fraction of the chromatic network gives rise to 
chromosomes, the remainder disintegrating and being scattered through the yolk. 


=< 


GENERAL OUTLINE 239 


eight somatic chromosomes — the highest number thus far accurately 
counted. As the first polar body forms, each of the tetrads is halved 
to form two double groups, or dyads, one of which remains in the egg 


Fig. 117. — Formation of the polar bodies in Ascaris megalocephala, var. bivalens. [BOVERI] 


A. The egg with the spermatozo6én just entering at 7; the germinal vesicle contains two rod- 
shaped tetrads (only one clearly shown), the number of chromosomes in earlier divisions having 
been four. &. The tetrads seen in profile. C. The same inend view. J. First spindle forming 
(in this case inside the germinal vesicle). 4. First polar spindle. #. The tetrads dividing. 
G. First polar body formed, containing, like the egg, two dyads. #. /. The dyads rotating into 
position for the second division. ¥. The dyads dividing. A. Each dyad has divided into two 
single chromosomes, completing the reduction. (For later stages see Fig. go.) 


240 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


while the other passes into the polar body. Both the egg and the 
first polar body therefore receive each a number of dyads equal to 
one-half the usual number of chromosomes. The egg now proceeds 
at once to the formation of the second polar body without previous 
reconstruction of the nucleus. Each dyad is halved to form two 
single chromosomes, one of which, again, remains in the egg while 
its sister passes into the polar body. Both the egg and the second 
polar body accordingly receive two single chromosomes (one-half the 
usual: number), each of which is one-fourth of an original tetrad 
group. From the two remaining in the egg a reticular nucleus, much 
smaller than the original germinal vesicle, is now formed.' 


Primordial germ-cell 


Division-period (the number of divi- 
sions is much greater). 


Spermatogonia. 


Growth-period. 


Primary spermatocyte, —————_—_—_—_____ 


Secondary spermatocytes. 
Maturation-period. 


Spermatids. 
Spermatozoa. 


Fig. 118. — Diagram showing the genesis of the spermatozoén. [After BOVERI.] 


Essentially similar facts have now been determined in a consider- 
able number of animals, though, as we shall presently see, tetrad- 
formation is not of universal occurrence, nor is it always of the same 
type. For the moment we need only point out that the numerical 
reduction of chromatin-szasses takes place before the polar bodies 
are actually formed, through processes which determine the number 
of tetrads within the germinal vesicle. The numerical reduction is 
therefore determined in the grandmother-cell of the egg. The actual 
divisions by which the polar bodies are formed merely distribute the 
elements of the tetrads. aD 


1 It is nearly certain that the division of the first polar body (which, however, may be 
omitted) is analogous to that by which the second is formed, 7.e. each of the dyads is 
similarly halved. Cf Griffin, ’99. 


GENERAL OUTLINE 241 


2. Reduction in the Male. Spermatogenesis 


The researches of Platner (’89), Boveri, and especially of Oscar 
Hertwig (90, 1) have demonstrated that reduction takes place in the 
male in a manner almost precisely parallel to that occurring in the 
female. Platner first suggested (’89) that the formation of the polar 
bodies is directly comparable to the last two divisions of the sperm 
mother-cells (spermatocytes). In the following year Boveri reached 
the same result in Ascarzs, stating his conclusion that reduction in 
the male must take place in the ‘‘ grandmother-cell of the sperma- 
tozoon, just as in the female it takes place in the grandmother-cell 
of the egg,” and that the egg-formation and sperm-formation really 
agree down to the smallest detail (’90, p. 64). Later in the same 
year appeared Oscar Hertwig’s splendid work on the spermato- 
genesis of Ascaris, which established this conclusion in the most 
striking manner. Like the ova, the spermatozoa are descended from 
primordial germ-cells which by mitotic division give rise to the 
spermatogonia from which the spermatozoa are ultimately formed 
(Fig. 118). Like the oogonia, the spermatogonia continue for a time 
to divide with the usual (somatic) number of chromosomes, 7.¢. four 
in Ascaris megalocephala bivalens. Ceasing for a time to divide, they 
now enlarge considerably to form spermatocytes, each of which is 
morphologically equivalent to an unripe ovarian ovum, or odcy‘e. 
Each spermatocyte finally divides twice in rapid succession, giving 
rise first to two daughter-spermatocytes and then to four spermatids, 
each of which is directly converted into a single spermatozoon. The 
history of the chromatin in these two divisions is exactly parallel to 
that in the formation of the polar bodies (Figs. 119, 120). From the 
chromatin of the spermatocyte are formed a number of tetrads equal 
to one-half the usual number of chromosomes. Each tetrad is halved 
at the first division to form two dyads which pass into the respective 
daughter-spermatocytes. At the ensuing division, which occurs with- 
out the previous formation of a resting reticular nucleus, each dyad 
is halved to form two single chromosomes which enter the respec- 
tive spermatids (ultimately spermatozoa). From each spermatocyte, 
therefore, arise four spermatozoa, and each sperm-nucleus receives 
half the usual number of single chromosomes. The parallel with the 
egg-reduction is complete. 

These facts leave no doubt that the spermatocyte is the morpho- 
logical equivalent of the odcyte or immature ovarian egg, and that 
the group of four spermatozoa to which it gives rise is equivalent 
to the ripe egg plus the three polar bodies. Hertwig was thus led to 
the following beautifully clear and simple conclusion: ‘The polar 
bodies are abortive eggs which are formed by a final process of 

R 


242 REDUCTION OF THE CHR OMOSOMES 


division from the egg-mother-cell (o6cyte) in the same manner as the 
spermatozoa are formed from the sperm-mother-cell (spermatocyte). 
But while in the latter case the products of the division are all used 
as functional spermatozoa, in the former case one of the products 


fF 


Fig. 119. — Diagrams showing the essential facts of reduction in the male. The somatic num- 
ber of chromosomes is supposed to be four. 

A. B. Division of one of the spermatogonia, showing the full number (four) of chromosomes. 
C. Primary spermatocyte preparing for division; the chromatin forms two tetrads. D. #. &. First 
division to form two secondary spermatocytes each of which receives two dyads. G. A. Division 
of the two secondary spermatocytes to form four spermatids. Each of the latter receives two 
single chromosomes and a centrosome which passes into the middle-piece of the spermatozoon. 


of the egg-mother-cell becomes the egg, appropriating to itself the 
entire mass of the yolk at the cost of the others which persist in 
rudimentary form as the polar bodies.” } 


TV OO mieup al20. 


GENERAL OUTLINE 243 


3. Wetsmann’s Interpretation of Reduction 


Up to this point the facts are clear and intelligible. Before com- 
ing to closer quarters with them it will be useful to make a digression 
in order to consider some of the theoretical aspects of reduction ; 
though the reader must be warned that this will lead us into very 
uncertain ground traversed by a labyrinth of conflicting hypotheses 
from which no exit has yet been discovered. 

The process of reduction is very obviously a provision to hold con- 
stant the number of chromosomes characteristic of the species; for 
if it did not occur, the number would be doubled in each succeeding 
generation through union of the germ-cells.'’ A number of writers 
have contented themselves with this simple interpretation, ‘Oscar 
Hertwig, for example, regarding reduction as ‘‘merely a process to 


prevent a summation through fertilization of the nuclear mass and of 


the chromatic elements.” 2. A moment’s reflection reveals the entire 


inadequacy of such an explanation. As far as the chromatin-mass is 
concerned, it does not agree with the facts; for in reduction with 
tetrad-formation the chromatin-mass is reduced not to one-half, but to 
one-fourth. That reduction must mean more than mere mass-reduc- 
tion is moreover proved by the fact that the bulk of the nucleus may 
enormously increase or decrease at different periods in the same cell, 
irrespective of the number of chromosomes. The real problem is 
why the number of chromosomes should be held constant. The 


1 Of the many earlier attempts to interpret the meaning of the polar bodies, we need only 
consider at this point the very interesting suggestion of Minot (’77), afterward adopted by 
Van Beneden (’83), that the ordinary cell is hermaphrodite, and that maturation is for the 
purpose of producing a unisexual germ-cell by dividing the mother-cell into its sexual con- 
stituents, or “genoblasts.” Thus, the male element is removed from the egg i the polar 
bodies, leaving the mature egg a female. In like manner he believed the female element to 
be cast out during spermatogenesis (in the “ Sertoli cells”), thus rendering the spermatozoa 
male. By the union of the germ-cells in fertilization, the male and female elements are 
brought together so that the fertilized egg or odsperm is again hermaphrodite or neuter. 
This ingenious view was independently advocated by Van Beneden in his great work on 
Ascaris (’83). A fatal objection to it, on which both Strasburger and Weismann have 
insisted, lies in the fact that male as well as female qualities are transmitted by the egg-cell, 
while the sperm-cell also transmits female qualities. The germ-cells are therefore non-sexual. 
The researches of many observers show, moreover, that all of the four spermatids derived 
from a spermatocyte become functional spermatozoa. Minot’s hypothesis must, therefore, in 
my opinion, be abandoned. 

Balfour doubtless approximated more nearly to the truth when he said, “ In the formation 
of the polar cells part of the constituents of the germinal vesicle, which are requisite for its 
functions as a complete and independent nucleus, is removed to make room for the supply 
of the necessary parts to it again by the spermatic nucleus” (’So, p. 62). He fell, however, 
into the same error as Minot and Van Beneden in characterizing the germ-nucleias “ male ” 
and “female”; and, as shown at pages 194, 353, it has been found that a single germ- 
nucleus is able to carry out development of an embryo without union with another. 

(290,1,,p. 112. CfrElartog, ’or, p.i57- 


244 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


deeper meaning of the phenomena was first seriously considered by 
Weismann in his essays of 1885 and 1887; and, although his conclu- 
sions were of a highly speculative character, they nevertheless gave so 


O72 


4 


© 
& 
[oy 
o 
ey 
% 


Fig. 120. — Reduction in the spermatogenesis of Ascaris megalocephala, var. bivalens, [BRAUER.] 1! 


A-G. Successive stages in the division of the primary spermatocyte. The original reticulum 
undergoes a very early division of the chromatin-granules which then form a doubly split spireme- 
thread, 8. This shortens (C), and breaks in two to form the two tetrads (D in profile, # viewed 
endwise). &. G.H. First division to form two secondary spermatocytes, each receiving two dyads. 
7. Secondary spermatocyte. ‘% A. The same dividing. Z. Two resulting spermatids, each with 
two single chromosomes and a centrosome. 


great a stimulus to the study of the entire problem that his views 
deserve special attention. Weismann’s interpretation was based on a 
remarkable paper published by Wilhelm Roux in 1883,? in which are 


1 For division of the spermatogonia see Fig.55; for the corresponding phenomena in var. 
univalens see Fig. 148. 
2 Uber die Bedeutung der Kernthetlungsfiguren. 


GENERAL OUTLINE 245 


developed certain ideas which afterward formed the foundation of 
Weismann’s whole theory of inheritance and development. Roux 
argued that the facts of mitosis are only explicable under the assum p- 
tion that chromatin is not a uniform and homogeneous substance, but 
differs qualitatively in different regions of the nucleus; that the col- 
lection of the chromatin into a thread and its accurate division into 
two halves is meaningless unless the chromatin in different regions of 
the thread represents different guwa/ztzes which are to be divided and 
distributed to the daughter-cells according to some definite law. He 
urged that if the chromatin were qualitatively the same throughout 
the nucleus, direct division would be as efficacious as indirect, and the 
complicated apparatus of mitosis would be superfluous. Roux 
Weismann, each in his ay equently elaborated this con- 
ception to a complete theory of inheritance and development, but at 
this point we may confine our attention to the views of Weismann. 
The starting-point of his theory is the hypothesis of De Vries that the 
chromatin is a congeries or colony of invisible self-propagating vital 
units or dzophores somewhat like Darwin’s “gemmules”’ (p. 12), each 
of which has the power of determining the development of a particu- 
lar quality. Weismann conceives these units as aggregated to form 
units of a higher order known as “determinants,” which in turn are 
grouped to form “ids,” each of which, for reasons that need not here 
be specified,! is assumed to possess the complete architecture of the 
germ-plasm characteristic of the species. The “ids” finally, which 
are identified with the visible chromatin-granules, are arranged in 
linear series to form “idants ” or chromosomes. _ It is assumed further 
that the “ids” differ slightly in a manner corresponding with the indi- 
vidual variations of the species, each chromosome therefore being a 
particular group of slightly different germ-plasms and differing quali- 
tatively from all the others. 

We come now to the essence of Weismann’s interpretation. ‘The 
end of fertilization is to produce new combinations of variations by 
the mixture of different ids. Since, however, their number, like that 
of the chromosomes which they form, is doubled by the union of two 
germ-nuclei, an infinite complexity of the chromatin would soon arise 
did not a periodic reduction occur. Assuming, then, that the “ ances- 
tral germ-plasms”’ (ids) are arranged in a linear series in the spireme- 
‘thread or the chromosomes derived from it, Weismann ventured the 
prediction (87) that two kinds of mitosis would be found to occur. 
The first of these is characterized by a longitudinal splitting of the 
thread, as in ordinary cell-division, “‘ by means of which all the ances- 
tral germ-plasms are equally distributed in each of the daughter-nuclei 
after having been divided into halves.” This form of division, which 


Di Gya the Germ-plasm, p. 60. 


240 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 
he called egual atvision (Aequationstheilung), was then a known fact. 
The second form, at that time a purely theoretical postulate, he as- 
sumed to be of such a character that each daughter-nucleus should 
receive only half the number of ancestral germ-plasms possessed 
by the mother-nucleus. This he termed a reducing division (Re- 
duktionstheilung), and suggested that this might be effected either 
by a ¢ransverse division of the chromosomes, or by the elimination of 
entire chromosomes without division.” By either method the number 
of “ids "’ would be reduced; and Weismann argued that such reduc- 
ing divisions must be involved in the formation of the polar bodies, 
and in the parallel phenomena of spermatogenesis. 

The fulfilment of Weismann’s prediction is one of the most inter- 
esting results of recent cytological research. It has been demon- 
strated, in a manner which seems to be incontrovertible, that the 
reducing divisions postulated by Weismann actually occur, though 
not precisely in the manner conceived by him. Unfortunately for 
the general theory, however, transverse divisions have been cer- 
tainly determined in only a few types, while in others, of which 
Ascaris is the best-known example, the facts thus far known seem 
clearly opposed to the assumption. On the whole, the evidence of 
reducing divisions, z.e. such as involve a transverse and not a longi- 
tudinal division of the chromatin-thread, has steadily increased; but 
it remains quite an open question whether they have the significance 
attributed to them by Weismann. 


B. ORIGIN OF THE TETRADS 
1. General Sketch 


In considering the origin of the tetrads or their equivalents, it 
should be borne in mind that true tetrad-formation, as described 
above, has only been certainly observed in a few groups (most 
clearly in the nematodes and arthropods). But even in cases where 
the chromatin does not condense into actual tetrads these bodies 
are represented by chromosomes in the torm of rings, crosses, and 
the like, which are closely similar, and doubtless equivalent, to those 
from which actual tetrads arise, and present us with the same prob- 
lems. With a few apparent exceptions, described hereafter, the 
tetrads of their equivalents always arise by a double division of a 
single primary chromatin-rod or mass. Nearly all observers agree 
further that the number of primary rods at their first appearance in 
the germinal vesicle or in the spermatocyte-nucleus is ove-half the 
usual number of chromosomes, and that this numerical reduction is 
due to the fact that the spireme-thread segments into one-half the 


Let ssaya Vile p-13175- 


_ 


ORIGING ORV EHE THE PRADS 247 


usual number of pieces. Apparently, however, there are two radi- 
cally different types of tetrad-formation as follows. 

In the first type the tetrad arises by ene longitudinal and one trans- 
verse atviston of each primary chromatin-rod, the latter effecting the 
reduction demanded by 
Weismann’s hypothesis( Fig. A 15! Cc LP 
i211); Lo give the usual 
graphic representation, let 


I 7 
us, for the sake of discus- 
sion, assume the somatic ‘ 
number of chromosomes to 2 3 is Gera 
be four, designating the y; @ @ 
spireme-thread as a dc d, f 
each letter representing a 4 : @® ®@ 
chromosome, each of which 6 : é é 
we may in turn assume to 6b b 
consist of a series of four 7 
granules or “ids” (Fig. 121). & gees 8 


In ordinary mitosis the spi- 


reme would segment into fe 
p> =o da which” ‘then PP la ay : 
would divide lengthwise to 2 : 
Csr . . - A a e 
form pairs of pies oe Ga) ab ab 
fens 
chromosomes % — 2 — £ — %. oe eS 
De ay Cha Ue i: 
To form the tetrad, on the e@ @ 
other hand, the spireme first ab ab 
: 6 
segments into two rods aé b é 
and cd, each of which, in 7 
view of its subsequent his- Cl ees. 8 
tory, may be regarded as 8 


bivalent, representing two Fig. 121.— Diagrams of tetrad-formation; I, with 

chromosomes united end to Me transverse and one longitudinal division (copepod 

ra type) ; II, with two longitudinal divisions (Ascaris type). 

end (Vom Rath, Ruckert, A-D, successive stages; chromatin-granules num- 

Hacker). Each of these bered fromr to 8. The two types diverge at C. In D 

divides once longitudinally the granules of each constituent of the tetrad fuse to form 

eS : i ; ’? a homogeneous sphere. 

giving the identical pairs or 

ab ca | b (& | a 

dyads — — —, and once transversely, giving the tetrads |= — ==" 

ab C6 a\|O Eula 

Inspection of Fig. 121, I, shows that through the second or transverse 

division, each member of the tetrad receives only half the number of 

ids contained in the original sezment. This number, four, is the same 

oD dD 
as that assumed for a single chromosome; and, since each of the two 
oD ’ 
tetrads contributes one chromosome to the germ-cell, the latter receives 


248 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


but half the usual number both of chromosomes and of ids. This mode 
of tetrad-formation has been most clearly demonstrated in insects 
and copepods, and an equivalent process occurs also in mollusks, 
annelids, turbellarians, and some other animals, as described beyond. 

In the second type, illustrated especially by Ascaris, the tetrad is 
apparently formed by ¢wo Jongitudinal divistons of each primary 
chromatin-rod, and no reducing division occurs. If, therefore, we 
adopt the same terminology as before, we have first a6 and cd, then 
ab — ca and finally ab | ab _ ea | ca by two longitudinal divisions. In 
ab ca QOD CH VER 
this case, according to Brauer’s careful studies, each chromatin-granule 
(‘id’) divides at each longitudinal division of the primary rod. The 
four chromosomes of the tetrad are therefore exactly equivalent, being 
derived from the same region of the spireme-thread, and containing 
the undiminished number of “ids” (Fig. 121, IT). 

The contradiction may be stated in a different way. In the first 
type of tetrad formation, the number both of granules and of chro- 
mosomes is first dowbled (7.e. in the assumed case, through the forma- 
tion of two tetrads, each consisting of four chromosomes, or eight in 
all), and then reduced to half that number by the two successive matu- 
ration-divisions. In the second type, on the other hand, the number 
of chromosomes is likewise doubled, but that of the granules is guwad- 
vupled, so that, although in both types the two maturation-divisions 
reduce the number of chromosomes to one-half, only in the first type 
do they reduce the number of granules or ‘ids,’ as Weismann’s 
hypothesis demands. We must therefore distinguish sharply between 
the reduction of the chromosomes and that of the ‘‘ids.”. The former 
is primarily effected by the segmentation of the primary spireme- 
thread, or the resolution of the nuclear reticulum, into one-half the 
usual number of segments (z.e. the ‘‘pseudo-reduction”’ of Rickert); 
and here the real secret of the reduction of the chromosomes lies. The 
reduction of the ‘‘ids,” if they have any real existence, is a distinct, 
and as yet unsolved, question. 


2. Detailed Evidence 

We may now consider some of the phenomena in detail, though the 
limits of this work will only allow the consideration of a few typical 
cases. 

(a) Tetrad-formation with one Longitudinal and one Transverse 
Division. —In many of the cases of this type the tetrads arise from 
ring-shaped bodies which are analogous to the ring-shaped chromo- 
somes occurring in heterotypical mitosis (p. 86). First observed by 
Henking (’91) in Pyrrhocorts, tetrad-origin of this type has since been 
found in other insects by Vom Rath, Toyama, Paulmier, and others, 


ee 


ORIGIN OF THE TETRADS 249 


in copepods by Riickert, Hacker, and Vom Rath, in pteridophytes by 
Calkins and Osterhout, in the onion, A//zwm, by Ishikawa, and in 
various other forms where their history has been less clearly made 
out. The genesis of the ring was first determined by Vom Rath in 
the mole cricket (Gry/lofalpa, 92), and has been thoroughly elucidated 
by the later work of Riickert (’94), Hacker ('95, 1), and Paulmier 
(99). <All these observers have reached the same conclusion; 
namely, that the ring arises by the longitudinal splitting of a primary 
chromatin-rod, the two halves remaining united by their ends, and 
opening out to form aring. The ring-formation is, in fact, a form of 


Fig. 122. — Origin of the tetrads by ring-formation in the spermatogenesis of the mole-cricket 
Gryllotalpa. [VOM RATH.] 

A, Primary spermatocyte, containing six double rods, each of which represents two chromo- 
somes united end to end and longitudinally split except at the free ends. 4. C. Opening out of 
the double rods to form rings. JD. Concentration of the rings. &. The rings broken up into 
tetrads. F. First division-figure established. 


heterotypical mitosis (p. 86). The breaking of the ring into four 
parts involves, first, the separation of these two halves (corresponding 
with the original longitudinal split), and second, the ¢ransverse division 
of each half, the latter being the reducing division of Weismann. 
The number of primary rods, from which the rings arise, is one-half 
the somatic number. Hence each of them is conceived by Vom Rath, 
Hacker, and Riickert as bivalent or double; z.c. as representing two 
chromosomes united end to end. This appears with the greatest 
clearness in the spermatogenesis of Gryllotalpa (Fig. 122). Here 


250 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


the spireme-thread splits lengthwise before its segmentation into rods. 
It then divides transversely to form six double rods (half the usual 
number of chromosomes), which open out to form six closed rings. 
These become small and thick, break each into four parts, and thus 


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Fig. 123. — Formation of the tetrads and polar bodies in Cyclops, slightly schematic. (The 


full number of tetrads is not shown.) [RUCKERT.] 

A. Germinal vesicle containing eight longitudinally split chromatin-rods (half the somatic 
number). £&. Shortening of the rods; transverse division (to form the tetrads) in progress. 
C. Position of the tetrads in the first polar spindle, the longitudinal split horizontal. DD. Ana- 
phase; longitudinal divisions of the tetrads. _#. The first polar body formed; second polar 
spindle with the eight dyads in position for the ensuing division, which will be a ¢vazsverse or 


reducing division. 


give rise to six typical tetrads. An essentially similar account of the 
ring-formation is given by Vom Rath in Eucheta and Calanus, and 
by Rickert in Heterocope and Diaptomus. 

That the foregoing interpretation of the rings is correct, is beauti- 
fully demonstrated by the observations of Hacker, and especially of 


ORIGIN OF THE TETRADS 255 


Rickert, on a number of other copepods (Cyclops, Canthocamptus), 
in which rings are not formed, since the splitting of the primary 
chromatin-rods is complete. The origin of the tetrads has here been 
traced with especial care in Cyclops strenuus, by Riickert (’94), whose 
observations, confirmed by Hacker, are quite as convincing as those 


Fig. 124. — Diagrams of various modes of tetrad-formation. [HACKER.] 

a. Common starting-point, a double spireme-thread in the germinal vesicle; d. common re- 
sult, the typical tetrads; 4. c. intermediate stages: at the left the ring-formation (as in Diaptomus, 
Gryllotalpa, Heterocope) ; middle series, complete splitting of the rods (as in Cyclops according to 
Riickert, and in Canthocamptus); at the right by breaking of the V-shaped rods (as in Cyclops 
Strenuus, according to Hacker. 


of Brauer on Ascarzs, though they led to a diametrically opposite 
result. 

The normal number of chromosomes is here twenty-two. In the 
germinal vesicle arise eleven threads, which split lengthwise (Fig. 123), 
and finally shorten to form double rods, manifestly equivalent to the 
closed rings of Draptomus. ach of these now segments transversely 


252 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


to form a tetrad group, and the eleven tetrads then place themselves 
in the equator of the spindle for the first polar body (Fig. 123, C), in 
such a manner that the /ongttudinal split is transverse to the axis of 
the spindle. As the polar body is formed, the longitudinal halves 
of the tetrad separate, and the formation of the first polar body is 
thus demonstrated to be an “equal division” in Weismann’s sense. 
The eleven dyads remaining in the eggs now rotate (as in Ascaris), 


Fig. 125. — Germinal vesicles of various eggs, showing chromosomes, tetrads, and nucleoli. 


A. A copepod (Heterocope) showing eight of the sixteen ring-shaped tetrads and the nucleo- 
lus. [RUCKERT.] 

B. Later stage of the same, condensation and segmentation of the rings. [RUCKERT.] 

C. ‘‘ Cyclops strenuus,” illustrating Hacker’s account of the tetrad-formation from elongate 
double rods; a group of “accessory nucleoli.” [HACKER.] 

D. Germinal vesicle of an annelid (Opfryotrocha) showing nucleolus and four chromosomes. 
[KORSCHELT.] 


so that the transverse division lies in the equatorial plane, and are 
halved during the formation of the second polar body. The division 
is accordingly a ‘‘reducing division,” which leaves eleven single chro- 
mosomes in the egg. Paulmier’s work on Avasa and other Hemip- 
tera (‘99) gives the same result as the above in regard to the origin 
of the tetrads (Figs. 126, 127). The process is, however, slightly 
complicated by the fact that no continuous spireme-thread is formed, 
while the rings are often bent or twisted and never open out to a 


ORIGIN OF THE TETRADS 253 


circular form. They finally condense into true tetrads which are 
successively divided into dyads and monads by the two divisions; 
but it is an interesting fact that the order of division occurring in the 
copepods appears here to be reversed, the first division being the 
transverse and the second the longitudinal one —a result agreeing 
with Henking’s earlier conclusion in the case of Pyrrochoris. Oster- 
hout (97) and Calkins (’97) independently discovered tetrads in the 
vascular cryptogams (Eguzsetum, Pteris), and the last-named observer 
finds that in P/erzs they may arise either from rings, as in Gvy//otalpa 
or Heterocope, or from double rods as in Cyclops, the halves in the 
latter case being either parallel or forming a cross. This longitu- 
dinal split, occurring in the spireme, is followed by a transverse 
division by which the tetrad is formed. Tetrads having an essentially 
similar mode of origin are also described by Atkinson (’99) in Azz- 
s@ma, and tetrad-formation is nearly approached in A//zwm according 
to Ishikawa (’99).! These cases are considered at page 263. 

Résumé. In all the foregoing cases the tetrads arise from a spi- 
reme which splits lengthwise, segments into one-half the somatic 
number of rods (each longitudinally divided) and each of the latter 
divides transversely to form the tetrad. When the ends of the 
daughter-chromosomes resulting from the longitudinal split remain 
united (as in insects) ring-forms result, and the earlier phases of tetrad- 
formation are thus identical with those of heterotypical mitosis. 
When the split is complete, so that the ends remain free, double 
rods result; while, if the daughter-chromosomes remain temporarily 
united at the middle or at the end, X-, Y-, and V-shaped figures may 
arise. In all these forms tetrad-formation is completed by the com- 
plete separation of the daughter-rods, the transverse division of 
each in the middle, and the condensation of the four resulting bodies 
into a quadruple mass. As will be shown in Section C (p. 258) 
the transverse division is in many forms delayed until after sepa- 
ration of the longitudinal halves. In such cases no actual tetrads 
are formed, though the result is the same. 

(6) Second Type. Tetrad-formation with two Longitudinal Divt- 
stons. — The only accurately known case of this type is Ascaris, the 
object in which tetrads were first discovered by Van Beneden in 
1883. Carnoy (’86, 2) reached the conclusion that the tetrads in 
some other nematodes (Ophiostomum, Ascarts clavata, A. lumbricoides) 
arose by a double longitudinal splitting of the primary chromatin-rods. 


1 Vom Rath (’93,’59) has endeavoured to show that a process involving the formation of 
true tetrads occurs in the salamander and the frog, but the later and more accurate studies 
of Meves (’96) seem to leave little doubt that this was an error, and that the tetrads observed 
in these forms are not of normal occurrence, as Flemming (’87) had earlier concluded. 


&: p. 259. 


254 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


In the first of his classical cell-studies Boveri (87, 1) reached the 
same result through a careful study of Ascarzs megalocephala, showing 
that each tetrad appears in the germinal vesicle in the form of four 
parallel rods, each consisting of a row of chromatin-granules (Fig. 117, 
A-C). He believed these rods to arise by the double longitudinal 
splitting of a single primary chromatin-rod, each cleavage being a 


Fig. 126.— Tetrad-formation in an insect, dzasa. [PAULMIER.] 


A. Resting spermatogonium with single plasmosome and two chromatin-nucleoli. 4. Equa- 
torial plate of dividing spermatogonium; twenty large and two small chromosomes. C. Final 
spermatogonium-division. 2-/. Prophases of first maturation-division. DD, £. Synapsis, with 
single chromatin-nucleolus. /. Segmented split spireme. G. #7. Formation of the tetrad-rings. 
H. 7, Concentration of the rings to form tetrads. 


preparation for one of the polar bodies. In his opinion, therefore, 
the formation of the polar bodies differs from ordinary mitosis only 
in the fact that the chromosomes split very early, and not once, but 
twice, in preparation for two rapidly succeeding divisions without an 
intervening resting period. He supported this view by further obser- 
vations in 1890 on the polar bodies of Sagztta and several gastero- 
pods, in which he again determined, as he believed, that the tetrads 


ORIGIN OF THE TETRADS 2565 


arose by double longitudinal splitting. An essentially similar view 
of the tetrads was taken by Hertwig in 1800, in the spermatogenesis 
of Ascaris, though he could not support this conclusion by very con- 
vincing evidence. In 1893, finally, Brauer made a most thorough 
and apparently exhaustive study of their origin in the spermatogene- 
sis of Ascaris, which seemed to leave no doubt of the correctness of 
Boveri’s result. Every step in the origin of the tetrads from the retic- 
ulum of the resting spermatocytes was traced with the most pains- 
taking care. In the early prophases of the first division the nuclear 
reticulum breaks up more or less completely into granules, which 


Fig. 127. — Maturation-divisions in an insect, dvasa. [PAULMIER.] 


A, Primary spermatocyte in metaphase. &. Equatorial plate, showing ten large tetrads and 
- one small one; ‘odd chromosome” ato. C. Separation of the dyads. DD. Telophase, which is 
also a prophase of the second division. . Secondary spermatocyte; division of the dyads; 
small dyad shown undivided. & Final anaphase; small dyad near the lower chromosome-group. 
(The figures are numbered from left to right. For later states, see Fig. 82.) 


become in part aggregated in a mass at one side of the nucleus 
(“synapsis,” p. 276), from which delicate threads extend through the 
remaining nuclear space (Fig. 120, A). Even at this period the 
granules of the threads are divided into four parts. As the process 
proceeds the chromatin resolves itself into a single spireme-thread, 
consisting of four parallel rows of granules, which break in two to 
form the two tetrads (var. d¢valens), or is directly converted into a 
single tetrad (var. wuzvalens) (Fig. 120). From these observations 
Brauer concludes that each tetrad arises from a rod, doubly split 
lengthwise by a process initiated at a very early period through the 


256 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


double fission of the chromatin-granules. If this be correct, there 
can be no reduction in Weismann’s sense; for the four products of 
each primary chromatin-granule are equally distributed among the 
four daughter-cells. A similar conclusion, based on much more 
incomplete evidence, was reached by Brauer (’92) in the phyllopod 
Branchipus. 

Brauer’s evidently conscientious figures very strongly sustain his 
conclusion, which, reinforced by the earlier work of Hertwig and 
Boveri, has until now seemed to rest upon an unassailable basis. 
The recent work of Sabaschnikoff (’97) nevertheless raises the possi- 
bility of a different interpretation. Brauer himself justly urges that 
the essence of the process lies in the double fission of the chromatin- 
granules to which the formation of chromosomes is secondary.! 
Everything, therefore, turns on the manner in which the quadruple 
granules arise; and Sabaschnikoff's work gives some ground for the 
view that they may arise, not by a double fission, but in some other 
way. 


According to this author there is a period (in the odgenesis) at which the nuclear 
threads wholly disappear, the entire chromatin being broken up into granules. 
From this state the granules emerge in quadruple form to arrange themselves in the 
doubly split spireme exactly 4s Brauer describes; and a few observations are given 
(regarding the size and arrangement of the granules) which suggest the possibility 
that the quadruple granules may arise by the conjugation either of four separate 
granules or of two pairs of double granules. Since there is ground for the view that 
tetrads may arise by the conjugation of chromosomes (see following section), there 
is no a prior? objection to such a conclusion. Could it be sustained, the maturation- 
divisions of Ascarvzs would in fact involve a true reduction in Weismann’s sense; 
for despite the fact that the chromosomes are only longitudinally divided, the four 
longitudinal constituents of each tetrad would not be equivalent with respect to the 
granules, and it is the reduction of the latter (“ids”) that forms the essence of Weis- 
mann’s hypothesis (p. 245). Another consideration, suggested to me by Professor 
T. H. Morgan, opens still another possibility, which seems well worthy of test by 
further research. As already stated (p. 88). the long chromosomes of Ascarzs are 
plurivalent, since in all but the germ-cells each breaks up into a much larger number 
of smaller chromosomes (Fig. 73, p. 148). If, therefore, the latter correspond to 
the chromosomes of other forms in which tetrads occur (e.g. Cyclops or Artemia), 
the so-called “tetrad” of Ascarzs is a compound body; and the true process of 
reduction must be sought in the origin of the smaller elements of which it is com- 
posed, which are, perhaps, directly comparable with Sabaschnikoff’s * granules.” 
Until the questions thus opened have been further studied, the case for Ascarzs must 
remain open: and it is perhaps worth suggesting that a new point of view may here 
be found for further study also of reduction in the vertebrates.? 


1 Of p. 113. 

? Bodies closely resembling tetrads are sometimes formed in mitosis, where no reduction 
should occur. Thus, R. Hertwig (’95) has observed tetrads in the first cleavage-spindle of 
echinoderm-eggs after treatment with dilute poisons (p. 306). Klinckowstrém figures them 
in the second polar spindle of Prostheceraus eggs, while Moore (’95) describes in the elasmo- 
branchs small ring-shaped chromosomes, not only in the first but also in the second sperma- 
tocyte-divisions, concluding that no reduction occurs in either division, 


ORIGIN OF THE TETRADS 257 


(c) Lhe Formation of Tetrads by Conjugation. — A considerable 
number of observers have maintained that reduction may be effected 
by the union or conjugation of chromosomes that were previously 
separate. This view agrees in principle with that of Riickert, 
Hacker, and Vom Rath; for the bivalent chromosomes assumed by 
these authors may be conceived as two conjugated chromosomes. It 
seems to be confirmed by the observations of Born and Fick on 
Amphibia and those of Riickert on selachians (Prestiurus); for in all 
these cases the number of chromatin-masses at the time the first 
polar body is formed is but half the number observed in younger 
stages of the germinal vesicle. In Prestzurius there are at first thirty- 
six double segments in the germinal vesicle. Ata later period these 
give rise to a close spireme, which then becomes more open, and is 
found to form a double thread segmented into eighteen double seg- 
ments; z.c. the reduced number. In this case, therefore, the prelimi- 
nary pseudo-reduction is almost certainly effected by the union of 
the original thirty-six double chromosomes, two by two. The most 
specific accounts of such a mode of origin have, however, been given 
by Calkins (earthworm) and Wilcox (grasshopper). The latter 
author asserts (95) that in Cal/opfenus the spireme of the first sperma- 
tocyte gives rise without longitudinal division to twenty-four chromo- 
somes (double the somatic number). These then become associated 
in pairs, and still later the twelve pairs conjugate two and two to form 
six tetrads. There is, therefore, no longitudinal splitting of the chro- 
mosomes. The @ przvri improbability of such a conclusion is in- 
creased by the studies of Paulmier on the Hemiptera, which demon- 
strate the occurrence of a longitudinal division in a number of these 
forms and confirm the original studies of Vom Rath on Gryllotalpa. 

The second case, which is perhaps better founded, is that of the 
earthworm (Lwmobricus terrestris), as described by Calkins (’95, 2), 
whose work was done under my own direction. Calkins finds that 
the spireme splits longitudinally and then divides transversely 
into 32 double segments. These then unite, two by two, to form 
16 tetrads. The 32 primary double segments therefore represent 
chromosomes of the normal number that have split longitudinally, 

l (eed: 
1.é. ee etc., and the formula for a tetrad is el? or “/=. Such 
Ga a\b (ee 
a tetrad, therefore, agrees as to its composition with the formulas 
of Hacker, Vom Rath, and Riickert, and agrees in mode of origin 
with the process described by Riickert in the eggs of Presteurus. 
While these observations are not absolutely conclusive, they never- 


1 Montgomery, who has denied the occurrence of a longitudinal division in Pentatoma 
(798, 1), has subsequently found such a division in the nearly related if not identical genus 
Euchistis (99). 


5 


258 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


theless rest on strong evidence, and they do not stand in actual con- 
tradiction of what is known in the copepods and vertebrates. The 
possibility of such a mode of origin in other forms must, I think, be 
held open. 

Under the same category must be placed Korschelt’s unique 
results in the egg-reduction of the annelid Ophryotrocha (’95), which 
are very difficult to reconcile with anything known in other forms. 
The typical somatic number of chromosomes is here four. The same 
number of chromosomes appear in the germinal vesicle (Fig. 125, D). 
They are at first single, then double by a longitudinal split, but after- 
ward single again by a reunion of the halves. The four chromo- 
somes group themselves in a single tetrad, two passing into the first 
polar body, while two remain in the egg, but meanwhile each of them 
again splits into two. Of the four chromosomes thus left in the egg 
two are passed out into the second polar body, while the two remain- 
ing in the egg give rise to the germ-nucleus. From this it follows 
that the formation of the fist polar body is a reducing division —a 
result which agrees with the earlier conclusions of Henking on 
Pyrrochoris, and with those of Paulmier on the Hemiptera. 


C. REDUCTION WITHOUT TETRAD-FORMATION 


As already stated (p. 246), the formation of actual tetrads is of 
relatively rare occurrence, being thus far certainly known only in the 
arthropods, nematodes, and some annelids. In the greater number of 
cases the two divisions of the primary chromatin-masses (z.e. of the 
primary oocyte or spermatocyte) are separated by a considerable inter- 
val, during which the first maturation cell-division takes place or is in1- 
tiated, and hence no actual tetrads are formed. This obviously differs 
only in degree from tetrad-formation, the latter occurring only when 
the two divisions are simultaneous or occur in rapid succession. 

In the cases now to be considered the length of the pause between 
the maturation-divisions varies considerably, and in some forms (verte- 
brates, flowering plants) it is so prolonged that the nucleus is partially 
reconstructed. In all, or nearly all, these cases the first maturation- 
division ts of the heterotypical form, the chromosomes having the form 
of rings and arising by a process that agrees in most of its features 
with that leading to tetrad-formation. There is here, however, exactly 
the same contradiction of results as in the case of tetrad-formation 
described at page 247, and a bewildering confusion of the subject still 
exists. In brief, it may be stated that most observers of reduction of 
this type in the lower animals (flat-worms, annelids, mollusks) have 
found one transverse and one longitudinal division; most of those 


/ 


REDUCTION WITHOUT TETRAD-FORMATION 259 


who have studied the vertebrates find two longitudinal divisions; 
while opinion regarding the plants is still divided. 

(a) Antmals.—In the gephyrean Thalassema and the mollusk 
Zirphea (Figs. 128-130) Griffin (99) finds that the rings, arising as 
described above, place themselves in the equator of the spindle with 
the longitudinal division in the equatorial plane. They are then 
drawn out toward the spindle-poles from the middle point, first 
assuming the form of a double cross, then of elongated ellipses, and 
finally break into two daughter-U’s or -V’s. The first division is 
therefore longitudinal. During the late anaphase the V’s break at 
the apex, the two limbs come close together, so as to give the decep- 


Fig. 128. — Diagrams of reduction in the types represented by Tha/assema (A) and Sala- 
mandra (B). In both the first division is heterotypical. The second di ‘sion (6) is transverse in 
the first and longitudinal in the second. 


tive appearance of a longitudinal split, and are separated by the 
second division (following immediately upon the first without inter- 
vening resting stage). The latter is therefore a transverse division 
(Fig. 130). An essentially similar result, though less completely 
worked out, is independently reached by Bolles Lee ('97) in He/zr ; 
by Klinckowstrom (’97) in the turbellarian Prosthecereus; and by 
Francotte (97) and Van der Stricht (’98, 1) in Ziysanzoon. Klinckow- 
strom shows that there is much variation in the way in which the 
rings open out and break apart, though the result is the same in all. 

In case of the vertebrates, Flemming (’87) long since described 
and figured typical tetrads in the salamander, but regarded them as 
“anomalies.” Vom Rath’s later conclusion (’93, '95) that they are 


260 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


normal tetrads has not been sustained by the still more recent work 
of Meves ((96), whose careful studies, together with those of Moore, 
Lenhossek, and others, thus far give no evidence of tetrad-formation, 
and seem opposed to the occurrence of reducing divisions in the 
vertebrates. Meves’s work in the main confirms the earlier results 
of Flemming, except that he shows that, as in so many other animals, 
only two generations of spermatocytes exist. At the first division 
the nuclear reticulum resolves itself into twelve (the reduced num- 
ber) segments, which split lengthwise, the halves remaining united to 
form elongated rings (Figs. 27, 37). These do not, however, con- 


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Fig. 129.— Maturation and fertilization in an annelid (armed gephyrean) TZhadassema. 


[GRIFFIN.] 

A. A few moments after entrance of the spermatozoon, showing accessory asters; tetrads 
forming. #. Early prophase of first polar mitosis with centrosomes. C. In-pushing of nuclear 
wall. JD. Central spindle established; elimination of nucieolus and nuclear reticulum. £, Slightly 
later stage viewed from above. /. First polar spindle established, cross-shaped tetrads, crossing 
of astral rays; sperm-head at ¢. 


dense into tetrads, but break apart during the first division at the 
points corresponding with the ends of the united halves. The first 
division is therefore an equation-division. As the V-shaped halves sep- 
arate they again split lengthwise (Fig. 131), each of the secondary sper- 
matocytes receiving twelve double V’s or dyads. In the telophases 
and ensuing resting stage, however, all traces of this splitting are 
lost, the nuclei partially returning to the resting stage, but retaining 
traces of a spireme-like arrangement (Fig. 131). In the second 
division twelve double V’s reappear, showing a longitudinal division 
which Flemming and Meves believe to be directly related to that 


REDUCTION WITHOUT TETRAD-FORMATION 261 


seen during the foregoing anaphases. There is therefore no evi- 
dence of a transverse division. McGregor (’99) describes a nearly 
similar process in Amphzuma, where the longitudinal division of the 


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Fig. 130. — Maturation in the lamellibranch Z/rphea and in Thalassema, [GRIFFIN.] 

A-E, Zirphea,; F-l, Thalassema. 

A. Unfertilized egg, ring-shaped and cross-shaped chromosomes. &. Prophase of first polar 
mitosis. C. First polar spindle; double crosses. /. Slightly later stage. 2. The double crosses 
have broken apart (equation-division). G. Ensuing stage; daughter-V’s broken apart at the 
apex. HH. Telophase of first, early prophase of second, division; limbs of the V’s separate but 
closely opposed. /. Later prophase of second division. /. Second polar spindle in metaphase. 


daughter-V’s is seen with the greatest clearness throughout the 
anaphases. 


The weak point in both the foregoing cases is the fact that all 
traces of the second longitudinal division are lost during the ensuing 


262 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


resting period; and I do not think that even the observations of 
Flemming (’97), who has published the fullest evidence in the case, 
completely establish the occurrence of a subsequent longitudinal divi- 


Fig. 131. — (Compare Fig. 27). Maturation-divisions in Salamandra. [£ from FLEMMIXC, 
the others from MEVES.] 


A. First division in metaphase, showing heterotype rings. &. Anaphase; longitudinal split- 
ting of the daughter-loops. C. Telophase. YD. Ensuing pause. /. Early prophase of second 
division with longitudinally divided segmented spireme. /. Later prophase. G. Metaphase of 
second division. 


sion of the chromosomes in the second mitosis. In Desmoguathus, 
however, where the resting stage is less complete, Kingsbury (’99) 
finds the longitudinal split in the persistent chromosomes of the 


REDUCTION WITHOUT TETRAD-FORMATION 263 


pause following the first division; and he believes this to be the 
same division as that seen during the anaphase. Carnoy and Le Brun 
(99) reach the same result in “the formation of the polar bodies in 
Triton, though their general account of the heterotypical mitosis 
differs very Eonsiderably from that of other authors, the rings being 
stated to arise by a double instead of a single longitudinal split. 
These observers describe the rings of the early anaphase as having 
almost exactly the same double cross-form as those in 7/a/assema or 
Zirphea (Griffin, 99), but believe them to arise in a manner nearly 
in accordance with Strasburger’s abandoned view of 1895,! and with 
Guignard’s (’98, 2) and Grégoire’s ('99) latest results on the flowering 
plants, the ring being stated to arise by a double longitudinal split- 
ting, as explained at page 265. 

In the elasmobranch Scy//zwm Moore (’95) finds twelve (the re- 
duced number) ring-shaped chromosomes at the first division. These 
closely resemble tetrads; but a resting stage follows, and the second 
division is likewise stated to be of the heterotypical form. Both divi- 
sions are stated to be equation-divisions 
ported in case of the first, but so far from clear in the second that a 
careful reéxamination of the matter is highly desirable. 

In mammals the first division is of the heterotypical form (Her- 
mann, 89, Lenhossék, ’98), though the rings are much smaller than 
in the salamander, recalling those seen in arthropods. No true 
tetrads are, however, formed, and the two divisions are separated by 
a resting period. The character of the second division is undeter- 
mined, though Lenhossék believes it to be heterotypical, like the first. 

(0) Plants. —It is in the flowering plants, where reduction likewise 
occurs, as a rule, without true tetrad-formation, that the contradiction 
of results reaches its climax; and it must be said that until further 
research clears up the present confusion no definite result can be 

stated. The earlier work of Strasburger and Guignard indicated that 
no reducing division occurred, the numerical reduction being directly 
effected by a segmentation of the spireme-thread into half the somatic 
number of aaveannscrine: Thus these observers found in the male 
that the chromosomes suddenly appeared in the reduced number 
(twelve in the lily, eight in the onion) at the first division of the 
pollen-mother-cell, and in the female at the first division of the 
mother-cell of the embryo-sac. The subsequent phenomena differ 
in a very interesting way from those in animals, owing to the fact 
that the two maturation-divisions are followed in the female by one 
and in the male by two or more additional divisions, in both of which 
the reduced number of chromosomes persists. In the male the two 
maturation-divisions give rise to four pollen-grains, in the female to 


In Gf, p= 260; 


264 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


the four primary cells of the embryo-sac (Fig. 132); and these two 
divisions undoubtedly correspond to the two maturation-divisions in 
animals. In the female, as in the animals, only one of the four 
resulting cells gives rise to the egg, the other three corresponding to 
the polar bodies in the animal egg, though they here continue to 
divide, and thus form a rudimentary prothallium.! The first-men- 


SS 

Fig. 132. — General view of the maturation-divisions in flowering plants. [MOTTIER.] 

A-C, in the male; Y-F, in the female. 4. The two secondary spermatocytes (pollen-mother- 
cells) just after the first division (Zz/iwm). Z&,. Final anaphase of second division (Podophylium). 
C. Resulting telophase, which by division of the cytoplasmic mass produces four pollen-grains. 
D. Embryo-sac after completion of the first nuclear division (Zidium). £. The same after the 
second division. /#, The upper four cells resulting from the third division (cf Fig. 106) : 0, ovum; 
?, upper polar cell; s, synergidze. (For further details, see Figs. 133, 134.) 


1 Of these three cells one divides to form the “synergidz,” the other two divide to form 
three “antipodal cells” (which like the synergidz finally degenerate) and a “lower polar 
cell.” The latter sooner or later conjugates with the “ upper polar cell” (the sister-cell of 
the egg) to form the “secondary embryo-sac-nucleus,” by the division of which the endo- 
sperm-cells arise. Of the whole group of eight cells thus arising only the egg contributes 


REDUCTION WITHOUT TETRAD-FORMATION 265 


tioned cell, however, does not directly become the egg, but divides 
once, one of the products being the egg and the other the “upper 
polar cell” (Fig. 132, /), which contributes to the endosperm-forma- 
tion (see footnote, and compare page 218). 

In the male the two maturation-divisions are in the angiosperms 
followed by two others, one of which separates a “ vegetative” from 
a ‘generative’”’ cell, while the second divides the generative nucleus 
into two definite germ-nuclei. In the gymnosperms more than two 
such additional divisions take place. In these later divisions, both in 
the male and in the female (with the exception noted in the footnote 
below), the reduced number persists, and the principal interest 
centres in the first two or maturation-divisions. Strasburger and 
Guignard found in Z2/zam that while both these divisions differed in 
many respects from the mitosis of ordinary vegetative cells, neither 
involved a transverse or reducing division, the chromosomes under- 
going a longitudinal splitting for each of the maturation-divisions. 
Further investigations by Farmer (93), Belajeff ('94), Dixon ('96), 
Sargant (’96, ’97), and others, showed that the first division is often 
of the heterotypical form, the daughter-chromosomes in the late-meta- 
phase having the form of two V’s united by their bases (<>). 
Despite the complication of these figures, due to torsion and other 
modifications, their resemblance to the ring-shaped bodies observed 
in the first maturation-division of so many animals is unmistakable, 
as was first clearly pointed out by Farmer and Moore (’95). 

Botanists have differed, and still differ, widely in their interpreta- 
tion both of the origin and subsequent history of these bodies upon 
which the question of reduction turns. According to Strasburger’s 
(95) first account their origin has nothing in common with that of 
the tetrad-rings, since they were described as arising by a dozb/e lon- 
gitudinal splitting of a primary rod, the halves then separating first 
from one end along one of the division-planes, and then from the 
other end along the other plane, meanwhile opening out to forma 
ring such as is shown in Fig. 133. (This process, somewhat difficult 
to understand from a description, will be understood from the dia- 
gram, Fig. 135, E-/.) The four elements of the ring are then distrib- 
uted without further division by the two ensuing maturation-divisions ; 
and the process, except for the peculiar opening out of the ring, is 


to the morphological formation of the embryo. It is a highly interesting fact that the num- 
ber of chromosomes shown in the division of the lower of the two nuclei (7.e. the mother- 
nucleus of the antipodal cells and lower polar-cell) formed at the first division of the 
embryo-sac-nucleus is inconstant, varying in the lily from 12, 16, 20, to 24 (Guignard, ’9I, 1), 
in which respect they contrast with the descendants (egg, synergidz) of the upper nucleus, 
which always show the reduced number (Mottier, ’97, 1), 2.e. in Lz/2wm twelve. This 
exception only emphasizes the rule of the constancy of the chromosome-number in general; 
for these cells are destined to speedy degeneration. 


266 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


essentially in agreement with the facts described in Ascaris, and 
involves no reduction-division. Essentially the same result is reached 
by Guignard (’98) in his latest paper on /Vazas, and by Gregoire (’99) 
in the Liliacez. 

Strasburger twice shifted ground in rapid succession. First (’97, 2), 
with Mottier (97, 1), he somewhat doubttully adopted a view agreeing 


Fig. 133. — The first maturation-division in flowering plants. [/, STRASBURGER and MOT- 
TIER; the others from MOTTIER.] 


A. Mother-cell of the embryo-sac in Zz/iwm,; early prophase of first division; chromatin- 
threads already longitudinally divided. 2. Slightly later stage (split spireme) in the nucleus of 
the pollen-mother-cell. © A slightly later prophase (pollen-mother-cell, Podophyllum) with 
twisted split spireme. DD. Earlier prophase (Zz/7wm, female); split twisted chromosomes. &. 
Equatorial plate (Zzdiwm, male). #. First maturation-spindle (/77¢t7//aria, male). G. Diver- 
gence of the daughter-chromosomes (Lzdiwm, male). 


essentially with the interpretation of Vom Rath, Riickert, etc. (p. 247). 
The primary rods split once, and bend into a V, the branches of 
which often come close together, and may be twisted on themselves, 
thus giving the appearance of the second longitudinal split described 
in Strasburger’s paper of 1895. The two halves of the split U then 
separate, opening out from the apex, to form the <>-figure. In the 


REDUCTION WITHOUT TETRAD-FORMATION 267 


second division the limbs of the daughter-V’s again come close 
together, remaining, however, united at one end, where they were 
believed finally to break apart during the second division. The latter 
was, therefore, regarded as a true reduction-division, the apparent 
longitudinal split being merely the plane along which the halves of 
the V come into contact (Fig. 134, C, D). 

The two accounts just given represent two extremes, the first 
agreeing essentially with Ascaris, the second with the copepods or 
insects. When we compare them with others, we encounter a truly 
bewildering confusion. Strasburger and Mottier (‘97) themselves 
soon abandoned their acceptance of the reducing division, returning 
to the conclusion that in both sexes (Lz/zwm, Podophyllum) both divi- 
sions involve a longitudinal splitting of the chromosomes (Figs. 133, 
134). In the first division the longitudinally split spireme segments 
into twelve double rods, which bend at the middle to form double V’s, 
with closely approximated halves. Becoming attached to the spindle 
by the apex, the limbs of each separate to form a <>-figure. At 
telophase the daughter-V’s shorten, thicken, and join together to form 
a daughter-spireme consisting of a single contorted thread. 7/zs 
splits lengthwise throughout its whole extent, and then segments into 
double chromosomes, the halves of which separate at the second 
Guision) (Bie. 135, £-/7), — The latter, therefore, like the first, 
involves no reducing division. This result agrees in substance with 
the slightly earlier work of Dixon (’96) and of Miss Sargant ('96, 
’97), whose account of the origin of the <>-figure of the first division 
differs, however, in some interesting details. It is also in harmony 
with the general results of Farmer and Moore ('95), of Grégoire (’99), 
and of Guignard (’98), who, however, describes the first division nearly 
in accordance with Strasburger’s account of 1895, as stated above. 
On the other hand, Ishikawa (pollen-mother-cells of A//z2m, 97) and 
especially Belajeff (pollen-mother-cells of /77s, ’98) conclude that: the 
second division is a true transverse or reducing division.! Ishikawa 
described the first division as being nearly similar to the ring-forma- 
tion in copepods, the four elements of the ring being often so 
condensed as nearly to resemble an actual tetrad. In the early ana- 
phases the daughter-V’s break at the apex; and, although in the later 
anaphases the limbs reunite, Ishikawa is inclined to regard the trans- 
verse division as being a preparation for the second mitosis. Bela- 
jeff’s earlier work (’94) on Lz/zwm gave an indecisive result, though 
one on the whole favourable to a reducing division. In his latest 
paper, however (’98, 1), Belajeff takes more positive ground, stating 
that after the examination of a large number of forms he has found 


1 Schaffner (’97, 2) reaches exactly the reverse result in Ldium philadelphicum, t.e. the 
first division is transverse, the second longitudinal. 


268 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


in the pollen-mother-cells of /r7s a much more favourable object of 
investigation than Le/iwm, Friti//lavia, and the other forms on which 
most of the work thus far has been done, and one in which the sec- 
ond division takes place with ‘admirable clearness”; he also gives 
interesting additional details of the first division in this and other 
forms. In the first division the spireme splits lengthwise, and then 
breaks into chromosomes, which assume the shape of a V, Y, or X 
(Fig. 135, .VW-Q). The two limbs of these bodies do not, as might be 


Fig. 134.— The second maturation-division in flowering piants. [3. STRASBURGER and 
MOTTIER; the others from MOTTIER.] 

A. Nucleus of secondary spermatocyte (Podophy/llum). £8. Prophase of second division 
(Lilium, male) with longitudinally divided chromatin-threads. #. Corresponding stage in the 
female. /#. Metaphase of second division (Podophylinm, male). G. Initial anaphase (Lzdzwm, 
female). C. D. illustrate Mottier’s earlier conclusions. C. Second division (Zz/zwm, male), with 
chromosomes bent together so as to simulate a split. JD. Slightly later stage (/77t///avia, male), 
showing stage supposed to result from breaking apart of the limbs of the U at point of flexure. 


supposed, represent sister-chromosomes (resulting from the longitu- 
dinal division of the spireme) attached by one end or at the middle, 
since each X, Y, or V is double, consisting of two similar superim- 
posed halves. Belajeff, therefore, regards these figures as longitu- 
dinally divided bivalent chromosomes, having the value of tetrads, 
each limb being a longitudinally split single chromosome. The 
double V’s, Y’s, and X’s take up a position with the apex (or one end 
of the X) attached to the spindle, and the longitudinal division in the 
equatorial plane. The halves then progressively diverge from the 


REDUCTION WITHOUT TETRAD-FORMATION 2 69 


point of attachment, thus giving rise to <>-shaped, <> -shaped, or 
>> -shaped figures, all of which in the end assume the <>-shape. 
This part of the process is in the main similar to that described by 
Strasburger and Mottier, and the daughter-V’s diverge in the same 
way as these authors describe. The second division, however, differs 
radically from their account, since no splitting of the spireme-thread 
occurs. The chromosomes reappear in the V-, Y-, and X-forms, but are 
wndivided, and only half as thick as in the first division. Passing to 
the equator of the spindle, the V- and Y-forms break apart at the 
apex, while the X-forms separate into the two branches of the X, the 
daughter-chromosomes having the form of rods slightly bent at the 
outer end to form a J-figure (Fig. 135, R-Z). This division is, 
accordingly, a transverse or reducing one, which “corresponds com- 
pletely to the reduction-division in the animal organism” (’08, 2, 
p. 33.) Atkinson (’99) reaches the same general result in 77r7//zum, 
stating very positively that no longitudinal division occurs in the 
second mitosis, and believing that the daughter-V’s of the first (hete- 
rotypical) mitosis retain their individuality throughout the ensuing 
pause, and break apart at the apex (reducing division) in the second 
mitosis. This observer finds further that in d7zs@ma the heterotypi- 
cal rings of the first mitosis condense into true tetrads, by one longi- 
tudinal and one transverse division, but believes that in this case it 
is the fvs¢ division that effects the reduction, as in the insects. 

Such confusion in the results of the most competent observers of 
reduction in the flowering plants is itself a sufficient commentary on 
the very great difficulty and uncertainty of the subject; and it would 
be obviously premature to draw any positive conclusions until further 
research shall have cleared up the matter.! 


1 Strasburger’s new book, entitled Uber Reduktionsthetlung, Spindelbtldung, Centroso- 
men und Crlienbildner im Phlanzenreich (Jena, 1900), is received while this work is in 
press, too late for analysis in the text. In this treatise the author gives an exhaustive review 
of the entire subject, contributing also many new and important observations on L2/ez7, 
Tris, Podophyllum, Tradescantia, Allium, Larix, and several other forms. The general 
result of these renewed researches leads Strasburger to return, in the main, to his conclu- 
sions of 1895, with which agree, as stated above, the results of Guignard and Grégoire; and, 
in a careful critique of Belajeff’s work, he shows how the results of this observer may be 
reconciled with his own. ‘The essence of Strasburger’s interpretation is as follows. In the 
prophases of the first division the chromosomes first undergo a longitudinal division, shorten 
to form double rods, and then again split lengthwise in a plane at right angles to the first. 
The following stages vary even in the same species (Zz/7a); and here lies the explanation 
of much of the divergence between the accounts of different observers. (1) In the typical 
case, the chromosomes are placed radially, with one end next the spindle; and, during the 
metaphase, they open apart along the first division-plane, from the spindle outwards, to form 
- -shaped figures. These figures meanwhile open apart from the free end inwards along the 
second division-plane. Thus arise the characteristic <> -shaped figures, the daughter-V’s 
having separated along the first (equatorial) division-plane, while the two limbs of each V 
have resulted, not through bending, but from a second (axial) split (Fig. 135, Z-//7). The 


emma 


eee eras ee a 


R S iB 
Fig. 135. -— Diagrams illustrating different accounts of reduction in the flowering plants. 

A-D, Vegetative mitoses (heterotypical form) in Picea. [BELAJEFF.] 

£-/, \\lustrate Strasburger’s earlier account (’95) and the later one of Guignard, of the first 
maturation-division. #. Doubly split rod. #. Metaphase, in profile. G. The same ez face, 
showing the heterotype ring. A. 7, Opening out and breaking apart of the ring. 

F-M. Later account of Strasburger and Mottier (cf Figs. 133, 134). % Longitudinally split, 
V-shaped chromosome of first division. A. Opening out of the ring. Z. Prophase of second 
division, showing longitudinally split segmented spireme. /. Initial anaphase of second division. 

N-Q. First division. [BELAJEFF.] Vv. Longitudinally split chromosomes, viewed in the equa- 
torial p'ane. O. The same viewed in the axis of the spindle. /. Separation of the daughter- 
chromosomes. @Q. Anaphase, all the chromosomes assuming the V-form. 

k-T. Second division in /ris. [BELAJEFF.] 2. Equatorial plate, limbs of X's and V's break- 
ing apart (reducing division). |S. Slightly later stage, with daughter-chromosomes still united at 
oneend. 7. Anaphase. 

270 


PECULIARITIES OF REDUCTION IN THE INSECTS 27 


Résumé. In reduction without tetrad-formation the spireme seg- 
ments into half the somatic number of chromosomes, which split 
lengthwise and open out to form rings for the first (heterotypical) 
mitosis. According to one set of observers, including Flemming, 
Meves, McGregor, Kingsbury, Moore, Klinckowstrom, Van der Stricht, 
Francotte, Griffin, Belajeff, Farmer, Dixon, Strasburger, Sargant, 
Mottier, Ishikawa, and Atkinson, the ring arises by a single longi- 
tudinal division. According to another group, including Carnoy, 
Le Brun, Guignard, and Grégoire, the ring arises through a double 
longitudinal division, one representing the axial and the other the 
equatorial plane of the <>-figure. The second group of observers 
regard both maturation-divisions as longitudinal. Among the first 
group, Flemming, Meves, McGregor, Kingsbury, Moore, Farmer, 
Dixon, Strasburger, Sargant, and Mottier likewise believe both divi- 
sions to be longitudinal, the daughter-V’s or their products again 
splitting lengthwise for the second division; while Klinckowstrom, 
Van der Stricht, Francotte, Griffin, Belajeff, Ishikawa, and Atkinson 
believe one of them to be transverse, the daughter-V’s breaking apart 
at the apex, and thus giving the reducing division of Weismann.! 


D. SomME PECULIARITIES OF REDUCTION IN THE INSECTS 


We may here briefly consider some interesting observations which show that in 
some cases the nuclear substance may be unequally distributed to the germ-nuclei. 
Henking (’g0) discovered that in the second spermatocyte-division of Pyrrocho- 
ris one of the “chromosomes” passes undivided into one of the daughter-cells 
(spermatids) which receives twelve chromatin-elements while its sister receives but 
eleven. (The number of chromosomes in the spermatogonia, and of rings in the 
first spermatocyte-division is twenty-four). This anomalous process is confirmed 
with interesting additional details by Paulmier (’99) in Avasa, and obviously related 
phenomena are described by Montgomery (99, 1) in Pextatoma, and by McClung (99) 
in Xzphidiune. 


breaking apart of the V’s at the apex, as described by Belajeff, is, therefore, not a transverse 
division, but merely the completion of the second longitudinal division. (2) Ina second 
and exceptional type, the chromosomes are placed fangentially to the spindle, and the 
halves separate from the middle, again producing <>-shaped figures. These, however, are 
not of the same nature as those arising in the first case, since they are formed by a bending 
out of each daughter-chromosome at the middle to form the V, and not by the second longi- 
tudinal split. The effect of the latter is in this case to render each daughter-V in itself 
double, precisely as in the salamander. The difference between the two types results 
merely from the difference of position of the chromosome with respect to the spindle, and 
the final result is the same in both, z.e. two longitudinal divisions and no reducing one. 

This highly important work brings very strong evidence against the occurrence of trans- 
verse or reducing divisions in the higher plants, and seems to explain satisfactorily most of 
the differences of interpretation given by other observers. It will be interesting to see 
whether a similar interpretation is possible in the case of mollusks, annelids, and arthropods, 
where the early stages, in many cases, so strikingly resemble those occurring in the piants. 

1 Cf. footnote on page 269. 


to 


NI 


i) 


REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


In Pentatoma the number of chromosomes in the spermatocyte is fourteen. 
During the final anaphases of the last division, one of the fourteen daughter-chromo- 
somes assumes a different staining-capacity from the others, and becomes a * chro- 
matin-nucleolus ” which fragments into several smaller bodies during the ensuing 
resting-stage. During each of the succeeding spermatocyte-divisions appear seven 
chromosomes and a single small chromatin-nucleolus, and both of these kinds of 
bodies are halved at each division, so that each spermatid receives seven chromo- 
somes and a single chromatin-nucleolus.! In A7pAzdzun a body called by McClung 
the “accessory chromosome,” and believed by him to correspond to the “ chromatin- 
nucleolus ” of Penvtatoma, appears in the early prophases of the last spermatogonium- 
division while the remaining chromatin still forms a reticulum. In the equatorial 
plate this lies outside the ring of chromosomes, but divides like the latter. The 
same body appears in the ensuing resting-stage, and during both of the spermatocyte- 
divisions. In these it lies, as before, outside the chromosome-ring, and differs 
markedly from the other chromosomes, but divides like the latter, each of the halves 
passing into one of the spermatids, where it appears to form an important part of the 
sperm-nucleus. 

Despite the peculiarities described above, the chromatin, as a whole, seems to be 
equally distributed in both Pentatoma and AXiphidium. In Anasa, however, Paul- 
mier’s studies (’98, °99), made in my laboratory, give a result agreeing with that of 
Henking, and suggest some very interesting further questions. The spermatogonia- 
nuclei contain two nucleolus-like bodies, and give rise to twenty-two chromosomes, 
of which two are smaller than the others (Fig. 126). In the first spermatocyte-divi- 
sion appear eleven tetrads. Ten of these arise from rings like those of Grylotalpa, 
etc. The eleventh, which is much smaller than the others, seems to arise from a 
single nucleolus-like body of the spermatocyte-nucleus, and by a process differing 
considerably from the others. All of these bodies are halved to form dyads at the 
first division. In the second spermatocyte-division (Fig. 127) the larger dyads 
divide to form single chromosomes in the usual manner. 7%e small dyad, however, 
fails to divide, passing over bodily into one of the spermatids. In this case, there- 
fore, half of the spermatids receive ten single chromosomes, while the remainder 
receive in addition a small dyad. 

A comparison of the foregoing results indicates that the small tetrad (dyad) corre- 
sponds to the extra chromosome observed by Henking in Pyvrochorzs, and perhaps 
also to the “accessory chromosome” of Azphidiu7. Whether it corresponds to the 
* chromatin-nucleolus” of Penxtatoma is not yet clear. The most remarkable of 
these strange phenomena is the formation of the small tetrad, which seems to be a 
non-essential element, since it does not contribute to all the spermatozoa. Paulmier 
is inclined to ascribe to it a vestigial significance, regarding it as a * degenerating ” 
chromosome which has lost its functional value, though still undergoing in some 
measure its criginal morphological transformation; in this connection it should be 
pointed out that the spermatocyte-nucleolus, from which it seems to be derived, is 
represented in the spermatogonia by wo such nucleoli, just as the single small tetrad 
is represented by two small chromosomes in the spermatogonia-mitoses. The real 
meaning of the phenomenon is, however, wholly conjectural. 


E. THe Earty HIstory oF THE GERM-NUCLEI 


There are many peculiarities in the early history of the germ- 
nuclei, both in plants and animals, that have a special interest in con- 


1 On this latter point Montgomery’s observations do not seem quite decisive. 


EARLY HISTORY OF THE GERM-NUCLET 273 


nection with the reduction-problem; and some. of these have raised 
some remarkable questions regarding the origin of reduction. A 
large number of observers are now agreed that during the growth- 
period preceding the maturation-division (p. 236), in both sexes, the 
nucleus of the mother-cell (spermatogonium, o6gonium), both in 
plants and in animals, passes through some of the changes prepara- 
tory to reduction at a very early period. Thus, in the egg the pri- 
mary chromatin-rods are often present in the very young ovarian 
eggs, and from their first appearance are already split longitudinally.! 
Hacker (’92, 2) made the interesting discovery that in some of the 
copepods (Canthocamptus, Cyclops) these double rods could be traced 


Fig. 136. — Longitudinal section through the ovary of the copepod Canthocamptus. | [HACKER.] 
og. The youngest germ-cells or odgonia (dividing at og.2); a. upper part of the growth-zone; 


oc. odcyte, or growing ovarian egg; ov. fully formed egg, with double chromatin-rods. 


back continuously to a double spireme-thread, following immediately 
upon the division of the last generation of odgonia, and that a/ wo 
pertod is a true reticulum formed in the germinal vesicle (Fig. 1 36). 
In the following year Riickert (’93, 2) made a precisely similar discov- 
ery in the case of selachians. After division of the last generation 
of o6gonia the daughter-chromosomes do not give rise to a reticu- 
lum, but split lengthwise, and persist in this condition throughout 
the entire growth-period of the egg. Riickert therefore concluded 
that the germinal vesicle of the selachians is to be regarded as a 
“daughter-spireme of the odgonium (l7-ez) grown to enormous 
dimensions, the chromosomes of which are doubled and arranged in 


1 Hacker, Vom Rath, Riickert, in copepods; Riickert in selachians; Born and Fick in 
Amphibia; Holl in the chick; Riickert in the rabbit. 


~ 
eS 


274. REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


pairs.’ In this case their number seems to be at first the somatic 
number (thirty-six), which is afterward halved by conjugation of the 
elements two and two (Riickert), as in Lamdvicus (Calkins). It is, 
however, certain that in many cases (insects, copepods) the double 
rods first appear in the reduced number, and the observations of Vom 
Rath (’93) and Hacker ('95, 3) give some reason to believe that the 
reduced number may in some forms be present in the earlier progeni- 
tors of the germ-cells, the former author having found but half the 
normal number in some of the embryonic cells of the salamander, while 
Hacker ('95, 3) finds that in Cyclops brevicornis the reduced number 
of chromosomes (twelve) appears in the primordial germ-cells which 
are differentiated in the blastula-stage (Fig. 74). He adds the inter- 
esting discovery that in this form the somatc nuclei of the cleavage- 
stages show the same number, and hence concludes that all the 
chromosomes of these stages are bivalent. As development proceeds, 
the germ-cells retain this character, while the somatic cells acquire 
the usual number (twenty-four) —a process which, if the conception 
of bivalent chromosomes be valid, must consist in the division of each 
bivalent rod into its two elements. We have here a wholly new light 
on the historical origin of reduction; for the pseudo-reduction of the 
germ-nuclei seems to be in this case a persistence of the embryonic 
condition, and we may therefore hope for a future explanation of the 
process by which it has in other cases been deferred until the penul- 
timate cell-generation, as is certainly the fact in Ascaris. 

This leads to the consideration of some very interesting recent dis- 
coveries regarding the relation of reduction to the alternation of gen- 
erations in the higher plants. As already stated (p. 263), Strasburger, 
Guignard, and other observers have found that in the angiosperms 
the two maturation-divisions are in both sexes followed by one or 
more divisions in which the reduced number persists. The cells thus 
formed are generally recognized as belonging to the vestiges of the 
sexual generation (prothallium) of the higher cryptogams, the pollen- 
grains (or their analogues in the female) corresponding to the asexual 
spores of the archegoniate cryptogams. We should, therefore, expect 
to find reduction in the latter forms occurring in the two correspond- 
ing divisions, by which the “tetrad” of spores is formed (as was first 
pointed out by Hartog, ’91). Botanists were thus led to the surmise, 
first expressed by Overton in 1892, that the reduced number would 
be found to occur in the prothallium-cells derived from those spores. 

17.92.22, an bie 

2 It may be recalled that in Ascav?s Boveri proved that the primordial germ-cells have 
the full number of chromosomes, and Hertwig clearly showed that this number is retained 
up to the last division of the spermatogonia. Ishikawa (’97) finds that in Al/zwm the 


reduced number (eight) appears in the mitosis of the ‘‘ Urpollenzellen” preceding the 
pollen-mother-cells. This is, however, contradicted by Mottier (97, 2). 


EARLY HISTORY OF THE GERM-NUCLEI 275 


This surmise quickly became a certainty. Overton himself dis- 
covered (93) that the cells of the endosperm in the gymnosperm 
Ceratozamia divide with the reduced number, namely eight; and 
Dixon observed the same fact in Pzxuws at the same time. In the 
following year Strasburger brought the matter to a definite conclusion 
in the case of a fern (Osmunda), showing that a// the cells of the 
prothallium, from the original spore-mother-cell onwards to the for- 
mation of the germ-cells, have one-half the number of chromosomes 
found in the asexual generation, namely twelve instead of twenty- 
four; in other words, the reduction takes place in the formation of 
the spore from which the sexual generation arises, many cell-genera- 
tions before the germ-cells are formed, indeed before the formation of 
the body from which these cells arise. Similar facts were determined 
by Farmer in Padlavicinia, one of the Hepatic, where all of the 
nuclei of the asexual generation (sporogonium) show eight chromo- 
somes during division, those of the sexual generation (thallus) four. 
It now seems highly probable that this will be found a general rule. 

The striking point in these, as in Hacker’s observations, is that the 
numerical reduction takes place so long before the fertilization for 
which it is the obvious preparation. Speculating on the meaning of 
this remarkable fact, Strasburger advances the hypothesis that the 
reduced number is ¢he ancestral number inherited from the ancestral 
type. The normal, z.c. somatic, number arose through conjugation 
by which the chromosomes of two germ-cells were brought together. 
Strasburger does not hesitate to apply the same conception to ani- 
mals, and suggests that the four cells arising by the division of the 
oogonium (egg plus three polar bodies) represent the remains of a 
separate generation, now a mere remnant included in the body in 
somewhat the same manner that the rudimentary prothallium of angi- 
osperms is included in the embryo-sac. This may seem a highly 
improbable conclusion, but it must not be forgotten that so able a 
zoologist as Whitman expressed a nearly related thought, as long ago 
as 1878: “I interpret the formation of polar globules as a relic of the 
primitive mode of asexual reproduction.’1 Strasburger’s view is 
exactly the reverse of this in identifying the polar bodies as the 
remains of a sexual generation; and as Hacker has pointed out (’98, 
p. 102), it is difficult to reconcile with the fact that true reduction 
appears to occur already in the unicellular organisms (p. 277). The 
hypothesis is nevertheless highly suggestive and one which suggests 
a quite new point of view for the study not only of maturation but 
also of the whole problem of sexuality. 

We may now return to the consideration of some details. In a 
considerable number of forms, though not in all, the early prophase is 


F785) Dee 202, 


2 76 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


characterized, especially in the male, by a more or less complete 
concentration of the chromatin-substance at one side of the nucleus. 
This stage, to which Moore has given the name syzapszs (Fig. 120, A), 
sometimes occurs when thé spireme thread is already split (Ascarzs, 
Lilium), sometimes before the division is visible (insects). In either 
case the chromatin-scgments emerge from the synapsis stage longitudt- 
nally divided and in the reduced number, a fact which gives ground 
for the conclusion that the synapsis is in some way concerned with 
the rearrangement of the chromatin-substance involved in the numer- 
ical reduction. During the synapsis the nucleolus remains quite 
distinct trom the chromatin, and in many cases it afterward persists 
beside the tetrads, in the formation of which it takes no part, to be 
cast out into the cytoplasm (Fig. 124) or to degenerate vz sztw during 
the first maturation-division. 

A suggestive phenomena, described by several observers,! is the 
casting out of a large part of the nuclear reticulum of the germinal 


Fig. 137. — Types of maturation-spindles in the female. 


A. First polar spindle with tetrads, in AHeterocope. [HACKER]. &. Second polar spindle 
in Jriton. [CARNOY and LEBRUN.] C. First polar spindle of Ascaris. [FURST.] 


vesicle at the time the polar bodies are formed (Figs. 97, 128). In 
these cases (Asterias, Polycherus, Thalassema, Nereis) only a small 
fraction of the chromatin-substance is preserved to form the chromo- 
somes, the remainder degenerating in the cytoplasm.” 

As a final point we must briefly consider the varying accounts of 
the achromatic maturation-figures in the female already briefly referred 
to at page 85. In many forms (e.g. in turbellarians, nemertines, anne- 
lids, mollusks, echinoderms) the polar amphiasters are of quite typical 
form, with large asters and distinct centrosomes nearly similar to those 
of the cleavage-figures. In others, however (nematodes, arthropods, 
tunicates, vertebrates), the polar spindles differ markedly from those 
of the cleavage-figures, being described by many authors as ez¢erely 
devoid of asters and even in some cases of centrosomes (Fig. 137). 


1 Cf Mathews (Wilson and Mathews, ’95), Gardiner (’98), Griffin (’99). 
2 Cf the enormous reduction of the chromatin-substance in the elasmobranch egg, p. 338. 


REDUCTION IN UNICELLULAR FORMS 277; 


There can be no doubt that these polar spindles. differ from the usual 
type, and that they approach those recently described in the mitosis of 
the higher plants, but it is doubtful whether the apparent absence of 
asters and centrosomes is normal. In Ascaris, the first polar spindle 
arising by a direct transformation of the germinal vesicle (Fig. 117) 
has a barrel-shape, with no trace of asters. At the poles of the 
spindle, however, are one or two deeply staining granules (Fig. 137), 
which have been identified as centrosomes by Hacker (’94) and 
Erlanger (’97, 4), but by Fiirst (98) are regarded as central granules, 
the whole spindle being conceived as an enlarged centrosome.! For 
the reasons stated at page 314, I believe the former to be the correct 
interpretation.?, Spindles without centrosomes have been described in 
the eggs of tunicates (Julin, Hill, Crampton), in Amzphzoxus (Sobotta), 
in some species of copepods (Hacker), and in some vertebrates (Dze- 
myctylus, Jordan; mouse, Sobotta). In dAmphzorus (Sobotta) and 
Triton (Carnoy and LeBrun) complete asters are not formed, but 
fibrillz apparently corresponding to astral rays and converging to 
the spindle-poles are found outside the limits of the spindle (Fig. 137). 
In the guinea-pig, according to Montgomery (’98), centrosomes and 
asters are present in the first polar spindle, but absent in the second. 
The evidence is on the whole rather strong that the achromatic figure 
in these cases approaches in form that seen in the higher plants ; 
but it is an open question whether the appearances described may not 
be a result of imperfect fixation. 


F. REDUCTION IN UNICELLULAR FORMS 


Although the one-celled and other lower forms have not yet been 
sufficiently investigated, we have already good ground for the conclu- 
sion that a process analogous to the reduction of higher types regularly 
recurs in them. In the conjugation of Infusoria, as already described 
(p. 223), the original nucleus divides several times before union, and 
only one of the resulting nuclei becomes the conjugating germ-nucleus, 
while the others perish, like the polar bodies. The numerical corre- 
spondence between the rejected nuclei or ‘‘ corpuscules de rebut” has 
already been pointed out (p. 227). Hertwig could not count the chro- 
mosomes with absolute certainty, yet he states (89) that in Pavame- 
ctum caudatum, during the final division, the number of spindle-fibres 
and of the corresponding chromatic elements is but 4-6, while in the 


WG om BUey 

2 Sala (’94) and Fiirst have shown that occasionally the polar spindles of Ascaris are 
provided with large typical asters, and thus resemble those of annelids or mollusks. Sala 
believed this to be an effect of lowered temperature, but Fiirst’s observations are unfavour- 
able to this conclusion. 


oy 


278 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


earlier: divisions the number is approximately double this (8-9). This 
observation makes it nearly certain that a numerical reduction of 
chromosomes occurs in the Protozoa in a manner similar to that of 
the higher forms; but the reduction here appears to be deferred until 


J eee | 
| ies Oro he 
i Ne By " 
4 a noe oy 
Foci i 
5 wn “ 
me “ 
= 
a 


Fig. 138. — Conjugation and formation of the polar bodies in Actinophrys, [SCHAUDINN.] 


A. Union of the gametes; first polar spindle. 4. Fusion of the cell-bodies; a single polar 
body near the periphery of each. C. Fusion of the nuclei. 


the final division. In the gregarines Wolters (’91) has observed the 
formation of an actual polar body as a small cell segmented off from 
each of the two conjugating animals soon after their union; but the 
number of  chromo- 
somes was not deter- 
mined. Schaudinn 
(’96, 2) has observed a 
like process in <Acdéz- 
nophrys, each of the 
gametes segmenting 
off a single polar body, 
after which the germ- 
nuclei fuse (Fig. 138). 
It is possible, as R. 
Hertwig (98) points 
out, that in both these 
forms a second polar 
body may have been 
overlooked, owing per- 
haps to its rapid dis- 
Fig. 139.— Formation of polar bodies and conjugation in integration. ‘In Actino- 


ee se tS ae a ie : i spherium, according to 
. Two gametes (“secondary cysts’), resulting from the : : 
division of a “primary cyst’; second maturation-spindle in R. Hertwig (98 ), the 
each; first polar body shown in the right gamete, at~. B. Both nucleus of each gamete 
polar bodies (~1, 2) formed in the right gamete, the second q:_; $) Son Saas : 
one forming in the left gamete. C. Subsequent fusion of the divides twice a rapid 
gametes; nuclei uniting, two polar bodies (probably the second, SUCCess1on to form two 
the first having been absorbed) at g. D. The young Actinosphe- polar bodies (nuclei) 
y 


rium escaping from the cyst-wall; the cleavage-nucleus has a 
divided. 3 which degenerate, after 


ine 


REDUCTION IN UNICELLULAR FORMS 279 


which the germ-nuclei unite (Fig. 139). Whether a reduction in the 
number of chromosomes occurs in these cases was not determined.! 


ea 


Fig. 140. — Conjugation of Closteriwm. [KLEBAHN.] 

A. Soon after union, four chromatophores. 2. Chromatophores reduced to two, nuclei 
distinct. C. Fusion of the nuclei. JD. First cleavage of the zygote. #. Resulting 2-cell stage. 
fF. Second cleavage. G. Resulting stage, each cell bi-nucleate. A. Separation of the cells; 
one of the nuclei in each enlarging to form the permanent nucleus, the other (probably repre- 
senting a polar body) degenerating. 


1 Actinospherium forms one of the most extreme known cases of in-breeding; for the 
gametes are szstev-cel/s which immediately reunite after forming the polar bodies. The 
general facts are as follows: The mother animal, containing very numerous nuclei, becomes 
encysted, and a very large number of the nuclei degenerate. The body then segments into 


280 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


Adelea (one of the Coccidiz) is a very interesting case, for accord- 
ing to Siedlecki (‘99) polar bodies or their analogues are formed in 
both sexes. The gametes are here of very unequal size. Upon their 
union the smaller male cell divides twice to form apparently equiva- 
lent spermatozoids, of which, however, only one enters the ovum, while 
three degenerate as polar bodies. These two divisions are of different 
type; the first resembles true mitosis, while the second is of simpler 
character and is believed by Siedlecki to effect a reduction in the 
number of chromosomes. In the meantime the nucleus of the macro- 
gamete moves to the surface and there expels a portion of its chro- 
matin, after which union of the nuclei takes place. Interesting facts 
have been observed in unicellular plants which indicate that the 
reduction may here occur either before (diatoms) or after (desmids) 
fusion of the conjugating nuclei. Inthe former (Ropalodina) Klebahn 
('96) finds that each nucleus divides twice, as in many Infusoria, giving 
rise to two large and two small nuclei. Each of the conjugates then 
divides, each daughter-cell receiving one large and one small nucleus. 
The four resulting individuals then conjugate, two and two, the large 
nuclei fusing while the small (polar bodies) degenerate. The com- 
parison of this case with that of the Infusoria is highly interesting. In 
the desmids on the other hand (Clostertzum and Cosmarium, Fig. 140), 
according to Klebahn (’92), the nuclei first unite to form a cleavage- 
nucleus, after which the zygote divides into two. Each of the new 
nuclei now divides, one of the products persisting as the perma- 
nent nucleus, while the other degenerates and disappears. Chmie- 
lewski asserts that a similar process occurs in Sfzvogyra. Although 
the numerical relations of the chromosomes have not been determined 
in these cases, it appears probable that the elimination of a nucleus in 
each cell is a process of reduction occurring after fertilization. 


G. MATURATION OF PARTHENOGENETIC EGGS 


. The maturation of eggs that develop without fertilization is a sub- 
ject of special interest, partly because of its bearing on the general 
theory of fertilization, partly because it is here, as I believe, that one 
of the strongest supports is found for the hypothesis of the individ- 
uality of chromosomes. In an early article by Minot (’77) on the 


a number (five to twelve) of “primary cysts,’ each containing one of the remaining nuclei. 
Each primary cyst divides by mitosis to form two gametes (‘secondary cysts ”), which, after 
forming the polar bodies, reunite, their nuclei fusing to form a single one. The resulting 
cell soon creeps out of the cyst-wall and assumes the active life, its nucleus meanwhile mul- 
tiplying to produce the multinuclear condition characteristic of the adult animal. What is 
here the physiological motive for the formation of the polar bodies, and how shall it be 
explained under the Weismann hypothesis ? 


Pha 


MATURATION OF PARTHENOGENETIC EGGS 281 
theoretical meaning of maturation, the suggestion is made that 
parthenogenesis may be due to failure on the part of the egg to 
form the polar bodies, the egg-nucleus thus remaining hermaphrodite, 
and hence capable of development without fertilization. This sug- 
gestion forms the germ of all later theories of parthenogenesis.  Bal- 
four (’80) suggested that the function of forming polar cells has been 
acquired by the ovum for the express purpose of preventing parthe- 
nogenesis, and a nearly similar view was afterward maintained by 
Van Beneden! These authors assumed accordingly that in par- 
thenogenetic eggs no polar bodies are formed. Weismann (’86) soon 
discovered, however, that the parthenogenetic eggs of Polyphemus 
(one of the Daphnidz) produce a szzg/e polar body. This observa- 
tion was quickly followed by the still more significant discovery by 
Blochmann (’88) that zz Aphis the parthenogenetic eggs produce a single 
polar body, while the fertilized eggs produce two. \Neismann was able 
to determine the same fact in ostracodes and Rotifera, and was thus 
led to the view? which later researches have entirely confirmed, that 
it is the secovd polar body that is of special significance in partheno- 
_genesis. Blochmann observed that in insects the polar bodies were 
not actually thrown out of the egg, but remained embedded in its 
substance near the periphery. At the same time Boveri (’87, 1) dis- 
covered that in Ascaris the second polar body might in exceptional 
cases remain in the egg and there give rise to a resting-nucleus indis- 
tinguishable from the egg-nucleus or sperm-nucleus. He was thus 
led to the interesting suggestion that parthenogenesis might be due 
to the retention of the second polar body in the egg and its union 
with the egg-nucleus. ‘The second polar body would thus, in a 
certain sense, assume the 7é/e of the spermatozoon, and it might not 
without reason be said: “ Parthenogencsis ts the result of fertilization 
by the second polar body.” * 

This conclusion received a brilliant confirmation through the obser- 
vations of Brauer (’93) on the parthenogenetic egg of Artemza, 
though it appeared that Boveri arrived at only a part of the truth.. 
Blochmann (’88—’89) had found that in the parthenogenetic eggs 
of the honey-bee ¢wo polar bodies are formed, and Platner discov- 
ered the same fact in the butterfly Lzparvzs ('89)—a fact which 
seemed to contradict Boveri’s hypothesis. Brauer’s beautiful re- 
searches resolved the contradiction by showing that there are ‘wo 
types of parthenogenesis which may occur in the same animal. In the 
one case Boveri’s conception is exactly realized, while the other is 
easily brought into relation with it. 

(az) In both modes typical tetrads are formed in the germ-nucleus 
to the number of eighty-four. In the first and more frequent case 


2783, p. 622. 2 Essay VL., p. 359. 8 Lc pz? 


282 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


(Fig. 141) but one polar body is formed, which removes eighty-four 
dyads, leaving eighty-four in the egg. There may be an abortive 
attempt to form a second polar spindle, but no division results, and 
the eighty-four dyads give rise to a reticular cleavage-nucleus. From 


Fig. 141. — First type of maturation in the parthenogenetic egg of Artemia. [BRAUER.] 


A. The first polar spindle; the equatorial plate contains 84 tetrads. &. C. Formation of the 
first polar body; 84 dyads remain in the egg, and these give rise to the egg-nucleus, shown in D. 
/. Appearance of the egg-centrosome and aster. #. G. Division of the aster and formation 
of the cleavage-figure ; the equatorial plate consists of 84 apparently single but in reality bivalent 
chromosomes. 


this arise eighty-four thread-like chromosomes, and ¢he same number 
appears in later cleavage-stages. 

(6) It is the second and rarer mode that realizes Boveri’s concep- 
tion (Fig. 142). Both polar bodies are formed, the first removing 
eighty-four dyads and leaving the same number in the egg. In the 
formation of the second, the eighty-four dyads are halved to form 


MATURATION OF PARTHENOGENETIC EGGS 283 


two daughter-groups, each containing eighty-four single chromosomes. 
Both these groups remain in the egg, and each gives rise to a single 
reticular nucleus, as described by Boveri in Ascaris. These two nuclei 
place themselves side by side in the cleavagefigure, and give rise each 
to eighty-four chromosomes, precisely like two germ-nuclet in ordinary 
Sertitization. The one hundred and sixty-eight chromosomes split 


Fig. 142.— Second type of maturation in the parthenogenetic egg of Artemia. [BRAUER.] 


A. Formation of second polar body. 4%. Return of the second polar nucleus (/. 4.2) into the 
egg; development of the egg-amphiaster. C. Union of the egg-nucleus (?) with the second 
polar nucleus (/. 4.2). D. Cleavage-nucleus and amphiaster. #. First cleavage-figure with 
€quatorial plate containing 168 chromosomes in two groups of 84 each. 


lengthwise, and are distributed in the usual manner, avd reappear 
tn the same number in later stages. In other words, the second polar 
body here plays the part of a sperm-nucleus precisely as maintained 
by Boveri. 

In all individuals arising from eggs of the first type, therefore, the 
somatic number of chromosomes is eighty-four; in all those arising 
from eggs of the second type, it is one hundred and sixty-eight. This 


284 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


difference is clearly due to the fact that in the latter case the chromo- 
somes are single or univalent, while in the former they are bivalent 
(actually arising from dyads or double chromosomes). The remark- 
able feature, on which too much emphasis cannot be laid, is that the 
numerical difference should persist despite the fact that the mass, and, 
as far as we can see, the quality, of the chromatin is the same in both 
cases. In this fact we must recognize a strong support, not only of 
Hacker’s and Vom Rath’s conception of bivalent chromosomes, but 
also of the more general hypothesis of the individuality of chromo- 
somes (Chapter VI.). 


1. Accessory Cells of the Testzs 


It is necessary to touch here on the nature of the so-called “ Sertoli-cells,” or sup- 
porting cells of the testis in mammals, partly because of the theoretical significance 
attached to them by Minot, partly because of their relations to the question of amito- 
sis in the testis. In the seminiferous tubules of the mammalian testis, the parent- 
cells of the spermatozoa develop from the periphery inwards toward the lumen, where 
the spermatozoa are finally formed and set free. At the periphery is a layer of cells 
next the basement-membrane, having flat, oval nuclei. Within this, the cells are 
arranged in columns alternating more or less regularly with long, clear cells, con- 
taining large nuclei. The latter are the Sertoli-cells, or supporting cells; they extend 
nearly through from the basement-membrane to the lumen, and to their inner ends 
the young spermatozoa are attached by their heads, and there complete their growth. 
The spermatozoa are developed from cells which lie in columns between the Sertoli- 
cells, and which undoubtedly represent spermatogonia, spermatocytes,and sperma- 
tids, though their precise relationship is, to some extent, in doubt. The innermost 
of these cells, next the iumen, are spermatids, which, after their formation, are found 
attached to the Sertoli-cells, and are there converted into spermatozoa without further 
division. The deeper cells from which they arise are spermatocytes, and the sper- 
matogonia lie deeper still, being probabiy represented by the large, rounded cells. 

Two entirely different interpretations of the Sertoli-cells were advanced as long 
ago as 1871, and both views still have their adherents. Von Ebner (71) at first 
regarded the Sertoli-cell as the parent-cell of the group of spermatozoa attached to it, 
and the same view was afterward especially advocated by Biondi (85) and by Minot 
(92), the latter of whom regarded the nucleus of the Sertoli-cell as the physiological 
analogue of the polar bodies, z.e. as containing the female nuclear substance (92, 
p- 77). According to the opposing view, first suggested by Merkel (’71), the Sertoli- 
cell is not the parent-cell, but a nurse-cell, the spermatozoa developing from the 
columns of rounded cells, and becoming secovdarzly attached to the Sertoli-cell, 
which serves merely as a support and a means of conveying nourishment to the 
growing spermatozoa. This view was advocated by Brown (’85), and especially by 
Benda (°87). In the following year (’88), von Ebner himself abandoned’ his early 
hypothesis and strongly advocated Benda’s views, adding the very significant result 
that four spermatids arise from each spermatocyte, precisely as was afterward shown 
to be the case in Ascarés, etc. The very careful and thorough work of Benda and 
von Ebner, confirmed by that of Lenhossék (98, 2), leaves no doubt that mamma- 
lian spermatogenesis conforms, in its main outlines, with that of Ascarzs, the sala- 
mander, and other forms, and that Biondi’s account is untenable. Minot’s theoretical 
interpretation of the Sertoli-cell, as the physiological equivalent of the polar bodies, 
therefore collapses. / 


| 
| 
| 
| 


SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 285 


2. Amitosis in the Early Sex-cells 


Whether the progenitors of the germ-cells ever divide amitotically is a question of 
high theoretical interest. Numerous observers have described amitctic division in 
testis-cells, and a few also in those of the ovary. The recent observations of Meves 
(91), Vom Rath (793), and others leave no doubt whatever that such divisions 
occur in the testis of many animals. Vom Rath maintains, after an extended inves- 
tigation, that all cells so dividing do not belong in the cycle of development of the 
germ-cells (93, p. 164) ; that amitosis occurs only in the supporting or nutritive cells 
(Sertoli-cells, etc.), or in such as are destined to degenerate, like the “residual 
bodies” of Van Beneden. Meves has, however, produced strong evidence (’94) that 
in the salamander the spermatogonia may, in the autumn, divide by amitosis, and in 
the ensuing spring may again resume the process of mitotic division, and give rise to 
functional spermatozoa. On the strength of these observations Flemming (’93) him- 
self now admits the possibility that amitosis may form part of a normal cycle of devel- 
opment. 


H. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 


The one fact of maturation that stands out with perfect clearness 
and certainty amid all the controversies surrounding it is a reduction 
of the number of chromosomes in the ultimate germ-cells to one-half the 
number characteristic of the somatic cells. It is equally clear that this 
reduction is a preparation of the germ-cells for their subsequent union, 
and a means by which the number of chromosomes is held constant 
in the species. With a few exceptions the first indication of the 
numerical reduction appears through the segmentation of the spireme- 
thread, or the resolution of the nuclear reticulum, into a number of 
masses one-half that of the somatic chromosomes. In nearly all higher 
animals this process first takes place two cell-generations before the 
formation of the definitive germ-cells, and the process of reduction is 
completed by two rapidly succeeding “ maturation-divisions,” giving 
rise to four cells, all of which become functional in the male, while in 
the female only one becomes the egg, while the other three — the 
polar bodies or their analogues —are cast aside. During these two 
divisions each of the original chromatin-masses gives rise to four | 
chromosomes, of which each of the four daughter-cells receives one; | 
hence, each of the latter receives one-half the somatic number of 
chromosomes. In the higher plants, however, the two maturation- 
divisions are followed by a number of others, in which the reduced 
number of chromosomes persists, a process most strikingly shown in 
the pteridophytes, where a separate sexual generation (prothallium ) 
thus arises, all the cells of which show the reduced number. 

Two general types of maturation may be distinguished according 
to the manner in which the primary chromatin-masses divide. In one, 


1 For more recent literature on this subject see Meves, Ze//thet/ung, in Merkel and Bon- 
net’s Zrgebnisse, VIIL., 1898. 


286 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


typically represented by Ascaris and the arthropods, each of these 
masses divides into four to form a tetrad, thus preparing at once for 
two rapidly succeeding divisions, which are not separated by a recon- 
struction of the daughter-nuclei during an intervening resting period. 
In the other, examples of which are given by the flowering plants and 
the spermatogenesis of the Amphibia, no true tetrads are formed, the 
primary chromatin-masses dividing separately for each of the matura- 
tion-divisions, which are separated by a period in which the nuclei 
regress toward the resting state, though often not completely return- 
ing to the reticular condition. These two types differ, however, only 
in degree, and with few exceptions they agree in the fact that during 
the prophases of the first division the chromatin-bodies assume the 
form of rings, the mitosis thus being of the heterotypical form, and 
each ring having the prospective value of four chromosomes. 

Thus far the phenomena present no difficulty, and they give us a 
clear view of the process by which the numerical reduction of the 
chromosomes is effected. The confusion of the subject arises, on the 
one hand, from its complication with theories regarding the individu- 
ality of the chromosomes and the functions of chromatin in inheri- 
tance, on the other through conflicting results of observation on the 
mode of tetrad-formation and the character of the maturation-divisions. 
Regarding the latter question nearly all observers are now agreed that 
one of these divisions, usually the first, is a longitudinal or equation- 
division, essentially like that occurring in ordinary mitosis. The main 
question turns upon the other division, which has been shown in some 
cases to be transverse and not longitudinal, and thus separates what 
were originally different regions of the spireme-thread or nuclear 
substance. The evidence in favour of such a division seems at present 
well-nigh demonstrative in the case of insects and copepods, and 
hardly less convincing in the turbellarians, annelids, and mollusks. 
On the other hand, both divisions are regarded as longitudinal by most 
of those who have investigated the phenomena in Ascaris and in the 
vertebrates, and by some of the most competent investigators of the 
flowering plants. 

The evidence as it stands is so evenly balanced that the subject is 
hardly yet ripe for discussion. The principle for which Weismann 
contended in his theory of reducing division has received strong 
support in fact; yet should it be finally established that numerical 
reduction may be effected either with or without transverse division, 
as now seems probable, not only will that theory have to be aban- 
doned or wholly remodelled, but we shall have to seek a new basis 
for the interpretation of mitosis in general. Weismann’s theory is 
no doubt of a highly artificial character ; but this should not close our 
eyes to the great interest of the problem that it attempted to solve. - 


LITERATURE 287 


The existing contradiction of results has led to the opinion, expressed 
by a number of recent writers, that the difference between longitudinal 
or transverse division is of minor importance, and that the entire 
question of reduction is a barren one. This opinion fails to reckon 
with the facts on which rests the hypothesis of the individuality of 
chromosomes (Chap. VI.); but these facts cannot be left out of 
account. We must find a common basis of interpretation for them 
and for the phenomena of reduction; yet how shall we reconcile 
them with reduction by longitudinal division only? I cannot, there- 
fore, share the opinion that we are dealing with a barren problem. 
The peculiarities of the maturation-miteses are obviously correlated 
in some way with the numerical reduction, and the fact that they 
differ in so many ways from the characters of ordinary mitosis gives 
ground to hope that their exhaustive study will throw further lght 
not only on the reduction-problem itself but also on mitosis in general 
and on still wider problems relating to the individuality of the chromo- 
somes and the morphological organization of the nucleus. It is indeed 
very probable that Weismann’s theory is but a rude attempt to attack 
the problem, and one that may prove to have been futile. The prob- 
lem itself cannot be ignored, nor can it be dissociated from the series 
of kindred problems of which it forms a part. 


CIP ERATURE.? Vit 


Van Beneden, E. — Recherches sur la maturation de l’ceuf, la fécondation et la division 
cellulaire: Arch. Biol., VV. 1883. 

Boveri, Th. — Zellenstudien, I., II]. eva, 1887-90. See also “ Befruchtung 
@EIsE LV... 

Brauer, A. — Zur Kenntniss der Spermatogenese von Ascaris megalocephala: Arch. 
mik. Anat., XLII. 1893. 

Id. — Zur Kenntniss der Reifung der parthenogenetisch sich entwickelnden Eies von 
Artemia Salina: Arch. mik. Anat., XLII. 1894. 

Guignard, L.—Le développement du pollen et la réduction chromatique dans le 
Natias: Arch. Anat. Mic., 11. 1899. (Full literature on reduction in plants. ) 

Griffin, B. B. — See Literature, IV. 

Hacker, V.— Die Vorstadien der Eireifung (General Review): Arch. mik. Anat., 
XIV 2 OOS. 

Id. — Uber weitere Ubereinstimmungen zwischen den Fertpflanzungsvorgangen der 
Thiere und Pflanzen: Bol. Centralb.. XVI. 1897. 

Id.— Uber vorbereitende Theilungsvorginge bei Thieren und Pflanzen: Verh. 
deutsch. Zool. Ges., VII. 1898. 

Id. — Die Reifungserscheinungen: Merkel und Bonnet’s Ergebnisse, VIII. 1808. 

Hertwig, 0. — Vergleich der Ei- und Samenbildung bei Nematoden. Eine Grund- 
lage fiir cellulare Streitfragen: Arch. mik. Anat., XXXVI. 1890. 

Mark, E. L. — (See List IV.) 

Peter, K.— Die Bedeutung der Nahrzellen im Hoden: Arch. mk. Anat., LIII. 1898 


” 


1 See also Literature, 1V., p. 231. 


288 REDUCTION OF THE CHROMOSOMES 


Platner, G. — Uber die Bedeutung der Richtungskérperchen: Bol. Centralb., VUIL 
1889. 


a 


Vom Rath, 0.— Zur Kenntniss der Spermatogenese von Gryllotalpa vulgaris: Arch. | 


mik. Anat... XL. 1892. 
Id. — Neue Beitraége zur Frage der Chromatinreduktion in der Samen- und Eireife : 

; Arch. mik. Anat., XLVI. 1895. 

Riickert, J. — Die Chromatinreduktion der Chromosomenzahl im Entwicklungsgang 
der Organismen: Ergebn. d. Anat. u. Entwick., U1. 1893 (1894). ' 

Strasburger, E.— Uber periodische Reduktion der Chromosomenzahl im Entwick- 
lungsgang der Organismen: Bzol. Centralb., XIV. 1894. 

Id. — Reduktionstheilung, Spindelbildung, etc. : /Jeva, Fzscher, 1900. 


ee 


CHAPEERY Vil 
SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


“Wir miissen deshalb den lebenden Zellen, abgesehen von der Molecularstructur der 
organischen Verbindungen, welche sie enthalt, noch eine andere und in anderer Weise com- 
plicirte Structur zuschreiben, und diese es ist, welche wir mit dem Namen Organization 
bezeichnen.”’ BRUCKE.! 


“Was diese Zelle eigentlich ist, dariiber existieren sehr verschiedene Ansichten.” 
HACKEL.? 


Tue remarkable history of the chromatic substance in the matura- 
tion of the germ-cells forces upon our attention the problem of the 
ultimate morphological organization of the nucleus, and this in its 
turn involves our whole conception of protoplasm and the cell. The 
grosser and more obvious organization is revealed to us by the micro- 
scope as a differentiation of its substance into nucleus, cytoplasm, 
and the like. But, as Strasburger has well said, it would indeed be a 
strange accident if the highest powers of our present microscopes had 
laid bare the ultimate organization of the cell. Briicke insisted more 
than thirty years ago that protoplasm must possess a far more com- 
plicated morphological organization than is revealed to us in the 
visible structure of the cell, repeating, though without accepting, an 
earlier suggestion of Henle’s (’41) that the cell might be composed of 
more elementary vital units ranking between the molecule and the 
cell, Many biological thinkers since Briicke’s time have in one form 
‘or other accepted this conception, which indeed lies at the root of 
nearly all recent attempts to analyze exhaustively the phenomena of 
cell-life. Without attempting to follow out the history of opinion in 
detail or to give any extended review of the various theories,’ it may 
be pointed out that this conception was based both on theoretical 
@ priort grounds and on the observed facts of cell-structure. On the 
former basis it was developed by Herbert Spencer ® in his theory of | 
“physiological units” by which he endeavoured to explain the phe- 
nomena of regeneration, development, and heredity; while Nageli 
(84) developed on the same general lines his theory of szce//e which 


1 Elementarorganismen, 1861, p. 386. 
2 Anthropogenie, 1891, p. 104. 
3 For an exhaustive review see Yves Delage, Za structure du protoplasma et les théortes sud 
Vhérédité. Paris, 1895. 4 Principles of Biology, 1864. 
U 289 


290 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


has been so widely accepted by botanists. In the meantime Darwin! 
introduced a new element into the speculative edifice in his celebrated 
hypothesis of pangenesis, where for the first time appear the two 
assumptions of specific differences in the ultra-microscopic corpuscles 
(““gemmules”) and the power of self-propagation by division. Dar- 
win did not, however, definitely maintain that protoplasm was actually 
built of such bodies. The latter hypothesis was added by De Vries 
(89), who remodelled the theory of pangenesis on this assumption, 
thus laying the basis for the theories of development which reached 
their climax in the writings of Hertwig and Weismann. . 

The views of Spencer and Darwin were based on purely theoretical 
grounds derived from the general phenomena of growth and inheri- 
tance.2_ Those of Nageli, De Vries, Wiesner, Altmann, and others 
were more directly based on the results of microscopical investigation. 
The view was first suggested by Henle (’41), and at a later period 
developed by Béechamp and Estor, by Maggi and especially by Alt- 
mann, that the protoplasmic granules might be actually organic units 
or bioblasts, capable of assimilation, growth, and division, and hence 
to be regarded as elementary units of structure standing between the 
cell and the. ultimate molecules of living matter. By Altmann, espe- 
cially, this view was pushed to an extreme limit, which lay far beyond 
any thing justified by the known facts; and the theory of genetic con- 
tinuity expressed by Redi in the aphorism “omne vivum ex vive,” 
reduced by Virchow to “‘omnzs cellula e cellula,”’ finally appears in 
the writings of Altmann as “omne granulum e granulo” 1? 

Altmann’s premature generalization rested upon a very insecure 
foundation and was received with just scepticism. Except in the case 
of plastids, the division of the cytoplasmic granules was and still 
remains a pure assumption, and furthermore many of Altmann’s 
‘“oranules”’ (zymogen-granules of gland-cells, etc.) are undoubtedly 
metaplasmic bodies.* Yet the beautiful discoveries of Schimper (85) 
and others on the origin of plastids in plant-cells give evidence that 
these cells do in fact contain large numbers of bodies, other than the 
nuclei, that possess the power of growth and division. The division 
of the chlorophyll-bodies, observed long ago by Mohl, was shown by 
Schmitz and Schimper to be their usual if not their only mode of ori- 
gin; and Schimper was able to trace them back to minute colourless 
plastids, scarcely larger than ‘“‘ microsomes,” that are present in large 
numbers in the protoplasm of the embryonic cells and of the egg, and 
give rise not only to chlorophyll-bodies but also to the amyloplasts or 
starch-formers and the chromoplasts or pigment-bodies. While it still 
remains doubtful whether the plastids arise solely by division or also 


1 Variation of Animals and Plants, 1868. 2 Cf. Introduction, p. 12. 
3 Die Elementarorganismen, Leipsic, 1894, p. 155. 4 Cf. Lazarus, ’98. 


—— — 


THE NATURE OF CELI-ORGANS 291 


by new formation (as now seems to be the case with the centrosome), 
the foregoing observations on the plastids give a substantial basis for 
the hypothesis that protoplasm may be built of minute dividing bodies 
which form its ultimate structural basis. It was these facts, taken in 
connection with the phenomena of particulate inheritance and varia- 
tion (Galton), that led De Vries and his followers to the fundamental 
assumption of ‘ pangens,” ‘‘ plasomes,” “ biophores,” and the like as 
final protoplasmic units;! but these were conceived not as the visible 
granules, plastids, etc., but as much smaller bodies, lying far beyond 
the limits of present microscopical vision, through the growth or 
aggregation of which the visible structures arise. This assumption 
has been harshly criticised; yet when we recall that in one form or 
another it has been accepted by such men as Spencer, Darwin, Beale, 
Hackel, Michael Foster, Nageli, De Vries, Wiesner, Roux, Weis- 
mann, Oscar Hertwig, Verworn, and Whitman, and on evidence drawn 
from sources so diverse, we must admit that despite its highly specula- 
tive character it is not to be lightly rejected. In the present chapter 
we may inquire how far the known facts of cell-structure speak for or 
against this hypothesis, incidentally considering a number of detailed 
questions of cell-morphology which have not hitherto found a place. 


A. THE NATURE OF CELL-ORGANS 


The cell is, in Briicke’s words, an elementary organism, which may 
by itself perform all the characteristic operations of life, as is the case 
with the unicellular organisms, and in a sense also with the germ-cells. 
Even when the cell is but a constituent unit of a higher grade of 
organization, as in multicellular forms, it is no less truly an organism, 
and in a measure leads an independent life, even though its functions 
be restricted and subordinated to the common life. It is true that the 
earlier conception of the multicellular body as a colony of one-celled 
forms cannot be accepted without certain reservations.2, Neverthe- 
less, all the facts at our command indicate that the tissue-cell possesses 
the same morphological organization as the egg-cell, or the protozoan, 
and the same fundamental physiological properties as well. Like 
these the tissue-cell has its differentiated structural parts or organs, 
and we have now to inquire how these cell-organs are to be conceived. 


1 The following list includes only some of the various names that have been given to 
these hypothetical units by modern writers: Physiological units (Spencer); gemmules 
(Darwin); fangens (De Vries); plasomes (Wiesner); micelle (Nageli); plastidules 
(Haeckel and Elssberg); zzotagmata (Engelmann); ézophores (Weismann); ézobdasts 
(Beale); somacules (Foster); zdioblasts (Hertwig); ¢dzosomes (Whitman); é2ogens (Ver- 


worn); mzcrozymas (Béchamp and Estor); gemme (Haacke). These names are not 
Strictly synonymous, nor do all of the writers cited assume the power of division in the 
units. 2575, Di 5S 


292 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


The visible organs of the cell fall under two categories, according as 
they are merely temporary structures, formed anew in each successive 
cell-generation out of the common structural basis, or permanent struc- 
tures whose identity is never lost, since they are directly handed on by 
division from cell to cell To the former category belong, in general, 
such structures as cilia, pseudopodia, and the like; to the latter, the 
nucleus, perhaps also the centrosomes, and the plastids of plant-cells. 
A peculiar interest attaches to the permanent cell-organs. Closely 
interrelated as these organs are, they nevertheless have a remarkable 
degree of morphological independence. They assimilate food, grow, 
divide, and perform their own characteristic actions like coexistent but 
independent organisms, of a lower grade than the cell, living together 
in colonial or symbiotic association. So striking is this morphological 
and physiological autonomy in the case of the green plastids or chro- 
matophores that neither botanists nor zodlogists are as yet able to dis- 
tinguish with absolute certainty between those that form an integral 
part of the cell, as in the higher green plants, and those that are 
actually independent organisms living symbiotically within it, as is 
probably the case with the yellow cells of Radiolaria. Even so 
acute an investigator as Watasé (’93, 1) has seriously propounded the 
view that the nucleus itself — or rather the chromosome — should be | 
regarded as a distinct organism living in symbiotic association with 
the cytoplasm, but having had, in an historical sense, a different origin. 
This rather fantastic view has not found much favour, and even were 
it true would teach us nothing of the origin of the power of division, 
which must for the present be taken as an elementary process forming 
one of the primary data of biology. Yet we may still inquire whether 
the power of division shown by such protoplasmic masses as plastids, 
chromosomes, centrosomes, nucleoli, and nuclei may not have its root 
in a like power residing in ultimate protoplasmic units of which they 
are made up. Could we accept such a view, we might much more 
easily meet some puzzling cytological difficulties. For under this 
assumption the difference between transient and permanent cell- 
organs would become only one of degree, depending on the degree of: 
cohesion between their structural components ; and we could thus con- 
ceive, for example, how such a body as a centrosome might form, per- 
sist by division for a number of generations, and finally disintegrate. 
In connection with this it may be pointed out that even such a typical 
permanent organ as the nucleus does not persist as such during the 
ordinary form of division; for it loses its boundary and many of its 
other structural characters, becoming resolved into a group of sepa- 
rate chromosomes. What persists is here not the structural unit, but 
the characteristic substance which forms its essential constituent, and 


1 Cf. footnote, p. 30. 


ee Orn GicAla pA STS: (OF LTE CELE 293 


a large part even of this substance may be lost in the process. The 
term “persistent organ”’ is therefore used in rather a figurative sense, 
and if too literally understood may easily mislead us. 

With the foregoing considerations in mind let us turn to the actual 
structural relation of the cell-organs. 


Ba STRUCTURAL -DASIS| OF THE CELL 


In Chapter I. some of the reasons have been given for the conclu- 
sion that none of the obvious structural features of protoplasm (fibrillz, 
alveoli, granules, and the like) can. be regarded as necessary or uni- 
versal; and we may now inquire whether there is any evidence that 
such structures may have such acommon structural basis as De Vries’s 
theory assumes. I shall here take as a point of departure my observa- 
tions on the structure of protoplasm in echinoderm-eggs, already briefly 
reviewed at page 28. The beautiful alveolar structure of these eggs is 
entirely of secondary origin, and all the visible structural elements 
arise during the growth of the eggs by the deposit and subsequent 
enlargement of minute spherical bodies, all apparently liquid drops, 
in a homogeneous or finely granular basis which is itself a liquid. 
Some of these spheres enlarge to form the alveolar spheres, while the 
homogeneous basis or continuous substance remains as the interalve- 
olar material. Others remain much smaller to constitute the “ micro- 
somes” scattered through the interalveolar walls; and these bodies, 
like the alveolar spheres, are perfectly visible in life, as well as in 
section ; they are therefore not coagulation-products or artifacts. From 
these three elements arise all the other structures observed in these 
eggs, deutoplasm-spheres (Ophzurva) and pigment-bodies (Arbacia) 
being formed by further enlargement and chemical alteration of the 
alveolar spheres, while astral rays and spindle-fibres are differentiated 
out of the inter-alveolar material and microsomes.! These various 
elements show a continuous gradation in size from the largest deuto- 
plasm-spheres down to the smallest visible granules, the latter being 
the source of all the larger elements, and in their turn emerging into | 
view from the “homogeneous” basis. Clearly, then, none of these 
bodies can be regarded as the ultimate structural units; for the latter, 
if they exist, must lie in a region at present inaccessible to the micro- | 
scope. This fact, however, no more disproves their existence than it | 
does that of molecules and atoms. It only shows the futility of such © 
attempts as those of Altmann and his predecessors to identify ‘ gran- 
ules” or ‘microsomes ”’ as final morphological units, and compels us to 
turn to indirect instead of direct evidence. It may, however, again be 
pointed out that it would be quite irrational to conclude that the small- 


1 Cf. Wilson, ’90. 


204 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELI-ORGANIZATION 


est visible granules first come into existence when they first come 
within view of the microscope. The ‘“ homogeneous” substance must 
itself contain or consist of granules still smaller. The real question 
is not whether such ultra-microscopical bodies exist, but whether they 
are permanent organized bodies possessing besides the power of growth 
also the power of division. This question can be only indirectly ap- 
proached; and we shall find it convenient to do so by beginning at 
the opposite end of the series, through a reconsideration of the 
phenomena of nuclear division. 


C. MorPHOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF THE NUCLEUS 


1. Lhe Chromatin 


(a) Hypothesis of the Individuality of the Chromosomes. — It may 
now be taken as a well-established fact that the nucleus is never 
formed de nove, but always arises by the division of a preéxisting 
nucleus. In the typical mode of division by mitosis the chromatic 
substance is resolved into a group of chromosomes, always the same 
in form and number in a given species of cell, and having the power 
of assimilation, growth, and division, as if they were morphological 
individuals of a lower order than the nucleus. That they are such 
individuals or units has been maintained as a definite hypothesis, es- 
pecially by Rabl and Boveri. Asa result of careful study of mitosis 
in epithelial cells of the salamander, Rabl (’85) concluded that the 
chromosomes do not lose thetr individuality at the close of division, but 
persist in the chromatic reticulum of the resting nucleus. The reticu- 
lum arises through a transformation of the chromosomes, which give 
off anastomosing branches, and thus give rise to the appearance of a 
network. Their loss of identity is, however, only apparent. They 
come into view again at the ensuing division, at the beginning of 
which ‘“‘the chromatic substance flows back, through predetermined 
paths, into the primary chromosome-bodies”’ (Kernfaden), which re- 
appear in the ensuing spireme-stage in nearly or quite the same posi- 
tion they occupied before. Even in the resting nucleus, Rabl believed 
that he could discover traces of the chromosomes in the configuration 
of the network, and he described the nucleus as showing a distinct 
polarity having a “pole” corresponding with the point toward which 
the apices of the chromosomes converge (7.e. toward the centrosome), 
and an “antipole” (Gegenpol) at the opposite point (z.e. toward the 
equator of the spindle) (Fig. 22). Rabl’s hypothesis was precisely 
formulated and ardently advocated by Boveri in 1887 and 1888, and 
again in 1891, on the ground of his own studies and those of Van 
Beneden on the early stages of Ascaris. The hypothesis was supported 


MORPHOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF THE NUCLEUS 295 


by extremely strong evidence, derived especially from a study of ab- 
normal variations in the early development of Ascaris, the force of 
which has, I think, been underestimated by the critics of the hypothesis. 
Some of this evidence may here be briefly reviewed. In some cases, 
through a miscarriage of the mitotic mechanism, one or both of the 
chromosomes destined for the second polar body are accidentally left 


Fig. 143.— Evidence of the individuality of the chromosomes. Abnormalities in the fertiliza- 
tion of Ascaris. [BOVERI.] 


A. The two chromosomes of the egg-nucleus, accidentally separated, have given rise each to a 
reticular nucleus (2, 9); the sperm-nucleus below (¢). &. Later stage of the same, a single 
chromosome in each egg-nucleus, two in the sperm-nucleus. C. An egg in which the second 
polar body has been retained; £.6.2 the two chromosomes arising from it; 9 the egg-chromo- 


p 


somes; ¢ the sperm-chromosomes. 2. Resulting equatorial plate with six chromosomes. 


in theegg. These chromosomes give rise in the egg toa reticular nu- 
cleus, indistinguishable from the egg-nucleus. Ata later period this 
nucleus gives rise to the same number of chromosomes as those that 
entered into its formation, 7.e. either one or two. These are drawn 
into the equatorial plate along with those derived from the germ- 
nuclei, and mitosis proceeds as usual, the number of chromosomes 
being, however, abnormally increased from four to five or six (Fig. 143, 


296 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


C, D). Again, the two chromosomes left in the egg after removal of 
the second polar body may accidentally become separated. In this 
case each chromosome gives rise to a reticular nucleus of half the 
usual size, and from each of these a s7zg/e chromosome is afterward 
formed (Fig. 143, 4, 4). Finally, it sometimes happens that the two 
germ-nuclei completely fuse, while in the reticular state, as is normally 
the case in sea-urchins and some other animals (p. 188). . From the 
cleavage-nucleus thus formed arise four chromosomes. 

The same general result is given by the observations of Zur Strassen 
(98) on the history of giant embryos in Ascaris. These embryos 
arise by the fusion, either before or after the fertilization, of previ- 
ously separate eggs, and have been shown to be capable of develop- 
ment up to a late stage. Not only in the first but also in some, at 
least, of the later mitoses, such eggs show an increased number of 
chromosomes proportional to the number 
of nuclei that have united. Thus in 
monospermic double eggs (variety 67- 
valens ) the number is six instead of four ; 
in dispermic double eggs the number is 
increased to eight (Fig. 144). 

These remarkable observations show 
that whatever be the number of chromo- 
somes entering into the formation of a 
reticular nucleus, the same number after- 
ward issues from it—a result which de- 
monstrates that the number of chromo- 
somes is not due merely to the chemical 
composition of the chromatin-substance, 
but to a morphological organization of 

Fig. 144.— Giant-embryo of Ascaris, the nucleus. A beautiful confirmation 
HT ate Certo Sige ae ea of this conclusion was afterward made 
chromosomes (Zur Strassen). by Boveri (035 95, I) and Morgan (95, 

4), in the case of echinoderms, by rear- 
ing larvee from enucleated egg-fragments, fertilized by a single sper- 
matozoon (p. 194). All the nuclei of such larve contain but half the 
typical number of chromosomes, —z.e. in Achznus nine instead of 
eighteen, — since all are descended from one germ-nucleus instead 
of two! 

Equally striking is the remarkable fact, described at page 275, that 
all of the cells in the sexual generation (odphore) of the higher 
cryptogams show half the number of chromosomes characteristic of 
the sporophyte, the explanation being that while reduction occurs 
at the time of spore-formation, the spores develop without fertilization, 
the reduced chromosome-number persisting until fertilization occurs 


MORPHOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF THE NUCLEUS 297 


long afterward. Attention may be again called to the surprising case 
of Artemza, described at page 281, which gives a strong argument in 
favour of the hypothesis. 

In addition to the foregoing evidence, Van Beneden and Boveri 
were able to demonstrate in Ascaris that in the formation of the 
spireme the chromosomes reappear in the same position as those 
which entered into the formation of the reticulum, precisely as Rabl 


Fig. 145. — Evidence of the individuality of the chromosomes in the egg of Ascaris. [BOVERI.] 


&, Anaphase of the first cleavage. /. Two-cell stage with lobed nuclei, the lobes formed by 
the ends of the chromosomes. G. Early prophase of the ensuing division; chromosomes re-form- 
ing, centrosomes dividing. A. Later prophase, the chromosomes lying with their ends in the 
same position as before; centrosomes divided. 


maintained. As the long chromosomes diverge, their free ends are 
always turned toward the middle plane (Fig. 31), and upon the re- 
construction of the daughter-nuclei these ends give rise to correspond- 
ing lobes of the nucleus, as in Fig. 145, which persist throughout the 
resting state. At the succeeding division the chromosomes reappear 
exactly in the same position, their ends lying in the nuclear lobes as 
before (Fig. 145, G, H). On the strength of these facts Boveri con- 
cluded that the chromosomes must be regarded as ‘ individuals” or 
“elementary organisms,” that have an independent existence in the 


2098 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELLI-ORGANIZATION 


cell. During the reconstruction of the nucleus they send forth pseu- 
dopodia which anastomose to form a network in which their identity 
is lost to view. As the cell prepares for division, however, the chro- 
mosomes contract, withdraw their processes, and return to their 
“resting state,” in which fission takes place. Applying this con- 
clusion to the fertilization of the egg, Boveri expressed his belief that 


Fs 


TT Py: 
Ts, 


Soa are 
pe) et 
fe 


Tare 


i 


Fig. 146.— Independence of paternal and maternal chromatin in the segmenting eggs of 
Cyclops. [A-C, from RUCKERT; D, from HACKER.] 

A. First cleavage-figure in C. strenuus; complete independence of paternal and maternal 
chromosomes. #. Resulting two-cell stage with double nuclei. C. Second cleavage ; chromosomes 
still in double groups. D. Blastomeres with double nuclei from the eight-cell stage of C. érevicornis. 


‘“we may identify every chromatic element arising from a resting 
nucleus with a definite element that entered into the formation of 
that nucleus, from which the remarkable conclusion follows chat 7 
all cells derived in the regular course of division from the fertilized 
egg, one-half of the chromosomes are of strictly paternal origin, the 


oS? 


other half of maternal.” } 
’ 1°91, p. 410. 


MORPHOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF THE NUCLEUS 299 
Boveri’s hypothesis has been criticised by many writers, especially 
by Hertwig, Guignard, and Brauer, and I myself have urged some 
objections to it. Recently, however, it has received a support so 
strong as to amount almost to a demonstration, through the remark- 
able observations of Rutickert, Hacker, Herla, and Zoja on the 
independence of the paternal and maternal chromosomes. These 
observations, already referred to at page 208, may be more fully re- 
viewed at this point. Hacker (92, 2) first showed that in Cyclops 
strenuus, as in Ascaris and other forms, the germ-nuclei do not fuse, 
but give rise to two separate groups of chromosomes that lie side by 
side near the equator of the cleavage-spindle. In the two-cell stage 
(of Cyclops tenuicornts) each nucleus consists of two distinct though 
closely united halves, which Hacker believed to be the derivatives of 
the two respective germ-nuclei. The truth of this surmise was demon- 
strated three years later by Riickert (95, 3) in a species of Cyclops, 
likewise identified as C. strenuus (Fig. 146). The number of chromo- 
somes in each germ-nucleus is here twelve. Riickert was able to 
trace the paternal and maternal groups of daughter-chromosomes not 
only into the respective halves of the daughter-nuclei of the two-cell 
stage, but into /ater cleavage-stages. From the bilobed nuclei of the 
two-cell stage arise, in each cell, a double spireme and a double 
group of chromosomes, from which are formed bilobed or double 
nuclei in the four-cell stage. This process is repeated at the next 
cleavage, and the double character of the nuclei was in many cases 
distinctly recognizable at a late stage when the germ-layers were 
being formed. 

Finally Victor Herla’s (93) and Zoja’s (’95, 2) remarkable obser- 
vations on Ascaris showed that in Ascaris not only the chromatin of 
the germ-1uclei, but also the paternal and maternal chromosomes, 
remain perfectly distinct as far as the twelve-cell stage — certainly a 
brilliant confirmation of Boveri’s conclusion. Just how far the dis- 
tinction is maintained is still uncertain, but Hacker’s and Ruckert’s 
observations give some ground to believe that it may persist through- 
out the entire life of the embryo. Both these observers have shown 
that the chromosomes of the germinal vesicle appear in ¢wo dzstinct 
groups, and Riickert suggests that these may represent the paternal 
and maternal elements that have remained distinct throughout the 
entire cycle of development, even down to the formation of the egg! 

Leaving aside all doubtful cases (such as the above suggestion of 
Rickert’s), the well-determined facts form an irresistible proof of the 
general hypothesis ; and it is one with which every general analysis 
of the cell has to reckon. I believe, however, that the hypothesis has 
received an unfortunate name; for, except in a few special cases,! 


300 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


~ 


almost no direct evidence exists to show that the chromosomes persist 
as “individuals” in the chromatin-reticulum of the resting cell. The 
facts indicate, on the contrary, that in the vast majority of cases the 
identity of the chromosomes is wholly lost in the resting nucleus, and 
the attempts to identify them through the polarity or other morpho- 
logical features of the nuclear network have on the whole been futile. 
It is therefore an abuse of language to speak of a persistent “ individ- 


Fig. 147. — Hybrid fertilization of the egg of Ascaris megalocephala, var. bivalens, by the sper- 
matozoOn of var. wzivalens. [HERLA.] 


A, The germ-nuclei shortly before union. &. The cleavage-figure forming; the sperm-nucleus 
has given rise to one chromosome {7), the egg-nucleus to two (?). ©. Two-cell stage dividing, 
showing the three chromosomes in each cell. D. Twelve-cell stage, with the three distinct chro- 
mosomes still shown in the primordial germ-cell or stem-cell. 


uality’? of chromosomes. But this verbal difficulty should not blind 
us to the extraordinary interest and significance of the facts. It is 
difficult to suppose that the tendency of the chromatin to resolve 
itself into a particular number of chromosomes is directly due to its 
chemical or molecular structure, or is analogous to crystallization ; for 
in the chromatin of the same species, or even in that of the same egg, 
this tendency varies, not with chemical, but with purely morphological 


> a 


MORPHOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF THE NUCLEUS 301 


conditions, z.e. with the amber of chromosomes that enter the 
nucleus. Neither can we assume that it is due merely to the total 
mass of the chromatin in each case ; for this varies in different nuclei 
of the same species, or even in the nucleus of the same cell at dif- 
ferent periods (as in the egg-cell), yet the same number of chromo- 
somes is characteristic of all. Indeed, we seek in vain for an analogy 
to these phenomena and can only admit our entire inability to explain 
them. No phenomena in the history of the cell more clearly indicate 
the existence of a morphological organization which, though resting 
upon, is not to be confounded with, the chemical and molecular 
structure that underlies it; and this remains true even though we are 
wholly ignorant what that organization is. 

(0) Composition of the Chromosomes. —We owe to Roux! the first 
clear formulation of the view that the chromosomes, or the chromatin- 
thread, consist of successive regions or elements that are qualitatively 
different (p. 244). This hypothesis, which has been accepted by 
Weismann, Strasburger, and a number of others, lends a_ peculiar 
interest to the morphological composition of the chromatic substance. 
The facts are now well established (1) that in a large number of cases 
the chromatin-thread consists of a series of granules (chromomeres) 
embedded in and held together by the linin-substance, (2) that the 
splitting of the chromosomes is caused by the division of these more 
elementary bodies, (3) that the chromatin-grains may divide at a time 
when the spireme is only just beginning to emerge from the reticulum 
of the resting nucleus. These facts point unmistakably to the conclu- 
sion that these granules are perhaps to be regarded as independent 
morphological elements of a lower grade than the chromosomes. 
That they are not artifacts or coagulation-products is proved by their 
uniform size and regular arrangement in the thread, especially when 
the thread is split. A decisive test of their morphological nature is, 
however, even more difficult than in the case of the chromosomes ; 
for the chromatin-grains often become apparently fused together so 
that the chromatin-thread appears perfectly homogeneous, and whether 
they lose their individuality in this close union is undetermined. 
Observations on their number are still very scanty, but they point to 
some very interesting conclusions. In Boveri's figures of the egg- 
maturation of Ascarzs each element of the tetrad consists of six chro- 
matin-discs arranged in a linear series (Van Beneden’s figures of the 
same object show at most five) which finally fuse to form an appar- 
ently homogeneous body. In the chromosomes of the germ-nuclei 
the number is at least double this (Van Beneden). Their number has 
been more carefully followed out in the spermatogenesis of the same 
animal (variety dzva/ens) by Brauer. At the time the chromatin-grains 


1 Bedeutung der Kerntheilungsfiguren, 1883, p. 15. 


302 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


divide, in the reticulum of the spermatocyte-nucleus, they are very 
numerous. His figures of the spireme-thread show at first nearly 
forty granules in linear series (Fig. 120, 4). Just before the breaking 
of the thread into two the number is reduced to ten or twelve (Fig. 
120, C). Just after the division to form the two tetrads the number 
is four or five (Fig. 120, Y), which finally fuse into a homogeneous 
body.! 

It is certain, therefore, that the number of chromomeres is not con- 
stant in a given species, but it is a significant fact that in Ascaris the 
final number, before fusion, appears to be nearly the same (four to 
six) both in the o6genesis and the spermatogenesis. The facts re- 
garding bivalent and plurivalent chromosomes (p. 87) at once sug- 
gest themselves, and one cannot avoid the thought that the smallest 
chromatin-grains may successively group themselves in larger and _ 
larger combinations of which the final term is the chromosome. 
Whether these combinations are to be regarded as “individuals” is a 
question which can only lead to a barren play of words. The fact 
that cannot be escaped is that the history of the chromatin-substance 
reveals to us, not a homogeneous substance, but a definite morpho- 
logical organization in which, as through an inverted telescope, we 
behold a series of more and more elementary groups, the last visible 
term of which is the smallest chromatin-granule, or nuclear microsome, 
beyond which our present optical appliances do not allow us to see. 
Are these the ultimate dividing units, as Brauer suggests (p. 113)? 
Here again we may well recall Strasburger’s warning, and hesitate to 
identify the end of the series with the limits reached by our best 
lenses. Somewhere, however, the series must_end in final chromatic 
units which cannot be further subdivided without the decomposition 
of chromatin into simpler chemical substances; and these units must 
be capable of assimilation, growth, and division without loss of their 
specific character. It is in these ultimate units that we must seek the 
“qualities,” if they exist, postulated in Roux’s hypothesis; but the 
existence of such qualitative differences is a physiological assumption 
that in no manner prejudices our conclusion regarding the ultimate 
morphological composition of the chromatin. 


D. CHROMATIN, LININ, AND CYTOPLASM 


What, now, is the relation of the chromatin-grains to the linin-net- 
work and the cytoplasm? Van Beneden long ago maintained? that 


1 Eisen (’99) finds that the chromosomes of the spermatogonia of Batrachoseps always 
consist of six “ chromomeres,” each of which consists of three smaller granules or “ chromi- 
oles.” The latter persist as the chromatin-granules of the resting nucleus; and it is through 
their successive aggregation that the chromomeres and chromosomes are formed. 

2°83, pp. 580, 583. 


CHROMATIN, LININ, AND CYTOPLASM 303 


the achromatic network, the nuclear membrane, and the cell-mesh- 
work have essentially the same structure, all consisting of microsomes 
united by connective substance, and being only “ parts of one and the 
same structure.” But, more than this, he asserted that the chromatic 
and achromatic microsomes might be transformed into one another, and 
were therefore of essentially the same morphological nature. ‘They 
pass successively, in the course of the nuclear evolution, through a 
chromatic or an achromatic stage, according as they imbibe or give 
off the chromophilous substance.’”’! Both these conclusions are borne 
out by recent researches. Heidenhain (’93, 94), confirmed by Reinke 
and Schloter, finds that the nuclear network contains granules of two 
kinds differing in their staining-capacity. The first are the basi-chro- 
matin granules, which stain with the true nuclear dyes (basic tar-col- 
ours, etc.), and are identical with the “ chromatin-granules”’ of other 
authors. The second are the oxychromatin-granules of the linin-net- 
work, which stain with the plasma-stains (acid colours, etc.), and are 
closely similar to those of the cytoreticulum. These two forms gradu- 
ate into one another, and are conjectured to be different phases of the 
same elements. This conception is furthermore supported by many 
observations on the behaviour of the nuclear network as a whole. 
The chromatic substance is known to undergo very great changes in 
staining-capacity at different periods in the life of the nucleus (p. 338), 
and is known to vary greatly in bulk. In certain cases a very large 
amount of the original chromatic network is cast out of the nucleus 
at the time of the division, and is converted into cytoplasm. And, 
finally, in studying mitosis in sea-urchin eggs I found reason to con- 
clude (’95, 2) that a considerable part of the linin-network, from which 
the spindle-fibres are formed, is actually derived from the chromatin. 
From the time of the earlier writings of Frommann (65, ’67), 
Arnold (’67), Heitzmann (’73), and Klein (’78), down to the present, 
an increasing number of observers have held that the nuclear reticu- 
lum is to be conceived as a modification of the same structural basis 
as that which forms the cytoplasm. The latest researches indicate, 
indeed, that true chromatin (nuclein) is confined to the nucleus.? But 
the whole weight of the evidence now goes to show that the linin- 
network is of the same nature as the cell-meshwork, and that the 
achromatic nuclear membrane is formed as a condensation of the same 
substance. Many investigators, among whom may be named From- 
mann, Leydig, Klein, Van Beneden, Carnoy, and Reinke, have de- 
scribed the fibres of both the intra- and extra-nuclear network as 
terminating in the nuclear membrane; and the membrane itself is 
described by these and other observers as being itself reticular in 
structure, and by some (Van Beneden) as consisting of closely crowded 


1 Jc. p. 583. 2 Cf. Hammarsten (’95). 


304 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


microsomes arranged in a network. The clearest evidence is, however, 
afforded by the origin of the spindle-fibres in mitotic division; for it 
is now well established that these may be formed either inside or out- 
side the nucleus, and at the close of mitosis the central portion of the 
spindle appears always to give rise to a portion of the cytoplasm 
lying between the daughter-nuclei. In such a case as that of the 
sea-urchin (see above) we have, therefore, evidence of a direct trans- 
formation of chromatin into linin-substance, of the latter into spindle- 
fibres, and, finally, of these into cytoplasm. 

When all these facts are placed in connection, we find it difficult to 
escape the conclusion that no definite line can be drawn between the 
cytoplasmic granules at one extreme and the chromatin-granules at 
the other. And inasmuch as the latter are certainly capable of 
growth and division, we cannot deny the possibility that the former 
may themselves have, or arise from elements having like powers. 
But while we may take this as a fair working hypothesis, we should 
clearly recognize that the base of well-determined fact on which it 
rests is approached by a circuitous route; that in case of most of the 
cytoplasmic granules there is not the slightest evidence that they 
multiply by division; and that even though some of them may have 
such powers, we cannot regard them as the ultimate structural units, 
for the latter must be bodies far more minute. 


E. THE CENTROSOME 


From our present point of view the centrosome possesses a peculiar 
interest as a cell-organ which may be scarcely larger than a cytomi- 
crosome, yet possesses specific physiological properties, assimilates, 
grows, divides, and may persist from cell to cell without loss of identity. 
Nearly all observers of the centrosome have found it lying in the 
cytoplasm, outside the nucleus; but apart from the Protozoa (p. 94) 
there is at least one well-established case in which it lies within the 
nucleus, namely, that of Ascavzs, where Brauer made the interesting 
discovery that 7 one variety (wnivalens) the centrosome lies inside the 
nucleus, in the other vartety (bivalens) outside —a fact which proves 
that its position is non-essential (cf Figs. 120 and 148). 

An intra-nuclear origin of the centrosome has also been asserted by 
Julin (93) in the primary spermatocytes of S7y/eopsis, by Riickert 
(94) in the eggs of Cyclops, Mathews (95) in those of Astevzas, Car- 
noy and Le Brun (’97, 2) in Ascaris, Van der Stricht (’98) in the eggs 
of Thysanozoon, by R. Hertwig (98) in Actenospherium, Calkins 
(98, 1) in Woctelwea, and Schaudinn (’96, 3) in spore-producing buds of 
Acanthocystis, though in the last-named form the centrosome of the 
vegetative forms is extra-nuclear (p. 92). 


THE CENTROSOME 305 

As already stated,! it is still undetermined whether a true centro- 
some may ever arise de novo, but the evidence in favour of such a 
possibility has of late rapidly increased. Carnoy (’86) long since 
showed that the egg of Ascaris, during the formation of the polar 
bodies, sometimes showed numerous accessory asters scattered 
through the cytoplasm. Reinke (’94) described somewhat similar 
asters in peritoneal cells of the salamander, distinguishing among 
them three orders of magnitude, the largest containing distinct 
centrosomes or “primary centres,’ while the smaller contained 
“secondary” and “tertiary’’ centres, the last named being single 


Fig. 148.— Mitosis with intra-nuclear centrosome, in the spermatocytes of Ascaris megalo- 
cephala, var. univalens. [BRAUER.] 

A. Nucleus containing a quadruple group or tetrad of chromosomes (7), nucleolus (7), and 
centrosome (c). £&. C. Division of the centrosome. D.£./. G. Formation of the mitotic figure, 
centrosomes escaping from the nucleus in G. 


microsomes at the nodes of the cytoreticulum. By successive aggre- 
gations of the tertiary and secondary centres arise true centrosomes 
as new formations. Watasé (’94—95) also finds in the egg of J/acro- 
bdella, besides the normal aster containing an undoubted centrosome, 
numerous smaller asters graduating downwards to such “tertiary 
asters’”’ as Reinke describes with a microsome at the centre of each, 
and on this basis concludes that the true centrosome differs from a 
microsome only in degree and may arise de novo. Mottier (97, 2) 
finds in pollen-mother-cells numerous minute “ cy.to-asters’’ having 
no direct relation to the spindle-formation (Fig. 133). Again Juel 


INGE pp.5 25.204: 


306 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZA TION 


(97) finds that an isolated chromosome, accidentally separated from 
the equatorial plate (pollen-mother-cells of //emerocadllis), may give 
rise to a small vesicular nucleus which may subsequently divide by 
mitosis, though it is quite out of relation to the spindle-poles of the 
preceding mitosis (Fig. 149). Strong evidence of the same character 
as the last is given by the facts in the heliozo6n Acanthocystis, as 
shown by Schaudinn ('96, 3), the ordinary vegetative cells containing 
a persistent extra-nuclear centrosome, while in the bud-formation of 
the swarm-spores a centrosome is formed de novo, without relation to 
that of the mother-cell, inside the nucleus of the bud (Fig. 41). 

The strongest case in favour of the independent origin of centro- 
somes is, however, given by the observations of Mead on Chetopterus 
(98) and the remarkable experiments of R. Hertwig (795, '96) and 


Fig. 149.— Abnormal mitosis in pollen-mother-cells of Hemerocallis, showing formation of 
small nucleus from one or two stray chromosomes and its subsequent division. [JUEL.] 


Morgan (’96, 1; ’99, 1) on the eggs of echinoderms and other animals. 
When eggs of Chetopterus are taken from the body-cavity and placed 
in sea-water, a multitude of small asters appear in the cytoplasm, two 
of which are believed to persist as those of the polar spindle, while 
the others degenerate (Fig. 150). Mead is therefore convinced 
that the polar centrosomes arise in this case separately and de novo.' 
R. Hertwig showed that when unfertilized eggs of sea-urchins 
(Strongylocentrotus, Echinus) are kept for some time in sea-water or 
treated with dilute solutions of strychnine the nuclei undergo some of 


1 A number of other authors (e.g. Griffin, 7alassema, Coe, Cerebratulus) have likewise 
found the first polar asters widely separated at their first appearance. On the other hand, 
Mathews (95), whose preparations I have seen, finds the polar centrosomes in Asterias 
close together, and Francotte (’97, 98) has demonstrated that in Cycloporus and Prosthece- 
rus they arise by the division of a single primary centrosome. The same is stated by Gar- 
diner (’98) to be the case in Polycherus. It should be noted, further, that Mead could find 
no undoubted centrosomes save in the “ primary ”’ or definitive polar asters. 


THE CENTROSOME 307 


the changes of mitosis, the chromatin-network giving rise to a group 
of chromosomes and a spindle, or more frequently a fan-shaped 
half-spindle, arising from the achromatic substance. In some cases 
not only a complete spindle appeared but also asters at the poles, 
though no centrosomes were observed (Fig. 151). Morgan’s experi- 
ments along the same lines were mainly performed upon the sea- 
urchin Aréacza, but included also the eggs of Asterias, Sipunculus, 
and Cerebratulus (Figs. 150, 151). In these eggs numerous asters 
may arise in the cytoplasm, if they are allowed to lie some time in sea- 


Fig. 150.— Formation de zovo (?) of centrosomes. [4, B, MEAD; C, MORGAN.] 


A. Unfertilized egg of Chetopterus with “ secondary asters" developed a few minutes after the 
egg is placed in sea-water. 2. Slightly later stage with two definitive polar asters and centrosomes. 
C. Large “sun” (transformed polar aster) containing numerous small “secondary asters" and 
centrosomes, from unfertilized egg of Cereératu/us after 22 hours in 1.5 % sodium chloride 
solution. 


water or treated by weak solutions of sodium or magnesium chloride. 
These asters often contain deeply staining, central granules indistin- 
guishable from the centrosomes of the normal asters; and, what is of 
high interest, such of them as lie near the nucleus take part in the 
irregular nuclear division that ensues, forming centres toward which 
the chromosomes pass. These divisions continue for some time, the 
chromosomes being irregularly distributed through the egg, and giving 
rise to nuclei of various sizes apparently dependent upon the number 
of chromosomes each receives. After a variable number of such 


308 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


divisions the asters disappear, yet the irregular nuclear divisions con- 
tinue, nuclear spindles with distinct centrosomes being formed at each 
division, but apparently without relation to the older asters, and they 


LESH. 
ADS? 


SARS eal, 

: iihws Seats 

ISA OT | / 
43 AX se hs 


Wiss 


LAB 
Ze PS, 


v! : 


Fig. 151.— Formation of centrosomes and asters in unfertilized echinoderm-eggs. [4, B, 
MorGAN ; C-Z, R. HERTWIG.] 

A. Arbacia, after 4% hours in 1.5 % solution of sodium chloride, then 5 hours in sea-water; 
scattered chromosomes and asters. 4. Asters formed after 6% hours in NaCl. C-2. Echinus 


after treatment with 0.5 % strychnine-solution, showing various forms of astral formations (fan- 


shaped aster, half spindle, and complete mitotic figure). 


are believed by Morgan to arise de novo from the egg substance.t 
In the meantime irregular cleavage of the egg occurs, though no 
embryo is produced.? Loeb, however, in the remarkable experiments 


* 799, P- 479- 

2Morgan makes the important observation, which harmonizes with that of Boveri, 
reported at page 108, that the divisions occur with respect to the number and position of the 
nuclei, not of the asters, concluding that the former must therefore play an essential 7é/e as 
centres of division, and that the activity of the asters is in itself not sufficient to account 
for division of the cytoplasm. 


THE CENTROSOME 309 


referred to at page 215, finds that after treatment with magnesium 
chloride unfertilized sea-urchin eggs (Arbacia) may give rise to perfect 
Pluteus \arvee —a result which if well founded seems to place the 
new formation of true centrosomes beyond question. 

Taken together, these researches give strong ground for the con- 
clusion that true (z.e. physiological) centrosomes may arise de novo 
from either the cytoplasmic or the nuclear substance and may play 
the usual 7é/e (whatever that may be) in mitosis. If this conclusion 
be sustained by future research, we shall no longer be able to accept 
Van Beneden’s and Boveri's conception of the centrosome as a per- 
sistent organ in the same sense as the nucleus; but on the other hand 
we shall have gained important ground for further inquiry into the 
nature and source of that power of division which is so characteristic 
of living things and upon which the law of genetic continuity rests. 

Morphology of the Centrosome. — In its simplest form (Fig. 152, 4) 
the centrosome appears under the highest powers as nothing more than 
a single granule of extraordinary minuteness which stains intensely 
with iron-hzematoxylin, and can scarcely be distinguished from the 
cyto-microsomes except for the fact that it lies at the focus of the 
astral rays. In this form it always appears at the centre of the very 
young sperm-asters during fertilization (Figs. 97, 99), in the early 
phases of ordinary mitosis (Figs. 27, 32), and in some cases also in the 
resting cell, for example, in leucocytes and connective tissue corpuscles 
(Figs. 8, 49), where, however, it is often triple or quadruple. In the 
course of division the centrosome often increases in size and assumes 
a more complex form, becoming also surrounded by various structures 
involved in the aster-formation. The relation of these structures to 
the centrosome itself has not yet been fully cleared up and there 
is still much divergence of opinion regarding the cycle of changes 
through which the centrosome passes. It is, therefore, not yet possi- 
ble to give a very consistent account of the centrosome, still less. to 
frame a satisfactory morphological definition of it. 

It is convenient to take up as a starting-point Boveri's (’88) account 
of the centrosomes in the egg of Ascaris, supplemented by Brauer’s 
(93) description of those in the spermatocytes of the same animal. 
During the early prophases of the first cleavage Boveri found the 
centrosome as a minute granule which steadily enlarges as the spin- 
dle forms, until shortly before the metaphase it becomes a rather large, 
well-defined sphere in the centre of which a minute central granule or 
centriole appears (Fig. 152, B, C). From this time onward the cen- 
trosome decreases in size until in the daughter-cells it is again reduced 
to a small granule which divides into two and goes through a similar 
cycle during the second cleavage and so on. The centrosome is 
at all stages surrounded by a clear zone (‘‘ Heller Hof”) in which 


310 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


the astral rays are thinner and stain less deeply than farther 
out. Brauer’s account is substantially the same, though no definite 
“ Heller Hof’’ was found, and the astral rays were ered directly i in 
to the boundary of the centrosome. He added, however, two impor- 
tant observations, viz. (1) that the central granule is visible at every 
period ; and (2) a@vesion of the centrosome ts preceded by division of 
the central granule (Fig. 
Boveri to the division of the egg-centrosome.! Van Beneden and 
Neyt ('87), on the other hand, gave a quite different account of the 


a 
Fig. 152. — Diagrams illustrating various accounts of centrosome and aster. 

A. Centrosome, a simple granule at the centre of the aster; e+. sperm-aster in various animals. 
B. “Centrosome,” a sphere enclosing a central granule or centriole; ex. Brauer’s account of 
spermatocytes of dscavis. C Like the last, but “ centrosome” surrounded by a “‘ Heller Hof”; 
ex. Boveri's account of the centrosome of the Ascaris egg. DD. Central granule surrounded by a 
radial sphere (‘‘centrosome’’) bounded by a microsome-circle, and lying in a ‘“‘ Heller Hof”; 
ex. polar spindles of Zhysanozodn, Van der Stricht. &. Central granule (“centrosome”) sur- 
rounded by medullary and cortical radial zones, each bounded by a microsome-circle; ex. polar 
spindle of Uzzo, Lillie. #. Van Beneden’s representation of aster of une Ascaris egg; like the last, 
but the “corpuscule central” consisting of a group of granuies. G. ‘‘ Centrosome,” a group of 
granules surrounded by a “ Heller Hof”; ex. the echinoderm-egg. Hi. “ Centrosome” (central 
granule) surrounded by a vague larger body lying in a reticulated centrosphere; ex. Thalassema. 
(GRIFFIN. ] 


structures at the centre of the aster. The “corpuscule central” 
(usually assumed by later writers to be the centrosome), described as 
a “mass of granules,” is surrounded by two well-defined astral zones, 
formed as modifications of the inner part of the aster, and constitut- 
ing the “attraction-sphere.” These are an inner “medullary zone,” 
and an outer “cortical zone,” each bounded by a very distinct layer 
of microsomes (Fig. 152, /). 


1 Reported by Fiirst, ’98, p. 111. 


ag) Eel PR I Ny I ee tne ay I lala Ta gE NN eT 


Mer - 


THE CENTROSOME S10 


The discrepancy between these results on the part of the two 
pioneer investigators of the centrosome has led to great confusion 
in the terminology of the subject, which has not yet been fully 
cleared away. Many of the observers who followed Boveri (Flem- 
ming, Hermann, Van der Stricht, Heidenhain, etc.) found the centro- 
some, in various cells, as a much smaller body than he had described, 
often as a single or double minute granule, staining intensely with 
iron-hematoxylin. Heidenhain (93, ’94) and Driiner (’94, ’95) found 
further that the asters in leucocytes and other forms often show 
several concentric circles of microsomes, and that the sphere bounded 
by the innermost circle often stains more deeply than the outer por- 
tions and may appear nearly or quite homogeneous (Fig. 156). To 
this sphere, with its contained central granule or granules Heidenhain 
applies the term mzcrocentrum ('94, p. 463), while Kostanecki and 
Siedlecki suggest the term mzcrosphere (’96, p. 217). Still later 
Kostanecki and Siedlecki(’97) found that even in Ascar7s, as in other 
forms, sufficient extraction of the colour (iron-hamatoxylin) reduces the 
centrosome to a minute granule to which the astral rays converge, 
and which is presumably identical with Boveri's ‘central granule.” 
Heidenhain (’93, ’94) found that in leucocytes the central granule is 
often double, triple, or even quadruple, while in giant-cells of certain 
kinds there are numerous deeply staining granules (Fig. 14). He 
therefore proposed to restrict the term centrosome to the individ- 
ual granules, whatever be their number, applying the term sm7crocen- 
trum to the entire group (94, p. 463). 

With these facts in mind we can gain a clear view of the manner 
in which both the confusion of terminology and the contradiction of 
results has arisen. Brauer (93) found in Ascaris (see above) that 
division of the central granule precedes division of the “centrosome,” 
and therefore suggested that only the former is equivalent to Van 
Beneden’s ‘“‘corpuscule central,” while the body called “ centrosome ”’ 
by Boveri is really the medullary astral zone, the “ Heller Hof” being 
the cortical zone. This is substantially the same conclusion reached 
by Heidenhain, Rawitz, Lenhossék, Kostanecki and Siedlecki, Erlan- 
Ser, Van der Stricht, Lillie, and several others. _The confusion of 
the subject is owing, on the one hand, to the fact that those who 
have accepted this conclusion continue to use the word centrosome 
in two quite different senses, on the other hand to the fact that the 
conclusion is itself repudiated by Boveri (’95), MacFarland (’97), and 
Fiirst (’98). 

As regards the terminology we find that most recent writers agree 
with Heidenhain, Kostanecki and Siedlecki, in restricting the word 
centrosome to the minute, deeply staining granules, whether one or 
more, at the centre of the aster. On the other hand, Brauer, Fran- 


812 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


cotte, Van der Stricht, Meves, and others apply the term to the central 
granule or granules plus the surrounding sphere (‘“‘centrosome”’ of 
Boveri), which they regard as equivalent to the medullary zone of 
Van Beneden, the “corpuscule central” of the last-named author 
being identified with the central granule or “centriole” of Boveri, 
though the latter structure is considerably smaller than the former 
as described by Van Beneden. 

The matter of fact turns largely on the question whether the astral 
rays traverse the larger sphere to the central granule. That such is 
the case in Ascaris is positively asserted by Kostanecki and Siedlecki, 
(97) and as positively denied by First (’98) with whose observations 


Fig. 153. — Structure of the centrosome in the polar asters of a gasteropod, Diau/ula. [MAc- 
FARLAND.] 


A. Mitotic figure, formation of first polar body. #&. Inner aster at final anaphase; central 
granule double within the “centrosome.” C. Elongation of old ‘‘centrosome” to form second 
polar spindle. 


those of MacFarland (’97) on gasteropod-eggs agree. On the other 
hand, in the turbellarians the observations of Francotte (97, ’98) and 
Van der Stricht (’98, 1) seem to leave no doubt that the larger sphere 
(‘‘centrosome”’), here very sharply defined and staining deeply in 
iron-hzematoxylin, is traversed by well-defined astral rays converging 
to the central corpuscle, and both these observers agree further that 
both the corpuscle and the sphere divide to persist as the “centrosomes” 
of the daughter-cells —a result in conformity with Van Beneden’s con- 
clusion in the case of Ascazzs. 

Lillie’s valuable observations on the polar asters of Uzz0 (98) afford, 
I believe, conclusive evidence as to the nature of the sphere. In the 


ae 


THE GENTROSOME 353 


earlier stages the aster has exactly the structure described by Van 
Beneden in Ascaris, except that the innermost body (¢.e. the “ cor- 
puscule central’’) is a single minute granule. This is surrounded 
by typical medullary and cortical zones, through both of which the 


Fig. 154. — Centrosome and aster in the polar mitoses of Uzzo. [LILLIE.] 


A. Aster of the first polar figure; central granule (centrosome) surrounded by medullary 
(entosphere) and cortical (ectosphere) zones. &. Late anaphase of second polar mitosis; radial 
entosphere bounded by continuous membrane. C. YD. Prophases of second mitosis; formation 
of central spindle within and from the substance of the old entosphere. 


Tays pass (Fig. 152, &, Fig. 154). The inner sphere, consisting of 
a dense and deeply staining substance, has at first a typical radiate 
structure and is bounded by a microsome-circle. In later stages (late 
anaphase) the central granule divides into two and afterward into 
four or more granules, of which, however, only one or two actually 


314 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 
persist. The inner sphere is now bounded by a definite membrane, 
and its radiate structure becomes obscure, the astral rays extending 
only to the boundary of the sphere, though a few rays persist within 
it (Fig. 154, #). It is clear from this that the inner sphere and 
central granule pass through phases that bridge the gap between 
Van Beneden’s and Boveri's descriptions. Lillie’s observations fully 
sustain the conclusion that the central granule (“ centriole” of Bovert) 
corresponds to the “ corpuscule central” of Van Beneden, and the inner 
sphere (medullary zone) to Boveri's “centrosome.” A comparison of 
the polar aster of Unzo with that of 7ysanozodn, as described by 
Van der Stricht (’98), leaves hardly room for doubt that the cortical 
zone represents Boveri’s “ Heller Hof”’; for in both forms the rays 
of the cortical zone are much thinner and lighter than the more 
peripheral portions, thus giving a clear zone, which in Umzo is bounded 
by only a fairly definite microsome-circle and in 7ysanozoodn by none. 
Lastly, we must recognize the justice of the view urged by Kos- 
tanecki, Griffin, Mead, Lillie, Coe, and others, that the term ceztro- 
some should be applied to the central granule and not to the sphere 
surrounding it (medullary zone), despite the fact that historically the 
word was first applied by Boveri to the latter structure. For in both 
Diaulula (MacFarland) and Uuxzo (Lillie) the second polar spindle 
arises from the substance of the inner sphere, while the central 
granule, becoming double, gives rise to the centrosomes at its poles. 
By following Boveri's terminology, therefore, MacFarland is driven to 
the strange conclusion that the second polar spindle is nothing other 
than an enormously enlarged ‘‘ centrosome ’ —a result little short of 
a reductio ad absurdum when we consider that in Ascaris the polar 
spindle arises by a direct transformation of the germinal vesicle 
(p. 277). The obvious interpretation is that the central granule is 
the only structure that should be called a centrosome, the surround- 
ing sphere being a part of the aster, or rather of the attraction-sphere. 
Thus regarded, the origin of the spindle in Dzaz/u/a presents nothing 
anomalous and a similar interpretation may be placed on the polar 
spindles of Ascarts a3 described by Fiirst (’98).1 


1 In echinoderms the concurrent results of Reinke (’95), Boveri (’95), myself (’96—97), 
show that the “ centrosome ”’ is a well-defined sphere containing a large group (ten to twenty) 
of irregularly scattered, deeply staining granules. I have shown in this case that in the early 
prophases there is but one such granule, which then becomes double and finally multiple, 
forming a pluricorpuscular centrum (Fig. 52) not unlike that described by Heidenhain 
in giant-cells. Kostanecki, who asserts that the centrosome of echinoderms is a single 
granule (’96, 1, ’96, 2, p. 248), has not sufficiently studied the later phases of mitosis. 
Cf. also Erlanger (’98). The centrosomes described in nerve cells by Lenhossék (’95) are 
apparently of somewhat similar type. Until the facts are more fully known the exact nature 
of these “centrosomes”? remains an open question. Liillie’s observations on Unzo show 
that here, too (first polar spindle), the centrosome divides to form a considerable number of 


THE CENTROSOME 315 


The genesis of the concentric spheres surrounding the centrosome 
will be considered in the following section. We may here only 
emphasize the remarkable fact that the centres of the dividing 
system are bodies which are in many cases so small as to lie almost 
-at the limits of microscopical vision, and which in the absence of the 
surrounding structures could not be distinguished from other proto- 
plasmic granules. Full weight should be given to this fact in every 
estimate of the centrosome theory, and it is no less interesting in its 
bearing upon the corpuscular theory of protoplasm. 

Watasé ('93, 94) made the very interesting suggestion that che cen- 
trosome ts ttself nothing other than a microsome of the same morpho- 
logical nature as those of the astral rays and the general meshwork, 
differing from them only in size and in its peculiar powers.! Despite 
the vagueness of the word “microsome,” which has no well-defined 
meaning, Watase’s suggestion is full of interest, indicating as it does 
that the centrosome is morphologically comparable to other elemen- 
tary bodies existing in the cytoplasmic structure, and which, minute 
though they are, may have specific chemical and physiological prop- 
erties. 


An interesting hypothesis regarding the historical origin of centrosome is that of 
Biitschli (91) and R. Hertwig (92), who suggest that it may be a derivative of a 
body comparable with the micro-nucleus of Infusoria, which has lost its chromatin 
but retained the power of division; and the last-named author has suggested further 
that the so-called “archoplasmic loops” discovered by Platner in pulmonates may 
be remnants of the chromatic elements. A similar view has been advocated by 
Heidenhain (’93, °94) and Lauterborn (’96). Heidenhain regards central spindle 
and centrosomes as forming essentially a unit (‘*microcentrum”’) homologous with 
the micro-nucleus of the Infusoria, the centrodesmus (p. 79) representing a part of 
the original achromatic elements. The metazoan nucleus is compared to the proto- 
zoan macro-nucleus. The improbability of a direct derivation of the Metazoa from 
Infusoria, urged by Boveri (’95) and Hertwig (’96), has led Lauterborn (’96) to the 
view that the metazoan centrosome and nucleus are respectively derivatives of two 
equivalent nuclei, such as Schaudinn (’95) describes in Ame@ba binucleata, the 
“Nebenkorper” of Parameba (cf. p. 94), being regarded as an intermediate step, 
and the micro-nucleus of Infusoria a side-branch. R. Hertwig (’96),on the other 
hand, regards the metazoOn centrosome as a derivative of an intra-nuclear body such 
as the “nucleolo-centrosome” of Awglena (p. 91), which has itself arisen through 
a condensation of the general achromatic substance. With this view Calkins (98), 
on the whole, agrees; but he regards it as probable that the “ nucleolo-centrosome ” 


granules of which one or two remain as the persistent centrosome, while others are converted 
into microsomes or other cytoplasmic structures. It is probable that something similar 
occurs in the echinoderms. 

1 The microsome is conceived, if I understand Watasé rightly, not as a permanent mor- 
phological body, but as a temporary varicosity of the thread, which may lose its identity in 
the thread and reappear when the thread contracts. The centrosome is in like manner not 
a permanent organ like the nucleus, but a temporary body formed at the focus of the astral 
rays. Once formed, however, it may long persist even after disappearance of the aster, and 
‘serve as a centre of formation for a new aster. 


316 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


of Euglena and Am@éa and the sphere of Vocteluca and Parame@ba are to be com- 
pared with the attraction-sphere, while the centrosome may have had a different 
origin. 

It appears to me that none of these views rests upon a very substantial basis, and 
they must be taken rather as suggestions for further work than as well-grounded 
conclusions. 


F. THE ARCHOPLASMIC STRUCTURES 
1. Hypothesis of Fibrillar Persistence 


The asters and attraction-spheres have a special interest for the 
study of cell-organs; for they are structures that may divide and 
persist from cell to cell or may lose their identity and re-form in suc- 
cessive cell-generations, and we may here trace with the greatest 
clearness the origin of a cell-organ by differentiation out of the strue- 
tural basis. Two sharply opposing views of these structures have 
been held, represented among the earlier observers on the one hand 
by Boveri, on the other by Biitschli, Klein, Van Beneden, and Carnoy. 
The latter observers held that the astral rays and spindle-fibres, and 
hence the attraction-sphere, arise through a morphological rearrange- 
ment of the preéxisting protoplasmic meshwork, under the influence of 
the centrosome. This view, which may be traced back to the early 
work of Fol (’73) and Auerbach (’74), was first clearly formulated 
by Butschli (76), who regarded the aster as the optical expression of 
a peculiar physico-chemical alteration of the protoplasm primarily 
caused by diffusion-currents converging to the central area of the 
aster.1 An essentially similar view is maintained in Bitschli’s recent 
great work on protoplasm,? the astral “rays” being regarded as 
nothing more than the meshes of an alveolar structure arranged 
radially about the centrosomes (Fig. 10, 4). The fibrous appearance 
of the astral rays is an optical illusion, for they are not fibres, but flat 
lamellze forming the walls of elongated closed chambers. This view 
has recently been urged, especially by Erlanger (’97, 4, etc.), who 
sees in all forms of asters and spindles nothing more than a modified 
alveolar structure. 

The same general conception of the aster is adopted by most of 
those who accept the fibrillar or reticular theory of protoplasm, the 
astral rays and spindle-fibres being regarded as actual fibres forming 
part of the general network. One of the first to frame such a con- 
ception was Klein (’78), who regarded the aster as due to “a radial 
arrangement of what corresponds to the cell-substance,” the latter 


1 For a very careful review of the early views on this subject, see Mark, Zimax, 1881. 
2°92, 2, pp. 158-169. 


THER AMCHOREASMIC STROCTORES 317 


being described as having a fibrillar character.!. The same view is 
advocated by Van Beneden in 1883. With Klein, Heitzman, and 
Frommann he accepted the view that the intra-nuclear and extra- 
nuclear networks were organically connected, and maintained that 
the spindle-fibres arose from both.2 “The star-like rays of the asters 
are nothing but local differentiations of the protoplasmic network.? 
In my opinion the appearance of the attraction-spheres, the 
polar corpuscle (centrosome), and the rays extending from it, includ- 
ing the achromatic fibrils of the spindle, are the result of the appear- 
ance in the egg-protoplasm of two centres of attraction comparable 
to two magnetic poles. This appearance leads to a regular arrange- 
ment of the reticulated protoplasmic fibrils and of the achromatic 
nuclear substance with relation to the centres, in the same way that 
a magnet produces the stellate arrangement of iron filings.” + 
This view is further developed in Van Beneden’s second paper, 
published jointly with Neyt (87). “The spindle is nothing but a 
differentiated portion of the asters.”’® The aster is a “radial structure 
of the cell-protoplasm, whence results the image designated by the 
name of aster.’”’® The operations of cell-division are carried out 
through the “contractility of the fibrilla of the cell-protoplasm and 
their arrangement in a kind of radial muscular system composed of 
antagonizing groups.” * 
An essentially similar view of the achromatic figure has been 
advocated by many later workers. Numerous observers, such as 
Rabl, Flemming, Carnoy, Watasé, Wilson, Reinke, etc., have ob- 
served that the astral fibres branch out peripherally into the general 
meshwork and become perfectly continuous with its meshes, and 
tracing the development of the aster, step by step, have concluded 
that the rays arise by a direct progressive modification of the pre- 
existing structure. The most extreme development of this view is 
contained in the works of Heidenhain (’93, 94), Buhler (’95), Kosta- 
“necki and Siedlecki (’97), which are, however, only a development of 
the ideas suggested by Rabl in a brief paper published several years 
before. Rabl (’80, 2) suggested that neither spindle-fibres nor astral 
rays really lose their identity in the resting cell, being only modified 
in form to constitute the mitome or filar substance (meshwork), but 
still being centred in the centrosome. Fission of the centrosome is 
followed by that of the latent spindle-fibres (forming the linin- 
network); hence each chromosome is connected by pairs of daughter- 


1Tt is interesting to note that in the same place Klein anticipated the theory of fibrillar 
contractility, both the nuclear and the cytoplasmic reticulum being regarded as contractile 
(4c p. 417). 
283, p. 592. 4983, p.. 550. Si7c% pu 75 
3783, p. 570. 52875) Dar 203% TUG py2eos 


18 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


ww 


fibres with the respective centrosomes. Heidenhain, adopting the 
first of these assumptions, builds upon it an elaborate theory of cell- 
polarity and cell-division already considered in part at pages 103-105. 
Sometimes the astral rays (‘‘ organic radii’’) retain their radial arrange- 
ment throughout the life of the cell (leucocytes, Fig. 49); more com- 
monly they are disguised and lost to view in the cytoplasmic meshwork. 
All, however, are equal in length and in tension — assumptions based 
on the one hand on the occurrence of concentric circles of microsomes 
in the aster, on the other hand on the analogy of the artificial model 
described at page 104. Biihler (’95) and Kostanecki and Siedlecki 
(97) likewise unreservedly accept the view that besides the centro- 
some the entire system of ‘organic radii,’ including astral rays, 
mantle-fibres, and central spindle-fibres, persists in the resting cell in 
modified form, and is centred in the centrosome. Kostanecki finally 
(97) takes the last step, logically necessitated by the foregoing con- 
clusion, and apparently supported also by the crossing of the astral 
rays opposite the equator of the spindle and the relations of their 
peripheral ends, concluding that the monocentric astral system is con- 
verted into the dicentric system (amphiaster) by /ongztudinal fission 
of the rays’ Thus the entire mitome of the mother-cell divides into 
equal halves for daughter-cells; and since the radii consist of micro- 
somes, each of these must likewise divide into two.? 

Could this tempting hypothesis be established, Roux’s interpretation 
of nuclear division (p. 224) could be extended also to the cytoplasm ; 
and the aster- and amphiaster-formation, with the spireme-forma- 
tion, might be conceived as a device for the meristic division of the 
entire cell-substance —a result which would place upon a_ substantial 
basis the general corpuscular theory of protoplasm. Unfortunately, 
however, the hypothesis rests upon a very insecure foundation: first, 
because it is based solely upon the fibrillar theory of protoplasm ; 
second, because of the very incomplete direct evidence of such a 


g 


splitting of the rays; third, because there is very strong evidence that © 


in many cases the old astral rays wholly disappear, to be replaced by 
new ones.? We may best consider this adverse evidence in connec- 
tion with a general account of the opposing archoplasm-hypothesis. 


2. The Archoplasm Hypothesis 


Entirely opposed to the foregoing conception are the views of 
Boveri and his followers, the starting point of which is given by 


1°97, p. 680. 

2 This view had been definitely stated also by O. Schultze in 1890, 

3 There is, however, no doubt that the aster as a whole does, in some cases, divide inte 
two — for instance, in the echinoderm-egg, Fig. 95. 


RHERARCHOPEASMIC STRUCT ORES: 319 


Boveri's celebrated archoplasm-hypothesis. Boveri has from the first 
maintained that the amphiastral fibres are quite distinct from the gen- 
eral cell-meshwork. In his earlier papers he maintained (’88, 2) that 
the attraction-sphere of the resting cell is composed of a distinct sub- 
stance, ‘“archoplasm,” consisting of granules or microsomes aggre- 
gated about the centrosome as the result of an attractive force exerted 
by the latter. From the material of the attraction-sphere arises the 
entire achromatic figure, including both the spindle-fibres and the 
astral rays, and these have nothing to do with the general reticulum 
of the cell. They grow out from the attraction-sphere into the reticu- 
lum as the roots of a plant grow into the soil, and at the close of 
mitosis are again withdrawn into the central mass, breaking up into 
granules meanwhile, so that each daughter-cell receives one-half of 
the entire archoplasmic material of the parent-cell. Boveri was 
further inclined to believe that the individual granules or archoplas- 
mic microsomes were “independent structures, not the nodal points of a 
general network,” and that the archoplasmic rays arose by the arrange- 
ment of these granules in rows without loss of their identity.1 In a 
later paper on the sea-urchin this view underwent a considerable 
modification through the admission that the archoplasm may not pre- 
exist as formed material, but that the rays and fibres may be a new 
formation, crystallizing, as it were, out of the protoplasm about the 
centrosome as a centre, but having no organic relation with the gen- 
eral reticulum; though Boveri still held open the possibility that the 
archoplasm might preéxist in the form of a specific homogeneous sub- 
stance distributed through the cell, though not ordinarily demonstra- 
ble by reagents.2, In this form the archoplasm-theory approaches 
very nearly that of Strasburger, described below. 

There are three orders of facts that tell in favour of Boveri's modi- 
fied theory: first, the existence of persistent archoplasm-masses or 
attraction-spheres from which the amphiasters arise; second, the 
origin of amphiasters in alveolar protoplasm; and, third, the increas- 
ing number of accounts asserting the replacement of the old asters 
by others of quite new formation. In at least one case, namely, that 
of Noctiluca, the entire achromatic figure is formed from a permanent 
attraction-sphere lying outside the nucleus and perfectly distinct from 
the general cell-meshwork.® Other cases of this kind are very rare, 
and in most cases the attraction-sphere sooner or later disintegrates,* 
but in the formation of the spermatozoa we have many examples of 
archoplasmic masses (Nebenkern, attraction-sphere, idiozome), which 
apparently consist of a specific substance having a special relation to 
the achromatic figure. 


7 88, 2, p. 8o. 8 Ishikawa, ’94, 98; Calkins, ’98, 2. 
295, 2, Pp. 40. 4 Cf. p. 323: 


320 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 

The amphiastral formation in alveolar protoplasm gives very clear 
evidence against the theory of fibrillar persistence. Here the fibrillar 
rays can be seen growing out through the walls of the alveoli! quite 
distinct from, though embedded in, them. At the close of mitosis 
every trace of the fibrillar formation may disappear, ¢,g. in echino- 
derm-eggs after formation of the polar bodies, the protoplasm retain- 
ing only a typical alveolar structure. 


Fig. 155. — Stages in the first cleavage of the egg in Cerebratulus (A-C, COE) and Thalassema 
(D-F, GRIFFIN). 

A. First appearance of the cleavage-centrosome at the poles of the fused germ-nuclei; cleavage- 
asters forming within the degenerating sperm-asters. 2. Final anaphase of first cleavage, showing 
persistent centrosomes and new asters forming. C. Immediately after division. -#. Three 
stages of the late anaphase in 7iadassema, showing formation of new asters within the old. (Cf 


Fig. 99.) 


The strongest evidence against fibrillar persistence is, however, 
given by recent studies on mitosis, showing on the one hand that the 
new astral centres do not coincide with the old ones, on the other 
that the old rays degenerate 7” sztwz, to be replaced by new ones. 
Aside from many earlier observers, who believed the entire aster to 
disappear at the close of mitosis, the first to assert the wholly new 


1 Cf Reinke (’95), Wilson (99). 


THE ARCHOPLASMIC STRUCTURES a2 
formation of the rays was Drtiner, who maintained in the case of the 
mitosis of salamander testis-cells, that “not a single fibre of the astral 
system of the mother-cell is carried over unchanged into the organism 
of the daughter-cell” (’95, p. 309). The same conclusion was soon 
afterward supported by Braus (’95) in the case of the cleavage- 
mitoses of 7rzton. The most convincing evidence of this fact has 
been given by studies on the maturation and fertilization of the eg¢e 
by Griffin (96, ’99), MacFarland (’97), Lillie (‘99), and Coe (99), all of 
whom find that the new astral centres, arising by division of the cen- 
trosome, move away from the old position, to which, however, the old 
rays still converge while the new asters are independently forming 
(Fig. 155). This is shown with especial clearness in the egg of Cere- 
bratulus (Coe), where the peripheral portions of the old asters persist 
until the new amphiaster is completely formed. This observation 
seems conclusively to overturn Kostanecki’s hypothesis of the persist- 
ence and division of the rays, and together with the work of MacFar- 
land gives a very strong support to Boveri’s later view. 

It still remains an open question whether the rays actually arise 
from the substance of the centrosome, from a specific surrounding 
archoplasm, or by differentiation out of the general substance of the 
meshwork. The first of these possibilities has been urged in a very 
interesting way by Watasé (’94), who believes that the centrosome 
“spins out the cytoplasmic filaments’! of the spindle and aster, and 
that ordinary microsomes may in like manner spin out the fibrillae of 
ordinary cytoplasmic networks.2 This view is sustained by the mode 
of origin of the axial filament in the spermatozoa and that of the cilia 
in plant spermatozoids. It is, on the other hand, opposed by the 
almost infinitesimal bulk of the centrosome as compared with that of 
the aster that may form about it, and by the formation of the spindles 
in higher plants in the apparent absence of centrosomes. On the 
whole, the facts do not seem at present to warrant the acceptance of 
Watasé’s ingenious hypothesis, and the most probable view is that 
of Driiner and Boveri, that the rays are differentiated out of the walls 
of the meshwork. In cases where the protoplasm is reticular or 
fibrillar the differentiation of the rays may be indistinguishable from 
a mere rearrangement of the thread-work; in alveolar protoplasm 
they may be seen as new formations, while in either case the 
material of the old aster may be more or less directly utilized in the 
building of the new. The feature common to all is the periodic 
activity either of the centre itself or of the surrounding protoplasm, 
and the coincidence or non-coincidence of the new aster with the old 
is apparently a secondary matter. 

Leap a283- 

2 See the same paper for a suggestive comparison of the astral fibrillee to muscle-fibres. 

Y 


SOME PROBLEMS OF CELI-ORGANIZATION 


ww 
iS) 
tN 


In its original form the archoplasm hypothesis, as stated by Boveri, 
was developed with reference only to the material of the spindle- 
fibres and astral rays. Later writers have greatly extended the con- 
ception on the basis of Boveri's earlier view that archoplasm is a 
specific form of protoplasm, possessing specially active properties. 
Strasburger ('92—’98), whose views have already been considered in 
part, believes the protoplasm to consist of, or to show a tendency to 
differentiate itself into, two distinct substances, namely, a specially 
active fibrillar 2xo0plasm and a less active alveolar trophoplasm. 
The former gives rise to the mitotic fibrilla, constitutes the periph- 
eral cell layer, or /Hautschicht, from which the membrane arises, 
forms the substance of the centrosomes, and gives origin to the con- 
tractile substance of cilia and flagella. The kinoplasm is thus mainly 
concerned with the motor phenomena of the cell, the trophoplasm 
with those of nutrition; and this physiological difference is morpho- 
logically expressed in the fact that the former has in general a 
fibrillar structure, the latter an alveolar. Beyond this the two forms 
of protoplasm show a difference of staining-reaction, the kinoplasmic 
fibrilla staining deeply with gentian-violet and iron-hamatoxylin, 
while the trophoplasm is but slightly stained. 

Prenant ('98, ’99) still further extends the hypothesis, adopting the 
view that the “ergastoplasmic”’ (Garnier) fibrillae of gland-cells! are 
equivalent to the kinoplasmic or archoplasmic fibrillae of the mitotic 
figure, and to the fibrillaze of nerve- and muscle-fibres as well. He is 
thus led to the conception of a dominating or “ superior” cytoplasm 
(including ‘‘archoplasm,” ‘“kinoplasm,” “ergastoplasm’’), which arises 
by differentiation out of the general cytoplasm, plays the leading 7d/e 
in the elaboration of active cell-elements (‘‘cytosomes”’), such as 
mitotic, neural, and glandular fibrillae, and finally, its 7é/e accom- 
plished, may disappear. Under the same category with the foregoing 
structures are placed the centrosome, attraction-sphere, mid-body, 
idiozome, Nebenkern, and yolk-nucleus. 

Such a generous expansion of the archoplasm-hypothesis brings it 
perilously near to a veductio ad absurdum ,; for the step is not a great 
one to the identification of the ‘‘ superior protoplasm” with the active 
cell-substance in general, which would render the whole hypothesis 
superfluous. Physiologically, we can draw no definite line of demar- 
cation between the more and the less active protoplasmic elements, 
and it may further be doubted whether such a boundary exists even 
between the latter and the metaplasmic substances.?2 It is further 
quite unjustifiable to infer physiological likeness from similarity in 
staining-reaction® or in fibrillar structure. For these reasons the 
hypothesis of “superior protoplasm” seems one of doubtful utility. 


1 Cf. the pancreas, p. 44. (C6, os Oy CTE 9s) XS 


THE ARCHOPEASMIC STRUCTURES 323 


In its more restricted form, however, the archoplasm or kinoplasm 
hypothesis is of high interest as indicating a common element in the 
origin and function of the mitotic fibrilla, the centrosome and mid- 
body, and the contractile substances of cilia, flagella, and muscle- 
fibres. The main interest of the hypothesis seems to me to lie in the 
definite genetic relations that have been traced between the archo- 
plasmic structures of successive cell-generations (as is most clearly 
shown in the phenomena of maturation and fertilization). It has 
been pointed out at various places in the preceding chapters! how 
many apparently contradictory phenomena in cell-division, fertiliza- 
tion, and related processes can be brought into relation with one 
another under the assumption of a specific substance, carried by the 
centrosome or less definitely localized, which gives the stimulus to 
division, which is concerned in the formation of the mitotic figure 
and of contractile elements, and which may be transmitted from cell! 
to cell without loss of its specific character. There seems, however, 
to be clear evidence that such substance (or substances), if it exists, 
is not to be regarded as being necessarily a permanent constituent of) 
the cell, but cally as a phase, more or less persistent, in the general] 


metabolic transformation of the cell-substance.? 


3. The Attraction-sphere 


As originally used by Van Beneden? the term a¢traction-sphere was 
applied (in Ascaris) to the central mass of the aster surrounding the 
“corpuscule central” and consisting of medullary and cortical zones, 
as already described (p. 310). The cortical zone is bounded by a dis- 
tinct circle of microsomes from which the astral rays proceed; and at 
the close of cell-division the rays were stated to fade away, leaving 
only the attraction-sphere, which, like the centrosome, was regarded 
as a permanent cell-organ. Later researches have conclusively shown 
that the attraction-sphere cannot be regarded as a permanent organ, 
since in many cases it disintegrates and disappears. This occurs, for 
example, in the early prophases of mitosis in the testis-cells of the sala- 
mander,! where the sphere breaks up and scatters through the cell as 
the new amphiaster forms (Fig. 27). A very interesting case of this 
kind occurs in the cleavage of the ovum in Crepzdu/a, as described by 
Conklin (99). The spheres here persist for a considerable period 
after division (Fig. 192), but have no direct relation to those of the 
ensuing division, finally disappearing zz s¢¢z. The new spheres are 
formed about the centrosomes, which Conklin believes to migrate 
out of the old spheres (somewhat as occurs in the spermatid, p. 167) to 
their new position. The interesting point here is that the old sphere 


IOGf. pp: LIT; 205. Zefa. U7. Us 3 783, p. 548. 
4 Driiner, ’95, Rawitz, ’96, Meves, 96. 


324 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


takes up such a position as to pass entirely into ove of the grand- 
daughter-cells, while the new sphere-substance is equally distributed 
between them and in its turn passes into one of the cells of the en- 
suing division.! 

In Crepidula, as in Ascaris, the attraction-sphere represents only 
the central part (centrosphere) of the aster. In some cases, however, 
e.g. in leucocytes, the entire aster may persist, and the term a¢trac- 
tion-sphere has by some authors been applied to the whole structure. 
Later workers have proposed different terminologies, which are at 
present in a state of complete confusion. Fol (’91) proposed to call 
the centrosome the asf/vecentre, and the spherical mass surrounding it 
(attraction-sphere of Van Beneden) the astrosphere. Strasburger 
accepted the latter term but proposed the new word cextrosphere 
for the astrosphere and the centrosome taken together.2, A new 
complication was introduced by Boveri ('95), who applied the word 
“astrosphere”’ to the extire aster exclusive of the centrosome, in which 
sense the phrase “astral sphere’ had been employed by Mark in 1881. 
The word “‘astrosphere ” has therefore a double meaning and would 
better be abandoned in favour of Strasburger’s convenient term cezfro- 
Sphere, which may be understood as equivalent to the ‘‘astrosphere” 
o£ Bol: 

Besides these terms we have Heidenhain’s mzcrocentrum (p. 311), 
equivalent to the centrosome or group of centrosomes at the centre of 
the aster, with its surrounding sphere ;? Kostanecki’s and Siedlecki’s 
microsphere, applied to the central region of the aster surrounding the 
centrosome whether bounded by a distinct microsome-circle or not ;#4 
Erlanger’s centroplasm, equivalent to microsphere ;° Ziegler’s ecéo- 
sphere and entosphere, applied to the cortical and medullary zones 
respectively ; and Meves's z@zozome, applied to the “‘attraction-sphere ” 
of the spermatids.° This profusion of technical terms has arisen 
through the desire to avoid ambiguity in the use of the term “ attrac- 
tion-sphere,”’ which, like the word ‘* Nebenkern”’ (p. 163), has been 
applied to bodies of quite different origin and fate. If we adhere to 
Van Beneden’s original use of the term it must be confined to the body 
surrounding the centrosome, forming a part of, or directly derived 
from, an aster, and giving rise wholly or in part to the succeeding aster. 
Meves (’96), Rawitz (’96), Erlanger (’97, 2), and others have, however, 
clearly shown that the ‘‘attraction-sphere”’ surrounding the centro- 
some (in testis-cells) may not only contain other material derived from 
the cytoplasm, e.g. the ‘“centrodeutoplasm” of Erlanger, but may 
take no direct part in the succeeding aster-formation, disintegrating 
and scattering through the cell as the new aster forms (Fig. 27). In 


1 Cf. p. 424. 394, p. 463. : 2005 3anDaro: 
2992, pei5: =296,pe2ty. S207, 45 ps ais: 


lie i 


THE ARCHOPLASMIC STRUCTURES B25 


other cases a sphere closely simulating an attraction-sphere may 
arise in the cytoplasm without apparent relation to the centrosomes 
or to the preceding aster, ¢.g. the yolk-nucleus or the sphere from 
which the acrosome arises in mammalian spermatogenesis.!. To call 
such structures “attraction-spheres” or ‘“archoplasm-masses”’ is to 
beg an important question; and in all such doubtful cases the simple 
word sphere should be used.? In case of the aster itself we may, for 
descriptive purposes, employ Strasburger’s convenient and non-com- 
mittal term cenxtrosphere, to designate in a somewhat vague and general 
way the central mass of the aster surrounding the centrosome, leaving 
its exact relation to Van Beneden’s attraction-sphere to be determined 
in each individual case. Where the centrosphere shows two concen- 
tric zones (medullary and cortical), they may be well designated with 
Ziegler as enxtosphere (“‘ centrosome” of Boveri) and ectosphere. 

As regards the structure of the centrosphere, two well-marked types 
have been described. In one of these, described by Van Beneden in 
_ Ascaris, by Heidenhain in leucocytes, by Driiner and Braus in divid- 
ing cells of Amphibia, and by Francotte, Van der Stricht, Lillie, Kos- 
tanecki, and others, in various segmenting eggs, the centrosphere has 
a radiate structure, being traversed by rays which stretch between the 
centrosome and the peripheral microsome-circle (Fig. 152, D, £, /’), 
when the latter exists. In the other form, described by Vejdovsky in 
the eggs of Rhynchelmis, by Solger and Zimmermann in pigment-cells, 
by myself in Verezs, by Ruickert in Cyclops, by Mead in Cheetopterus, 
Griffin in 7halassema, Coe in Cerebratulus, Gardiner in Polycherus, 
and many others, the centrosphere has a non-radial reticular or vesicu- 
lar structure, in which the centrosomes lie (Figs. 152, 7, 155). Kos- 
tanecki and others have endeavoured to show that such structures are 
artifacts, insisting that in perfectly fixed material the astral rays always 
traverse the centrosphere to the centrosome. This interpretation is, 
however, contradicted by the fact that the new asters developing in 
the centrospheres during the anaphases and telophases of such forms 
as Thalassema or Cerebratulus (Figs. 99, 155) show perfect fixation of 
the rays. The reticular centrosphere almost certainly arises as a nor- 
mal differentiation of the interior of the aster, which, as Griffin (’96) 
has suggested, probably marks the beginning of the degeneration of 
the whole astral apparatus, to make way for the newly developing 
system. 

The radial centrosphere is in Ascavzs divided into cortical and medul- 
lary zones, as already described (p. 310), the aster being bounded by 
a distinct circle of microsomes. The true interpretation of these zones 
was given through Heidenhain’s beautiful studies on the asters in leu- 
cocytes, and the still more thorough later work of Druner on the sper- 


La G/sapeel7Osm 2 Cf. Lenhossek, ’98. 


326 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


matocyte-divisions of the salamander. In leucocytes (Fig. 49) the 
large persistent aster has at its centre a well-marked radial sphere 
bounded by a circle of microsomes, as described by Van Beneden, but 
without division into cortical and medullary zones. The astral rays, 
however, show indications of other 
circles of microsomes lying outside 
the centrosphere. Driiner found 
that a whole series of such concen- 
tric circles might exist (in the cell 
shown in Fig. 156 no less than nine), 
but that the innermost two are often 
especially distinct, so as to mark off 
acentrosphere composed of amedul- 

lary and a cortical zone precisely as 
described by Van Beneden. These 
observations show conclusively that 
the centrosphere of the radial type 
is merely the innermost portion of 
the aster, which acquires a boundary 
through the especial development 
of a ring of microsomes, or other- 
wise, and which often further 


Fig. 156.— Spermatogonium of salaman- : : 30 
der. [DRUNER.] acquires an intense staining-capac- 


The nucleus lies below. Above is the enor- ity so as to appear like a centrosome 


oO ast th tr 2 at it ntre, its ~ £ . 
Dee eee ite cet rah, Walk try tame ae Da /3)) Senn aa ney SORLOB a On MeN mn aelels 
rays showing indications of nine concentric - 


circles of microsomes. The area within the Stricht ) only a single ring of micro- 
second circle probably represents the “ attrac- somes exists, and this lies at the 
tion-sphere”’ of Van Beneden. % 

boundary between the meduilary 
and cortical zones (Fig. 152, D), the latter differing from the outer 
region only in the greater delicacy of the rays and their lack of 
staining-capacity, thus producing a “ Heller Hof.” In other cases, no 
““microsome-circles”’ exist; but even here a clear zone often surrounds 
the centrosome (e.g. in Physa, ¢. Kostanecki and Wierzejsk1), like that 
seen in the cortical zone of 7hysanozoon. 

There are some observations indicating that the entosphere (medul- 
lary zone) may be directly derived from the centrosome (central 
granule). This is the conclusion reached by Lillie in the case of Unzo 
referred to above, where, during the prophases of the second polar 
spindle, the central granule enlarges and breaks up into a group of 
granules from which the new entosphere is formed. Van der Stricht 
(98) reaches a similar conclusion in case of the first polar spindle of 
Thysanozoon. ‘We may perhaps give the same interpretation to the 
large pluricorpuscular centrum of echinoderms (p. 314). This obser- 
vation may be used in support of the probability that the astral rays 


SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Sey 


may be actually derived from the centrosome (p.-321); but Lillie finds 
in some cases that in the same mitosis the entosphere is formed by a 
different process, arising by a differentiation of the cytoplasm around 
the central granule. The former case, therefore, may be interpreted 
to mean simply that the centrosome may give rise to other cytoplasmic 
elements (as has already been shown in the formation of the sperma- 
tozoon, p. 172), the material of which may then contribute either 
directly or indirectly to the building of the aster; and the facts do 
not come into collision with the view that the astral rays are in gen- 
eral formed from the cytoplasmic substance. 


G. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 


A minute analysis of the various parts of the cell leads to the con- 
clusion that all cell-organs, whether temporary or “ permanent,” are 
local differentiations of acommon structural basis. Temporary organs, 
such as cilia or pseudopodia, are formed out of this basis, persist fora 
time, and finally merge their identity in the common basis again. _ Per- 
manent organs, such as the nucleus or plastids, are constant areas in 
the same basis, which never are formed de zovo, but arise by the divi- 
sion of preéxisting areas of the same kind. These two extremes are, 
however, connected by various intermediate gradations, examples of 
which are the contractile vacuoles of Protozoa, which belong to the 
category of temporary organs, yet in many cases are handed on from 
one cell to another by fission, and the attraction-spheres and asters, 
which may either persist from cell to cell or disappear and re-form 
about the centrosome. There is now considerable evidence that the 
centrosome itself may in some cases have the character of a perma- 
nent organ, in others may disappear and re-form like the asters. 

The facts point toward the conclusion, which has been especially 
urged by De Vries and Wiesner, that the power of division, not only 
of the cell-organs, but also of the cell as a whole, may have its root in 
a like power on the part of more elementary masses or units of which 
the structural basis is itself built, the degree of permanence in the cell- 
organs depending on the degree of cohesion manifested by these elemen- 
tary bodies. Vf such bodies exist, they must, however, in their primary 
form, lie beyond the present limits of the microscope, the visible struc- 
tures arising by their enlargement or aggregation. The cell, therefore, 
cannot be regarded as a colony of “granules”’ or other gross morpho- 
logical elements. The phenomena of cell-division show, however, that 
the dividing substance tends to differentiate itself into several orders 
of visible morphological aggregates, as is most clearly shown in the 
nuclear substance. Here the highest term is the plurivalent chromo- 
some, the lowest the smallest visible dividing basichromatin-grains, 


328 SOME PROBLEMS OF CELL-ORGANIZATION 


while the intermediate terms are formed by the successive aggrega- 
tion of these to form the chromatin-granules of which the dividing 
chromosomes consist. Whether any or all of these bodies are ‘ indi- 
viduals’? is a question of words. The facts point, however, to the 
conclusion that at the bottom of the series there must be masses that 
cannot be further split up without loss of their characteristic proper- 
ties, and which form the elementary morphological units of the nucleus. 

In case of the cytoplasm the evidence is far less satisfactory. 
Could Rabl’s theory of fibrillar persistence, as developed by Heiden- 
hain and Kostanecki, be established, we should indeed have almost a 
demonstration of panmeristic division in the cytoplasm. At present, 
however, the facts do not admit the acceptance of that theory, and 
the division of the visible cytoplasmic granules must remain a quite 
open question. Yet we should remember that the dividing plastids 
of plant-cells are often very minute, and that in the centrosome we 
have a body, no larger in many cases than a ‘‘ microsome,” which is 
positively known to be in some cases a persistent morphological ele- 
ment, having the power of growth, division, and persistence in the 
daughter-cells. Probably these powers of the centrosome would 
never have been discovered were it not that its staining-capacity ren- 
ders it conspicuous and its position at the focus of the astral rays 
isolates it for observation. When we consider the analogy between 
the centrosome and the basichromatin-grains, when we recall the 
evidence that the latter graduate into the oxychromatin-granules, and 
these in turn into the cytomicrosomes, we must admit that Briicke’s 
cautious suggestion that the whole cell might be a congeries of self- 
propagating units of a lower order is sufficiently supported by fact 
to constitute a legitimate working hypothesis. 


IEMA IRAN TOUR. WIL 


Van Beneden, E. — (See List IV.) 

Van Beneden and Julin.— La segmentation chez les Ascidiens et ses rapports avec 
lorganisation de la larve: Arch. Biol., V. 1884. 

Boveri, Th. — Zellenstudien. (See List IV.) 

Briicke, C. — Die Elementarorganismen: Wvener S7tz.-Ber.. XLIV. 1861. 

Biitschli, 0. — Protoplasma. (See List I.) 

Delage, Yves. — La structure du protoplasma, et les théories sur ’hérédité. arcs, 
1895. 

Hacker, V.— Uber den heutigen Stand der Centrosomenfrage: Verh. d. deutsch. 
Zool. Ges. 1894. 

Heidenhain, M. — (See List I.) 

Herla, V. — Etude des variations de la mitose chez l’ascaride megalocéphale: Arch. 
Brol., XII. 1893. 


1 See also Literature, I., II., 1V., V. 


— 


LITERATURE 320 


Morgan, T. H.— The Action of Salt-solutions on the Fertilized and Unfertilized 
Eggs of Arbacia and Other Animals. Arch. Entw., VIII. 3. 1898. 

Kostanecki, K. — Ueber die Bedeutung der Polstrahung wahrend der Mitose. Arch. 
mik. Anat., XLIX. 1897. 

Nussbaum, M. — Uber die Teilbarkeit der lebendigen Materie: Arch. mik. Anat., 
XXVI. 1886. 

Prenant, A.— Sur le protoplasma supérieure (archiplasme, kinoplasme, ergastro- 
plasme) : Journ. Anat. et Phys., XX1V.-V. 1898-99. (Full Literature-lists.) 

Rabl, C.— Uber Zellteilung : Morph. Jahrb., X. 1885. Anat. Anzeiger,1V. 18809. 

Riickert, J. — (See List IV.) 

De Vries, H. — Intracellulare Pangenesis: /eva, 1889. 

Watasé, S.— Homology of the Centrosome: Journ. Vorph., VIII. 2. 1893. 

Id. — On the Nature of Cell-organization: Woods Holl Biol. Lectures. 1893. 

Wiesner, J.— Die Elementarstruktur und das Wachstum der lebenden Substanz: 
Wien, 1892. 

Wilson, Edm. B. — Archoplasm, Centrosome, and Chromatin in the Sea-urchin Egg: 
Journ. Morph. Vol. XI. 1895. 


CHAPT BR Vill 
SOME ASPECTS OF CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


“Les phénoménes fonctionnels ou de dépense vitale awrarent donc leur siege dans le proto- 
plasme cellulaire. 

“Le noyau est un appareil de synthése organique, l'instrument de la production, le germe de la 
cellule.” CLAUDE BERNARD.1 


I 
A. CHEMICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 


It is no part of the purpose of this work to give even a sketch of 
general cell-chemistry. I shall only attempt to consider certain ques- 
tions that bear directly upon the functional relations of nucleus and 
cytoplasm and are of especial interest in relation to the process of 
nutrition and through it to the problems of development. It has 
often been pointed out that we know little or nothing of the chemical 
conditions existing in living protoplasm, since every attempt to examine 
them by precise methods necessarily kills the protoplasm. We must, 
therefore, in the main rest content with inferences based upon the 
chemical behaviour of dead cells. But even here investigation is be- 
set with difficulties, since it is in most cases impossible to isolate the 
various parts of the cell for accurate chemical analysis, and we are 
obliged to rely largely on the less precise method of observing with 
the microscope the visible effects of dyes and other reagents. This 
difficulty is increased by the fact that both cytoplasm and karyoplasm 
are not simple chemical compounds, but mixtures of many complex 
substances; and both, moreover, undergo periodic changes of a com- 
plicated character which differ very widely in different kinds of cells. 
Our knowledge is, therefore, still fragmentary, and we have as yet 
scarcely passed the threshold of a subject which belongs largely to 
the cytology of the future. 

It has been shown in the foregoing chapter that all the parts of the 
cell arise as local differentiations of a general protoplasmic basis. 
Despite the difficulties of chemical analysis referred to above, it has 
been determined with certainty that some at least of these organs are 
the seat of specific chemical change; just as is the case in the various 
organs and tissues of the organism at large. Thus, the nucleus is 


1 Zecons sur les phénoménes de la vie, 1., 1878, p. 198. 
330 


al 


CHEMICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 331 


characterized by the presence of nuclein (chromatin) which has been 
proved by chemical analysis to differ widely from the cytoplasmic 
substances,! while the various forms of plastids are centres for the 
formation of chlorophyll, starch, or pigment. These facts give ground 
for the conclusion that the morphological differentiation of cell-organs 
is in general accompanied by underlying chemical specializations 
which are themselves the expression of differences of metabolic ac- 
tivity ; and these relations, imperfectly comprehended as they are, are 
of fundamental importance to the student of development. 


1. The Protetds and their Allies 


The most important chemical compounds found in the cell are the 
group of protein substances, and there is every reason to believe that 
these form the principal basis of living protoplasm in all of its forms. 
These substances are complex compounds of carbon, hydrogen, nitro- 
gen, and oxygen, often containing a small percentage of sulphur, and 
in some cases also phosphorus and iron. They forma very extensive 
group of which the different members differ considerably in physical 
and chemical properties, though all have certain common traits and 
are closely related. They are variously classified even by the latest 
writers. By many authors (for example Halliburton, ’93) the word 
“proteids’’ is used in a broad sense as synonymous with albuminous 
substances, including under them the various forms of a/bumn (egg- 
albumin, cell-albumin, muscle-albumin, vegetable-albumins), globulin 
(fibrinogin vitellin, etc.), and the pepones (diffusible hydrated proteids). 
Another series of nearly related substances are the a/buminoids 
(reckoned by some chemists among the “proteids”), examples of 
which are gelatin, mucin, and, according to some authors also, 
nuclein, and the nucleo-albumins. Some of the best authorities how- 
ever, among them Kossel and Hammarsten, follow the usage of 
Hoppe-Seyler in restricting the word frofezd to substances of greater 
complexity than the albumins and globulins. Examples of these 
are the nucleins and nucleo-proteids, which are compounds of nu- 
cleinic acid with albumin, histon, or protamin. The nucleo-proteids, 
found only in the nucleus, are not to be confounded with the nucleo- 


1 Tt has long been known that a form of “ nuclein”’ may also be obtained from the nucleo- 
albumins of the cytoplasm, ¢,g. from the yolk of hens’ eggs (vitellin). Such nucleins differ, 
however, from those of nuclear origin in not yielding as cleavage-products the nuclein bases 
(adenin, xanthin, etc.). The term “ paranuclein” (Kossel) or “ pseudo-nuclein ” (Ham- 
marsten) has therefore been suggested for this substance. True nucleins containing a large 
percentage of albumin are distinguished as zc/leo-proteids. They may be split into albumin 
(or albumin radicals) and nucleinic acid, the latter yielding as cleavage-products the nuclein 
bases. Pseudo-nucleins containing a large percentage of albumin are designated as szcleo- 
albumins, which in like manner split into albumin and paranucleinic or pseudo-nucleinic acid, 
which yields no nuclein bases. (See Hammarsten, ’94.) 


2 CELI-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PA YSIOLOGY 


“ 
3 


w 


albumins, which are compounds of pseudo-nucleinic acid with albumin 
and yield no nuclein-bases (xanthin, hypoxanthin, adenin, guanin) as 
decomposition products. 

The distribution of these substances through the cell varies 
greatly not only in different cells, but at different periods in the life 
of the same cell. The cardinal fact always, however, remains, that 
there ts a definite and constant contrast between nucleus and cytoplasm. 
The latter always contains large quantities of nucleo-albumins, certain 
globulins, and sometimes small quantities of albumins and peptones; 
the former contains, in addition to these, xzaclezn and nucleo-proteids, 
which form its main bulk, and its most constant and characteristic 
feature. It is the remarkable substance, nuclein, — which is almost 
certainly identical with chromatin, — that chiefly claims our attention 
here on account of the physiological vé/e of the nucleus. 


2. The Nuclein Series 


Nuclein was first isolated and named by Miescher, in 1871, by 
subjecting cells to artificial gastric digestion. The cytoplasm is thus 
digested, leaving only the nuclei; and in some cases, for instance pus- 
cells and spermatozoa, it is possible by this method to procure large 
quantities of nuclear substance for accurate quantitative analysis. 
The results of analysis show it to be a complex albuminoid substance, 
rich in phosphorus, for which Miescher gave the chemical formula 
CopH ygNoP30o.. The earlier analysis of this substance gave some- 
what discordant results, as appears in the following table of per- 
centage-compositions : !— 


Pus-CELLS. | SPERMATOZOA OF SALMON. Human Brain. 

(Hoppe-SEYLER.) (MIESCHER.) (v. JAKSCH.) 
C 49.58 36.11 50.6 
H 7.10 5-15 7.6 
N 15.02 13.09 13.18 
Pp 2.28 5-59 1.89 


These differences led to the opinion, first expressed by Hoppe- 
Seyler, and confirmed by later investigations, that there are several 
varieties of nuclein which form a group having certain characters 
in common. Altmann (’89) opened the way to an understanding of 
the matter by showing that “nuclein”’ may be split up into two sub- 
stances; namely, (1) an organic acid rich in phosphorus, to which he 


1 From Halliburton, ’91, p. 203. [The oxygen-percentage is omitted in this table. ] 


| 


{ 


CHEMICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 333 


gave the name wzcletnic acid, and (2) a form of albumin. Moreover, 
the nuclein may be synthetically formed by the re-combination of 
these two substances. Pure nucleinic acid, for which Miescher (’96) 
afterward gave the formula C,,H;,N,,P,0.,,! contains no sulphur, a 
high percentage of phosphorus (above 9%), and no albumin. By 
adding it to a solution of albumin a precipitate is formed which 
contains sulphur, a lower percentage of phosphorus, and has the 
chemical characters of ‘‘nuclein.” This indicates that the discord- 
ant results in the analyses of nuclein, referred to above, were 
probably due to varying proportions of the two constituents; and 
Altmann suggested that the “nuclein”’ of spermatozoa, which contains 
no sulphur and a maximum of phosphorus, might be uncombined 
nucleinic acid itself. Kossel accordingly drew the conclusion, based 
on his own work as well as that of Liebermann, Altmann, Malfatti, 
and others, that “what the histologists designate as chromatin con- 
sists essentially of combinations of nucleinic acid with more or less 
albumin, and in some cases may even be free nucleinic acid. The 
less the percentage of albumin in these compounds, the nearer do 
their properties approach those of pure nucleinic acid, and we may 
assume that the percentage of albumin in the chromatin of the same 
nucleus may vary according to physiological conditions.” ? In the 
same year Halliburton, following in part Hoppe-Seyler, stated the 
same view as follows. The so-called “‘nucleins” form a series lead- 
ing downward from nucleinic acid thus : — 


(1) Those containing no albumin and a maximum (9-10% ) of phos- 
phorus (pure nucleinic acid). Nuclei of spermatozoa. 

(2) Those containing little albumin and rich in phosphorus. Chro- 
matin of ordinary nuclei. 

(3) Those with a greater proportion of albumin —a series of sub- 
stances in which may probably be included fyrenzn (nucleoli) 
and plastin (linin). These graduate into 

(4) Those containing a minimum (0.5 to 1%) of phosphorus — 
the nucleo-albumins, which occur both in the nucleus and in 
the cytoplasm (vitellin, caseinogen, etc.). 


Finally, we reach the globulins and albumins, especially character- 
istic of the cell-substance, and containing no nucleinic acid. ‘‘Wethus 
pass by a gradual transition (from the nucleo-albumins) to the other 
proteid constituents of the cell, the cell-globulins, which contain no 
phosphorus whatever, and to the products of cell-activity, such as 
the proteids of serum and of egg-white, which are also principally 


1 Derived from analysis of the salmon-sperm. 293; ps Lg d: 


334 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 
phosphorus-free.” 1 Further, “in the processes of vital activity there 
are changing relations between the phosphorized constituents of the 
nucleus, just as in all metabolic processes there is a continual inter- 
change, some constituents being elaborated, others breaking down 
into simpler products.” This latter conclusion has been well estab- 
lished ; the others, as stated by Halliburton, require some modification, 
on the one hand, through the results of later analyses of chromatin, 
on the other, because of the failure to distinguish between the nucleo- 
proteids and the nucleo-albumins, First, it has been shown by 
Miescher (’96), Kossel ('96), and Mathews ('97, 2) that the chromatin 
of the sperm-nuclei(in fish and sea-urchins) is not pure nucleinic acid, 
as Altmann conjectured, but a salt of that acid, with histon, protamin, 
or a related substance. Thus, in the spermatozoa of the salmon, 
Miescher’s analyses give 60.56% of nucleinic acid and 35.56% of 
protamin (C,,.H,,N,O,). In the herring the chromatin is a compound 
of nucleinic acid (over 63%) and a form of protamin called by Kossel 
“clupein ” (C,,H;,N,,0,). In the sea-urchin Arbacza Mathews finds 
the chromatin to be a compound of nucleinic acid and ‘“ arbacin,” a 
histon-like body. Kossel finds also that chromatin (nuclein) derived 
from the thymus gland, and from leucocytes, is largely a histon 
salt of nucleinic acid, the proportion of the latter being, however, 
much less than in the sperm-chromatin, while albumin is also present. 
In these cases, therefore, the greater part of the nucleinic acid is com- 
bined not with albumin but with a histon or protamin radical. Second, 
the nucleo-albumins of the cytoplasm are in no sense transitional be- 
tween the nucleins and the albumins, since they contain no true 
nucleinic acid, but only pseudo-nucleinic acid.? The fact nevertheless 
remains that the nucleins and nucleo-proteids, though confined to the 
nucleus, form a series descending from such highly phosphorized 
bodies as the sperm-chromatin toward bodies such as the albumins, 
which are especially characteristic of the cytoplasm; and that they 
vary in composition with varying physiological conditions. The way 
is thus opened for a more precise investigation of the physiological 
vole of nucleus and cytoplasm in metabolism. 


3. Staining-reaction of the Nuclein Series 


In bringing these facts into relation with the staining-reactions of 
the cell, it is necessary briefly to consider the nature of staining- 
reactions in general, and especially to warn the reader that in the 
whole field of ‘‘micro-chemistry”’’ we are still on such uncertain 
ground that all general conclusions must be taken with reserve. 

First, it is still uncertain how far staining-reactions depend upon 
chemical reaction and how far upon merely physical properties of 


1°93, P. 574: 2Gf ps 33: 


CHEMICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 335 


the bodies stained. The prevalent view that staining-reactions are 
due to a chemical combination of the dye with the elements of the 
cell has been attacked by Gierke (’85), Rawitz (’97), and Fischer 
(97, 99), all of whom have endeavoured to show that these reactions 
are of no value as a chemical test, being only a result of surface- 
attraction and absorption due to purely physical qualities of the 
bodies stained. On the other hand, a long series of experiments, 
beginning with Miescher’s discovery (74) that isolated nucleinic acid 
forms green insoluble salts with methyl-green, and continued by 
- Lihenfeld, Heidenhain, Paul Mayer, and others, gives strong reason 
to believe that beyond the physical imbibition of colour a true chemical 
union takes place, which, with due precautions, gives us at least a 
rough test of the chemical conditions existing in the cell. 

Second, szmzlarity of staining-reaction ts by no means always tndica- 
tive of chemical similarity, as is shown, for example, by the fact that 
in cartilage both nuclei and inter-cellular matrix are intensely stained 
by methyl-green, though chemically they differ very widely. 

Third, colour in itself gives no evidence of chemical nature; for the 
nucleus and other elements of the same cell may be stained red, 
green, or blue, according to the dye employed, and to class them as 
“erythrophilous,” ‘‘cyanophilous,” and the like, is therefore absurd. 

Fourth, the character of the staining-reaction ts influenced and in 
some cases actermined by the fixation or other preliminary treatment, 
a principle made use of practically in the operations of mordaunting, 
but one which may give very misleading results unless carefully con- 
trolled. Thus Rawitz (95) shows that certain colours which ordinarily 
stain especially the nucleus (saffranin, gentian-violet), can be made to 
stain only the cytoplasm through preliminary treatment of object 
with solutions of tannin, followed by tartar-emetic. In like manner 
Mathews (98) shows that many of the “nuclear” tar-colours (saffra- 
nin, methyl-green, etc.) stain or do not stain the cytoplasm, according 
as the material has been previously treated with alkaline or with acid 
solutions. 

The results with which we now have to deal are based mainly 
upon experiments with tar-colours (“aniline dyes”’). Ehrlich (’79) 
long since characterized these dyes as ‘“‘acid” or “ basic,’”’ according 
as the colouring matter plays the part of an acid or a base in the com- 
pound employed, showing further that, other things equal, the basic 
dyes (methyl-green, saffranin, etc.) are especially “nuclear stains”’ 
and the acid (rubin, eosin, orange, etc.) ‘plasma stains.’’ Malfatti 
(91), and especially Lilienfeld (’92, ’93), following out Miescher’s 
earlier work (’74), found that albumin stains preéminently in the 
acid stains, nucleinic acid only in the basic; and, further, that artifi- 


1 Cf Mayer, ’91, ’92, 97; Lilienfeld, ’°93; Mathews, ’98. 


336 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


cial nucleins, prepared by combining egg-albumin with nucleinic acid 
in various proportions, show a varying affinity for basic and acid 
dyes according as the nucleinic acid is more or less completely 
saturated with albumin. — Lilienfeld’s starting-point was given by the 
results of Kossel’s researches on the relations of the nuclein group, 
which are expressed as follows :!— 
Nucleo-proteid (1%, of P or less), 

by peptic digestion splits into 


Peptone Nuclein (3-4% P), 
by treatment with acid splits into 
Albumin Nucleinic acid (g-10% P), 
heated with mineral acids splits into 
po 2 pa ee eee 
Phosphoric actd Nuclein bases (4 carbohydrate.) 


(adenin, guanin, etc.). 


Now, according to Kossel and Lilienfeld, the principal nucleo- 
proteid in the nucleus of leucocytes is zwcleo-histon, containing about 
39% of phosphorus, which may be split into a form of naclezu playing 
the part of an acid, and an albuminoid base, the “zstox of Kossel; 
the nuclein may in turn be split into albumin and nucleinic acid. 
These four substances —albumin, nucleo-histon, nuclein, nucleinic 
acid —thus form a series in which the proportion of phosphorus, 
which is a measure of the nucleinic acid, successively increases from 
zero to g-10%. If the members of this series be treated with the 
same mixture of red acid fuchsin and basic methyl-green, the result 
is as follows. Albumin (egg-albumin) is stained red, nucleo-histon 
greenish blue, nuclein bluish green, nucleinic acid intense green. ‘We 
see, therefore, that the principle that determines the staining of the 
nuclear substances is always the nucleinic acid. All the nuclear sub- 
stances, from those richest in albumin to those poorest in it, or con- 
taining none, assume the tone of the nuclear (z.e. basic) stain, but the 
combined albumin modifies the green more or less toward blue.” 2 
Lilienfeld explains the fact that chromatin in the cell-nucleus seldom 
appears pure green on the assumption, supported by many facts, 
that the proportions of nucleinic acid and albumin vary with different 
physiological conditions, and he suggests further that the intense 
staining-power of the chromosomes during mitosis is probably due 
to the fact that they contain a maximum of nucleinic acid. Very 
interesting is a comparison of the foregoing staining-reactions with 
those given by a mixture of a red basic dye (saffranin) and a green 
acid one (“light green’’). With this combination an effect is given 
which reverses that of the Biondi-Ehrlich mixture; z.e. the nuclein 


1 From Lilienfeld, after Kossel (’92, p. 129). 21... Pp. 394. 


ee a 


CHEMICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 337 


is coloured red, the albumin green, which is a beautiful demon- 
stration of the fact that staining-reagents cannot be logically classified 
according to colour, but only according to their chemical nature, 
and gives additional ground for the view that staining-reactions of 
this type are the result of a chemical rather than a merely physical 
combination. 

These results must be taken with some reserve for the following 
reasons: Mathews (’98) has shown that methyl-green and other basic 
dyes will energetically stain albumose, coagulated egg-albumin, and 
the cell-cytoplasm in or after treatment by alkaline fluids; while con- 
versely the acid dyes do not stain, or only slightly stain, these sub- 
stances under the same conditions. This probably does not affect 
the validity of Heidenhain’s results,’ since he worked with acid solu- 
tions. What is more to the point is the fact that hyaline cartilage 
and mucin, though containing no nucleinic acid, stain intensely with 
basic dyes. Mathews probably gives the clue to this reaction, in 
the suggestion that it is here probably due to the presence of other 
acids (in the case of cartilage a salt of chondroitin-sulphuric acid, 
according to Schmiedeberg); from which Mathews concludes that 
the basic dyes will, in acid or neutral solutions, stain any element of 
the tissues that contains an organic acid in a salt combination with a 
strong base.? Accepting this conclusion, we must therefore recognize 
that, as far as the cytoplasm is concerned, the basic or ‘ nuclear” 
stains are in no sense a test for nuclein, but only for salts of organic 
acids in general. In case of the nucleus, however, we know from 
direct analysis that we are dealing with varying combinations of 
nucleinic acid, and hence, with the precautions indicated above, may 
draw provisional conditions from the staining-reactions. 

Thus regarded, the changes of staining-reaction in the chromatin 
are of high interest. Heidenhain ('93, ’94), in his beautiful studies 
on leucocytes, has correlated some of the foregoing results with the 
staining-reactions of the cell as follows. Leucocytes stained with 
the Biondi-Ehrlich mixture of acid fuchsin and methyl-green show 
the following reactions. Cytoplasm, centrosome, attraction-sphere, 
astral rays, and spindle-fibres are stained pure red. The nuclear sub- 
stance shows a very sharp differentiation. The chromatic network 
and the chromosomes of the mitotic figure are green. The linin- 
substance and the true nucleoli or plasmosomes appear red, like the 
cytoplasm. The linin-network of leucocytes is stated by Heidenhain 
to consist of two elements, namely, of red granules or microsomes 
suspended ina colourless network. The latter alone is called “ linin ” 
by Heidenhain. To the red granules is applied the term “ oxychro- 
matin,’ while the green substance of the ordinary chromatic network, 


1 See below. 2°98, pp. 451-452. 


N 


338 CELI-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


forming the “chromatin”? of Flemming, is called ‘“ basichromatin.”’ ! 
Morphologically, the granules of both kinds are exactly alike,? and 
in many cases the oxychromatin-granules ave found not only in the 
“achromatic ’ nuclear network, but also intermingled with the basi- 
chromatin-granules of the chromatic network. Collating these results 
with those of the physiological chemists, Heidenhain concludes that 
basichromatin is a substance rich in phosphorus (7.2. nucleinic acid), 
oxychromatin a substance poor in phosphorus, and that, further, 
‘“basichromatin and oxychromatin are by no means to be regarded 
as permanent unchangeable bodies but may change their colour- 
reactions by combining with or giving off phosphorus.” In other 
words, “ the affinity of the chromatophilous microsomes of the nuclear 
network for basic and acid aniline dyes is regulated by certain physio- 
logical conditions of the nucleus or of the cell.’’? 

This conclusion, which is entirely in harmony with the statements 
of Kossel and Halliburton quoted above, opens up the most interest- 
ing questions regarding the periodic changes in the nucleus. The 
staining-power of chromatin is at a maximum when in the preparatory 
stages of mitosis (spireme-thread, chromosomes). During the ensuing 
growth of the nucleus it always diminishes, suggesting that a com- 
bination with albumin has taken place. This is illustrated in a very 
striking way by the history of the egg-nucleus or germinal vesicle, 
which exhibits the nuclear changes on a large scale. It has long 
been known that the chromatin of this nucleus undergoes great 
changes during the growth of the egg, and several observers have 
maintained its entire disappearance at one period.  Riickert first 
carefully traced out the history of the chromatin in detail in the 
eggs of sharks, and his general results have since been confirmed by 
Born in the eggs of 77zfon. Inthe shark Prestiurus, Rickert (’92, 1) 
finds that the chromosomes, which persist throughout the entire 
growth-period of the egg, undergo the following changes (Fig. 157): 
At a very early stage they are small, and stain intensely with nuclear 
dyes. During the growth of the egg they undergo a great increase 
in size, and progressively lose their staining-capacity. At the same 
time their surface is enormously increased by the development of 
long threads which grow out in every direction from the central axis 
(Fig. 157, 4). As the egg approaches its full size, the chromosomes 
rapidly diminish in size, the radiating threads disappear, and the stain- 
ing-capacity increases (Fig. 157,4). They are finally again reduced to 
minute, intensely staining bodies which enter into the equatorial plate 
of the first polar, mitotic figure (Fig. 157, C). How great the change 
of volume is may be seen from the following figures. At the beginning 
the chromosomes measure, at most, 12 » (about 5,5 in.) in length and 


1°94, P- 543: 27.6., DP» 547: 32.c., p. 548. 


| 


CHEMICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 339 


dyin diameter. At the height of their development they are almost 
eight times their original length and twenty times their original 
diameter. In the final period they are but 2 win length and 1 p in di- 
ameter. These measurements show a change of volume so enormous, 
even after making due allowance for the loose structure of the large 
chromosomes, that it cannot be accounted for by mere swelling or 
shrinkage. The chromosomes evidently absorb a large amount of 


Fig. 157. — Chromosomes of the germinal vesicle in the shark Pristivrus, at different periods, 
drawn to the same scale. [RUCKERT.] 


A. At the period of maximal size and minimal staining-capacity (egg 3 mm. in diameter). 
B. Later period (egg 13 mm. in diameter). C. At the close of ovarian life, of minimal size and 
maximal staining-power. 


e 
matter, combine with it to form a substance of diminished staining- 


capacity, and finally give off matter, leaving an intensely staining 
substance behind. As Riickert points out, the great increase of sur- 
face in the chromosomes is adapted to facilitate an exchange of mate- 
rial between the chromatin and the surrounding substance; and he 
concludes that the coincidence between the growth of the chromo- 
somes and that of the egg points to an intimate connection between 
the nuclear activity and the formative energy of the cytoplasm. 


340 CELL-CHEMITSTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOG Y 


If these facts are considered in the light of the known staining- 
reaction of the nuclein series, we must admit that the following con- 
clusions are something more than mere possibilities. We may infer 
that the original chromosomes contain a high percentage of nucleinic 
acid; that their growth and loss of staining-power is due to a combi- 
nation with. a large amount of albuminous substance to torm a 
lower member of the nuclein series, probably a nucleo-proteid; that 
their final diminution in size and resumption of staining-power is 
caused by a giving up of the albumin constituent, restoring the 
nuclein to its original state as a preparation for division. The growth 
and diminished staining-capacity of the chromatin occurs during a 
period of intense constructive activity in the cytoplasm; its diminu- 
tion in bulk and resumption of staining-capacity coincides with the 
cessation of this activity. This result is in harmony with the obser- 
vations of Schwarz and Zacharias on growing plant-cells, the per- 
centage of nuclein in the nuclei of embryonic cells (meristem) being 
at first relatively large and diminishing as the cells increase in size. 
It agrees further with the fact that of all forms of nuclei those of the 
spermatozoa, in which growth is suspended, are richest in nucleinic 
acid, and in this respect stand at the opposite extreme from the nuclei 
of the rapidly growing egg-cell. 

Accurately determined facts in this direction are still too scanty to 
admit of a safe generalization. They are, however, enough to indi- 
cate the probability that chromatin passes through a certain cycle 
in the life of the cell, the percentage of albumin or of albumin-radicals 
increasing during the vegetative activity of the nucleus, decreasing in 
its reproductive phase. In other words, a combination of albumin 
with nuclein or nucleinic acid is an accompaniment of constructive 
metabolism. As the cell prepares for division, the combination is 
dissolved and the nuclein-radicle or nucleinic acid is handed on by 
division to the daughter-cells. A tempting hypothesis, suggested’ 
by Mathews on the basis of Kossel’s work, is that nuclein, or one of 
its constituent molecular groups, may in a chemical sense be regarded 
as the formative centre of the cell which is directly involved in the 
process by which food-matters are built up into the cell-substance. 
Could this be established, we should have not only a clear light on, 
the changes of staining-reactions during the cycle of cell-life, but also 
a clue to the nuclear ‘‘control” of the cell through the process of 
synthetic metabolism. This hypothesis fits well with the conclusions 
of other physiological chemists that the nucleus is especially con- 
cerned in synthetic metabolism. Kossel concludes that the formation 
of new organic matter is dependent on the nucleus,! and that nuclein 
in some manner plays a leading 7é0/e in this process; and he makes 


1 Schiefferdecker and Kossel, Gewebelehre, p. 57. 


PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 3,41 


some interesting suggestions regarding the synthesis of complex 
organic matters in the living cell with nuclein as a starting-point. 
@nircenden, too, in a review of recent chemico-physiological dis- 
coveries regarding the cell, concludes: “The cell-nucleus may be 
looked upon as in some manner standing in close relation to those 


processes which have to do with the formation of organic substances. 


Whatever other functions it may possess, it evidently, through the 
inherent qualities of the bodies entering into its composition, has a 
controlling power over the metabolic Processes in the cell, modifying 
and weusel asia the nutritional changes” (94). 

These conclusions, in their turn, are in harmony with the hypothesis 
advanced twenty years ago by Claude Bernard (’78), who maintained 
that the cytoplasm is the seat of destructive metabolism, the nucleus 
the organ of constructive metabolism and organic synthesis, and 
insisted that the 70/e of the nucleus in nutrition gives the key to its 
significance as the organ of development, regeneration, and inheri- 
tance.! 


B. PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 


How nearly the foregoing facts bear on the problem of the mor- 
phological formative power of the cell is obvious ; and they have in a 
measure anticipated certain conclusions regarding the vé/e of nucleus 
and cytoplasm, which we may now examine from a somewhat differ- 
ent point of view. 

Briicke long,ago drew a clear distinction between the chemical and 
molecular composition of organic substances, on the one hand, and, 
on the other hand, their definite grouping in the cell by which arises 
organization in a morphological sense. Claude Bernard, in like man- 
ner, distinguished between chemical synthesis, through which organic 
matters are formed, and morphological synthesis, by which they are 
built into a specifically organized fabric; but he insisted that these 
two processes are but different phases or degrees of the same phe- 
nomenon, and that both are expressions of the nuclear activity. We 
have now to consider some of the evidence that the power of mor- 
phological, as well as of chemical, synthesis centres in the nucleus, , 
and that this is therefore to be regarded as the especial organ of 
inheritance. This evidence is mainly derived from the comparison 
of nucleated and non-nucleated masses of protoplasm; from the form, 


11] semble donc que la cellule qui a perdu son zoyaz soit stérilisée au point de vue de 
la génération, c’est & dire de la synthése morphologique, et qu’elle le soit aussi au point de 
vue de la synthése chimique, car elle cesse de produire des principes immediats, et ne peut 
guére qu’oxyder et détruire ceux qui s’y étaient accumulés par une élaboration antérieure du 
noyau. Il semble donc que le zoyaz soit le germe de nutrition de la cellule; il attire autour 
de lui et élabore les matériaux nutritifs”” (’78, p. 523). 


42 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


Os 


position, and movements of the nucleus in actively growing or metab- 
olizing cells; and from the history of the nucleus in mitotic cell- 
division, in fertilization, and in maturation. 


1. Experiments on Unicellular Organisms 


Brandt ('77) long since observed that enucleated fragments of Ac#z- 
nospherium soon die, while nucleated fragments heal their wounds 
and continue to live. The 
first decisive comparison be- 
tween nucleated and non-nu- 
cleated masses of protoplasm 
was, however, made by Moritz 
Nussbaum in 1884 in the case 
of an infusorian, Oxytricha. 
If one of these animals be 
cut into two pieces, the sub- 
sequent behaviour of the two 
fragments depends on the 
presence or absence of the 
nucleus or a nuclear frag- 
ment. The nucleated frag- 
ments quickly heal the wound, 
regenerate the missing por- 
tions, and thus produce a 
perfect animal, On the other 
hand, enucleated fragments, 

Fig. 158.— Séylonychia, and enucleated frag- Consisting of cytoplasm only, 
ments: EVER WORN: iy quickly perish. Nussbaum 
echt heft am ene animal, showing panes of therefore drew the conclusion 
regenerates a perfect animal. The enucleated pieces, that the nucleus is indispens- 
shown at the right, swim about for a time, but finally able for the formative energy 
perish. = 

of the cell. The experiment 
was soon after repeated by Gruber (’85)in the case of Steztor, another 
infusorian, and with the same result (Fig. 159). Fragments possess- 
ing a large fragment of the nucleus completely regenerated within 
twenty-four hours. If the nuclear fragment were smaller, the re- 
generation proceeded more slowly. If no nuclear substance were 
present, no regeneration took place, though the wound closed and 
the fragment lived for a considerable time. The only exception — 
but it is a very significant one — was the case of individuals in which 
the process of normal fission had begun; in these a non-nucleated 
fragment in which the formation of a new peristome had already been 
initiated healed the wound and completed the formation of the peri- 


PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 343 


stome. Lillie (96) has recently found that Szextor may by shaking 
be broken into fragments of all sizes, and that nucleated fragments 
as small as 54 the volume of the entire animal are still capable of 
complete regeneration. All non-nucleated fragments perish. 

These studies of Nussbaum and Gruber formed a prelude to more 
extended investigations in the same direction by Gruber, Balbiani, 
Hofer, and especially Verworn Verworn (’88) proved that in Po/y- 
stomella, one of the Foraminifera, nucleated fragments are able to 


Fig. 159. — Regeneration in the unicellular animal Stevtor. [From GRUBER after BALBIANL.] 


A, Animal divided into three pieces, each containing a fragment of the nucleus. &. The three 
fragments shortly afterward. C. The three fragments after twenty-four hours, each regenerated 
to a perfect animal. 


repair the shell, while non-nucleated fragments lack this power. 
Balbiani (89) showed that although non-nucleated fragments of 
Infusoria had no power of regeneration, they might nevertheless 
continue to live and swim actively about for many days after the 
operation, the contractile vacuole pulsating as usual. Hofer (’89), 
experimenting on Amwéa, found that non-nucleated fragments might 
live as long as fourteen days after the operation (Fig. 160). Their 
movements continued, but were somewhat modified, and little by 
little ceased, but the pulsations of the contractile vacuole were but 
slightly affected; they lost more or less completely the capacity to 


344 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELI-PHYSIOLOGY 


digest food, and the power of adhering to the substratum. Nearly 
at the same time Verworn ('89) published the results of an extended 
comparative investigation of various Protozoa that placed the whole 
matter in a very clear light. His experiments, while fully confirming 
the accounts of his predecessors in regard to regeneration, added 
many extremely important and significant results. Non-nucleated 
fragments both of Infusoria (e.g. Lachrymaria) and rhizopods (Poly- 


5) S03 


Fig. 160.— Nucleated and non-nucleated fragments of dmeda. [HOFER.] 


A.B. An Ameéa divided into nucieated and non-nucleated halves, five minutes after the opera- 
tion. C, D. The two halves after eight days, each containing a contractile vacuole. 


stomella, Thalassicolla) not only live for a considerable period, but 
perform perfectly normal and characteristic movements, show the 
same susceptibility to stimulus, and have the same power of ingulf- 
ing food, as the nucleated fragments. They lack, however, the power 
of digestion and secretion. Ingested food-matters may be slightly 
altered, but are never completely digested. The non-nucleated frag- 
ments are unable to secrete the material for a new shell (Polyséo- 


PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 345 


mella) or the slime by which the animals adhere to the substratum 
(Ameba, Diffiugia, Polystomella). Beside these results should be 
placed the well-known fact that dissevered nerve-fibres in the higher 
animals are only regenerated from that end which remains in con- 
nection with the nerve-cell, while the remaining portion invariably 
jJegenerates. 


A B CS D 


Fig. 161. — Formation of membranes by protoplasmic fragments of plasmolyzed cells. [TOWN- 
SEND.] 


A. Plasmolyzed cell, leaf-hair of Cucurbita, showing protoplasmic balls connected by strands. 
&. Calyx-hair of Gazllardia; nucleated fragment with membrane, non-nucleated one naked. 
C. Root-hair of Marchantia ; all the fragments, connected by protoplasmic strands, have formed 
membranes. J. Leaf-hair of Cucurbita; non-nucleated fragment, with membrane, connected 
with nucleated fragment of adjoining cell. 


These beautiful observations prove that destructive metabolism, as 
manifested by codrdinated forms of protoplasmic contractility, may 
go on for some time undisturbed in a mass of cytoplasm deprived of 
amnucleus. On the other hand, the building up of new chemical or 
morphological products by the cytoplasm is only initiated in the 
presence of a nucleus and soon ceases in its absence. These facts 
form a complete demonstration that the nucleus plays an essential 


346 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


part not only in the operations of synthetic metabolism or chemical 
synthesis, but also in the sorphological determination of these opera- 
tions, t.e. the morphologic: i apital 
importance for the theory of inheritance, as will ee beyond. 

Convincing experiments of the same character and leading to the 
same result have been made on the cells of plants. Francis Darwin 
(77) observed more than twenty years ago that movements actively 
continued in protoplasmic filaments, extruded from the leaf-hairs of 
Dipsacus, that were completely severed from the body of the cell. 
Conversely, Klebs ('79) soon afterward showed that naked proto- 
plasmic fragments of Vaucherta and other alge were incapable of 
forming a new cellulose membrane if devoid of a nucleus; and he 
afterward showed (’87) that the same is true of Zygnema and CUrdo- 
gonium. By plasmolysis the cells of these forms may be broken up 
into fragments, both nucleated and non-nucleated. The former sur- 
round themselves with a new wall, grow, and develop into complete 
plants; the latter, while able to form starch by means of the chloro- 
phyll they contain, are incapable of utilizing it, and are devoid of the 
power of forming a new membrane, and of growth and regeneration. 
A beautiful confirmation of this is given by Townsend (’97), who finds 
in the case of root-hairs and pollen-tubes, that when the protoplasm is 
thus broken up, a membrane may be formed by both nucleated and 
non-nucleated fragments, by the latter however only when they remain 
connected with the nucleated masses by protoplasmic strands, however 
fine. If these strands be broken, the membrane-forming power is 
lost. Of very great interest is the further observation (made on leaf- 
hairs in Cucurbcfa) that the influence of the nucleus may thus extend 
from cell to cell, an enucleated fragment of one cell having the power 
to form a membrane if connected by intercellular bridges with a 
nucleated fragment of an adjoining cell (Fig. 161). 


2. Position and Movements of the Nucleus 


Many observers have approached the same problem from a dif- 
ferent direction by considering the position, movements, and changes 
of form in the nucleus with regard to the formative activities in the 
cytoplasm. To review these researches in full would be impossible, 
and we must be content to consider only the well-known researches 
of Haberlandt (77) and Korschelt (89), both of whom have given 
extensive reviews of the entire subject in this regard. Haberlandt’s 
studies related to the position of the nucleus in plant-cells with 


especial regard to the growth of the cellulose membrane. He deter- | 


mined the very sition? fact that local growth of the cell-wall is/ 
always preceded by a movement of the nucleus to the point of growth. 
Thus, in the formation of epidermal cells, the nucleus lies at first near 


PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 347 
the centre, but as the outer wall thickens, the nucleus moves toward 
it, and remains closely applied to it throughout its growth, after which 
the nucleus often moves into another part of the cell (Higii62) Awa 
That this is not due simply to a movement of the nucleus toward the 

air and light is beautifully shown in the coats of certain seeds, where 
the nucleus moves, not to the outer, but to the inner wall of the cell, 
and here the thickening takes place (Fig. 162, C). The same position 


Fig. 162. — Position of the nuclei in growing plant-cells. [HABERLANDT.] 


A. Young epidermal cell of Zwzz/a with central nucleus, before thickening of the membrane. 
B. Three epidermal cells of A/onstera, during the thickening of the outer wall. C. Cell from the 
seed-coat of Scopudina, during the thickening of the inner wall. DD. Z#. Position of the nuclei dur- 
ing the formation of branches in the root-hairs of the pea. 


of the nucleus is shown in the thickening of the walls of the guard- 
cells of stomata, in the formation of the peristome of mosses, and in 
many other cases. In the formation of root-hairs in the pea, the pri- 
mary outgrowth always takes place from the immediate neighbourhood 
of the nucleus, which is carried outward and remains near the tip of 
the growing hair (Fig. 162, D, £). The same is true of the rhizoids 
of fern-prothallia and liverworts. In the hairs of aérial plants this 


348 CELL-CGHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


rule is reversed, the nucleus lying near the base of the hair; but this 
apparent exception proves the rule, for both Hunter and Haberlandt 
show that in this case growth of the hair is not apical, but proceeds 
from the base! Very interesting is Haberlandt’s observation that in 
the regeneration of fragments of Vaucherta the growing region, where 
a new membrane is formed, contains no chlorophyll, but numerous 
nuclei. The general result, based on the study of a large number of 
cases, 1s, in Haberlandt’s words, that “the nucleus is in most cases 
placed in the neighbourhood, more or less immediate, of the points at 
which growth is most active and continues longest.” This fact points 
to the conclusion that “its function is especially connected with the 
developmental processes of the cell,’ ! and that “in the growth of the 
cell, more especially in the growth of the cell-wall, the nucleus plays 
a definite part.” 

Korschelt’s work deals especially with the correlation between form 
and position of the nucleus and the nutrition of the cell, and since it 
bears more directly on chemical than on morphological synthesis, may 
be only briefly reviewed at this point. His general conclusion is that 
there is a definite correlation, on the one hand, between the position of 
the nucleus and the source of food-supply, on the other hand, between 
the size of the nucleus and the extent of its surface and the elabora- 
tion of material by the cell. In support of the latter conclusion many 
cases are brought forward of secreting cells in which the nucleus is of 
enormous size and has a complex branching form. Such nuclei occur, 
for example, in the silk-glands of various lepidopterous larve (Meckel, 
Zaddach, etc. ), which are characterized by an intense secretory activity 
concentrated into a very short period. Here the nucleus forms a 
labyrinthine network (Fig. 14, £), by which its surface is brought to a 
maximum, pointing to an active exchange of material between nucleus 
and cytoplasm. The same type of nucleus occurs in the Malpighian 
tubules of insects (Leydig, R. Hertwig), in the spinning-glands of 
amphipods (Mayer), and especially in the nutritive cells of the insect 
ovary already referred to at page 151. Here the developing ovum is 
accompanied and surrounded by cells, which there is good reason to 
believe are concerned with the elaboration of food for the egg-cell. 
In the earwig Forficula each egg is accompanied by a single large 
nutritive cell (Fig. 163), which has a very large nucleus rich in chro- 
matin (Korschelt). This cell increases in size as the ovum grows, and 
its nucleus assumes the complex branching form shown in the figure. 
In the butterfly Vanessa there is a group of such cells at one pole 
of the egg, from which the latter is believed to draw its nutriment 
(Fig. 77). A very interesting case is that of the annelid Ophryotrocha, 
referred toat page 151. Here, as described by Korschelt, the egg floats 


D iAirey VO (OlOY 


PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 349 


in the perivisceral fluid, accompanied by a nurse-cell having a very 
large chromatic nucleus, while that of the egg is smaller and poorer 
inchromatin. Astheegg 
completes its growth, the 
nurse-cell dwindles away 
and finally perishes (Fig. 
70). In all these cases 
it is scarcely possible to 
doubt that the egg is ina 
measure relieved of the 
task of elaborating cyto- 
plasmic products by the 
nurse-cell, and that the 
great development of 
the nucleus in the latter 
is correlated with this 
function. 

Regarding the posi- 
tion and movements of 
the nucleus, Korschelt 
reviews many facts 
pointing toward the 
same conclusion. Per- 
haps the most sugges- 
tive of these relate to 
the nucleus of the egg 
during its ovarian his- 
pony In may of the Fig. 163. — Upper portion of the ovary in the earwig For- 
insects, as in both the Jicula, showing eggs and nurse-cells. [KORSCHELT.] 


cases referred to above, Below, a portion of the nearly ripe egg (e), showing deuto- 


ei plasm-spheres and germinal vesicle (.g.v.). Above it lies the 
the €ss nucleus at first nurse-cell (7) with its enormous branching nucleus. ‘Two suc- 


occupies a central posi- cessively younger stages of egg and nurse are shown above. 
tion, but as the egg be- 

gins to grow, it moves to the periphery on the side turned toward 
the nutritive cells. The same is true in the ovarian eggs of some other 
animals, good examples of which are afforded by various ccelenterates, 
é.g. in medusz (Claus, Hertwig) and actinians (Korschelt, Hertwig), 
where the germinal vesicle is always near the point of attachment of 
the egg. Most suggestive of all is the case of the water-beetle Dytzs- 
cus, in which Korschelt was able to observe the movements and changes 
of form in the living object. The eggs here lie ina single series alter- 
nating with chambers of nutritive cells. The latter contain granules 
which are believed by Korschelt to pass into the egg, perhaps bodily, 
perhaps by dissolving and entering in a liquid form. At all events, 


350 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


the egg contains accumulations of similar granules, which extend 
inward in dense masses from the nutritive cells to the germinal vesi- 
cle, which they may more or less completely surround. The latter 
meanwhile becomes ameaeboid, sending out long pseudopodia, which 
are always directed toward the principal mass of granules (Fig. 77). 
The granules could not be traced into the nucleus, but the latter grows 
rapidly during these changes, proving that matter must be absorbed 
by it, probably in a liquid form.! 

Among other facts pointing in the same direction may be mentioned 
Miss Huie’s (’97) observations on the gland-cells of Drosera, and those 
of Mathews (‘99) on the changes of the pancreas-cell in Vecturus. 
Stimulus of the gland-cells in the leaf of Dvosera causes a rapid 
exhaustion and change of staining-capacity in the cytoplasm. During 
the ensuing repose the cytoplasm is rebuilt out of material laid down 
immediately around the nucleus, and agreeing closely in appearance 
and staining-reaction with the achromatic nuclear constituents. The 
chromatin increases in bulk during a period preceding the constructive 
phase, but decreases (while the nucleolar material increases) as the 
cytoplasm is restored. In the pancreas-cell, as has long been known, 
the “loaded” cell (before secretion) is filled with metaplasmic zymo- 
gen-granules, which disappear during secretion, the cell meanwhile 
becoming filled with protoplasmic fibrils (Fig. 18). During the ensu- 
ing period of “rest’’ the zymogen-granules are re-formed at the 
expense of the fibrillar material, which is finally found only at the 
base of the cell near the nucleus. Upon discharge of the secretion 
(granule-material) the fibrillae again advance from the nucleus toward 
the periphery. Mathews shows that many if not all of them may be 
traced at one end actually into the nuclear wall, and concludes that 
they are directly formed by the nucleus. 

Beside the foregoing facts may be placed the strong evidence 
reviewed at pages 156-158, indicating the formation of the yolk-nu- 
cleus, and indirectly of the yolk-material, by the nucleus. All of these 
and a large number of other observations in the same direction lead to 
the conclusion that the cell-nucleus plays an active part in nutrition, 
and that it is especially active during the constructive phases. On the 
whole, therefore, the behaviour of the nucleus in this regard is in har- 
mony with the result reached by experiment on the one-celled forms, 
though it gives in itself a far less certain and convincing result.” 


1 Mention may conveniently here be made of Richard Hertwig’s interesting observation 
that in starved individuals of Actizospherium the chromatin condenses into a single mass, 
while in richly fed animals it is divided into fine granules scattered through the nucleus 
(98, p. 8). 

2 Loeb (’98, ’99) makes the interesting suggestion that the nucleus is especially con- 
cerned in the oxydative processes of the cell, and that this is the key to its 7é/e in the syn- 
thetic process. It has been shown that oxydations in the living tissues are probably 


PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 361 


We now turn to evidence which, though less direct than the above, 
is scarcely less convincing. This evidence, which has been exhaus- 
tively discussed by Hertwig, Weismann, and Strasburger, is drawn 
from the history of the nucleus in mitosis, fertilization, and matura- 
tion. It calls for only a brief review here, since the facts have been 
fully described in earlier chapters. 


3. The Nucleus in Mitosts 


To Wilhelm Roux (’83) we owe the first clear recognition of the 
fact that the transformation of the chromatic substance during mitotic 
division is manifestly designed to effect a precise division of ail its 
parts, —?.e. a panmeristic division as opposed to a mere mass-division, 
—and their definite distribution to the daughter-cells. ‘‘ The essential 
operation of nuclear division is the division of the mother-granules”’ 
(z.e. the individual chromatin-grains); “all the other phenomena are 
for the purpose of transporting the daughter-granules derived from 
the division of a mother-granule, one to the centre of one of the 
daughter-cells, the other to the centre of the other.” In this respect 
the nucleus stands in marked contrast to the cytoplasm, which under- 
goes on the whole a mass-division, although certain of its elements, 
such as the plastids and the centrosome, may separately divide, like 
the elements of the nucleus. From this fact Roux argued, first, that 
different regions of the nuclear substance must represent different 
qualities, and second, that the apparatus of mitosis is designed to 
distribute these qualities, according to a definite law, to the daughter- 
cells. The particular form in which Roux and Weismann developed 
this conception has now been generally rejected, and in any form it 
has some serious difficulties in its way. We cannot assume a precise 
localization of chromatin-elements in all parts of the nucleus; for on 
the one hand a large part of the chromatin may degenerate or be cast 
out (as in the maturation of the egg), and on the other hand in the 
Protozoa a small fragment of the nucleus is able to regenerate the 
whole. Nevertheless, the essential fact remains, as Hertwig, Kolliker, 
Strasburger, De Vries, and many others have insisted, that in mitotic 
cell-division the chromatin of the mother-cell is distributed with the 
most scrupulous equality to the nuclei of the daughter-cells, and that 
in this regard there is a most remarkable contrast between nucleus 
and cytoplasm. This holds true with such wonderful constancy 


dependent upon certain substances (oxydation ferments) that in some manner, not yet 
clearly understood, facilitate the process; and the work of Spitzer (’97) has shown that 
these substances (obtained from tissue-extracts) belong to the group of nucleo-proteids, 
which are characteristic nuclear substances. The view thus suggested opens a further way 
toward more exact inquiry into the nuclear functions, though it is not to be supposed that 
the nucleus is the sole oxydative centre of the cell, as is obvious from the prolonged activity 
of non-nucleated protoplasmic masses. 


352 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


throughout the series of living forms, from the lowest to the highest, 
that it must have a deep significance. And while we are not yet in 
a position to grasp its full meaning, this contrast points unmistakably 
to the conclusion that the most essential material handed on by the 
mother-cell to its progeny is the chromatin, and that this substance 
therefore has a special significance in inheritance. 


4. The Nucleus in Fertilization 

The foregoing argument receives an overwhelming reénforcement 
from the facts of fertilization. Although the ovum supplies nearly 
all the cytoplasm for the embry- 
a onic body, and the spermatozoon 
\ a} at most only a trace, the latter is 
i nevertheless as potent in its effect 
on the offspring as the former. On 
the other hand, the nuclei con- 
tributed by the germ-cells, though 
apparently different, become in 
the end exactly equivalent in every 
visible respect —in structure, in 
staining-reactions, and in the num- 
ber and form of the chromosomes 
to which each gives rise. But 
furthermore the substance of the 
two germ-nuclei is distributed with 
absolute equality, certainly to the 
first two cells of the embryo, and 
probably to all later-formed cells. 
The latter conclusion, which long 
remained a mere surmise, has been 
rendered nearly a certainty by 
the remarkable observations of 
Rickert, Zoja, and Hacker, de- 
scribed in Chapters IV. and VI. 
We must therefore accept the high 
probability of the conclusion that 
the specific character of the cell is 
in the last analysis determined by 
Y that of the nucleus, that is by the 
Fig. 164. —Normal and dwarf larvz of the chromatin, and that in the equal 

sea-urchin. [BOVERT.] ileeee : 
A. Dwarf Pluteus arising from an enucleated distribution of paternal and ma- 
egg-fragment of Spherechinus granularis, fertil- ternal chromatin to all the cells of 
ized with spermatozo6n of Echinus microtuber- the offspring we find the physio- 


culatus, and showing purely paternal characters. 5 : 
Z. Normal Pluteus of kchinus microtuberculatus, logical explanation of the fact that 


PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF NUCLEUS AND CYTOPLASM 353 


every part of the latter may show the characteristics of either or both 
parents. 

Boveri (’89, ’95, 1) has attempted to test this conclusion by a most 
ingenious and beautiful experiment; and although his conclusions do 
not rest on absolutely certain ground, they at least open the way to 
a decisive test. The Hertwig brothers showed that the eggs of sea- 
urchins might be broken into pieces by shaking, and that spermatozoa 
would enter the enucleated fragments and cause them to segment. 
Boveri proved that such a fragment, if fertilized by a spermatozoon, 
would even give rise to a dwarf larva, indistinguishable from the nor- 
mal in general appearance except in size. The nuclei of such larve 
are considerably smaller than those of the normal larve, and were 
shown by Morgan (95, 4) to contain only half the number of chromo- 
somes, thus demonstrating their origin from a single sperm-nucleus. 
Now, by fertilizing enucleated egg-fragments of one species (Sphe@- 
rechinus granularis) with the spermatozoa of another (/chinus micro- 
tuberculatus), Boveri obtained in a few instances dwarf Plutei show- 
ing except in size the pure paternal characters (2.e. those of Echinus, 
Fig. 164). From this he concluded that the maternal cytoplasm has 
no determining effect on the offspring, but supplies only the material 
in which the sperm-nucleus operates. Inheritance is, therefore, ef- 
fected by the nucleus alone. 

The later studies of Seeliger (94), Morgan (95, 4), and Drisch 
(98, 3) showed that this result is not entirely conclusive, since hybrid 
larvee arising by the fertilization of an entire ovum of one species by 
a spermatozoon of the other show a very considerable range of varia- 
tion; and while most such hybrids are intermediate in character 
between the two species, some individuals may nearly approximate 
to the characters of the father or the mother. Despite this fact 
Boveri (’95, 1) has strongly defended his conclusion, though admitting 
that only further research can definitely decide the question. It is 
to be hoped that this highly ingenious experiment may be repeated 
on other forms which may afford a decisive result. 


5. Lhe Nucleus in Maturation 


Scarcely less convincing, finally, is the contrast between nucleus 
and cytoplasm in the maturation of the germ-cells. It is scarcely 
an exaggeration to say that the whole process of maturation, in its 
broadest sense, renders the cytoplasm of the germ-cells as unlike, 
the nuclei as like, as possible. The latter undergo a series of com- 
plicated changes which result in a perfect equivalence between them 
at the time of their union, and, more remotely, a perfect equality of 
distribution to the embryonic cells. The cytoplasm, on the other 

2A 


354 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


hand, undergoes a special differentiation in each to effect a second- 
ary division of labour between the germ-cells. When this is corre- 
lated with the fact that the germ-cells, on the whole, have an equal 
effect on the specific character of the embryo, we are again forced 
to the conclusion that this effect must primarily be sought in the 
nucleus, and that the cytoplasm is in a sense only its agent. 


C. THE CENTROSOME 


Existing views regarding the functions of the centrosome may con- 
veniently be arranged in two general groups, the first including those 
which regard this structure as a relatively passzve body, the second 
those which assume it to be an active organ. To the first belongs the 
hypothesis of Heidenhain (94), accepted by Kostanecki (’97, 1) and 
some others, that the centrosome serves essentially as an insertion- 
point for the astral rays (‘organic radii”), and plays a relatively 
passive part in the phenomena of mitosis, the active functions being 
mainly performed by the surrounding structures. To the same 
category belongs the view of Miss Foot that the formation of the 
centrosome is, as it were, incidental to that of the aster —‘‘the 
expression, rather than the cause, of cell-activity ’ (97, p. 810). To 
the second group belong the views of Van Beneden, Boveri, Bitschli, 
Carnoy, and others who regard the centrosome as playing a more 
active 7é/e in the life of the cell. Both of the former authors have 
assumed the centrosomes to be active centres by the action of which 
the astral systems are organized; and they are thus led to the conclu- 
sion that the centrosome is essentially an organ for cell-division and 
fertilization (Boveri), and in this sense is the ‘‘dynamic centre” of 
the cell! To Carnoy and Biitschli is due the interesting suggestion ? 
that the centrosomes are to be regarded further as centres of chemical 
action to which their remarkable effect on the cytoplasm is due. 
That the centrosome is an active centre, rather than a passive body 
or one created by the aster-formation, is strongly indicated by its 
behaviour both in mitosis and in fertilization. Griffin (’96, ’99) points 
out that at the close of division in 7a/assema the daughter-centro- 
somes migrate away from the old astral centre and incite about 
themselves in a different region the new astral systems for the 
ensuing mitosis (Figs. 99, 155); and similar conditions are described 
by Coe in Cerebratulus ('98). In fertilization the aster-formation can- 
not be regarded as a general action of the cytoplasm, but as a local 
one due to a local stimulus given by something in the spermatozoon ; 
for in polyspermy a sperm-aster is formed for every spermatozoon 
(p. 198). This stimulus is given by something in the middle- 


1 Cf pp. 76, 192. 2VGjpaLlo: 


THE CENTROSOME 355 


piece (p. 212), which is itself genetically related to the centrosome of 
the last cell-generation (p. 170). These facts seem explicable only 
under the assumption that in these cases the centrosome, or a sub- 
stance which it carries, gives an active stimulus to the cytoplasm 
which incites the aster-formation about itself, and in the words of 
Griffin “ disengages the forces at work in mitosis” (96, p. 174). For 
these reasons I incline to the view that in the artificial aster-formation 
described by Morgan! the centrosomes there observed should not be 
regarded as the creations of the asters, but rather as local deposits 
of material which incite the aster-formation around them. That the 
centrosomes or astral centres are centres of division (whether active 
or passive) is beautifully shown by Boveri's interesting observations 
on ‘partial fertilization” referred to at page 194. 

Again, Boveri has observed that the segmenting ovum of Ascarzs 
sometimes contains a supernumerary centrosome that does not enter 


B 


Eggs of Ascaris with supernumerary centrosome. [BOVERI.] 


Fig. 165. 


A, First cleavage-spindle above, isolated centrosome below. Z&. Result of the ensuing division. 


into connection with the chromosomes, but lies alone in the cytoplasm 
(Fig. 165). Such a centrosome forms an independent centre of divi- 
sion, the cell dividing into three parts, two of which are normal 
blastomeres, while the third contains only the centrosome and attrac- 
tion-sphere. The fate of such eggs was not determined, but they 
form a complete demonstration that it is in this case the centrosome 
and not the nucleus that determines the centres of division in the 
cell-body. Scarcely less conclusive is the case of dispermic eggs in 
sea-urchins. In such eggs both sperm-nuclei conjugate with the egg- 
nucleus, and both sperm-centrosomes divide (Fig. 166). The 
cleavage-nucleus, therefore, arises by the union of ¢#ree nuclei and 
four centrosomes. Such eggs divide at the first cleavage into four 
equal blastomeres, each of which receives one of the centrosomes. 


IG paso je 


) CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


wn 


4 
=) 


The latter must, therefore, be the centres of division ;! though it 
must not be forgotten that, in some cases at any rate, onal Higrsicn 
requires the presence of nuclear matter (p. 108). 

The centrosome must, however, be something more than a mere 
division-centre; for, on the one hand, in leucocytes and pigment-cells 
the astral system formed about it is devoted, as there is good reason 
to believe, not to cell-division, but to movements of the cell- body as a 
whole; and, on the other hand, as we have seen (pp. 165, 172), it is 
concerned in the formation of the flagella of the spermatozoa and 
spermatozoids, and probably also in that of cilia in epithelial cells. 
Strasburger (’97) was thus led to the conclusion that the centrosome 
is essentially a mass of &zxoplasm, 7.e. the active motor plasm,? and 
a nearly similar view has been adopted by several recent zodlogists. 


B Cc 


Fig. 166. — Cleavage of dispermic egg of Toxopneustes. 


A, One sperm-nucleus has united with the egg-nucleus, shown at a. 6.; the other lies above. 
Both sperm-asters have divided to form amphiasters (a. 6. andc.d.). &. The cleavage-nucleus, 
formed by union of the three germ-nuclei, is surrounded by the four asters. C. Result of the first 
cleavage, the four blastomeres lettered to correspond with the four asters. 


Henneguy concludes that the centrosomes are “motor centres of 
the kinoplasm”’ both for external and for internal manifestations.® 
Lenhossék regards them as ‘“‘motors”’ for the control of ciliary action 
as well as for that of the spermatozoon,? and perhaps also for that of 
muscle-fibrilla.® Zimmerman concludes that “the microcentrum is 
the motor centre of the cell, that is, the ‘kinocentrum’ opposed to 
the nucleus as the ‘chemocentrum.’”® Regarding their control of 
ciliary action, he makes the same suggestion as that of Henneguy and 
Lenhossék cited above. He adds the further very interesting sug- 
gestions that the centrosomes may be concerned with the pseudopodial 
movements in the epithelial cells of the intestine, and that they may 


1 This phenomenon was first observed by Hertwig, and afterward by Driesch. I have 
repeatedly observed the internal changes in the living eggs of Zoxopneustes. 

25 C75 ps 22- 4798, p. 107. 6 ’98, p. 697. 

3°98, p. 495. ° 99, p. 342. 


THE CENTROSOME 3157, 


also be concerned in the protoplasmic contraction of gland-cells by 
which the excretion is expelled. [This is based on the fact that 
the centrosomes are found in the free (pseudopodia-forming) ends of 
the epithelial cells, and on the position of the centrosomes in goblet- 
cells (Fig. 23) and in those of the lachrymal gland.] Peter (’99) has 
attempted to test these conclusions experimentally by cutting or tear- 
ing off cilia from the cell-body (gut-epithelium of Axodonta) and also 
by isolating the tails of spermatozoa. In groups consisting of only a 
few cilia, separated from the nucleus, the movements actively con- 
tinue, while those that are separated from the basal bodies cease to 
beat. Spermatozoon tails separated from the head also continue to 


Fig. 167. — Centrosomes and cilia in spermatocytes of a butterfly. [HENNEGUY.] 


move, but only if they remain connected with the middle-piece. 
Peter, therefore, supports the above conclusions of Henneguy and 
Lenhossék. On the other hand, Meves (’99) finds that movements 
of the undulating membrane in the tails of salamander-spermatozoa 
continue if the middle-piece be entirely removed; while a number 
of earlier observers! have observed in flagellates that a flagellum 
separated from the body may actively continue its movements for a 
considerable time. 

Further research is therefore required to test these suggestions. 
The intimate connection of the centrosomes with the formation, on the 
one hand, of the astral rays, on the other of contractile organs, such 


1 See Klebs, ’83, Biitschli, ’85, Fischer, ’94, 2. 


358 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


as cilia, flagella, and pseudopodia,! the centrosomes in ciliated cells 
and spermatozoa, and in the swarm-spores of /Voc?e/uca, is, however, a 
most striking fact, and is one of the strongest indirect arguments in 
favour of the general theory of fibrillar contractility in mitosis. 


D. SuMMARY AND CONCLUSION 


The facts reviewed in the foregoing pages converge to the conclu- 
sion that the differentiation of the cell-substance into nucleus and 
cytoplasm is the expression of a fundamental physiological division 
of labour in the cell. Experiments upon unicellular forms demonstrate 
that, in the entire absence of a nucleus, protoplasm is able for a 
considerable time to liberate energy and to manifest codrdinated 
activities dependent on destructive metabolism. There is here sub- 
stantial ground for the view that the cytoplasm is the principal 
seat of these activities in the normal cell. On the other hand, 
there is strong cumulative evidence that the nucleus is intimately 
concerned in the constructive or synthetic processes, whether chemical 
or morphological. 

That the nucleus has such a significance in synthetic metabolism 
is proved by the fact that digestion and absorption of food and 
growth soon cease with its removal from the cytoplasm, while destruc- 
tive metabolism may long continue as manifested by the phenomena 
of irritability and contractility. It is indicated by the position and 
movements of the nucleus in relation to the food-supply and to the 
formation of specific cytoplasmic products. It harmonizes with the 
fact, now universally admitted, that active exchanges of material 
go_on between nucleus and cytoplasm. The periodic changes of 
staining-capacity undergone by the chromatin during the cycle of cell- 
life, taken in connection with the researches of physiological chemists 
on the chemical composition and staining-reactions of the nuclein 
series, indicate that the phosphorus-rich substance known as xaclezntc 
acid plays a leading part in the constructive process. During the 
vegetative phases of the cell this substance is combined with a large 
amount of the albumin radicles histon, protamin, and related sub- 
stances, and probably in part with albumin itself, to form nuclein. 
During the mitotic or reproductive processes this combination appears 
to be dissolved, the albuminous elements being in large part split 
off, leaving the substance of the chromosomes with a high percentage 
of nucleinic acid, as is shown by direct analysis of the sperm-nucleus 
and is indicated by the staining-reactions of the chromosomes. There 
is, therefore, considerable ground for the hypothesis that in a chemt- 
cal sense this substance is the most essential nuclear element handed 


1 Cf pp. 92, 102, on the central granule of the //e/zoz0a. 


LITERATURE 359 


on from cell to cell, whether by cell-division or by fertilization ; and 
that it may be a primary factor in the constructive processes of the 
nucleus and through these be indirectly concerned with those of the 
cytoplasm. 

The vé/e of the nucleus in constructive metabolism is intimately 
related with its 7é/e in morphological synthesis, and thus in inheri- 
tance; for the recurrence of similar morphological characters must in 
the last analysis be due to the recurrence of corresponding forms of 
metabolic action of which they are the outward expression. That the 
nucleus is in fact a primary factor in morphological as well as chemi- 
cal synthesis is demonstrated by experiments on unicellular plants and 
animals, which prove that the power of regenerating lost parts disap- 
pears with its removal, though the enucleated fragment may continue 
to live and move fora considerable period. That the nuclear sub- 
stance, and especially the chromatin, is a leading factor in inheritance 
is powerfully supported by the facts of maturation, fertilization, and 
cell-division. In maturation the germ-nuclei are by an elaborate 
process prepared for the subsequent union of equivalent chromatic 
elements from the two sexes. By fertilization these elements are 
brought together, and by mitotic division distributed with exact equal- 
ity to the embryonic cells. The result, which is especially striking in 
the case of hybrid-fertilization, proves that the spermatozoon is as 
potent in inheritance as the ovum, though the latter contributes an 
amount of cytoplasm which is but an infinitesimal fraction of that 
supplied by the ovum. 

It remains to be seen whether the chromatin can actually be re- 
garded as the idioplasm or physical basis of inheritance, as maintained 
by Hertwig and Strasburger. Verworn has justly urged that the 
nucleus cannot be regarded as the sole vehicle of inheritance, since 
the codperation of both nucleus and cytoplasm is essential to com- 
plete cell-life; and, as will be shown in Chapter IX., the cytoplasmic 
organization plays an important 70/e in shaping the course of devel- 
opment. Considered in all their bearings, however, the facts seem 
to accord best with the hypothesis that the cytoplasmic organization 
is itself determined, in the last analysis, by the nucleus;! and the 
principle for which Hertwig and Strasburger contended is thus sus- 
tained. 


EIGERATURE. VII 


Bernard, Claude. — Lecons sur les Phénoménes dé la Vie: Ist ed. 1878; 2d ed. 
1885. aris. 

Chittenden, R. H.— Some Recent Chemico-physiological Discoveries regarding the 
Cell: Am. Nat., XXVIII., Feb., 1894. 


1 Cf. p. 431. 


360 CELL-CHEMISTRY AND CELL-PHYSIOLOGY 


Fischer, A. — See Literature I. 

Gruber, A. — Mikroskopische Vivisekton: Ber. d. Maturf. Ges. Freiburg, VII., 1893. 

Haberlandt, G. — Uber die Beziehungen zwischen Funktion und Lage des Zellkerns. 
Fischer, 1887. 

Id. — Physiologische Pflanzenatomie. Lezfzzg, 1896. 

Halliburton, W. D. — A Text-book of Chemical Physiology and Pathology. London, 
18gI. 

Id.— The Chemical Physiology of the Cell (Gozldstonian Lectures): Brit. Med. 
Journ. 1893. 

Hammarsten, 0. — Lehrbuch der physiologische Chemie. 3d ed. W7esbaden, 1895. 

Hertwig, O. and R.— Uber den Befruchtungs- und Teilungsvorgang des tierischen 
Eies unter dem Einfluss dusserer Agentien. /eva, 1887. 

Kolliker, A.— Das Karyoplasma und die Vererbung, eine Kritik der Weismann’schen 
Theorie von der Kontinuitat des Keimplasmas: Zeztsthr. wiss. Zodl., XLIV. 
1886. 

Korschelt, E.— Beitrage sur Morphologie und Physiologie des Zellkernes: Zool. 
Jahrb. Anat. u. Ontog., 1V. 1889. 

Kossel, A. — Uber die chemische Zusammensetzung der Zelle: Arch. Anat. u. Phys. 
18oI. 

Id. — Uber die basischen Stoffe des Zellkernes: Zeit. Phys. Chem., XXII1., 1896. 

Lilienfeld, L.— Uber die Wahlverwandtschaft der Zellelemente zu Farbstoffen: 
Arch. Anat. u. Phys. 1893. 

Malfatti, H.— Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Nucleine: Zeztschr. Phys. Chem., XVI. 
1891. 

Mathews, A. P.— The Metabolism of the Pancreas Cell: Journ. Morph., XV.Suppl. 
1899. 

Miescher, F. — Physiologisch-chemische Untersuchungen tiber die Lachsmilch : 47ch. 
Exp. Path. u. Pharm., XXXVII., 1896. 

Prenant, A. — See Literature VI. 

Riickert, J. — Zur Entwicklungsgeschichte des Ovarialeies bei Selachiern: dz. Anz., 
Vile Ats92: 

Sachs, J. — Vorlesungen iiber Pflanzen-physiologie. Le7fzzg, 1882. 

Id. — Stoff und Form der Pflanzen-organe: Gesammuelte Abhandlungen, Il. 1893. 

Strasburger. — See footnote, p. 269. 

Verworn, M.— Die Physiologische Bedeutung des Zellkerns: Arch. fiir die Ges. 
Phys., XL. 1892. 

Id. — Allgemeine Physiologie. eva, 1895. 

Whitman, C. 0. — The Seat of Formative and Regenerative Energy: Journ. Morph, 
II. 1888. 

Zacharias, E. — Uber des Verhalten des Zellkerns in wachsenden Zellen: //ora, 81. 


1895. 


CHAPTER, Vill 
CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


*‘ Wir kénnen demnach endlich den Satz aufstellen, dass simmtliche im entwickelten 
Zustande vorhandenen Zellen oder Aequivalente von Zellen durch eine fortschreitende 
Gliederung der Eizelle in morphologisch ahnliche Elemente entstehen, und dass die in einer 
embryonischen Organ-Anlage enthaltenden Zellen, so gering auch ihre Zahl sein mag, 
dennoch die ausschliessliche ungegliederte Anlage fiir simmtliche Formbestandtheile der 
spateren Organe enthalten.” REMAK.} 


SINCE the early work of Kolliker and Remak it has been recog- 
nized that the cleavage or segmentation of the ovum, with which 
the development of all higher animals begins, is nothing other than 
a rapid series of mitotic cell-divisions by which the egg splits up 
into the elements of the tissues. This process is merely a contin- 
uation of that by which the germ-cell arose in the parental body. 
A long pause, however, intervenes during the latter period of its 
ovarian life, during which no divisions take place. Throughout this 
period the egg leads, on the whole, a somewhat passive existence, 
devoting itself especially to the storage of potential energy to be used 
during the intense activity that is to come. Its power of division 
remains dormant until the period of full maturity approaches. The 
entrance of the spermatozoon arouses in the egg a new phase of 
activity. Its power of division, which may have lain dormant for 
months or years, is suddenly raised to the highest pitch of intensity, 
and in a very short time it gives rise by division to a myriad of de- 


scendants which are ultimately differentiated into the elements of} 


the tissues. 

The divisions of the egg during cleavage are exactly comparable 
with those of tissue-cells, and all of the essential phenomena of 
mitosis are of the same general character in both. But for two 
reasons the cleavage of the egg possesses a higher interest than 
any other case of cell-division. First, the egg-cell gives rise by divi- 
sion not only to cells like itself, as is the case with most tissue-cells, 
but also to many other kinds of cells. The operation of cleavage is 
therefore immediately connected with the process of differentiation, 
which is the most fundamental phenomenon in development. Second, 
definite relations may often be traced between the planes of division 
and the structural axes of the adult body, and these relations are 


1 Untersuchungen, 1855, p. 140. 
301 


62 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


Ww 


sometimes so clearly marked and appear so early that with the very 
first cleavage the position in which the embryo will finally appear in 
the egg may be exactly predicted. Such ‘‘ promorphological” rela- 
tions of the segmenting egg possess a very high interest in their 
bearing on the theory of germinal localization and on account of the 
light which they throw on the conditions of the formative process. 

The present chapter is in the main a prelude to that which 
follows, ‘its purpose being to sketch some of the external features 
of early development regarded as particular expressions of the gen- 
eral rules of cell-division. For this purpose we may consider the 
cleavage of the ovum under two heads, namely : — 

1. The Geometrical Relations of Cleavageforms, with reference 
to the general rules of cell-division. 

2. Lhe Promorphological Relations of the blastomeres and cleav- 
age-planes to the parts of the adult body to which they give rise. 


A. GEOMETRICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE-FORMS 


The geometrical relations of the cleavage-planes and the relative 
size and position of the cells vary endlessly in detail, being modified 
by innumerable mechanical and other conditions, such as the amount 
and distribution of the inert yolk or deutoplasm, the shape of the 
ovum as a whole, and the like. Yet all the forms of cleavage can 
be referred to a single type which has been moulded this way or that 
by special conditions, and which is itself an expression of two general 
rules of cell-division, first formulated by Sachs in the case of plant- 
cells. These are :— 

1. The cell typically tends to divide into equal parts. 

2. Each new plane of division tends to intersect the preceding plane 
ata right angle. 

In the simplest and least modified forms the direction of the 
cleavage-planes, and hence the general configuration of the cell- 
system, depends on the general form of the dividing mass; for, as 
Sachs has shown, the cleavage-planes tend to be either vertical to the 
surface (anticlines) or parallel to it (periclines). Ideal schemes of 
division may thus be constructed for various geometrical figures. In 
a flat circular disc, for example, the anticlinal planes pass through 
the radii; the periclines are circles concentric with the periphery. If 
the disc be elongated to form an ellipse, the periclines also become 
ellipses, while the anticlines are converted into hyperbolas confocal 
with the periclines. If it have the form of a parabola, the periclines 
and anticlines form two systems of confocal parabolas intersecting at 
right angles. All these schemes are mutatis mutandis, directly con- 
vertible into the corresponding solid forms in three dimensions. 


GEOMETRICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE-FORMS 363 


Sachs has shown in the most beautiful manner that all the above 
ideal types are closely approximated in nature, and Rauber has applied 
the same principle to the cleavage of animal-cells. The discoid or 
spheroid form is more or less nearly realized in the thalloid growths of 


{1 


Fig. 168. — Geometrical relations of cleavage-planes in growing plant-tissues. [From SACHS, 
after various authors. | 

A. Flat ellipsoidal germ-disc of Me/odesia (Rosanoft); nearly typical relation of eiliptic 
periclines and hyperbolic anticlines. 2. C. Apical view of terminal knob on epidermal hair of 
Pinguicola. ‘B. shows the ellipsoid type, C. the circular (spherical type), somewhat modified 
(only anticlines present). 2D. Growing point of Sa/vinéa (Pringsheim), typical ellipsoid type; 
the single pericline is, however, incomplete. £. Growing point of 4zo//a (Strasburger) ; circular 
or spheroidal type transitional to ellipsoidal. /. Root-cap of Agzisetum (Nageli and Leitgeb) ; 
modified circular type. G. Cross-section of leaf-vein, 77échomanes (Prantl) ; ellipsoidal type with 
incomplete periclines. 7. Embryo of 4/isma,; typical ellipsoid type, pericline incomplete only 
at lower side. /. Growing point of bud of the pine (Adzes) ; typical paraboloid type, both anti- 
clines and periclines having the form of parabolas (Sachs). 


various lower plants, in the embryos of flowering plants, and else- 
where (Fig. 168). The paraboloid form is according to Sachs charac- 
teristic of the growing points of many higher plants; and here, too, 
the actual form is remarkably similar to the ideal scheme (Fig. 168, /). 


304 CELI-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


For our purpose the most important form is the sphere, which is 
the typical shape of the egg-cell; and all forms of cleavage may 
be related to the typical division of a sphere in accordance with Sachs’s 
rules. The ideal form of cleavage would here be a succession of 
rectangular cleavages in the three dimensions of space, the anticlines 
passing through the centre so as to split the egg in the initial stages 
successively into halves, quadrants, and octants, the periclines being 
parallel to the surface so as.to separate the inner ends of these cells 
from the outer. No case is known in which this order is accurately 
followed throughout, and the periclinal cleavages are of compara- 
tively rare occurrence, being found as a regular feature of the early 
cleavage only in those cases where the primary germ-layers are sepa- 
rated by delamination. The simplest and clearest form of egg- 
‘cleavage occurs in eggs like those of echinoderms, which are of 
spherical form, and in which the deutoplasm is small in amount and 
equally distributed through its substance. Such a cleavage is beauti- 
fully displayed in the egg of the holothurian Syzapta, as shown in 
the diagrams, Fig. 169, constructed from Selenka’s drawings. The 
first cleavage is vertical, or meridional, passing through the egg-axis 
and dividing the egg into equal halves. The second, which is also 
meridional, cuts the first plane at right angles and divides the egg 
into quadrants. The third is horizontal, or egvatorza/, dividing the 
egg into equal octants. The order of division is thus far exactly 
that demanded by Sachs’s rule and agrees precisely with the cleavage 
of various kinds of spherical plant-cells. The later cleavages depart 
from the ideal type in the absence of periclinal divisions, the embryo 
becoming hollow, and its walls consisting of a single layer of cells in 
which anticlinal cleavages occur in regular rectangular succession. 
The fourth cleavage is again meridional, giving two tiers of eight 
cells each; the fifth is horizontal, dividing each tier into an upper 
and a lower layer. The regular alternation is continued up to the 
ninth division (giving 512 cells), when the divisions pause while the 
gastrulation begins. In later stages the regularity is lost. 

Hertwig's Development of Gree s Rules. — Beside Sachs’s rules 
may be placed two others formulated by Oscar Hertwig in 1884, 
which bear directly on the facts just outlined and which lie behind 
Sachs’s principle of the rectangular intersection of successive division- 
planes. These are :— 

1. The nucleus tends to take up a position at the centre of its sphere 
of influence, i.€. of the protoplasmic mass in which it lies. 

2. The axis of the mitotic figures typically lies in the longest axis 
of the protoplasmic mass, and division therefore tends to cut this axis 
at a right angle. 

The second rule explains the normal succession of the division- 


GEOMETRICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE-FORMS 365 
planes according to Sachs’s second rule. The first division of a homo- 
geneous spherical egg, for example, is followed by a second division 
at right angles to it, since each hemisphere is twice as long in the 
plane of division as in any plane vertical to it. The mitotic figure 
of the second division lies therefore parallel to the first plane, which 
forms the base of the hemisphere, and the ensuing division is vertical 
to it. The same applies to the third division, since each quadrant is 
as long as the entire egg while at most only half its diameter. Divi- 
sion is therefore transverse to the long axis and vertical to the first 
two planes. 

Taken together the rules of Sachs and Hertwig, applied to the 


oD) 


egg, give us a kind of ideal type or model, well illustrated by the 


Fig. 169. — Cleavage of the ovum in the holothurian Syzaféa (slightly schematized). [After 
SELENKA.] 
A-E. Successive cleavages to the 32-cell stage. / Blastula of 128 cells. 


cleavage of Synapta, described above, to which all the forms of cleav- 
age may conveniently be referred as a basis of comparison. Numer- 
ous exceptions to all four of these rules are, however, known, and they 
are of little value save as a starting-point for a closer study of the 
facts. Cleavage of such schematic regularity as that of Syzapta is 
extremely rare, both the form and the order of division being end- 
lessly varied and in extreme cases showing scarcely a discoverable 
connection with the “type.” We may conveniently consider these 
modifications under the following three heads : — 


366 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


1. Variation in the rhythm of division. 

2. Displacement of the cells (including variations in the direction 
of cleavage ). 

3. Unequal division of the cells. 

Nothing is more common than a departure from the regular 
rhythm of division. The variations are sometimes quite irregular, 
sometimes follow a definite rule, as, for instance, in the annelid Vere7s 
(Fig. 171), where the typical succession in the number of cells is with 
great constancy 2, 4, 8, 16, 20, 23, 29, 32, 37, 38, 41, 42, after which 
the order is more or less variable. The factors that determine such 
variations in the rhythm of division are very little understood. Bal- 
four, one of the first to consider the subject, sought an explanation in 
the varying distribution of metaplasmic substances, maintaining (’75, 
80) that the rapidity of division in any part of the ovum is in general 
inversely proportional to the amount of deutoplasm that it contains. 
The entire inadequacy of this view has been demonstrated by a long 
series of precise studies on cell-lineage, which show that while the 
large deutoplasm-bearing cells often do divide more slowly than 
the smaller protoplasmic ones the reverse is often the case, while 
remarkable differences in the rhythm of division are often observed 
in cells which do not perceptibly differ in metaplasmic content. All 
the evidence indicates that the rhythm of division is at bottom deter- 
mined by factors of a very complex character which cannot be 
disentangled from those which control growth in general. Lillie 
(95, 99) points out the very interesting fact, determined through an 
analysis of the cell-lineage of mollusks and annelids, that the rate 
of cleavage shows a direct relation to the period at which the prod- 
ucts become functional. Thus in Uzzo the more rapid cleavage of a 
certain large cell (‘‘d. 2’), formed at the fourth cleavage, is obviously 
correlated with the early formation of the shell-gland to which it gives 
rise, while the relatively slow rate of division in the first ectomere- 
quartet is correlated with reduction of the prz-trochal region. The 
prospective character shown here will be found to apply also to other 
characters of cleavage, as described beyond. 

When we turn to the factors that determine the direction of cleav- 
age or the displacement of cells subsequent to division, we find, as 
in the case of the division-rhythm, obvious mechanical factors com- 
bined with others far more complex. The arrangement of tissue-cells 
usually tends toward that of least resistance or greatest economy of 
space; and in this regard they have been shown to conform, broadly 
speaking, with the behaviour of elastic spheres, such as soap-bubbles 
when massed together and free to move. Such bodies, as Plateau 

1 Cf Wilson, ’92, Kofoid, ’94, Lillie, ’95, Zur Strassen, ’95, Ziegler, 95, and especially 
Jennings, ’97. 


are g 


GEOMETRICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE-FORMS 367 


and Lamarle have shown, assume a polyhedral form and tend toward 
such an arrangement that ¢he area of surface-contact between them ts 
a minimum. Spheres in a mass thus tend to assume the form of 
interlocking polyhedrons so arranged that three planes intersect in 
a line, while four lines and six planes meet at a point. If arranged 
in a single layer on an extended surface, they assume the form of 


TEN 


C D 
Fig. 170. — Cleavage of Polygordius, from life. 


A, Four-cell stage, from above. &. Corresponding view of eight-cell stage. C. Side view of 
the same (contrast Fig. 169, C). D. Sixteen-cell stage from the side. 


hexagonal prisms, three planes meeting along a line as before. Both 
these forms are commonly shown in the arrangement of the cells of 
plant and animal tissues; and Berthold (86) and Errera (’86, 87), 
carefully analyzing the phenomena, have endeavoured to show that 
not only the form and relative position of cells, but also the direction 
of cell-division, is, partially at least, thus determined. 

It is through displacements of the cells of this type that many of 


368 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


the most frequent modifications of cleavage arise. Sometimes, as in 
Synapita, the alternation of the cells is effected through displacement 
of the blastomeres after their formation. More commonly it arises 
during the division of the cells, and may even be predetermined by 
the position of the mitotic figures before the slightest external sign 
of division. Thus arises that form of cleavage known as the spiral, 
oblique, or alternating type, where the blastomeres interlock during 
their formation and lie in the position of least resistance from the 
beginning. This form of cleavage, especially characteristic of many 
worms and mollusks, is typically shown by the egg of Polygordius 
(Fig. 170). The four-celled stage is nearly like that of Syxapta, 
though even here the cells slightly interlock. The third division is, 
however, oblique, the four upper cells being virtually rotated to the 
right (with the hands of a watch) so as to alternate with the four 
lower ones. The fourth cleavage is likewise oblique, but at right 
angles to the third, so that all of the cells interlock as shown in 
Fig. 170, D. This alternation regularly recurs for a considerable 
period. 

In many worms and mollusks the obliquity of cleavage appears 
still earlier, at the second cleavage, the four cells being so arranged 
that two of them meet along a “cross-furrow”’ at the lower pole of 
the egg, while the other two meet at the upper pole along a similar, 
though often shorter, cross-furrow at right angles to the lower (e.g. in 
Nereis, Fig. 171). It is a curious fact that the direction of the dis- 
placement is quite constant, the first or upper quartet in the eight- 
cell stage being rotated to the right, or with the hands of a watch, 
the second quartet to the left, the third to the right, and so on. 
Crampton (’94) has discovered the remarkable fact that in Pysa, a 
gasteropod having a reversed or sinistral shell, the whole order of 
displacement is likewise reversed, and the same has recently been 
shown by Holmes (’99) to be true of Ancylus. 

The spiral or alternating type of cleavage beautifully illustrates 
Sachs’s second rule as affected by modifying conditions; for, as may 
be seen by an inspection of Figs. 170, 171, each division-plane is 
approximately at right angles to the preceding and succeeding 
(whence the “alternation of the spirals” described by students of 
cell-lineage), while they are so directed that each cell as it is formed 
is placed at once in the position of least resistance in the mass, 7.é. in 
the position of minimal surface-contact. It is impossible to resist 
the conclusion that one of the factors by which the position of the 
cells (and hence the direction of cell-division) is determined is a 
purely mechanical one, identical with that which determines the 
arrangement of soap-bubbles and the like. 

Very little acquaintance with the facts of development is however 


< 


GEOMETRICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE-FORMS 369 


required to show that this purely mechanicai factor, though doubtless 
real, must be subordinate to some other. This is strikingly shown, 
for example, in the development of annelids and mollusks, where the 
spiral cleavage, strictly maintained during the earlier stages, finally 
gives way more or less completely to a bilateral type of division in 
which the rule of minimal surface-contact is often violated. We see 
here a tendency operating directly against, and finally overcoming, 


Fig. 171. — Cleavage of Nereis. An example of a spiral cleavage, unequal from the beginning 
and of a marked determinate character. 


A. Two-cell stage (the circles are oil-drops). &. Four-cell stage; the second cleavage-plane 
passes through the future median plane. C. The same from the right side. DD. Eight-cell stage. 
£. Sixteen cells; from the cells marked ¢/ arises the prototroch or larval ciliated belt, from X the 
ventral nerve-cord and other structures, from D the mesoblast-bands, the germ-cells, and a part of 
the alimentary canal. /. Twenty-nine-cell stage, from the right side; /. girdle of prototrochal cells 
which give rise to the ciliated belt. 


the mechanical factor which predominates in the earlier stages; and 
in some cases, ¢.g. in the egg of Clavelina (Fig. 177) and other tuni- 
cates, this tendency predominates from the beginning. In both 
these cases this “tendency ”’ is obviously related to the growth-process 
to which the future bilateral embryo will owe its form;! and every 
attempt to explain the position of the cells and the direction of cleav- 
age must reckon with the morphogenic process taken as a whole. 
The blastomere is not merely a cell dividing under the stress of rude 
1 Cf Wilson (’92, p. 444). 
2B 


370 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 
mechanical conditions; it is beyond this ‘‘a builder which lays one 
stone here, another there, each of which jis placed with reference to 
future development.” ! 

The third class of modifications, due to unequal division of the cells, 
not only leads to the most extreme types of cleavage but also to its 


(e D 
Fig. 1'72.— The eight-cell stage of four different animals showing gradations in the inequality of 
the third cleavage. 
A. The leech Clepsime (Whitman). &. The chzetopod Rhynchelmis (Vejdovsky). C. The 
lamellibranch Unzo (Lillie). D. Amphioxus. 


most difficult problems. Unequal divisions appear sooner or later 
in all forms of cleavage, the perfect equality so long maintained 
in Syxapta being a rare phenomenon. The period at which the in- 
equality first appears varies greatly in different forms. In Polygordius 
(Fig. 170) the first marked inequality appears at the fifth cleavage ; 


1 Lillie, 95, p. 46. 


GEOMETRICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE-FORMS 371 


in sea-urchins it appears at the fourth (Fig. 3); in Amphiorus at the 
third (Fig. 172); in the tunicate C/avelina at the second (Fig. 177); 
in /Verezs at the first division (Figs. 60, 171). The extent of the in- 
‘equality varies in like manner. Taking the third cleavage as a type, 
we may trace every transition from an equal division (echinoderms, 
Polygordius), through forms in which it is but slightly marked (Am- 
phioxus, frog), those in which it is conspicuous (Vere7s, Lymnea, poly- 
clades, Petromyzon, etc.), to forms suchas Clepszxe, where the cells of 
the upper quartet are so minute as to appear like mere buds from the 
four large lower cells (Fig. 172). At the extreme of the series we 
reach the partial or meroblastic cleavage, such as occurs in the ceph- 
alopods, in many fishes, and in birds and reptiles. Here the lower 
hemisphere of the egg does not divide at all, or only at a late period, 
segmentation being confined to a disc-like region or blastoderm at one 
pole of the egg (Fig. 173). 

Very interesting is the case of the Ze/ob/asts or pole-cells character- 
istic of the development of many annelids and mollusks and found in 
some arthropods. These remarkable cells are large blastomeres, set 
aside early in the development, which bud forth smaller cells in reg- 
ular succession at a fixed point, thus giving rise to long cords of cells 
(Fig. 175). The teloblasts are especially characteristic of apical 
growth, such as occurs in the elongation of the body in annelids, and 
they are closely analogous to the apical cells situated at the growing 
point in many plants, such as the ferns and stoneworts. 

Still more suggestive is the formation of rudimentary cells, arising 
as minute buds from the larger blastomeres, and, in some cases, appar- 
ently taking no part in the formation of the embryo (Fig. 174)." 

We are as far removed from an explanation of unequal division as 
from that of the rhythm and direction of division. Inequality of divi- 
sion, like difference of rhythm, is often correlated with inequalities in 
the distribution of metaplasmic substances —a fact generalized by 
Balfour in the statement (’80) that the size of the cells formed in 
cleavage varies inversely to the relative amount of protoplasm in the 
region of the egg from which they arise. Thus, in all telolecithal 
ova, where the deutoplasm is mainly stored in the lower or vegetative 
hemisphere, as in many worms, mollusks, and vertebrates, the cells of 
the upper or protoplasmic hemisphere are smaller than those of the 
lower, and may be distinguished as m7cromeres from the larger macro- 
meres of the lower hemisphere. The size-ratio between micromeres 
and macromeres is on the whole directly proportional to the ratio 
between protoplasm and deutoplasm. Partial or discoidal cleavage 
occurs when the mass of deutoplasm is so great as entirely to prevent 
cleavage in the lower hemisphere. This has been beautifully con- 


1 See Wilson, ’98, ’99, 2. 


372 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


firmed by O. Hertwig (’98), who, by placing frogs’ eggs in a centrifu- 
gal machine, has caused them to undergo a meroblastic cleavage 
through the artificial accumulation of yolk at the lower pole, due to 
the centrifugal force. 

While doubtless containing an element of truth, this explanation is, 
however, no more adequate than Balfour’s rule regarding the relation 
between deutoplasm and rhythm (p. 366); for innumerable cases are 
known in which no correlation can be made out between the distribu- 
tion of inert substance and the inequality of division. This is the 
case, for example, with the teloblasts mentioned above, which contain 
no deutoplasm, yet regularly divide unequally. It seems to be inap- 


Fig. 173. — Partial or meroblastic cleavage in the squid Lolzgo. [WATASE.] 
plicable to the inequalities of the first two divisions in annelids and 
gasteropods. It is conspicuously inadequate in the history of indi- 
vidual blastomeres, where the history of division has been accurately 
determined. In Vevezs, for example, a large cell known as the first 
somatoblast, formed at the fourth cleavage (X, Fig. 171, £), under- 
goes an invariable order of division, three unequal divisions being fol- 
lowed by an equal one, then by three other unequal divisions, and 
again by an equal. This cell contains little or no deutoplasm and 
undergoes no perceptible changes of substance. 

The collapse of the rule is most complete in case of the rudi- 
mentary cells referred to above. In some of the annelids, e.g. in 
Aricia, where they were first observed,! these cells are derived from 
the very large primary mesoblast-cell, which first divides into equal 
halves. Each of these then buds forth a cell so small as to be no 
larger than a polar body, and then immediately proceeds to give rise 


1 Cf. Wilson, ’92, ’98. 


+. Vb ee tek esd, oe tk eee 


GEOMETRICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE-FORMS 375 


to the mesoblast-bands by continued divisions, always in the same 
plane at right angles to that in which the rudimentary cells are 
formed (Fig. 174). The cause of the definite succession of equal and 
unequal divisions is here wholly unexplained. No less difficult is the 
extreme inequality of division involved in the formation of the polar 
bodies. We cannot explain this through the fact that deutoplasm is 
collected in the lower hemisphere; for, on the one hand, the succeed- 
ing divisions (first cleavages) are often equal, while, on the other 
hand, the inequality is no less pronounced in eggs having equally 


Fig. 1'74.— Rudimentary blastomeres in the embryo of an annelid, Arécia. 


A, From lower pole; rudimentary cells at e. e; the heavy outline is the lip of the blastopore. 
B. The same in sagittal optical section, showing rudimentary cell (¢), primary mesoblast (17), 
and mesoblast-band (7). 


distributed deutoplasm, or in those, like echinoderm-eggs, which are 
“alecithal.” 

Such cases prove that Balfour’s law is only a partial explanation, 
being probably the expression of a more deeply lying cause, and 
there is reason to believe that this cause lies outside the immediate 
mechanism of mitosis. Conklin (94) has called attention to the 
fact! that the immediate cause of the inequality probably does not 
lie either in the nucleus or in the amphiaster; for not only the 
chromatin-halves, but also the asters, are exactly equal in the early 
prophases, and the inequality of the asters only appears as the 
division proceeds. Probably, therefore, the cause lies in some rela- 
tion between the mitotic figure and the cell-body in which it lies. 


1 In the cleavage of gasteropod eggs. 


374 CELI-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


I believe there is reason to accept the conclusion that this relation 
is one of position, however caused. A central position of the mitotic 


Fig. 1'75.— Embryos of the earthworm 4//olobophora fetida, showing teloblasts or apical cells. 


A, Gastrula from the ventral side. &. The same from the right side; 7. the terminal telo- 
blasts or primary mesoblasts, which bud forth the mesoblast-bands, cell by cell; 4 lateral teloblasts, 
comprising a xeuroblast, nb, from which the ventral nerve-cord arises, and two xephrodlasts, n, of 
somewhat doubtful nature, but probably concerned in the formation of the nephridia. C, Lateral 
group of teloblasts, more enlarged, the neuroblast, 24, in division; z. the nephroblasts. J. The 
primary mesoblasts enlarged; one in division. 


figure results in an equal division; an eccentric position caused by a 
radial movement of the mitotic figure, in the direction of its axis 
toward the periphery, leads to unequal division, and the greater the 


GEOMETRICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE-FORMS BAS 
eccentricity, the greater the inequality, an extreme form being beauti- 
fully shown in the formation of the polar bodies. Here the original 
amphiaster is perfectly symmetrical, with the asters of equal size 
(Fig. 97, A). As the spindle rotates into its radial position and 
approaches the periphery, the development of the outer aster be- 
comes, as it were, suppressed, while the central aster becomes enor- 
mously large. The size of the aster, in other words, depends upon the 
extent of the cytoplasmic area that falls within the sphere of influence 
of the centrosome ; and this area depends upon the position of the 
centrosome. If, therefore, the polar amphiaster could be artificially 
prevented from moving to its peripheral position, the egg would 
probably divide equa!y.! 

This leads us to a further consideration of the attempts that have 
been made to explain the movements of the mitotic figure through 
mechanical or other causes.2 Highly interesting experiments have 
been made by Pfliiger (’84), Roux ('85), Driesch (92), and a number 
of later investigators which show that the direction of cleavage may 
be determined, or at least modified, by such a purely mechanical 
cause as pressure, through which the form of the dividing mass is 
changed. 

Thus, Driesch has shown that when the eggs of sea-urchins are 
flattened by pressure, the amphiasters all assume the position of least 
resistance, z.c. parallel to the flattened sides, so that the cleavages 
are all vertical, and the egg segments as a flat plate of eight, sixteen, 
‘or thirty-two cells (Fig. 186). This is totally different from the nor- 
mal form of cleavage; yet such eggs, when released from pressure, 
are capable of development and give rise to normal embryos. This 
interesting experiment makes it highly probable that the disc-like 
cleavage of meroblastic eggs, like that of the squid or bird, is in some 
degree a mechanical result of the accumulation of yolk by which the 
formative protoplasmic region of the ovum is reduced to a thin layer 
at the upper pole; and it indicates, further, that the unequal cleavage 
of less modified telolecithal eggs, like those of the frog or snail, are 
in like manner due to the displacement of the mitotic figures toward 
the upper pole. 

The results of Pfliiger’s and Driesch’s pressure experiments obvi- 
ously harmonize with Hertwig’s second rule, for the position of least 
resistance for the spindle is obviously in the long axis of the proto- 
plasmic mass which is here artificially modified; and it harmonizes 
further with Driiner’s hypothesis of the active elongation of the 
spindle in mitosis (p. 105). There are, however, a large number of 
facts which show that neither the form of the protoplasmic mass nor 


1 Cf. Francotte on the polar bodies of Turbellaria, p. 235. 
2 For a good review and critique, see Jennings, ’97. 


376 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


the distribution of metaplasmic materials is sufficient to explain the 
position of the spindle, whether with reference to the direction or the 
inequality of the cleavage. 

As regards the direction of the spindle, Berthold (86) long since 
clearly pointed out that prismatic or cylindrical vegetable cells, for 
instance, those of the cambium, often divide lengthwise; and numer- 
ous contradictions of Hertwig’s ‘‘law” have since been observed by 
students of cell-lineage with such accuracy that all attempts to explain 
them away have failed.'_ In some of these cases the position of the 
spindle is not that of least but of greatest resistance,? the spindle ac- 


Fig. 176. — Segmenting eggs of Ascaris. [KOSTANECKI and SIEDLECKI.] 


A. Early prophase of second division, showing double centrosomes. &. Second cleavage in 
progress; upper blastomere dividing parallel to long axis of the cell. 


tually pushing away the adjoining cell to make way for itself. Simi- 
lar difficulties, some of which have been already considered (p. 372), 


stand in the way of the attempt to explain the eccentricity of the | 


spindle in unequal division. All these considerations drive us to the 
view that the simpler mechanical factors, such as pressure, form, and 
the like, are subordinate to far more subtle and complex operations 
involved in the general development of the organism, a conclusion 
strikingly illustrated by the phenomena of teloblastic division (p. 371), 
where the constant succession of unequal divisions, always in the 


1 Cf. Watasé (791), Mead (’94, ’97, 2), Heidenhain (’95), Wheeler (’95), Castle (’96), 
Jennings (97). 
2 See especially the case observed by Mead (’94, ’97, 2), in the egg of Amphitrite. 


GEOMETRICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE-FORMS SIE 


same plane, is correlated with a deeply lying law of growth affecting 
the entire formation of the body. We cannot comprehend the forms 
of cleavage without reference to the end-result; and thus these phe- 
nomena acquire a certain teleological character so happily expressed 
by Lillie (p. 370). This has been clearly recognized in various ways 
by a number of recent writers. Roux (’94), while seeking to explain 
many of the operations of mitosis on a mechanical basis, holds that 
the position of the spindle is partly determined by ‘immanent”’ 
nuclear tendencies. Braem (’94) recognizes that the position of the 
spindle is determined not merely as that of least resistance for the 
mitotic figure, but also for that of the resulting products. I pointed 
out (92) that the bilateral form of cleavage in annelids must be 
regarded as a “forerunner” of the adult bilaterality. Jennings (’97) 
concludes that the form and direction of cleavage are related to the 
later morphogenetic processes; and many similar expressions occur 
in the works of recent students of cell-lineage.! 

The clearest and best expression of this view is, however, given by 
Lillie (95, 99), who not only correlates the direction and rate of 
cleavage, but also the size-relations of the cleavage-cells with the 
arrangement of the adult parts, pointing out that in general the size, 
as well as the position, of the blastomeres is directly correlated with 
that of the parts to which they give rise, and showing that on this 
basis “‘one can thus go over every detail of the cleavage, and know- 
ing the fate of the cells, can explain all the irregularities and peculi- 
arities exhibited.’’? Of the justice of this conclusion I think any one 
must be thoroughly convinced who carefully examines the recent 
literature of cell-lineage. It gives no real explanation of the phenom- 
ena, and is hardly more than a restatement of fact. Neither does it 
in any way lessen the importance of studying fully the mechanical 
conditions of cell-division. It does, however, show how inadequate 
have been most of the attempts thus far to formulate the “laws” of 
cell-division, and how superficially the subject has been considered by 
some of those who have sought for such “laws.” 

We now pass naturally to the second or promorphological aspect 
of cleavage, to a study of which we are driven by the foregoing con- 
siderations. 


1 Conklin (’99) believes that many of the peculiarities of cleavage may be explained by 
the assumption of protoplasmic currents which “carry the centrosomes where they will, and 
control the direction of division and the relative size and quality of the daughter-cells,” 
lc., p. 90. He suggests that such currents are of a chemotropic character, but recognizes 
that their causation and direction remain unexplained. 


2 Cf. (95), P- 39- 


378 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


B. PROMORPHOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE 


The cleavage of the ovum has thus far been considered in the 
main as a problem of cell-division. We have now to regard it in an 
even more interesting and suggestive aspect; namely, in its morpho- 
logical relations to the body to which it gives rise. From what has 
been said above it is evident that cleavage is not merely a process by 
which the egg simply splits up into indifferent cells which, to use the 
phrase of Pfliiger, have no more definite relation to the structure of 
the adult body than have snowflakes to the avalanche to which they 
contribute. It is a remarkable fact that in a very large number of 
cases a precise relation exists between the cleavage-products and the 
adult parts to which they give rise; and this relation may often be 
traced back to the beginning of development, so that from the first 
division onward we are able to predict the exact future of every indi- 
vidual cell. In this regard the cleavage of the ovum often goes for- 
ward with a wonderful clocklike precision, giving the impression of a 
strictly ordered series in which every division plays a definite 70/e and 
has a fixed relation to all that precedes and follows it. 

But more than this, the apparent predetermination of the embryo 
may often be traced still farther back to the regions of the undivided 
and even unfertilized ovum. . The egg, therefore, may exhibit a 
distinct promorphology; and the morphological aspect of cleavage 
must be considered in relation to the promorphology of the ovum of 
which it is an expression. 


1. Promorphology of the Ovum 


(a) Polarity and the Egg-axis.—It was long ago recognized by 
von Baer (’34) that the unsegmented egg of the frog has a definite 
egg-axis connecting two differentiated poles, and that the position 
of the embryo is definitely related to it. The great embryologist 
pointed out, further, that the early cleavage-planes also are definitely 
related to it, the first two passing through it in two meridians inter- 
secting each other at a right angle, while the third is transverse to it, 
and is hence equatorial.2 Remak afterward recognized the fact? that 
the larger cells of the lower hemisphere represent, broadly speaking, 
the “vegetative layer” of von Baer, z.e. the inner germ-layer or ento- 
blast, from which the alimentary organs arise; while the smaller cells 


1 (83), p. 64. 

? The third plane is in this case not precisely at the equator, but considerably above it, 
forming a “ parallel” cleavage. 

855, p. 130. Among others who early laid stress on the importance of the egg-polarity 
may be mentioned Auerbach (’74), Hatschek (’77), Whitman (’78), and Van Beneden (’83). 


PROMORPHOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE 379 


of the upper hemisphere represent the “animal layer,” outer germ- 
layer or ectoblast from which arise the epidermis, the nervous system, 
and the sense-organs. This faet, afterward confirmed in a very large 
number of animals, led to the designation of the two poles as animal 
and vegetative, formative and nutritive, or protoplasmic and deuto- 
plasmic, the latter terms referring to the fact that the nutritive deuto- 
plasm is mainly stored in the lower hemisphere, and that development 
is therefore more active in the upper. The polarity of the ovum is 
accentuated by other correlated phenomena. In every case where 
an egg-axis can be determined by the accumulation of deutoplasm in 
the lower hemisphere the egg-nucleus sooner or later lies eccentri- 
cally in the upper hemisphere, and the polar bodies are formed at the 
upper pole. Even in cases where the deutoplasm is equally distrib- 
uted or is wanting —if there really be such cases —an egg-axis is 
still determined by the eccentricity of the nucleus and the corre- 
sponding point at which the polar bodies are formed. 

In vastly the greater number of cases the polarity of the ovum has 
a definite promorphological significance; for the egg-axis shows a 
definite and constant relation to the axes of the adult body. It 
is a very general rule that the upper or ectodermic pole, as marked 
by the position of the polar bodies, lies in the median plane at a point 
which is afterward found to lie at or near the anterior end. Through- 
out the annelids and mollusks, for example, the upper pole is the point 
at which the cerebral ganglia are afterward formed; and these 
organs lie in the adult on the dorsal side near the anterior extremity. 
This relation holds true for many of the Bilateralia, though the 
primitive relation is often disguised by asymmetrical growth in the 
later stages, such as occur in echinoderms. There is, however, some 
reason to believe that it is not a universal rule. The recent observa- 
tions of Castle (’96), which are in accordance with the earlier work of 
Seeliger, show that in the tunicate Czoza the usual relation is reversed, 
the polar bodies being formed at the vegetative (z.e. deutoplasmic or 
entodermic) pole, which afterward becomes the dorsal side of the 
larva. My own observations (’95) on the echinoderm-egg indicate 
that here the primitive egg-axis has an entirely inconstant and casual 
relation to the gastrula-axis. It may, however, still be possible to 
show that these exceptions are only apparent, and the principle in- 
volved is too important to be accepted without further proot. 

(6) Axial Relations of the Primary Cleavage-planes. — Since the 
egg-axis is definitely related to the embryonic axes, and since the 
first two cleavage-planes pass through it, we may naturally look for a 
definite relation between these planes and the embryonic axes; and 
if such a relation exists, then the first two or four blastomeres must 
likewise have a definite prospective value in the development. Such 


380 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


relations have, in fact, been accurately determined in a large number 
of cases. The first to call attention to such a relation seems to have 
been Newport ('54), who discovered the remarkable fact that the first 
cleavage-plane in the frog’s egg coincides with the median plane of the 
adult body, that, in other words, one of the first two blastomeres 
gives rise to the left side of the body, the other to the right. This 
discovery, though long overlooked and, indeed, forgotten, was con- 
firmed more than thirty years later by Pfliger and Roux (’87). It 


a a 


Fig. 177. — Bilateral cleavage of the tunicate egg. 
A. Four-celled stage of Clavelina, viewed from the ventral side. #. Sixteen-cell stage (VAN 
BENEDEN and JULIN). C. Cross-section through the gastrula stage (CASTLE); a. anterior; 
p. posterior end; JZ. left, ~. right side. [Orientation according to CASTLE.] 


was placed beyond all question by a remarkable experiment by Roux 
(88), who succeeded in killing one of the blastomeres by puncture 
with a heated needle, whereupon the uninjured cell gave rise to a 
half-body as if the embryo had been bisected down the middle line 
(Pic. 182): 

A similar result has been reached in a number of other animals by 
following out the cell-lineage; e.g. by Van Beneden and Julin (84) 


PROMORPHOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE 381 


in the egg of the tunicate Clave/ina (Fig. 177), and by Watasé (’91) 
in the eggs of cephalopods (Fig. 178). In both these cases all the 
early stages of cleavage show a beautiful bilateral symmetry, and not 
only can the right and left halves of the segmenting egg be distin- 
guished with the greatest clearness, but also the anterior and poste- 
rior regions, and the dorsal and ventral aspects. These discoveries 
seemed, at first, to justify the hope that a fundamental law of develop- 
ment had been discovered, and Van Beneden was thus led, as early 
as 1883, to express the view that the development of all bilateral 
animals would probably be found to agree with the frog and ascidian 
in respect to the relations of the first cleavage. 

This cleavage was soon proved to have been premature. In one 
series of forms, not the first but the second cleavage-plane was found 


a 


S 


A 


Fig. 1'78. — Bilateral cleavage of the squid’s egg. [WATASE.] 


A. Eight-cell stage. #&. The fifth cleavage in progress. The first cleavage (a) coincides 
with the future median plane; the second (/-) is transverse. 


to coincide with the future long axis (Vevezs, and some other annelids ; 
Crepidula, Umbrella, and other gasteropods). In another series of 
forms neither of the first cleavages passes through the median plane, 
but both form an angle of about 45° to it (C/epsene and other leeches ; 
Rhynchelmis and other annelids; P/lanorbis, Nassa, Unio, and other 
mollusks; Dzscocew/is and other platodes). In a few cases the first 
cleavage departs entirely from the rule, and is equatorial, as in Ascaris 
and some other nematodes. The whole subject was finally thrown 
into apparent confusion, first by the discovery of Clapp (91), Jordan, 
and Eycleshymer (’94) that in some cases there seems to be no con- 
stant relation whatever between the early cleavage-planes and the 
adult axes, even in the same species (teleosts, urodeles); and even in 


382 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


the frog Hertwig showed that the relation described by Newport and 
Roux is not invariable. Driesch finally demonstrated that the direc- 
tion of the early cleavage-planes might be artificially modified by 
pressure without perceptibly affecting the end-result (cf p. 375). 
These facts prove that the promorphology of the early cleavage- 
forms can have no fundamental significance. Nevertheless, they are 
of the highest interest and importance; for the fact that the forma- 
tive forces by which development is determined may or may not 
coincide with those controlling the cleavage, gives us some hope of 


a ad 


A B 


U Vv 
Fig. 179. — Outline of unsegmented squid’s egg, to show bilaterality. [WATASE.] 


A. From right side. #2, From posterior aspect. 
a-p. antero-posterior axis; d-v. dorso-ventral axis; Z. left side; ~. right side. 


disentangling the complicated factors of development through a com- 
parative study of the different forms. 

(c) Other Promorphological Characters of the Ovum. — Besides the 
polarity of the ovum, which is the most constant and clearly marked 
of its promorphological features, we are often able to discover other 
characters that more or less clearly foreshadow the later develop- 
ment. One of the most interesting and clearly marked of these is 
the bilateral symmetry of the ovum in bilateral animals, which is 
sometimes so clearly marked that the exact position of the embryo 
may be predicted in the unfertilized egg, sometimes even before it is 
laid. This is the case, for example, in the cephalopod egg, as shown 
by Watase (Fig. 179). Here the form of the new-laid egg, before 
cleavage begins, distinctly foreshadows that of the embryonic body, 
and forms as it were a mould in which the whole development is cast. 
Its general shape is that of a hen’s egg slightly flattened on one side, 


PROMORPHOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE 383 


the narrow end, according to Watasé, representing the dorsal aspect, 
the broad end the ventral aspect, the flattened side the posterior 
region, and the more convex side the anterior region. Ad the early 
cleavage-furrows are bilaterally arranged with respect to the plane of 


Fig. 180.— Eggs of the insect Cortxa. [METSCHNIKOFF.] 
A. Early stage before formation of the embryo, from one side. #&. The same viewed in the 
plane of symmetry. C. The embryo in its final position. 
a. anterior end; #. posterior; Z. left side, ~. right; v. ventral, d. dorsal aspect. (These letters 
refer to the fad position of the embryo, which is nearly diametrically opposite to that in which it 
first develops) ; m. micropyle; near / is the pedicle by which the egg is attached. 


symmetry in the undivided egg; and the same is true of the later 
development of all the bilateral parts. 

Scarcely less striking is the case of the insect egg, as has been 
pointed out especially by Hallez, Blochmann, and Wheeler (Figs. 


62, 180). In a large number of cases the egg is elongated and 


384 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


bilaterally symmetrical, and, according to Blochmann and Wheeler, 
may even show a bilateral distribution of the yolk corresponding 
with the bilaterality of the ovum. Hallez asserts as the results of a 
study of the cockroach (Periplancta), the water-beetle (/7ydrophilus), 
and the locust (Locusza) that “the egg-cell possesses the same orien- 
tation as the maternal organism that produces it; it has a cephalic 
pole and a caudal pole, a right side and a left, a dorsal aspect and a 
ventral; and these different aspects of the egg-cell coincide with the 
corresponding aspects of the embryo.”! Wheeler (’93), after ex- 
amining some thirty different species of insects, reached the same 
result, and concluded that even when the egg approaches the 
spherical form the symmetry still exists, though obscured. More- 
over, according to Hallez (’86) and later writers, the egg always lies 
in the same position in the oviduct, its cephalic end being turned 
forwards toward the upper end of the oviduct, and hence toward 
the head-end of the mother.” 


2. Meaning of the Promorphology of the Ovum 


The interpretation of the promorphology of the ovum cannot be 
adequately treated apart from the general discussion of development 
given in the following chapter; nevertheless it may briefly be 
considered at this point. Two widely different interpretations of 
the facts have been given. On the one hand, it has been sug- 
gested by Flemming and Van Beneden,’ and urged especially by 
Whitman,* that the cytoplasm of the ovum possesses a definite 
primordial organization which exists from the beginning of its exist- 
ence even though invisible, and is revealed to observation through 
polar differentiation, bilateral symmetry, and other obvious characters 
in the unsegmented egg. On the other hand, it has been maintained 
by Pfliiger, Mark, Oscar Hertwig, Driesch, Watasé, and the writer 
that all the promorphological features of the ovum are of secondary 
origin; that the egg-cytoplasm is at the beginning isotropous —z.e. 
indifferent or homaxial — and gradually acquires its promorphological 
features during its preémbryonic history. Thus the egg of a bilateral 
animal is at the beginning not actually, but only potentially, bilateral. 
Bilaterality once established, however, it forms as it were the mould 
in which the cleavage and other operations of development are cast. 

I believe that the evidence at our command weighs heavily on 
the side of the second view, and that the first hypothesis fails to 


1 See Wheeler, ’93,cp: 67. 

2 The micropyle usually lies at or near the anterior end, but may be at the posterior. 
It is a very important fact that the position of the polar bodies varies, being sometimes at 
the anterior end, sometimes on the side, either dorsal or lateral (Heider, Blochmann). 

SiSeesps20s: 4 Cf. pp. 299, 300. 


PROMORPHOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE 385 


take sufficient account of the fact that development does not nec- 
essarily begin with fertilization or cleavage, but may begin at a far 
earlier period during ovarian life. As far as the wzszb/e promorpho- 
logical features of the ovum are concerned, this conclusion is beyond 
question. The only question that has any meaning is whether these 
visible characters are merely the expression of a more subtle pre- 


a 


Fig. 181.— Variations in the axial relations of the eggs of Cyclops. From sections of the eggs 
as they lie in the oviduct. [HACKER.] 

A. Group of eggs showing variations in relative position of the polar spindles and the sperm- 
nucleus (the latter black) ; in a the sperm-nucleus is opposite to the polar spindle, in 4, near it or 
at the side. 2. Group showing variations in the axis of first cleavage with reference to the polar 
bodies (the latter black) ; a, 4, and c show three different positions. 


existing invisible organization of the same kind. I do not believe 

that this question can be answered in the affirmative save by the 

trite and, from this point of view, barren statement that every effect 

must have its preéxisting cause. That the egg possesses no fixed 

and predetermined cytoplasmic localization with reference to the 

adult parts, has, I think, been demonstrated through the remarkable 
2C 


386 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


experiments of Driesch, Roux, and Boveri, which show that a frag- 
ment of the egg may give rise to a complete larva (p. 353). There 
is strong evidence, moreover, that the egg-axis is not primordial but 
is established at a particular period; and even after its establishment 
it may be entirely altered by new conditions. This is proved, for 
example, by the case of the frog’s egg, in which, as Pfliiger (’84), 
Born ('85), and Schultze (94) have shown, the cytoplasmic materials 
may be entirely rearranged under the influence of gravity, and a 
new axis established. In sea-urchins, my own observations (’95) 
render it probable that the egg-axis is not finally established until 
after fertilization. These and other facts, to be more fully considered 
in the following chapter, give strong ground for the conclusion that 
the promorphological features of the egg are as truly a result of 
development as the characters coming into view at later stages. They 
are gradually established during the preémbryonic stages, and the 
egg, when ready for fertilization, has already accomplished part of 
its task by laying the basis for what is to come. 

Mark, who was one of the first to examine this subject carefully, 
concluded that the ovum is at first an indifferent or homaxial cell 
(z.e. isotropic), which afterward acqguzres polarity and other promor- 
phological features.1 The same view was very precisely formulated 
by Watasé in 1891, in the following statement, which I believe to 
express accurately the truth: “It appears to me admissible to say 
at present that the ovum, which may start out without any definite 
axis at first, may acquire it later, and at the moment ready for its 
cleavage the distribution of its protoplasmic substances may be such 
as to exhibit a perfect symmetry, and the furrows of cleavage may 
have a certain definite relation to the inherent arrangement of the 
protoplasmic substances which constitute the ovum. Hence, in a 
certain case, the plane of the first cleavage-furrow may coincide with 
the plane of the median axis of the embryo, and the sundering of 
the protoplasmic material may take place into right and left, accord- 
ing to the preéxisting organization of the egg at the time of cleav- 
age; and in another case the first cleavage may roughly correspond 
to the differentiation of the ectoderm and the entoderm, also accord- 
ing to the preorganized constitution of the protoplasmic materials of 
the ovum. 

“Tt does not appear strange, therefore, that we may detect a cer- 
tain structural differentiation in the unsegmented ovum, with all the 
axes foreshadowed in it, and the axial symmetry of the embryonic 
organism identical with that of the adult.” ? 

This passage contains, I believe, the gist of the whole matter, as 
far as the promorphological relations of the ovum and of cleavage- 


1 Sap ety be 2°91, p. 280. 


PROMORPHOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF CLEAVAGE 3 87 


forms are concerned, though Watasé does not enter into the question 
as to how the arrangement of protoplasmic materials is effected. In 
considering this question, we must hold fast to the fundamental fact 
.that the egg is a cell, like other cells, and that from an a@ priori point 
of view there is every reason to believe that the cytoplasmic differ- 
entiations that it undergoes must arise in essentially the same way as 
in other cells. We know that such differentiations, whether in form 
or in internal structure, show a definite relation to the environment 
of the cell—to its fellows, to the source of food, and the like. We 
know further, as Korschelt especially has pointed out, that the egg- 
axis, as expressed by the eccentricity of the germinal vesicle, often’ 
shows a definite relation to the ovarian tissues, the germinal vesicle 
lying near the point of attachment or of food-supply. Mark made 
the pregnant suggestion, in 1881, that the primary polarity of the egg 
might be determined by “‘¢he topographical relation of the egg (when 
still in an indifferent state) ¢o the remaining cells of the maternal tis- 
sue from which tt is differentiated,’ and added that this relation might 
operate through the nutrition of the ovum. ‘It would certainly be 
interesting to know if that phase of polar differentiation which is 
manifest in the position of the nutritive substance and of the germi- 
nal vesicle bears a constant relation to the free surface of the epithe- 
lium from which the egg takes its origin. If, in cases where the egg 
is directly developed from epithelial cells, this relationship were 
demonstrable, it would be fair to infer the existence of correspond- 
ing, though obscured, relations in those cases where (as, for example, 
in mammals) the origin of the ovum is less directly traceable to an 
epithelial surface.”1 The polarity of the: egg would therefore be 
comparable to the polarity of epithelial or gland-cells, where, as 
pointed out at page 57, the nucleus usually lies toward the base of the 
cell, near the source of food, while the centrosomes, and often also 
characteristic cytoplasmic products, such as zymogen granules and 
other secretions, appear in the outer portion.2 The exact conditions 
under which the ovarian egg develops are still too little known to 
allow of a positive conclusion regarding Mark’s suggestion. More- 
over, the force of Korschelt’s observation is weakened by the fact that 
in many eggs of the extreme telolecithal type, where the polarity is 
very marked, the germinal vesicle occupies a central or sub-central 
position during the period of yolk-formation and only moves toward 
the periphery near the time of maturation. 

Indeed, in mollusks, annelids, and many other cases, the germinal 
vesicle remains in a central position, surrounded by yolk on all sides, 
until the spermatozo6n enters. Only then does the egg-nucleus move 


EON, Dees Se 
2 Hatschek has suggested the same comparison (Zod/ogie, p. 112), 


388 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


to the periphery, the deutoplasm become massed at one pole, and 
the polarity of the egg come into view (Verezs, Figs. 60 and 97).! In 
such cases the axis of the egg may perhaps be predetermined by 
the position of the centrosome, and we have still to seek the causes 
by which the position is established in the ovarian history of the egg. 
These considerations show that this problem is a complex one, involv- 
ing, as it does, the whole question of cell-polarity; and I know of 
no more promising field of investigation than the ovarian history of 
the ovum with reference to this question. That Mark’s view is cor- 
rect in principle is indicated by a great array of general evidence 
considered in the following chapter, where its bearing on the general 
theory of development is more fully dealt with. 


C. CELL-DIVISION AND GROWTH 


The general relations between cell-division and growth, which have 
already been briefly considered at page 58 and in the course of this 
chapter, may now be more critically examined, together with some 
account of the causes that incite or inhibit division. It has been 
shown above that every precise inquiry into the rate form, or direc- 
tion of cell-division, inevitably merges into the larger problem of the 
general determination of growth. We may conveniently approach 
this subject by considering first the energy of division and the limita- 
tion of growth. 

All animals and plants have a limit of growth, which is, how- 
ever, much more definite in some forms than in others, and differs 
in different tissues. During the individual development the energy 
of cell-division is most intense in the early stages (cleavage) and 
diminishes more and more as the limit of growth is approached. 
When the limit is attained a more or less definite equilibrium is estab- 
lished, some of the cells ceasing to divide and perhaps losing this 


power altogether (nerve-cells), others dividing only under special con- | 


ditions (connective tissue-cells, gland-cells, muscle-cells), while others 
continue to divide throughout life, and thus replace the worn-out cells 
of the same tissue (Malpighian layer of the epidermis, etc.). The 
limit of size at which this state of equilibrium is attained is an heredi- 
tary character, which in many cases shows an obvious relation to the 
environment, and has therefore probably been determined and is 
maintained by natural selection. From the cytological point of view 
the limit of body-size appears to be correlated with the total xwmber 
of cells formed rather than with their individual size. This relation 
has been carefully studied by Conklin (’96) in the case of the gastero- 


1The immature egg of Vevezs shows, however, a distinct polarity in the arrangement of 
the fat-drops, which form a ring in the equatorial regions. 


c. aerial 


CELL-DIVISION AND GROWTH 3 89 


pod Crepidula, an animal which varies greatly in size in the mature 
condition, the dwarfs having in some cases not more than ,/, the vol- 
ume of the giants. The eggs are, however, of the same size in all, 
and their zamber is proportional to the size of the adult. The same 
is true of the tissue-cells. Measurements of cells from the epidermis, 
the kidney, the liver, the alimentary epithelium, and other tissues 
show that they are on the whole as large in the dwarfs as in the 
giants. The body-size therefore depends on the total number of cells 
rather than on their size individually considered, and the same appears 
to be the case in plants.! 

A result which, broadly speaking, agrees with the foregoing, is 
given through the interesting experimental studies of Morgan (’95, I, 
’96), supplemented by those of Driesch (’98), in which the number of 
cells in normal larve of echinoderms, ascidians, and Amphioxrus is 
compared with those in dwarf larve of the same species developed 
from egg-fragments (Morgan) and isolated blastomeres (Driesch). 
Unless otherwise specified, the following data are cited from Driesch. 

The normal blastula of Spherechinus possesses about 500 cells 
(Morgan), of which from 75 to 90 invaginate to form the archenteron 
(Driesch). In half-gastrulas the number varies from 35 to 45, occa- 
sionally reaching 50. In the same species, the normal number of 
mesenchyme-cells is 54 to 60, in the half-larvee 25 to 30. In £chinus 
the corresponding numbers are 30+ and 13 to 15. In the ascidian 
larvee —a particularly favourable object — there are 29 to 35 (excep- 
tionally as high as 40) chorda-cells; in the half-larvee, 13 to17. While 
these comparisons are not mathematically precise, owing to the diffi- 
culty of selecting exactly equivalent stages, they nevertheless show 
that, on the whole, the size of the organ, as of the entire organism, is 
directly proportional to the number and not to the size of the cells, 
just as in the mature individuals of Crepzdula. The available data 
are, however, too scanty to justify any very positive conclusions, and 
it is probable that further experiment will disclose factors at present 
unknown. It would be highly interesting to determine whether such 
dwarf embryos could in the end restore the normal number of cells, 
and, hence, the normal size of the body. In all the cases thus far 
determined the dwarf gastrulas give rise to larvae (P/itez, etc.) corre- 
spondingly dwarfed ;- but their later history has not yet been suff- 
ciently followed out. 


The gradual diminution of the energy of division during develop- \ 


ment by no means proceeds at a uniform pace in all of the cells, and, 
during the cleavage, the individual blastomeres are often found to 
exhibit entirely different rhythms of division, periods of active division 
being succeeded by long pauses, and sometimes by an entire cessa- 


1 See Amelung (’93) and Strasburger (’93). 


390 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


tion of division even at a very early period. In the echinoderms, for 
example, it is well established that division suddenly pauses, or changes 
its rhythm, just before the gastrulation (in Syuvapéa at the 512-cell 
stage, according to Selenka), and the same is said to be the case in 
Amphioxus (Hatschek, Lwoff). In Werezs, one of the blastomeres on 
each side of the body in the forty-two-cell stage suddenly ceases to 
divide, migrates into the interior of the body, and is converted into a 
unicellular glandular organ.! In the same animal, the four lower cells 
(macromeres) of the eight-cell stage divide in nearly regular succes- 
sion up to the thirty-eight-cell stage, when a long pause takes place, 
and when the divisions are resumed they are of a character totally 
different from those of the earlier period. The cells of the ciliated 
belt or prototroch in this and other annelids likewise cease to divide 
at a certain period, their number remaining fixed thereafter.2. Again, 
the number of cells produced for the foundation of particular struc- 
tures is often definitely fixed, even when their number is afterward 
increased by division. In annelids and gasteropods, for example, the 
entire ectoblast arises from twelve micromeres segmented off in three 
successive quartets of micromeres from the blastomeres of the four- 
cell stage. Perhaps the most interesting numerical relations of this 
kind are those recently discovered in the division of teloblasts, where 
the number of divisions is directly correlated with the number of seg- 
ments or somites. It is well known that this is the case in certain plants 
(Characee), where the alternating nodes and internodes of the stem 
are derived from corresponding single cells successively segmented 
off from the apical cell. Vejdovsky’s observations on the annelid 
Dendrobena give strong ground to believe that the number of meta- 
merically repeated parts of this animal, and probably of other anne- 
lids, corresponds in like manner with that of the number of cells 
segmented off from the teloblasts. The most remarkable and accu- 
rately determined case of this kind is that of the isopod crustacea, 
where the number of somites is limited and perfectly constant. In 
the embryos of these animals there are two groups of teloblasts near 
the hinder end of the embryo, viz. an inner group of mesoblasts, from 
which arise the mesoblast-bands, and an outer group of ectoblasts, 
from which arise the neural plates and the ventral ectoblast. McMur- 
rich (95) has recently demonstrated that the mesoblasts always divide 
exactly sixteen times, the ectoblasts thirty-two (or thirty-three) times, 
before relinquishing their teleoblastic mode of division and breaking 
up into smaller cells. Now the sixteen groups of cells thus formed 
give rise to the sixteen respective somites of the post-naupliar region 
of the embryo (z.e. from the second maxilla backward). In other 


1 This organ, doubtfully identified by me as the head-kidney, is probably a mucus-gland 
(Mead). GY EAE Mii 


CELL-DIVISION AND GROWTH 391 
words, each single division of the mesoblasts and each double division 
of the ectoblasts splits off the material for a single somite! The 
number of these divisions, and hence oi the corresponding somites, 
is a fixed inheritance of the species. 

The causes that determine the rhythm of division, and thus finally 
establish the adult equilibrium, are but vaguely comprehended. The 
ultimate causes must of course lie in the inherited constitution of the 
organism, and are referable in the last analysis to the structure of 
the germ-cells. Every division must, however, be the response of the \ 
cell to a particular set of conditions or stimuli; and it is through the | 
investigation of these stimuli that we may hope to penetrate farther | 
into the nature of development. The immediate, specific causes of 
cell-division are still imperfectly known. In the adult, cells may be 
stimulated to divide by the utmost variety of agencies — by chemical 
stimulus, as in the formation of galls, or in hyperplasia induced by 
the injection of foreign substances into the blood; by mechanical 
pressure, as in the formation of calluses; by injury, as in the healing 
of wounds and in the regeneration of lost parts; and by a multitude 
of more complex physiological and pathological conditions, — by any 
agency, in short, that disturbs the normal equilibrium of the body. 
In all these cases, however, it is difficult to determine the zmmedtate 
stimulus to division; for a long chain of causes and effects may 
intervene between the primary disturbance and the ultimate reaction 
of the dividing cells. Thus there is reason to believe that the for- 
mation of a callus is not directly caused by pressure or friction, but 
through the determination of an increased blood-supply to the part 
affected and a heightened nutrition of the cells. Cell-division is here 
probably incited by local chemical changes; and the opinion is gain- 
ing ground that the immediate causes of division, whatever their 
antecedents, are to be sought in this direction. That such is the 
case is indicated by nothing more clearly than the recent experiments 
on the egg by R. Hertwig, Mead, Morgan, and Loeb already referred 
to in part at pages 111 and 215. The egg-cell is, in most cases, stimu- 
lated to divide by the entrance of the spermatozoon, but in partheno- 
genesis exactly the same result is produced by an apparently quite 
different cause. The experiments in question give, however, ground 
for the conclusion that the common element in the two cases is a 
chemical stimulus. In the eggs of Chefopterus under normal condi- 
tions the first polar mitosis pauses at the anaphase until the entrance 
of the spermatozoon, when the mitotic activity is resumed and both 
polar bodies are formed. Mead (’98) shows, however, that the same 
effect may be produced without fertilization by placing the eggs for 
a few minutes in a weak solution of potassium chloride. In like 
manner R. Hertwig (’96) and Morgan (’99) show that unfertilized 


392 CELL-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


echinoderm-eggs may be stimulated to division by treatment with 
weak solution of strychnine, sodium-chloride, and other reagents, the 
result being here more striking than in the case of Ci@topterus, since 
the entire mitotic system is formed anew under the chemical stimulus. 
The climax of these experiments is reached in Loeb’s artificial pro- 
duction of parthenogenesis in sea-urchin eggs by treatment with dilute 
magnesium chloride. Beside these interesting results may be placed 
the remarkable facts of gall-formation in plants, which seem to leave 
no doubt that extremely complex and characteristic abnormal growths 
may result from specific chemical stimuli, and many pathologists 
have held that tumours and other pathological growths in the animal 
body may be incited through disturbances of circulation or other 
causes resulting in abnormal local chemical conditions.! 

But while we have gained some light on the immediate causes of 
division, we have still to inquire how those causes are set in opera- 
tion and are codrdinated toward a typical end; and we are thus 
brought again to the general problem of growth. A very interesting 
suggestion is the resistance-theory of Thiersch and Boll, according 
to which each tissue continues to grow up to the limit afforded by 
the resistance of neighbouring tissues or organs. The removal or 
lessening of this resistance through injury or disease causes a resump- 
tion of growth and division, leading either to the regeneration of the 
lost parts or to the formation of abnormal growths. Thus the 
removal of a salamander’s limb would seem to remove a barrier to 
the proliferation and growth of the remaining cells. These processes 
are therefore resumed, and continue until the normal barrier is re- 
established by the regeneration. To speak of such a “barrier” or 
‘resistance’ is, however, to use a highly figurative phrase which is 
not to be construed in a rude mechanical sense. There is no doubt 
that hypertrophy, atrophy, or displacement of particular parts often 
leads to compensatory changes in the neighbouring parts; but it is 
equally certain that such changes are not a direct mechanical effect 
of the disturbance, but a highly complex physiological response to it. 
How complex the problem is, is shown by the fact that even closely 
related animals may differ widely in this respect. Thus Fraisse has 
shown that the salamander may completely regenerate an amputated 
limb, while the frog only heals the wound without further regenera- 
tion.2 Again, in the case of ccelenterates, Loeb and Bickford have 
shown that the tubularian hydroids are able to regenerate the ten- 
tacles at both ends of a segment of the stem, while the polyp Cerzan- 
thus can regenerate them only at the distal end of a section (Fig. 194). 


1 Cf p.97. For-a good discussion of this subject, see E. Ziegler, So. 
2 In salamanders regeneration only takes place when the bone is cut across, and does not 
occur if the limb be exarticulated and removed at the joint. 


CELL-DIVISION AND GROWTH 393 


In the latter case, therefore, the body possesses an inherent polarity 
which cannot be overturned by external conditions. A very curious 
case is that of the earthworm, which has long been known to possess 
a high regenerative capacity. If the posterior region of the worm 
be cut off, a new tail is usually regenerated. If the same operation 
be performed far forward in the anterior region, a new head is often 
formed at the front end of the posterior piece. If, however, the sec- 
tion be in the middle region the posterior piece sometimes regenerates 
a head, but more usually a tail, as was long since shown by Spallanzani 
and recently by Morgan (’99). Why such a blunder should be com- 
mitted remains for the present quite unexplained. 

It remains to inquire more critically into the nature of the correla- 
tion between growth and cell-division. In the growing tissues the 
direction of the division-planes in the individual cells evidently stands 
in a definite relation with the axes of growth in the body, as is espe- 
cially clear in the case of rapidly elongating structures (apical buds, 
teloblasts, and the like), where the division-planes are predominantly 
transverse to the axis of elongation. Which of these is the primary 
factor, the direction of general growth or the direction of the division- 
planes? This question is a difficult one to answer, for the two phe- 
nomena are often too closely related to be disentangled. As far as 
the plants are concerned, however, it has been conclusively shown by 
Hofmeister, De Bary, and Sachs that “le growth of the mass is the 
primary factor; for the characteristic mode of growth is often shown 
by the growing mass before it splits up into cells, and the form of 
cell-division adapts itself to that of the mass: “ Die Pflanze bildet 
Zellen, nicht die Zelle bildet Pflanzen” (De Bary). 

Much of the recent work in normal and experimental embryology, 
as well as that on regeneration, indicates that the same is true in prin- 
ciple of animal growth. Among recent writers who have urged this 
view should be mentioned Rauber, Hertwig, Adam Sedgwick, and 
especially Whitman, whose fine essay on the /wadequacy of the Cell- 
theory of Development (’93) marks a distinct advance in our point of 
view.. Still more recently this view has been almost demonstrated 
‘ through some remarkable experiments on regeneration, which show 
that definitely formed material, in some cases even the adult tissues, 
may be directly moulded into new structures. Driesch has shown 
(95, 2, 99) that if gastrulas of Spherechinus be bisected through the 
equator so that each half contains both ectoderm and entoderm, the 
wounds heal, each half forming a typical gastrula, in which the ente- 
ron differentiates itself into the three typical regions (fore, middle, 
and hind gut) correctly proportioned, though the whole structure is 
but half the normal size. Here, therefore, the formative process is in 
the main independent of cell-division or increase in size. Miss Bickford 


394 CELLI-DIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT 


(94) found that in the regeneration of decapitated hydranths of tubu- 
larians the new hydranth is primarily formed, not by new cell-formation 
and growth from the cut end, but by direct transformation of the distal 
portion of the stem.'| Morgan’s remarkable observations on P/ana7via, 
finally, show that here also, when the animal is cut into pieces, com- 
plete animals are produced from these pieces, but only in small degre 
through the formation of new tissue, and mainly by direct remould: | 
ing of the old material into a new body having the correct propor- 
tions of the species. As Driesch has well said, it is as if a plan or 
mould of the new little worm were first prepared and then the old 
material were poured into it.? ! 

Facts of this kind, of which a considerable store has been accumu- 
fated, give strong ground for the view that cell-formation is subordi- 
nate to growth, or rather to the general formative process of which 
growth is an expression ; and they furnish a powerful argument against 
Schwann’s conception of the organism as a cell-composite (p. 58). 
That conception is, however, not to be-rejected 7 ¢o/o, but contains a 
large element of truth; for there are many cases in which cells pos- 
sess so high a degree of independence that profound modifications 
may occur in special regions through injury or disease, without affect- 
ing the general equilibrium of the body. The most striking proof of 
this lies in the fact that grafts or transplanted structures may perfectly 
retain their specific character, though transferred to a different region 
of the body, or even to another species. Nevertheless the facts of 
regeneration prove that even in the adult the formative processes in 
special parts are in many cases definitely correlated with the organi- 
zation of the entire mass; and there is reason to conclude that such 
a correlation is a survival, in the adult, of a condition characteristic 
of the embryonic stages, and that the independence of special parts 
in the adult is a secondary result of development. The study of cell- 
division thus brings us finally to a general consideration of develop- 
ment which forms the subject of the following chapter. 


PPE RATO RE sVilt 


Berthold, G. — Studien iiber Protoplasma-mechanik. Lepzzg, 1886. 

Boll, Fr. — Das Princip des Wachsthums. Ser, 1876. 

Bourne, G. C. — A Criticism of the Cell-theory; being an answer to Mr. Sedgwick’s 
article on the Inadequacy of the Cellular Theory of Development: Quart. Journ. 
Mic. Scti.,. XXXVI. 1. 1895. 


1 Driesch suggests for such a process the term vefaradion in contradistinction to true 
regeneration. 

2°99, p. 55. It is mainly on these considerations that Driesch (’99) has built his recent 
theory of vitalism (cf p. 417), the nature of the formative power being regarded as a 
problem sz? generis, and one which the “ machine-theory of life’’ is powerless to solve. C7 
also the views of Whitman, p. 416. 


LT RERAL URE 395 


Castle, W. E.—The early Embryology of Ciona. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zovl., XXVU. 
1896. 

Conklin, E. G.— The Embryology of Crepidula: Journ. Morph., X11. 1897. 

Driesch, H. — (See Literature, IX.) 

Errera, L.— Zellformen und Seifenblasen: Zagebl. der 60 Versaminlung deutscher 
Naturforscher und Aerste zu Wiesbaden. 1887. 3 

Hertwig, 0. — Das Problem der Befruchtung und der Isotropie des Eies, eine Theo- 
rie der Vererbung. _/enxa, 1884. 

Hofmeister. — Die Lehre von der Pflanzenzelle. Lezfz7g, 1867. 

Jennings, H. S.— The Early Development of Asplanchna: Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoil., 
XXX.1. Cambridge, 1896. 

Kofoid, C. A.—On the Early Development of Limax: 2Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoil., 
XXVII. 1895. 

Lillie, F. R.— The Embryology of the Unionide: Journ. Morph., X. 1895. 

Id. — Adaptation in Cleavage: Wood’s Holl Biol. Lectures. 1899. 

McMurrich, J. P.— Embryology of the Isopod Crustacea: Journ. AMforph., XI. 1. 
1895. 

Mark, E. L.—Limax. (See list IV.) 

Morgan, T. H. — (See Literature, IX.) 

Rauber, A. — Neue Grundlegungen zur Kenntniss der Zelle: J/orph. Jahrb., VIII. 
1883. 

Rhumbler, L. — Allgemeine Zellmechanik: A/erkel u. Bonnet, Ergeb., VIII. 1808. 

Sachs, J. — Pflanzenphysiologie. (See list VII.) 

Sedgwick, H.— On the Inadequacy of the Cellular Theory of Development, ete. : 
Quart. Journ. Mic. Sct., XXXVII.1. 1894. 

Strasburger, E.—Uber die Wirkungssphare der Kerne und die Zellgriésse: H7sdo- 
logische Beitrage,V. 1893. 

Zur Strassen, 0.— Embryonalentwickelung der Ascaris: Arch. Entom., 1. 1896. 

Watasé, S.— Studies on Cephalopods; I., Cleavage of the Ovum: Journ. Morph., 
DV53. 180K. 

Whitman, C. 0.— The Inadequacy of the Cell-theory of Development: Mood’s Holl 
Biol. Lectures. 1893. 

Wilson, Edm. B. — The Cell-lineage of Werezs: Journ. Morph., V1.3. 1892. 

Id. — Amphioxus and the Mosaic Theory of Development : /owrn. Morph., VIII. 3. 
1893. 

id.— Considerations on Cell-lineage and Ancestral Reminiscence: Annu. MV. Y. 
Acad., X1. 1898; also Wood’s Holl Biol. Lectures, 1899. 


GHAP TER sad 
THEORIES OF INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


“Tt is certain that the germ is not merely a body in which life is dormant or potential, 
but that it is itself simply a detached portion of the substance of a preéxisting living body.” 

Hux ey.} 

“Inheritance must be looked at as merely a form of growth.” DARWIN.? 
“Tch méchte daher wohl den Versuch wagen, durch eine Darstellung des Beobachteten 
Sie zu einer tiefern Einsicht in die Zeugungs- und Entwickelungsgeschichte der organischen 
KG6rper zu fiihren und zu zeigen, wie dieselben weder vorgebildet sind, noch auch, wie man 
sich gewohnlich denkt, aus ungeformter Masse in einem bestimmten Momente plétzlich 

ausschiessen.”’ Von BAER? 


Every discussion of inheritance and development must take as its 
[point of departure the fact that the germ is a single cell similar in its 


/essential nature to any one of the tissue-cells of which the body is 


composed. That a cell can carry with it the sum total of the heritage 
of the species, that it can in the course of a few days or weeks give 
rise to a mollusk or a man, is the greatest marvel of biological science. 
In attempting to analyze the problems that it involves, we must from 
the outset hold fast to the fact, on which Huxley insisted, that the 
wonderful formative energy of the germ is not impressed upon it 
from without, but is inherent in the egg as a heritage from the paren- 
tal life of which it was originally a part. The development of the 
embryo is nothing new. It involves no breach of continuity, and is 
but a continuation of the vital processes going on in the parental — 
body. What gives development its marvellous character is the rapid- 
ity with which it proceeds and the diversity of the results attained in 
a span so brief. 

But when we have grasped this cardinal fact, we have but focussed 
our instruments for a study of the real problem. //ozw do the adult% 
characteristics lie latent in the germ-cell; and how do they become |} 
patent as development proceeds? This is the final question that looms | 
in the background of every investigation of the cell. In approaching 
it we may well make a frank confession of ignorance; for in spite of 
all that the microscope has revealed, we have not yet penetrated the 
mystery, and inheritance and development still remain in their fun- 


\ 
i 


wr 
i* 


1 Evolution, Science and Culture, p. 291. 
2 Variation of Animals and Plants, I1., p. 398. 
8 Entwick. der Thiere, I1., 1837, p. 8. 


396 


— 


THE THEORY OF GERMINAL LOCALIZATION 307 
damental aspects as great a riddle as they were to the Greeks. What 
we have gained is a tolerably precise acquaintance with the external 
aspects of development. The gross errors of the early preformation+4 
ists have been dispelled.! We know that the germ-cell contains no 
predelineated embryo; that development is manifested, on the one 


hand, by the cleavage of the egg, on the other hand, by a process of 


differentiation, through which the products of cleavage gradually 
assume diverse forms and functions, and so accomplish a physiological 
division of labour. We can clearly recognize the fact that these pro- 
cesses fall in the same category as those that take place in the tissue- 
cells; for the cleavage of the ovum is a form of mitotic cell-division, 
while, as many eminent naturalists have perceived, differentiation is 
nearly related to growth and has its root in the phenomena of nutri- 
tion and metabolism. The real problem of development is the orderly” 
sequence and correlation of these phenomena toward a typical result. 
We cannot escape the conclusion that this is the outcome of the 
organization of the germ-cells; but the nature of that which, for lack 
of a better term, we call “organization,” is and doubtless long will, 
remain almost wholly in the dark. 

In the following discussion, which is necessarily compressed within 
narrow limits, we shall disregard the earlier baseless speculations, 
such as those of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, which 
attempted a merely formal solution of the problem, confining our- 
selves to more recent discussions that have grown directly out of 
modern research. An introduction to the general subject may be 
given by a preliminary examination of two central hypotheses about 
which most recent discussions have revolved. These are, first, the 
theory of Germinal Localization? of Wilhelm His (’74), and, second, 
the /dioplasm Hypothesis of Nageli(’84). The relation between these 
two conceptions, close as it is, is not at first sight very apparent ; 
and for the purpose of a preliminary sketch they may best be con- 
sidered separately. 


A. THE THEORY OF GERMINAL LOCALIZATION 


Although the zaive early theory of preformation and evolution was 
long since abandoned, yet we find an after-image of it in the theory 
of germinal localization which in one form or another has been advo- 
cated by some of the foremost students of development. It is main- 
tained that, although the embryois not preformed in the germ, it must 
nevertheless be predetermined in the sense that the egg contains 


1 Cf Introduction, p. 8. 
2T venture to suggest this term as an English equivalent for the awkward expression 
‘ Organbildende Keimbezirke” of His. 


—— 


3098 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


definite areas or definite substances predestined for the formation of 
corresponding parts of the embryonic body. The first clear state- 
ment of this conception is found in the interesting and suggestive 
work of Wilhelm His (°74) entitled Unsere Korperform. Considering 
the development of the chick, he says: ‘ It is clear, on the one hand, 
that every point in the embryonic region of the blastoderm must rep- 
resent a later organ or part of an organ, and, on the other hand, that 
every organ developed from the blastoderm has its preformed germ 
(vorgebildete Anlage) in a definitely located region of the flat germ- 
disc. . . . The material of the germ is already present in the flat 
germ-disc, but is not yet morphologically marked off and hence 
not directly recognizable. But by following the development back- 
wards we may determine the location of every such germ, even at a 
period when the morphological differentiation is incomplete or before 
it occurs; logically, indeed, we must extend this process back to the 
fertilized or even the unfertilized egg. According to this principle, 


the germ-disc contains the organ-germs spread out in a flat plate, and,’ 


conversely, every point of the germ-disc reappears in a later organ; 
I call this the prenczple of organ-forming germ-regions.’ + His thus 
conceived the embryo, not as preformed, but as having all of its parts 
prelocalized in the egg-protoplasm (cytoplasm). 

A great impulse to this conception was given during the follow- 
ing decade by discoveries relating, on the one hand, to protoplasmic 
structure, on the other hand, to the promorphological relations of the 
ovum. Ray Lankester writes, in 1877: ‘‘ Though the substance of 
cell? may appear homogeneous under the most powerful microscope, 
it is quite possible, indeed certain, that it may contain, already formed 
and individualized, various kinds of physiological molecules. The 
visible process of segregation is only the sequel of a differentiation 
already established, and not visible.”® The egg-cytoplasm has a defi- 
nite molecular organization directly handed down from the parent; 
cleavage sunders the various “physiological molecules” and _ iso- 
lates them in particular cells. Whitman expresses a similar thought 
in the following year: “ While we cannot say that the embryo is pre- 
delineated, we can say that it is predetermined. The ‘histogenetic 
sundering * of embryonic elements begins with the cleavage, and every 
step in the process bears a definite and invariable relation to antece- 
dent and subsequent steps. ... It is, therefore, not surprising to 
find certain important histological differentiations and fundamental 
structural relations anticipated in the early phases of cleavage, and 
foreshadowed even before cleavage begins.’”’* It was, however, Flem- 

NCSD Le 

2 It is clear from the context that by ‘substance ” Lankester had in mind the cytoplasm, 
though this is not specifically stated. ii joa Wl 4°78, p. 49. 


THE THEORY OF GERMINAL LOCALIZATION 3909 


ming who gave the first specific statement of the matter from the cyto- 
logical point of view: “ But if the substance of the egg-cell has a 
definite structure (Bau), and if this structure and the nature of the 
network varies in different regions of the cell-body, we may seek in 
it a basis for the predetermination of development wherein one egg 
differs from another, and it will be possible to look for it wzth the 
microscope. ow far this search can be carried no one can say, but 
its ultimate aim is nothing less than a true morphology of inheritance.) 
In the following year Van Beneden pointed out how nearly this con- 
ception approaches to a theory of preformation: “If this were the 
case (7.e. if the egg-axis coincided with the principal axis of the adult 
body), the old theory of evolution would not be as baseless as we 
think to-day. The fact that in the ascidians, and probably in other 
bilateral animals, the median plane of the body of the future ani- 
mal is marked out from the beginning of cleavage, fully justifies the 
hypothesis that the materials destined to form the right side of the 
body are situated in one of the lateral hemispheres of the egg, while 
the left hemisphere gives rise to all of the organs of the left half.” 2 — 
The hypothesis thus suggested seemed, for a time, to be placed on 
a secure basis of fact through a remarkable experiment subsequently 
performed by Roux (88) on the frog’s egg. On killing one of the 
blastomeres of the two-cell stage by means of a heated needle the un- 
injured half developed in some cases into a well-formed half-larva 
(Fig. 182), representing approximately the right or left half of the 
body, containing one medullary fold, one auditory pit, etc.? Analo- 
gous, though less complete, results were obtained by operating with 
the four-cell stage. Roux was thus led to the declaration (made with 
certain subsequent reservations) that “the development of the frog- 
gastrula and of the embryo formed from it is from the second cleavage 
onward a mosaic-work, consisting of at least four vertical indepen- 
dently developing pieces.”’* This conclusion seemed to form a very 
strong support to His’s theory of germinal localization, though, as 
will appear beyond, Roux transferred this theory to the nucleus, and 
thus developed it in a very different direction from Lankester or 
Van Beneden. His’s theory also received very strong apparent sup- 
port through investigations on cell-lineage by Whitman, Rabl, and 


1 Zellsubstanz, 82, p. 70: the italics are in the original. 

> °83, Pp. 571. 

8 The accuracy of this result was disputed by Oscar Hertwig (’93, 1), who found that the 
uninjured blastomere gave rise to a defective larva, in which certain parts were missing, but 
not to a true half-body. Later observers, especially Schultze, Endres, and Morgan, have, 
however, shown that both Hertwig and Roux were right, proving that the uninjured blasto- 
mere may give rise to a true half-larva, to a larva with irregular defects, or to a whole 
larva of half-size, according to circumstances (p. 422). 

SLCempee3Os 


400 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


many later observers, which have shown that in the cleavage of anne- 
lids, mollusks, platodes, tunicates, and many other animals, every cell 
has a definite origin and fate, and plays a definite part in the building 
of the body.! 


0 os, 
° 
2) 
t) 

0 5° 


° 
o 


Fig. 182. — Half-embryos of the frog (in transverse section) arising from a blastomere of the 
two-cell stage after killing the other blastomere. [ROUX.] 


A. Half-blastula (dead blastomere on the left). &. Later stage. C. Half-tadpole with one 


medullary fold and one mesoblast plate; regeneration of the missing (right) half in process. 
ar. archenteric cavity; c.c. cleavage-cavity; ch. notochord; m./. medullary fold; m.s. meso- 
blast-plate. 


In an able series of later works Whitman has followed out the sug- 
gestion made in his paper of 1878, cited above, pointing out how 
essential a part is played in development by the cytoplasm and insist- 
ing that cytoplasmic preorganization must be regarded as a leading 
factor in the ontogeny. Whitman’s interesting and suggestive views 
are expressed with great caution and with a full recognition of the 


1 Cf. p. 378. 


THE IDIOPLASM THEORY AOL 


difficulty and complexity of the problem. From his latest essay, in- 
deed (’94), it is not easy to gather his precise position regarding the 
theory of cytoplasmic localization. Through all his writings, never- 
theless, runs the leading idea that the germ is definitely organized 
before development begins, and that cleavage only reveals an organi- 
zation that exists from the beginning. ‘“ That organization precedes 
cell-formation and regulates it, rather than the reverse, is a conclu- 
sion that forces itself upon us from many sides.” ! ‘ The organism 
exists before cleavage sets in, and persists throughout every stage of 
cell-multiplication.”’ ” 

All of these views, excepting those of Roux, lean more or less — 
distinctly toward the conclusion that the cytoplasm of the egg-cell 
is from the first mapped out, as it were, into regions which corre- 
spond with the parts of the future embryonic body. The cleavage 
of the ovum does not create these regions, but only reveals them to 
view by marking off their boundaries. Their topographical arrange- 
ment in the egg does not necessarily coincide with that of the adult 
parts, but only involves the latter as a necessary consequence — some- 
what as a picture in the kaleidoscope gives rise to a succeeding pic- 
ture composed of the same parts in a different arrangement. The 
germinal localization may, however, in a greater or less degree, fore- 
shadow the arrangement of adult parts—for instance, in the ese of 
the tunicate or cephalopod, where the bilateral symmetry and antero- 
posterior differentiation of the adult is foreshadowed not only in the 
cleavage stages, but even in the unsegmented egg. 

By another set of writers, such as Roux, De Vries, Hertwig, and 
Weismann, germinal localization is primarily sought not in the cyto- 
plasm, but in the nucleus; but these views can be best considered 
after a review of the idioplasm hypothesis, to which we now proceed. 


B. Tue IpiopLtAsmM THEORY 


We owe to Nageli the first systematic attempt to discuss heredity 
regarded as inherent in a definite physical basis;* but it is hardly 
necessary to point out his great debt to earlier writers, foremost 
among them Darwin, Herbert Spencer, and Hackel. The essence of 
Nigeli’s hypothesis was the assumption that inheritance is effected 
by the transmission not of a cell, considered as a whole, but of a par- 
ticular substance, the zdzop/asm, contained within a cell, and forming 
‘the physical basis of heredity.. The idioplasm is to be sharply dis- 
“tinguished from the other constituents of the cell, which play no 
direct part in inheritance and form a “nutritive plasma” or tropho- 


Laas aes 2G pri l2- 3 Theorie der Abstammungslehre, 1884. 
2D 


402 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


plasm. Hereditary traits are the outcome of a_ definite molecular 
organization of the idioplasm. The hen’s egg differs from the frog’s 
because it contains a different idioplasm. The species is as com- 
pletely contained in the one as in the other, and the hen’s egg differs 
from a frog’s egg as widely as a hen from a frog. 

The idioplasm was conceived as an extremely complex substance, 
consisting of elementary complexes of molecules known as mzce//e. 
These are variously grouped to form units of higher orders, -which, 
as development proceeds, determine the development of the adult 
cells, tissues, and organs. The specific peculiarities of the idioplasm 
are therefore due to the arrangement of the micelle; and this, in its 
turn, is owing to dynamic properties of the micella themselves. 
During development the idioplasm undergoes a progressive trans- | 
formation of its substance, not through any material change, but 
through dynamic alterations of the conditions of tension and move- 
ment of the micelle. These changes in the idioplasm cause reactions 
on the part of surrounding structures leading to definite chemical and 
plastic changes, z.e. to differentiation and development. 

Nageli made no attempt to locate the idioplasm precisely or to 
identify it with any of the known morphological constituents of the 
cell. It was somewhat vaguely conceived as a network extending 
through both nucleus and cytoplasm, and from cell to cell through- 
out the entire organism. Almost immediately after the publication 
of his theory, however, several of the foremost leaders of biological 
investigation were led to locate the idioplasm in the nucleus, and 
concluded that it is to be identified with chromatin. The grounds 
for this conclusion, which have already been stated in Chapter VIL., 
may be here again briefly reviewed. The beautiful experiments 
of Nussbaum, Gruber, and Verworn proved that the regeneration 
of differentiated cytoplasmic structures in the Protozoa can only 
take place when nuclear matter is present (cf. p. 342). The study of 
fertilization by Hertwig, Strasburger, and Van Beneden proved that 
in the sexual reproduction of both plants and animals the nucleus of 
the germ is equally derived from both sexes, while the cytoplasm is 
derived almost entirely from the female. The two germ-nuclei, which 
by their union give rise to that of the germ, were shown by Van 
Beneden to be of exactly the same morphological nature, since each 
gives rise to chromosomes of the same number, form, and size. Van 
Beneden and Boveri proved (p. 182) that the paternal and maternal 
nuclear substances are equally distributed to each of the first two 
cells, and the more recent work of Hacker, Rickert, Herla, and 
Zoja establishes a strong probability that this equal distribution con- 
tinues in the later divisions. Roux pointed out the telling fact that 
the entire complicated mechanism of mitosis seems designed to affect 


UNION OF THE TWO THEORIES 403 


the most accurate division of the entire nuclear substance in all of 
its parts, while fission of the cytoplasmic cell-body is in the main 
a mass-division, and not a meristic division of the individual parts. 
Again, the complicated processes of maturation show the significant 
fact that while the greatest pains is taken to prepare the germ-nuclei 
for their coming union, by rendering them exactly equivalent, the 
cytoplasm becomes widely different in the two germ-cells and is 
devoted to entirely different functions. 

It was in the main these considerations that led Hertwig, Stras- 
burger, Kolliker, and Weismann independently and almost simultane- 
ously to the conclusion that the nucleus contains the physical basis of 
inheritance, and that chromatin, its essential constituent, ts the tdto- 
plasm postulated in Nagelt’s theory. This conclusion is now widely 
accepted and rests upon a basis so firm that it must be regarded as a 
working hypothesis of high value. To accept it is, however, to reject 
the theory of germinal localization in so far as it assumes a prelocali- 
zation of the egg-cytoplasm as a fundamental character of the egg. 
For if the specific character of the organism be determined by an 
idioplasm contained in the chromatin, then every characteristic of the 
cytoplasm must in the long run be determined from the same source. 
A striking illustration of this point is given by the phenomena of 
colour-inheritance in plant-hybrids, as De Vries has pointed out. 
Pigment is developed in the embryonic cytoplasm, which is derived 
from the mother-cell; yet in hybrids it may be inherited from the 
male through the nucleus of the germ-cell. The specific form of 
cytoplasmic metabolism by which the pigment is formed must there- 
fore be determined by the paternal chromatin in the germ-nucleus, 
and not by a predetermination of the egg-cytoplasm. 


C. UNION OF THE Two THEORIES 


We have now to consider the attempts that have been made to 
transfer the localization-theory from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, 
and thus to bring it into harmony with the theory of nuclear idio- 
plasm. These attempts are especially associated with the names of 
Roux, De Vries, Weismann, and Hertwig; but all of them may be 
traced back to Darwin’s celebrated hypothesis of pangenesis as a 
prototype. This hypothesis is so well known as to require but a 
brief review. Its fundamental postulate assumes that the germ-cells 
contain innumerable ultra-microscopic organized bodies or gemmules, 
each of which is the germ of a cell and determines the development 
of a similar cell during the ontogeny. The germ-cell is, therefore, 
in Darwin’s words, a microcosm formed of a host of inconceivably 
minute self-propagating organisms, every one of which predetermines 


404 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


the formation of one of the adult cells. De Vries (89) brought this 
conception into relation with the theory of nuclear idioplasm by 
assuming that the gemmules of Darwin, which he called pangens, are 
contained in the nucleus, migrating thence into the cytoplasm step 
by step during ontogeny, and thus determining the successive stages 
ot development. The hypothesis is further modified by the assump- 
tion that the pangens are not cell-germs, as Darwin assumed, but 
ultimate protoplasmic units of which cells are built, and which are ~ 
the bearers of particular hereditary qualities. The same view was) © 
afterward accepted by Hertwig and Weismann.” 

‘The theory of germinal localization is thus transferred from the 
ytoplasm to the nucleus. It is not denied that the egg-cytoplasm 
may be more or less distinctly differentiated into regions that have a 
constant relation to the parts of the embryo. This differentiation is, 
however, conceived, not as a primordial characteristic of the egg, but 

as one secondarily determined through the influence of the nucleus. 
Both De Vries and Weismann assume, in fact, that the entire cyto- 
plasm is a product of the nucleus, being composed of pangens that 
migrate out from the latter, and by their active growth and multipli- 
cation build up the cytoplasmic substance.? 


D. THE Rovux-WEISMANN THEORY OF DEVELOPMENT 


We now proceed to an examination of two sharply opposing hy- 
potheses of development based on the theory of nuclear idioplasm. 
One of these originated with Roux (83) and has been elaborated 
especially by Weismann. The other was clearly outlined by De Vries 
(89), and has been developed in various directions by Oscar Hertwig, 
Driesch, and other writers. In discussing them, it should be borne 
in mind that, although both have been especially developed by the 
advocates of the pangen-hypothesis, neither necessarily involves that 
hypothesis in its strict form, z.c. the postulate of discrete self-propa- 
gating units in the idioplasm. This hypcthesis may therefore be laid 


1 Cf. p. 290. 

* The neo-pangenesis of De Vries differs from Darwin’s hypothesis in one very important 
respect. Darwin assumed that the gemmules arose in the body, being thrown off as germs 
by the individual tissue-cells, transported to the germ-cells, and there accumulated as in a 
reservoir; and he thus endeavoured to explain the transmission of acquired characters. De 
Vries, on the other hand, denies such a transportal from cell to cell, maintaining that the 
pangens arise or preéxist in the germ-cell, and those of the tissue-cells are derived from this 
source by cell-division. 

> This conception obviously harmonizes with the 7é/e of the nucleus in the synthetic 
process. In accepting the view that the nuclear control of the cell is effected by an emana- 
tion of specific substances from the nucleus, we need not, however, necessarily adopt the 
pangen-hypothesis. 


THE ROUX-WEISMANN THEORY OF DEVELOPMENT 405 


aside as an open question,! and will be considered only in so far as it 
is necessary to a presentation of the views of individual writers. 

The Roux-Weismann hypothesis has already been touched on at( 
page 245. Roux conceived the idioplasm (z.¢. the chromatin) not as a | 
single chemical compound or a homogeneous mass of molecules, but 
as a highly complex mixture of different substances, representing 
different qualities, and having their seat in the individual chromatin-., 
granules. In mitosis these become arranged in a linear series to— 
form the spireme-thread, and hence may be precisely divided by the 
splitting of the thread. * Roux assumes, as a fundamental postulate, | 
that division of the granules may be either quantitative or qualitative, 
In the first mode the group of qualities represented in the mother- 
granule is first doubled and then split into equivalent daughter-groups, 
the daughter-cells therefore receiving the same qualities and remain- 
ing of the same nature. In ‘“‘qualitative division,” on the other hand, 
the mother-group of qualities is split into dissimilar groups, which, 
passing into the respective daughter-nuclei, lead to a@ corresponding 
differentiation in the daughter-cells. By qualitative divisions, occur- 
ring in a fixed and predetermined order, the idioplasm is thus split 
up during ontogeny into its constituent qualities, which are, as it were, 
sifted apart and distributed to the various nuclei of the embryo. 
Every cell-nucleus, therefore, recetves a specific fori of chromatin which 
determines the nature of the cell at a given period and its later his- 
tory. Every cell is thus endowed with a power of se/fdetermination, 
which lies in the specific structure of its nucleus, and its course of 
development is only in a minor degree capable of modification through 
the relation of the cell to its fellows (‘‘ correlative differentiation ”’). 

Roux’s hypothesis, be it observed, does not commit him to the 
theory of pangenesis. It was reserved for Weismann to develop the 
hypothesis of qualitative division in terms of the pangen-hypothesis, 
and to elaborate it as a complete theory of development. In his 
first essay (85), published before De Vries’s paper, he went no far- 
ther than Roux. ‘I believe that we must accept the hypothesis that 
in indirect nuclear division, the formation of non-equivalent halves 
may take place quite as readily as the formation of equivalent halves, 
and that the equivalence or non-equivalence of the subsequently pro- 
duced daughter-cells must depend upon that of the nuclei. Thus, 
during ontogeny a gradual transformation of the nuclear substance 
takes place, necessarily imposed upon it, according to certain laws, 
by its own nature, and such transformation is accompanied by a 
gradual change in the character of the cell-bodies.”? In later writ- 
ings Weismann advanced far beyond this, building up an elaborate 
artificial system, which appears in its final form in the remarkable 

1 Cf. Chapter VI. 2 Essay IV., p. 193, 1885. 


406 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


book on the germ-plasm (’92). Accepting De Vries’s conception of 
the pangens, he assumes a definite grouping of these bodies in the 
germ-plasm or idioplasm (chromatin), somewhat as in Nageli’s concep- 
tion. The pangens or ézophores are conceived to be successively ag- 
gregated in larger and larger groups; namely, (1) determinants, which 
are still beyond the limits of microscopical vision; (2) zd@s, which are 
identified with the visible chromatin-granules; and (3) zdants, or 
chromosomes. The chromatin has, therefore, a highly complex fixed 
architecture, which is transmitted from generation to generation, and 
determines the development of the embryo én a definite and specific 
manner. Mitotic division is conceived as an apparatus which may 
distribute the elements of the chromatin to the daughter-nuclei either 
equally or unequally. In the former case (‘‘ hom@okinesis,” integral 
or guantitative division), the resulting nuclei remain precisely equiva- 
lent. In the second case (“ heterokinesis,” qualitative or differential 
division), the daughter-cells receive different groups of chromatin- 
elements, and hence become differently modified. During ontogeny, 
through successive qualitative divisions, the elements of the idioplasm 
or germ-plasm (chromatin) are gradually sifted apart, and distributed 
in a definite and predetermined manner to the various parts of the 
body. ‘Ontogeny depends on a gradual process of disintegration of 
the id of germ-plasm, which splits into smaller and smaller groups of 
determinants in the development of each individual... . Fimally, 
if we neglect possible complications, only oze kind of determinant re- 
mains in each cell, viz. that which has to control that particular cell or 
group of cells. ... In this cell it breaks up into its constituent bio- 
phores, and gives the cell its inherited specific character.” ! Devel- 
opment is, therefore, essentially evolutionary and not epigenetic ;* its 
point of departure is a substance in which all of the adult characters 
are represented by preformed, prearranged germs; its course is the 
result of a predetermined harmony in the succession of the qualitative 
divisions by which the hereditary substance is progressively disinte- 
grated. In order to account for heredity through successive genera- 
tions, Weismann is obliged to assume that, by means of quantitative 
or integral division, a certain part of the original germ-plasm is car- 
ried on unchanged, and is finally delivered, with its original architecture 
unaltered, to the germ-nuclei. The power of regeneration is explained, 
in like manner, as the result of a transmission of unmodified or slightly 
modified germ-plasm to those parts capable of regeneration. 


1 Germ-plasm, pp. 76, 77. 2riGoep elie 


et 


CRITIQUE OF THE ROUX-WEISMANN THEORY 407 


E. CRITIQUE OF THE RouUX-WEISMANN THEORY 


It is impossible not to admire the thoroughness, candour, and logical 
skill with which Weismann has developed his theory, or to deny that, 
in its final form, it does afford up to a certain point a formal solution 
of the problems with which it deals. Its fundamental weakness is its 
guasi-metaphysical character, which, indeed, almost places it outside 


G 1B) 


Fig. 183. — Half and whole cleavage in the eggs of sea-urchins, 


A. Normal sixteen-cell stage, showing the four micromeres above (from Driesch, after Selenka). ee 
B. Half sixteen-cell stage developed from one blastomere of the two-cell stage after killing the other 
by shaking (Driesch). C. Half blastula resulting, the dead blastomere at the right (Driesch). 
D. Half-sized sixteen-cell stage of 7oxopneustes, viewed from the micromere-pole (the eight lower 
not shown). This embryo, developed from an isolated blastomere of the two-cell stage, segmented 
like an entire normal ovum. 


the sphere of legitimate scientific hypothesis. Save in the maturation 
of the germ-cells (“reducing divisions”), none of the visible phenom- 
ena of cell-division give even a remote suggestion of qualitative divi- 
sion. All the facts of ordinary mitosis, on the contrary, indicate that 
the division of the chromatin is carried out with the most exact equality. 


408 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


The hypothesis mainly rests upon a quite different order of phenom- 
ena, namely, on facts indicating that isolated blastomeres, or other 
cells, have a certain power of self-determination, or “ self-differentia- 
tion’? (Roux), peculiar to themselves, and which is assumed to be pri- 
marily due to the specific quality of the nuclei. This assumption, 
which may or may not be true, is itself based upon the further assump- 
tion of qualitative nuclear division of which we actually know nothing 
whatever. The fundamental hypothesis is thus of purely a przorz 
character; and every fact opposed to it has been met by subsidi- 


~ 


A B 
Fig. 184. — Normal and dwarf gastrulas of Amphioxus. 


A. Normal gastrula. 4. Half-sized dwarf, from an isolated blastomere of the two-cell stage. 
C. Quarter-sized dwarf, from an isolated blastomere of the four-cell stage. 


ary hypotheses, which, like their principal, relate to matters beyond 
the reach of observation. 

Such an hypothesis cannot be actually overturned by a direct 
appeal to fact. We can, however, make an indirect appeal, the 
results of which show that the hypothesis of qualitative division is 
not only so improbable as to lose all semblance of reality, but is in 

.fact quite superfluous. It is rather remarkable that Roux himself 
led the way in this direction. In the course of his observations on 
the development of a half-embryo from one of the blastomeres of 
the two-cell stage of the frog’s egg, he determined the significant 


oo? 
fact that the half-embryo in the end vestoves more or less completely 


1 Cf. p. 426. 


EN = ee 


CRITIQUE OF THE ROUX-WEISMANN THEORY 409 


the missing half by a peculiar process, related to regeneration, which 
Roux designated as fost-generation. Later studies showed that an 
isolated blastomere is able to give rise to a complete embryo in many 
other animals, sometimes developing in its earlier stages as though 


£ F 
Fig. 185. — Dwarf and double embryos of Amphioxus, 


A. Isolated blastomere of the two-cell stage segmenting like an entire egg (cf Fig. 183, D). 
B. Twin gastrulas from a single egg. C. Double cleavage resulting from the partial separation, 
by shaking, of the blastomeres of the two-cell stage. D.#./. Double gastrulas arising from such 
forms as the last. 


still forming part of a complete embryo (“partial development’’), 
but in other cases developing directly into a complete dwarf embryo, 
as if it were an egg of diminished size. In 1891 Driesch was able 
to follow out the development of isolated blastomeres of sea-urchin 


~ 


410 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


eggs separated by shaking to pieces the two-cell and four-cell stages. 
Blastomeres thus isolated segment as if still forming part of an entire 
larva, and give rise to a half- (or quarter-) blastula (Fig. 183). The 
opening soon closes, however, to form a small complete blastula, and 
the resulting gastrula and Pluteus larva is a perfectly formed dwarf 
of only half (or quarter) the normal size. Incompletely separated 
blastomeres give rise to double embryos like the Siamese twins. 
Shortly afterward the writer obtained similar results in the case of 
Amphioxus, bat here the tsolated blastomere behaves from the begin- 
ning like a complete ovum of half the usual size, and gives rise to a 
complete blastula, gastrula, and larva. Complete embryos have also 
been obtained from a single blastomere in the teleost /undulus 
(Morgan, ’95, 2), in 77zfon (Herlitzka, 95), and in a number of 
hydromedusz (Zoja, ’95, Bunting, ’99); and nearly complete em- 
bryos in the tunicates Asczdzella (Chabry, °87), Phallusia (Driesch, 
94), and Molgula (Crampton, ’98).!_ Perhaps the most striking of 
these cases is that of the hydroid CZytza, in which Zoja was able to 
obtain perfect embryos, not only from the blastomeres of the two- 
cell and four-cell stages, but from eight-cell and even from sixteen- 
cell stages, the dwarfs in the last case being but one-sixteenth the 
normal size. 

t These experiments render highly improbable the hypothesis of 
qualitative division in its strict form, for they demonstrate that the 
earlier cleavages, at least, do not in these cases sunder fundamentally 
different materials, either nuclear or cytoplasmic, but only split the 
egg up into a number of parts, each of which is capable of producing 
an entire body of diminished size, and hence must contain all of the 
material essential to complete development. Both Roux and Weis- 
mann endeavour to meet this adverse evidence with the assumption 
of a “reserve idioplasm,” containing all of the elements of the germ- 
plasm which is in these cases distributed equally to all the cells in 
addition to the specific chromatin conveyed to them by qualitative 
division. This subsidiary hypothesis renders the principal one (ze. 
that of qualitative division) superfluous, and brings us back to the 
same problems that arise when the assumption of qualitative division 
is discarded. 

The theory of qualitative nuclear division has been practically dis- 
proved in another way by Driesch, through the pressure-experiments_ 
already mentioned at page 375. Following the earlier experiments of 
Pfliiger (84) and Roux (85) on the frog’s egg, Driesch subjected 
segmenting eggs of the sea-urchin to pressure, and thus obtained flat 
plates of cells in which the arrangement of the nuclei differed totally 


1 The “partial” development in the earlier stages of some of these forms is considered 
at page 419. 


CRITIQUE OF THE ROUX-WEISMANN THEORY 4II 


from the normal (Fig. 186); yet such eggs when released from press- 
ure continue to segment, wzthout rearrangement of the nuclet, and 
give rise to perfectly normal larve. ®I have repeated these experi- 
ments not only with sea-urchin eggs, but also with those of an annelid 
(Nerezs), which yield a very convincing result, since in this case the 
histological differentiation of the cells appears very early. In the 
normal development of this animal the archenteron arises from four 
large cells or macromeres (entomeres), which remain after the suc- 
cessive formation of three quartets of micromeres (ectomeres) and the 
parent-cell of the mesoblast. After the primary differentiation of 
the germ-layers the four entomeres do not divide again until a very 
late period (free-swimming trochophore), and their substance always 
retains a characteristic appearance, differing from that of the other 


Fig. 186. — Modification of cleavage in sea-urchin eggs by pressure. 


A, Normaleight-cell stage of Joxopneustes. B. Eight-cellstageof Echinus segmenting under 
pressure. Both forms produce normal Plutei. 


blastomeres in its pale non-granular character and in the presence of 
large oil-drops. If unsegmented eggs be subjected to pressure, as in 
Driesch’s echinoderm experiments, they segment in a flat plate, all 
of the cleavages being vertical. In this way are formed eight-celled 
plates in which all of the cells contain oil-drops (Fig. 187, D). If 
they are now released from the pressure, each of the cells divides in 
a plane approximately horizontal, a smaller granular micromere being 
formed above, leaving below a larger clear macromere in which the 
oil-drops remain. The sixteen-cell stage, therefore, consists of eight 
deutoplasm-laden macromeres and eight protoplasmic micromeres 
(instead of four macromeres and twelve micromeres, as in the usual 
development). These embryos developed into free-swimming trocho- 
phores containing eight instead of four macromeres, which have the 
typical clear protoplasm containing oil-drops. In this case there can 


412 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


be no doubt whatever that four of the entoblastic nuclei were nor- 
mally destined for the first quartet of micromeres (Fig. 187, 4), from 
which arise the apical ganglia and the prototroch. Under the condi- 
tions of the experiment, however, they have given rise to the nuclei 
of cells which differ in no wise from the other entoderm-cells. Even 


Fig. 187. — Modifications of cleavage by pressure in Nerevs. 


A. 4. Normal four- and eight-cell stages. C. Normal trochophore larva resulting, with four 
entoderm-cells. YD. Eight-cell stage arising from an egg flattened by pressure; such eggs give rise 
to trochophores with eight instead of four entoderm-cells. Numerals designate the successive 
cleavages. 


in a highly differentiated type of cleavage, therefore, the nuclei of the 
segmenting egg are not specifically different, as the Roux-Weismann 
hypothesis demands, but contain the same materials even in the cells 
that undergo the most diverse subsequent fates But there is, further- 
more, very strong reason for believing that this may be true in later 


NATURE AND CAUSES OF DIFFERENTIATION 413 


stages as well, as Koiliker insisted in opposition to Weismann as 
early as 1886, and as has been urged by many subsequent writers. 
The strongest evidence in this direction is afforded by the facts of 
regeneration ; and many cases are known —for instance, among the 
hydroids and the plants—in which even a small fragment of the 
body is able to reproduce the whole. It is true that the power of 
regeneration is always limited to a greater or less extent according 
to the species. But there is no evidence whatéver that such limita- 
tion arises through specification of the nuclei by qualitative division, 
and, as will appear beyond, its explanation is probably to be sought 
in a very different direction. 


F. On. THE NATURE AND CAUSES OF DIFFERENTIATION 


We have now cleared the ground for a restatement of the problem 
of development and an examination of the views opposed to the 
Roux-Weismann theory. After discarding the hypothesis of quali- 
tative division the problem confronts us in the following form. If 
chromatin be the idioplasm in which inheres the sum total of heredi- 
tary forces, and if it be equally distributed at every cell-division, how 
can its mode of action so vary in different cells as to cause diversity 
of structure, 7.c. differentiation? It is perfectly certain that differen- 
tiation is an actual progressive transformation of the egg-substance 
involving both physical and chemical changes, occurring in a definite 
order, and showing a definite distribution in the regions of the egg. 
These changes are sooner or later accompanied by the cleavage 
of the egg into cells whose boundaries may sharply mark the 
areas of differentiation. What gives these cells their specific char- 
acter? Why, in the four-cell stage of an annelid egg, should the 
four cells contribute equally to the formation of the alimentary canal 
and the cephalic nervous system, while only one of them (the left- 
hand posterior) gives rise to the nervous system of the trunk-region 
and to the muscles, connective tissues, and the germ-cells? (Figs. 
171, 188, B.) There cannot be a fixed relation between the various 
regions of the egg which these blastomeres represent and the adult 
parts arising from them; for in some eggs these relations may be 
artificially changed. A portion of the egg which under normal con- 
ditions would give rise to only a fragment of the body will, if split off 
from the rest, give rise to an entire body of diminished size. What 
then determines the history of such a portion? What influence 
moulds it now into an entire body, now into a part of a body? 

De Vries, in his remarkable essay on /ztracellular Pangenests 
(89), endeavoured to cut this Gordian knot by assuming that the 
character of each cell is determined by pangens that migrate from 


414 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


the nucleus into the cytoplasm, and, there becoming active, set up 
specific changes and determine the character of the cell, this way 
or that, according to their nature. But what influence guides the 
migrations of the pangens, and so correlates the operations of devel- 
opment? Both Driesch and Oscar Hertwig have attempted to 


Fig. 188. — Diagrams illustrating the value of the quartets in a polyclade (Leftop/ana), a lamel- 
libranch (Uzio), and a gasteropod (Crepidula). A. Leptoplana, showing mesoblast-formation 
in the second quartet. 2. Crepidula, showing source of ectomesoblast (from a2, 42, c2) and en- 
tomesoblast (from quadrant D). C. Unio, ectomesoblast formed only from a2. 

In all the figures the successive quartets are numbered with Arabic figures ; ectoblast unshaded, 
mesoblest dotted, entoblast vertically lined. 


answer this question, though the first-named author does not commit 
himself to the pangen-hypothesis. These writers have maintained 
that the particular mode of development in a given region or blasto- 
mere of the egg is a result of its relation to the remainder of the mass, 
7.c.a product of what may be called the intra-embryonic environ- 


“hate 


SS ee 


NATURE AND CAUSES OF DIFFERENTIATION 415 


ment. Hertwig insisted that the organism develops as a whole as 
the result of a physiological interaction of equivalent blastomeres, 


- the transformation of each being due not to an inherent specific 


power of self-differentiation, as Roux’s mosaic-theory assumed, but. 
to the action upon it of the whole system of which it is a part.) 
“ According to my conception,” said Hertwig, “each of the first two 
blastomeres contains the formative and differentiating forces not 
simply for the production of a half-body, but for the entire organism ; 
the left blastomere develops into the left half of the body only because 
it is placed in relation to a right blastomere.”! Again, in a later 
paper: “ The egg isa specifically organized elementary organism that 
develops epigenetically by breaking up into cells and their subsequent 
differentiation. Since every elementary part (¢.¢. cell) arises through 
the division of the germ, or fertilized egg, it contains also the germ 
of the whole, but during the process of development it becomes ever 
more precisely differentiated and determined by the formation of 
cytoplasmic products according to its position with reference to the 
entire organism (blastula, gastrula, etc.).”’ ? 

An essentially similar view was advocated by the writer ('93, ’94) 
nearly at the same time, and the same general conception was ex- 
pressed with great clearness and precision by Driesch shortly after 
Hertwig: ‘“‘The fragments (¢.¢. cells) produced by cleavage are com- 
pletely equivalent or indifferent.” ‘The blastomeres of the sea- 
urchin are to be regarded as forming a uniform material, and they 
may be thrown about, like balls in a pile, without in the least degree 
impairing thereby the normal power of development.”? “ Zhe rela- 
tive position of a blastomere in the whole determines in general what 
develops from it; if its position be changed, it gives rise to something 
different; in other words, zts prospective value is a function of its | 
position.” * hi 

In this last aphorism the whole problem of development is brought 
toa focus. It is clearly not a solution of the problem, but only a 
highly suggestive restatement of it; for everything turns upon how 
the relation of the part to the whole is conceived. Very little con- 
sideration is required to show that this relation cannot be a merely 
geometrical or rudely mechanical one, for in the eggs of different 


1°92, I, p. 481. j 

2°93, p. 793. It should be pointed out that Roux himself in several papers expressly 
recognizes the fact that development cannot be regarded as a pure mosaic-work, and that 
besides the power of self-differentiation postulated by his hypothesis we must assume a 
«correlative differentiation” or differentiating interaction of parts in the embryo. Cf Roux, 
92, 03, I. 

8 Studien IV., p. 25. 

4 Studien IV., p. 39. Cf His, “Es muss die Wachsthumserregbarkeit des Eies eine | 
Function des Raumes sein.” (’74, p. 153:) 


416 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


animals blastomeres may almost exactly correspond in origin and ~ 
relative position, yet differ widely in their relation to the resulting — 
embryo. Thus we find that the cleavage of polyclades, annelids, and 
gasteropods (Fig. 188) shows a really wonderful agreement in form, 
yet the individual cells differ markedly in prospective value. In all 
of these forms three quartets of micromeres are successively formed 
according to exactly the same remarkable law of the alternation of the 
spirals ;! and, in all, the posterior cell of a fourth quartet lies at the 
hinder end of the embryo in precisely the same geometrical relation 
to the remainder of the embryo; yet in the gasteropods and annelids 
this cell gives rise to the mesoblast-bands and their products, in the 
polyclade to a part of the archenteron, while important differences 
also exist in the value of the other quartets. “The relation of the 
part to the whole is therefore of a highly subtle character, the pro- 
spective value of a blastomere depending not merely upon its geomet- 
rical position, but upon its relation to the whole complex inherited 
~ organization of which it forms a part. The apparently simple con- 
clusion stated in Driesch’s clever aphorism thus leads to further prob- 
lems of the highest complexity. It should be here pointed out that 
Driesch does not accept Hertwig’s theory of the interaction of blasto- 
meres as such, but, like Whitman, Morgan, and others, has brought 
forward effective arguments against that too simple and mechanical 
conception. That theory is, in fact, merely Schwann’s cell-composite 
theory of the organism applied to the developing embryo, and the 
general arguments against that theory find some of their strongest 
. support in the facts of growth and development.? This has been 
forcibly urged by Whitman (’93), who almost simultaneously with the 
statements of Driesch and Hertwig, cited above, expressed the con- 
viction that the morphegenic process cannot be conceived as merely 
¥%the sum total or resultant of the individual cell-activities, but operates 
as a unit without respect to cell-boundaries, precisely as De Bary con- 
cludes in the case of growing plant-tissues (p. 393), and the nature 
of that process is due to the organization of the egg as a whole.? 
While recognizing fully the great value of the results attained 
during the past few years in the field of experimental and specula- 
tive embryology, we are constrained to admit that as far as the 
essence of the problem is concerned we have not gone very far 
beyond the conclusions stated above ;¥ for beyond the fact that the 
inherited organization is involved in that of the germ-cells we remain 
quite ignorant of its essential nature. This has been recognized by 
no one more clearly than by Driesch himself, to whose critical 
researches we owe so much in this field. At the climax of a recent 
elaborate analysis, the high interest of which is somewhat obscured by 


1 Cf. p. 368. 2 Cf. pp. 388-394. 


> 


NATURE AND CAUSES OF DIFFERENTIATION 417 


its too abstruse form, Driesch can only reiterate his former aphorism,! 
finally taking refuge in an avowed theory of vitalism which assumes 
the localization of morphogenic phenomena to be determined by ‘‘a 
wholly unknown principle of correlation,’ ? and forms a probiem saz 

_ generis.? This conclusion recognizes the fact that the fundamental 
problem of development remains wholly unsolved, thus confirming 
from a new point of view a conclusion which it is only fair to point 
out has been reached by many others. 

But while the fundamental nature of the morphogenic process thus 
remains unknown, we have learned some very interesting facts regard- 
ing the conditions under which it takes place, and which show that 
Driesch’s aphorism loses its meaning unless carefully qualified. The- 
experiments referred to at pages 353, 410, show that up to a certain 
stage of development the blastomeres of the early echinoderm, Amp/z- 
oxus or medusa-embryo, are “totipotent’’ (Roux), or “ equipotential ” 
(Driesch), z.c. capable of producing any or all parts of the body. 
Even in these cases, however, we cannot accept the early conclusion 
of Pfliiger (83), applied by him to the frog’s egg, and afterward 
accepted by Hertwig, that the material of the egg, or of the blasto- 
meres into which it splits up, is absolutely “isotropic,” z.e. consists of 
quite uniform indifferent material, devoid of preéstablished axes. 
Whitman and Morgan, and Driesch himself, showed that this cannot 
be the case in the echinoderm egg; for the ovum possesses a polarity 
predetermined before cleavage begins, as proved by the fact that at 
the fourth cleavage a group of small cells or micromeres always arises 
at a certain point, which may be precisely located before cleavage by 
reference to the eccentricity of the first cleavage-nucleus,* and. which, 
as Morgan showed,” is indicated before the third, and sometimes 
before the second cleavage, by a migration of pigment away from the 
micromere-pole. These observers are thus led to the assumption of ~ 

\a primary polarity of the egg-protoplasm,‘to which Driesch, in the 
course of further analysis of the phenomena, is compelled to add the 
assumption of a secondary polarity at right angles to the first.2 These 
polarities, inherent not only in the entire egg, but also in each of the 
blastomeres into which it divides, form the primary conditions under 
which the bilaterally symmetrical organism develops by epigenesis. 
To this extent, therefore, the material of the blastomeres, though 
“totipotent,” shows a certain predetermination with respect to the 
adult body. 

*?99, pp. 86-87. 

2 This phrase is cited by Driesch from an earlier work (’92, p. 596) as giving a correct 
though “ unanalytical ” statement of his view. It may be questioned whether many readers 
will regard as an improvement the “ analytical” form it assumes in his Jast work. 

Sie DOO: 4 Cf Fig. 103. 594) Pp. 42: 

6 See Driesch, ’93, pp. 229, 241; 796, and ’99, Pp. 44. 

2E 


418 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


~ We now proceed to the consideration of experiments which show 
that in some animal eggs such predetermination may go much farther, 
so that the development does, in fact, show many of the features of 
a mosaic-work, as maintained by Roux. The best-determined of these 
cases is that of the ctenophore-egg, as shown by the work of Chun, 


Fig. 189. — Partial larvze of the ctenophore Bevoé. [DRIESCH and MORGAN.] 


A. Half sixteen-cell stage, from an isolated blastomere. /. Resulting larva, with four rows of 
swimming-plates and three gastric pouches. C. One-fourth sixteen-cell stage, from an isolated 
blastomere: J. Resulting larva, with two rows of plates and two gastric pouches, /. Defective 
larva, with six rows of plates and three gastric pouches, from a nucleated fragment of an unseg- 
mented egg. /. Similar larva with five rows of plates, from above. 


Driesch, and Morgan (’95), and Fischel (’98). These observers have 
demonstrated that isolated blastomeres of the two-, four-, or eight-cell 
stage undergo a cleavage which, through the earliest stages, is exactly 
like that which it would have undergone if forming part of a com- 


NATURE AND CAUSES OF DIFFERENTIATION 419 


plete embryo, and gives rise to a defective larva, having only four, 
two, or one row of swimnwng-plates (Fig. 189); and Fischel’s obser- 
vations give strong reason to believe that each of the eight micromeres 
of the sixteen-cell stage is definitely specified for the formation of one 
of the rows of plates. In like manner Crampton (’96) found that in 
case of the marine gasteropod //yaxassa isolated blastomeres of two- 
cell or four-cell stages segmented exactly as if forming part of an 
entire embryo, and gave rise to fragments of a larva, not to complete 
dwarfs, as in the echinoderm (Fig. 190). Further, in embryos from 
which the “yolk-lobe”’ (a region of that macromere from which the 
primary mesoblast normally arises) had been removed, no mesoblast- 
bands were formed. Most interesting of all, Driesch and Morgan 
discovered that if a part of the cytoplasm of an wzsegmented cteno- 
phore-egg were removed, the remainder gave rise to an incomplete 
larva, showing definite defects (Fig. 189, £, /’). 

In none of these cases is the embryo able to complete itself, though 
it should be remarked that neither in the ctenophore nor in the snail 
is the partial embryo identical with a fragment of a whole embryo, 
since the micromeres finally enclose the macromeres, leaving no sur- 
face of fracture. This extreme is, however, connected by a series of 
forms with such cases as those of Amphioxrus or the medusa, where 
the fragment develops nearly or quite as if it were a whole. In the 
tunicates the researches of Chabry ('87), Driesch ('94), and Crampton 
(97) show that an isolated blastomere of the two-cell stage undergoes 
a typical half-cleavage (Crampton), but finally gives rise to a nearly 
perfect tadpole larva lacking only one of the asymmetrically placed 
sense-organs (Driesch). Next in the series may be placed the frog, 
where, as Roux, Endres, and Walter have shown, a blastomere of the 
two-cell stage may give rise to a typical half-morula, half-gastrula, 
and half-embryo! (Fig. 182), yet finally produces a perfect larva. A 
further stage is given by the echinoderm-egg, which, as Driesch 
showed, undergoes a half-cleavage and produces a halt-blastula, which, 
however, closes to form a whole before the gastrula-stage (Fig. 183). 
Perfectly formed though dwarf larve result. Finally, we reach Amphi- 
exus and the hydromasz in which a perfect “whole development 3 
usually takes place from the beginning, though it is a very interest- 
ing fact that the isolated blastomeres of Amphzoxus sometimes show, 
in the early stages of cleavage, peculiarities of development that recall 
their behaviour when forming part of an entire embryo.” 
~ We see throughout this series an effort, as it were, on the part of 
the isolated blastomere to assume the mode of development character- 
istic of a complete egg, but one that is striving against conditions that 


oD’? 


1 This is not invariably the case, as described beyond. 


2 Cf. Wilson, ’93, pp. 590, 608. 


420 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


tend to confine its operations to the 7é/e it would have played if still 
forming part of an entire developing eggs In Amphioxrus or Clytia 
this tendency is successful almost from the beginning. In other 
forms the limiting conditions are only overcome at a later period, 
while in the ctenophore or snail they seem to afford an insurmount- 


GC 


Fig. 190.— Partial development of isolated blastomeres of the gasteropod egg, /dyanassa. 
{[CRAMPTON.] 


A, Normal eight-cell stage. &. Normal sixteen-cell stage. C. Half eight-cell stage, from 
isolated blastomere of the two-cell stage. |. Half twelve-cell stage succeeding. . Two stages 
in the cleavage of an isolated blastomere of the four-cell stage; above a one-fourth eight-cell stage, 
below a one-fourth sixteen-cell stage. 


able barrier to complete development. *What determines the limita- 
tions of development in these various cases? They cannot be due to 
nuclear specification ; for in the ctenophore the fragment of an wnseg- 
mented egg, containing the normal egg-nucleus, gives rise to a defec- 
tive larva; and my experiments on Merezs show that even in a highly 


NATURE AND CAUSES OF DIFFERENTIATION 421 


determinate cleavage, essentially like that of the snail, the nuclei may 
be shifted about by pressure without altering the end-result. Neither 
can they lie in the form of the dividing mass as some authors have 
assumed; for in Crampton’s experiments the half or quarter blasto- 
mere does not retain the form of a half or quarter sphere, but rounds 


Fig. 191. — Double embryos of frog developed from eggs inverted when in the two-cell stage. 
[O. SCHULTZE.] 

A. Twins with heads turned in opposite directions. 2. Twins united back to back. C. Twins 
united by their ventral sides. D. Double-headed tadpole. 


off to a spheroid like the egg. But if the limiting conditions lie 
neither in the nucleus nor in the form of the mass, we must seek them 
in the cytoplasm ; and if we find here factors by which the tendency 
of the part to develop into a whole may be, as it were, hemmed in, we 
shall reach a proximate explanation of the mosaic-like character of 
cleavage shown in the forms under consideration, and the mosaic 


422 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


theory of cytoplasmic localization will find a substantial if somewhat 
restricted basis. 

~ That we are here approaching the true explanation is indicated by 
certain very remarkable and interesting experiments on the frog’s egg, 
which prove that each of the first two blastomeres may give rise either 
to a half-embryo or to a whole embryo of half size, according to cir- 
cumstances, and which indicate, furthermore, that these circumstances 
lie in a measure in the arrangement of the cytoplasmic materials. 
This most important result, which we owe especially to Morgan,! was 
reached in the following manner. Born had shown, in 1885, that if 
frogs’ eggs be fastened in an abnormal position, — e.g. upside down, or 
on the side, —a rearrangement of the egg-material takes place, the 
heavier deutoplasm sinking toward the lower side, while the nucleus 
and protoplasm rise. A new axis is thus established in the egg, which 
has the same relation to the body-axes as in the ordinary develop- 
ment (though the pigment retains its original arrangement). This 
proves that in eggs of this character (telolecithal) the distribution of 
deutoplasm, or conversely of protoplasm, is one of the primary forma- 
tive conditions of the cytoplasm; and the significant fact is that dy 
artificially changing thts distribution the axis of the embryo ts shifted. 
Oscar Schultze ('94) discovered that if the egg be turned upside down 
when in the two-cell stage, a whole embryo (or half of a double 
embryo) may arise from each blastomere instead of a half-embryo 
as in the normal development, and that the axes of these embryos 
show no constant relation to one another (Fig. 191). Morgan (95, 3) 
added the important discovery that either a half-embryo or a whole 
half-sized dwarf might be formed, according to the position of the blas- 
tomere. If, after destruction of one blastomere, the other be allowed 
to remain in its normal position, a half-embryo always results,? pre- 
cisely as described by Roux. If, on the other hand, the blastomere 
be inverted, it may give rise either to a half-embryo? or to a whole 
dwarf.t. Morgan therefore concluded that the production of whole 
embryos by the inverted blastomeres was, in part at least, due to a 
rearrangement or rotation of the egg-materials under the influence of 
gravity, the blastomere thus returning, as it were, to a state of equilib- 
rium like that of an entire ovum. 

This beautiful experiment gives most conclusive evidence that each 
of the two biastomeres contains all the materials, nuclear and cyto- 
plasmic, necessary for the formation of a whole body; and that these 
materials may be used to build a whole body or half-body, according 
to the grouping that they assume. After the first cleavage takes 


1 Anat. Anz., X. 19, 1895. 3 Three cases. 
2 Eleven cases observed. 4 Nine cases observed. 


ai ee A 


NATURE AND CAUSES OF DIFFERENTIATION 423 


place, each blastomere is se/, as it were, for a half-development, but 
not so firmly that a rearrangement is excluded. 

I have reached a nearly related result in the case of both Ampht- 
oxus and the echinoderms. In Amphzoxus the isolated blastomere 
usually segments like an entire ovum of diminished size. This is, 
however, not invariable, for a certain number of such blastomeres 
show a more or less marked tendency to divide as if still forming part 
of an entire embryo. The sea-urchin 7ovopueustes reverses this rule, 
for the isolated blastomere of the two-cell stage usually shows a per- 
fectly typical half-cleavage, as described by Driesch, but in rare cases 
it may segment like an evtzve ovum of half-size (Fig. 183, D) and give 
rise to an entire blastula. We may interpret this to mean that in 
Amphioxus the differentiation of the cytoplasmic substance is at first 
very slight, or readily alterable, so that the isolated blastomere, as a 
rule, reverts at once to the condition of the entire ovum. In the sea- 
urchin, the initial differentiations are more extensive or more firmly 
established, so that only exceptionally can they be altered. In the 
snail and ctenophore we have the opposite extreme to Amphzoxrus, the 
cytoplasmic conditions having been so firmly established that they can- 
not be readjusted, and the development must, from the outset, proceed 
within the limits thus set up. 

Through this conclusion we reconcile, as I believe, the theories of 
cytoplasmic localization and mosaic development with the hypothesis 
of cytoplasmic totipotence. Primarily the egg-cytoplasm is totipotent 
in the sense that its various regions stand in no fixed relation with the | 
parts to which they respectively give rise, and the substance of each | 
of the blastomeres into which it splits up contains all of the materials} 
necessary to the formation of a complete body. Secondarily, how- 
ever, development may assume more or less of a mosaic-like character 
through differentiations of the cytoplasmic substance involving local 
chemical and physical changes, deposits of metaplasmic material, 
and doubtless many other unknown subtler processes. Both the ex- 
tent and the rate of such differentiations seem to vary in different 
cases; and here probably lies the explanation of the fact that the 
isolated blastomeres of different eggs vary so widely in their mode 
of development. When the initial differentiation is of small extent 
or is of such a kind as to be readily modified, cleavage is zudetermt- 
nate in character and may easily be remodelled (as in Amphiorus). 
When they are more extensive or more rigid, cleavage assumes a 
mosaic-like or determinate character,! and qualitative division. ina 
certain sense, becomes a fact. Conklin’s (’99) interesting observa- 
tions on the highly determinate cleavage of gasteropods (Crepidula) 


1 The convenient terms indeterminate and determinate cleavage were suggested by 


Conklin (’98). 


424 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


show that here the substance of the attraction-spheres is unequally 
distributed, in a quite definite way, among the cleavage-cells, each 
sphere of a daughter-cell being carried over bodily into one of the 
granddaughter-cells (Fig. 192). We have here a substantial basis for 
the conclusion that in cleavage of this type qualitative division of the 
cytoplasm may occur. 


It is important not to lose sight of the fact that development and” — 


differentiation do not in any proper sense first begin with the cleavage 
of the ovum, but long before this, during its ovarian history.! The 
primary differentiations thus established in the cytoplasm form the 
immediate conditions to which the later development must conform ; 
and the difference between Amphzoxrus on the one hand, and the 


Fig. 192. Two successive stages in the third cleavage of the egg of Crepidu/a, seen from the 
upper pole. [CONKLIN.] 

In both figures the old spheres (dotted) lie at the upper pole of the embryo, and at the third 
cleavage they pass into the four respective cells of the first quartet of micromeres. ‘The centro- 
somes are seen in the new spheres. 


snail or ctenophore on the other, simply means, I think, that the 
initial differentiation is less extensive or less firmly established in 
the one than in the other. 

The origin of the cytoplasmic differentiations existing at the be- 
ginning of cleavage has already been considered (p. 386). If the 
conclusions there reached be placed beside the above, we reach the 
following conception. The primary determining cause of develop- 
ment lies in the nucleus, which operates by setting up a continuous 
series of specific metabolic changes in the cytoplasm. This process 
begins during ovarian growth, establishing the external form of the 
egg, its primary polarity, and the distribution of substances within it. 


oo? 
The cytoplasmic differentiations thus set up form as it were a frame- 


1 See Wilson (’96), Driesch (’98, 1). 


ca 


$244 Kersh) 


THE NUCLEUS IN LATER DEVELOPMENT 425 
work within which the subsequent operations take place in a course 
which is more or less firmly fixed in different cases. If the cyto- 
plasmic conditions be artificially altered by isolation or other dis- 
turbance of the blastomeres, a readjustment may take place and 
development may be correspondingly altered. Whether such a read- 
justment is possible depends on secondary factors —the extent of 
the primary differentiations, the physical consistency of the egg- 
substance, the susceptibility of the protopiasm to injury, and doubtless 
a multitude of others. The same doubtless applies to the later stages 
of development; and we must here seek for some of the factors by 
which the power of regeneration in the adult is determined and lim- 
ited. It is, however, not improbable, as pointed out below, that in the 
later stages differentiation may occur in the nuclear as well as in the 
cytoplasmic substance. as 


G. THE Nucleus IN LATER DEVELOPMENT 


The foregoing conception, as far as it goes, gives at least an in- 
telligible view of the more general features of early development and 
in a measure harmonizes the apparently conflicting results of experi- 
ment on various forms. But there are a very large number of facts 
relating especially to the later stages of differentiation, which it 
seems to leave unexplained, and which indicate that the nucleus as 
well as the cytoplasm may undergo progressive changes of its sub- 
stance. It has been assumed by most critics of the Roux-Weismann 
theory that all of the nuclei of the body contain the same idioplasm, 
and that each therefore, in Hertwig’s words, contains the germ of the 
whole. It is, however, doubtful whether this assumption is well 
founded. The power of a single cell to produce the entire body is inf 
general limited to the earliest stages of cleavage, rapidly diminishes, | 
and as a rule soon-disappears entirely. When once the germ-layers 
have been definitely separated, they lose entirely the power to regener- 
ate one another save in a few exceptional cases. In asexual repro- 
duction, in the regeneration of lost parts, in the formation of morbid 
growths, each tissue is in general able to reproduce only a tissue of its 
own or a nearly related kind. Transplanted or transposed groups of 
cells (grafts and the like) retain more or less completely their autonomy 
and vary only within certain well-defined limits, despite their change 
of environment. All of these statements are, it is true, subject to 
exception ; yet the facts afford an overwhelming demonstration that 
differentiated cells possess a specific character, that their power of 
development and adaptability to changed conditions becomes in a 
greater or less degree limited with the progress of development.) 
As indicated above, this progressive specification of the tissue-cells 


426 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


nan SEER 


is no doubt due in part to differentiation of the cytoplasm. There is, 
however, reason to suspect that, beyond this, dfferentiation may sooner 
or later involve a specification of the nuclear substance. When we 
reflect on the general 7é/e of the nucleus in metabolism and its signifi- 
cance as the especial seat of the formative power, we may well hesi- 
tate to deny that this part of Roux’s conception may be better founded 
than his critics have admitted. Nageli insisted that the idioplasm 
must undergo a progressive transformation during development, and 
many subsequent writers, including such acute thinkers as Boveri and 
Nussbaum, and many pathologists, have recognized the necessity for 
such an assumption. Boveri's remarkable observations on the nuclei 

of the primordial germ-cells in Ascarzs demonstrate the truth of this 
view in a particular case; for here a// of the somatic nuclet lose a portion 

of their chromatin, and only the progenitors of the germ-neclet retain the 
entire ancestral heritage. Boveri himself has in a measure pointed out 
the significance of his discovery, insisting that the specific develop- 
ment of the tissue-cells is conditioned by specific changes in the _ 
chromatin that they receive,! though he is careful not to commit him- 
self to any definite theory. . It hardly seems possible to doubt that in 
Ascaris the limitation of the somatic cells in respect to the power of 
development arises through a loss of particular portions of the 
chromatin. One cannot avoid the thought that further and more 
specific limitations in the various forms of somatic cells may arise 
through an analogous process, and that we have here a key to the 
origin of nuclear specification z7thout recourse to the theory of qualita- 
tive division. We do not need to assume that the unused chromatin 
is cast out bodily; for it may degenerate and dissolve, or may be 
transformed into linin-substance or into nucleoli. 

This suggestion is made only as a tentative hypothesis, but the 
phenomena of mitosis seem well worthy of consideration from this 
point of view. Its application to the facts of development becomes 
clearer when we consider the nature of the nuclear ‘‘control”’ of the 
cell, z.c. the action of the nucleus upon the cytoplasm. Strasburger, 
following in a measure the lines laid down by Nageli, regards the 
action as essentially dynamic, z.e. as a propagation of molecular 
movements from nucleus to cytoplasm in a manner which might be 
compared to the transmission of a nervous impulse. When, however, 
we consider the 7é/e of the nucleus in synthetic metabolism, and the 
relation between this process and that of morphological synthesis, 
we must regard the question in another light; and opinion has of 
late strongly tended to the conclusion that nuclear ‘“‘control’”’ can 
only be explained as the result of active exchanges of material 
between nucleus and cytoplasm— De Vries, followed by Hertwig, 


191, p. 433. 


THE NUCLEUS IN LATER DEVELOPMENT 427 
assumes a migration of pangens from nucleus to cytoplasm, the 
character of the cell being determined by the nature of the migrat- 
ing pangens, and these being, as it were, selected by circumstances 
oositien of the cell, etc.). But, as already pointed out, the pangen- 
hypothesis should be held quite distinct from the purely physiologi- 
cal aspect of the question, and may be temporarily set aside; for 
specific nuclear substances may pass from the nucleus into the 
cytoplasm in an unorganized form. Sachs, followed by Loeb, has 
advanced the pcdness that the development of particular organs 
is determined by specific “formative substances” which incite cor- 
responding forms of metabolic activity, growth, and differentiation. 
It is but a step from this to the very interesting suggestion of 
Driesch that the nucleus is a storehouse of ferments which pass 
out into the cytoplasm and there set up specific activities. Under 
the influence of these ferments the cytoplasmic organization is deter- 
mined at every step of the development, and new conditions are 
established for the ensuing change. This view is put forward only 
tentatively as a “fiction” or working hypothesis; but it is certainly 
full of suggestion. Could we establish the fact that the number of 
ferments or formative substances in the nucleus diminishes with the 
progress of differentiation, we should have a comparatively simple 
and intelligible explanation of the specification of nuclei and the 
limitation of development. The power of regeneration might then 
be conceived, somewhat as in the Roux-Weismann theory, as due to 
a retention of idioplasm or germ-plasm —7?.e. chromatin — in a less 
highly modified condition, and the differences between the various 
tissues in this regard, or between related organisms, would find a 
natural explanation. 

Development may thus be conceived as a progressive transforma- 
tion of the egg-substance primarily incited by the nucleus, first mani- 
festing itself by specific changes in the cytoplasm, but sooner or later 
involving in some measure the nuclear substance itself, This process, 
which one is tempted to compare to a complicated and progressive 
form of crystallization, begins with the youngest ovarian egg and pro- 
ceeds continuously until the cycle of individual life has run its course. 
Cell-division is an accompaniment but not a direct cause of differen- 
tiation. The cell is no more than a particular area of the germinal 
substance comprising a certain quantity of cytoplasm and a mass of 
idioplasm in its nucleus. Its character is primarily a manifestation 
of the general formative energy acting at a particular point under 
given conditions. When once such a circumscribed area has been 
established, it may, however, emancipate itself in a greater or less 
degree from the remainder of the mass, and acquire a specific char- 
acter so fixed as to be incapable of further change save within the 
limits imposed by its acquired character. 


42% INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


H. THE EXTERNAL CONDITIONS OF DEVELOPMENT 


We have thus far considered only the internal conditions of devel- 
opment which are progressively created by the germ-cell itself. We 
must now briefly glance at the external conditions afforded by the 
environment of the embryo. That development is conditioned by 
the external environment is obvious. But we have only recently 
come to realize how intimate the rela- 
tion is; and it has been especially the 
service of Loeb, Herbst, and Driesch to 
show how essential a part is played by 
the environment in the development of 
specific organic forms. The limits of 
this work will not admit of any adequate 
| review of the vast array of known facts 
gt/ a B in this field, for which the reader is re- 
. ferred to the works especially of Herbst. 

I shall only consider one or two cases 
‘ies ee which may serve to bring out the general 


Wed Ages ing organism at every stage of its exist- 
S/T LE ence reacts to its environment by physio- 
Nol [F Zaye logical and morphological changes. _The 
TARA \N developing embryo, like the adult, is a 
\ \ moving equilibrium —a product of the 
WUE response of the inherited organization to 
| an the external stimuli working upon it. If 
these stimuli be altered, development is 
altered. This is beautifully shown by the 
experiments of Herbst and others on the 
development of sea-urchins., Pouchet 
A. Normal Pluteus (Stroneylocen. 2nd Chabry showed that if the embryos 
trotus). B. Larva (Spherechinus) at of these animals be made to develop in 
Leary een ea Bice sea-water containing no lime-salts, the 
excess of potassium chloride. larva fails to develop not only its calca- 
reous skeleton, but also its ciliated arms, 
and a larva thus results that resembles in some particulars an entirely 
different specific form; namely, the Zorvnarza larva of Balanoglossus. 
This result is not due simply to the lack of necessary material; for 
Herbst showed that the same result is attained if a slight excess of 
potassium chloride be added to sea-water containing the normal 
amount of lime (Fig. 193). In the latter case the specific metabolism 
of the protoplasm is altered by a particular chemical stimulus, and a 
new form results. 


\\\UsA4sKL HANSA K ANAS 


=) 


sss 
pe 
oS 


Fig. 193.— Normal and modified 
larvze of sea-urchins. [HERBSY.] 


pa 


\ E principle that they involve. Every liveoam 


ra 


THE EXTERNAL CONDITIONS OF DEVELOPMENT 429 


The changes thus caused by slight chemical alterations in the 
water may be still more profound. Herbst ('92) observed, for 
example, that when the water contains a very small percentage of 
lithium chloride, the blastula of sea-urchins fails to invaginate to 
form a typical gastrula, but evagzvazes to form an hour-glass-shaped 


Fig. 194. — Regeneration in ccelenterates (4, 2, from LOEB; C, D, from BICKFORD). 


A. Polyp (Cerianthus), producing new tentacles from the adora/ side of a lateral wound. 


B. Hydroid ( Tubu/aria), generating a head at each end of a fragment of the stem suspended in 
water. C. D. Similar generation of heads at both ends of short pieces of the stem, in 7ududaria. 


larva, one half of which represents the archenteron, the other half 
the ectoblast. Moreover, a much larger number of the blastula-cells 
undergo the differentiation into entoblast than in the normal de- 
velopment, the ectoblast sometimes becoming greatly reduced and 
occasionally disappearing altogether, so that the entire blastula is 


430 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


differentiated into cells having the histological character of the nor- 
mal entoblast! One of the most fundamental of embryonic differen- 
tiations is thus shown to be intimately conditioned by the chemical 
environment. 

The observations of botanists on the production of roots and other 
structures as the result of local stimuli are familiar to all. Loeb’s 
interesting experiments on hydroids give a similar result (91). It 
has long been known that Z7wéu/arza, like many other hydroids, has 
the power to regenerate its ‘‘ head’ —z.c. hypostome, mouth, and ten- 
tacles —after decapitation. Loeb proved that in this case the power 
to form a new head is conditioned by the environment. For if a 
Tubularia stem be cut off at both ends and inserted in the sand 
upside down, 7.e. with the oral end buried, a new head is regen- 
erated at the free (formerly aboral) end. Moreover, if such a piece 
be suspended in the water by its middle point, a new head is produced 
at cach end (Fig. 194); while if both ends be buried in the sand, 
neither end regenerates. This proves in the clearest manner that ~ 
in this case the power to form a definite complicated structure is 
called forth by the stimulus of the external environment. 

These cases must suffice for our purpose. They prove incontesta- |, 
bly that xormal development is in a greater or less degree the response\| 
of the developing organism to normal conditions ; and they show that 
we cannot hope to solve the problems of development without reckon- 
ing with these conditions. But neither can we regard specific forms 
of development as @rectly caused by the external conditions; for the 
egg of a fish and that of a polyp develop, side by side, in the same 
drop of water, under identical conditions, each into its predestined 
form. Every step of development is a physiological reaction, involv- 
ing a long and complex chain of cause and effect between the stimu- 
lus and the response. The character of the response is determined, 
not by the stimulus, but by the zvherited organization. While, there- 
fore, the study of the external conditions is essential to the analysis 
of embryological phenomena, it serves only to reveal the mode of 
action of the germ and gives but a dim insight into its ultimate, 
nature. 


I. DEVELOPMENT, INHERITANCE, AND METABOLISM 


In bringing the foregoing discussion into more direct relation with 
the general theory of cell-action, we may recall that the cell-nucleus 
appears to us in two apparently different 7é/es. On the one hand, it ~ 
is a primary factor in morphological synthesis and hence in inheri- 
tance, on the other hand an organ of metabolism especially concerned 
with the constructive process. These two functions we may with 


DEVELOPMENT, INHERITANCE, AND METABOLISM 431 


Claude Bernard regard as but different phases.of one process. The 
building of a definite cell-product, such as a muscle-fibre, a nerve- 
process, a cilium, a pigment-granule, a zymogen-granule, is in the last 
analysis the result of a specific form of metabolic activity, as we may 
conclude from the fact that such products have not only a definite 
physical and morphological character, but also a definite chemical 
character. In its physiological aspect, therefore, inheritance is the7 
recurrence, in successive generations, of like forms of metabolism; 
and this is effected through the transmission from generation to gen- 
eration of a specific substance or idioplasm which we have seen 
reason to identify with chromatin. The validity of this conception 
is not affected by the form in which we conceive the morphological 
nature of the idioplasm— whether as simply a mixture of chemical 
substances, as a microcosm of invisible germs or pangens, as assumed 
by De Vries, Weismann, and Hertwig, as a storehouse of specific fer- 
ments as Driesch suggests, or as a complex molecular substance grouped 
in micelle as in Nageli’s hypothesis. It is true, as Verworn insists, 
that the cytoplasm is essential to inheritance; for without a specifi- 
cally organized cytoplasm the nucleus is unable to set up specific 
forms of synthesis. This objection, which has already been con- 
sidered from different points of view, by both De Vries and Driesch, ~ 
disappears as soon as we regard the egg-cytoplasm as z¢self a product 
of the nuclear activity ; and it is just here that the general 7d/e of the 
nucleus in metabolism is of such vital importance to the theory of 
inheritance. If the nucleus be the formative centre of the cell, if 
nutritive substances be elaborated by or under the influence of the 
nucleus while they are built into the living fabric, then the specific 
character of the cytoplasm is determined by that of the nucleus, 
and the contradiction vanishes. In accepting this view we admit 
that the cytoplasm of the egg is, in a measure, the substratum of 
inheritance, but it is so only by virtue of its relation to the nucleus, 
which is, so to speak, the ultimate court of appeal. The nucleus 
cannot operate without a cytoplasmic field in which its peculiar 
powers may come into play; but this field is created and moulded__ 
by itself. 


J. PREFORMATION AND EPIGENESIS. THE UNKNOWN FACTOR IN 
DEVELOPMENT 


We have now arrived at the farthest outposts of cell-research, and 
here we find ourselves confronted with the same unsolved problems 
before which the investigators of evolution have made a halt. For 
we must now inquire what is the guiding principle of embryological 
development that correlates its complex phenomena and directs them 


~ 


432 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 

> to a definite end. However we conceive the special mechanism of 
development, we cannot escape the conclusion that the power behind 
it is involved in the structure of the germ-plasm inherited from fore- 
going generations. What is the nature of this structure and how 
has it been acquired? To the first of these questions we have as 
yet no certain answer. The second question is merely the general 
problem of evolution stated from the standpoint of the cell-theory. 
The first question raises once more the old puzzle of preformation 

— or epigenesis. The pangen-hypothesis of De Vries and Weismann 
recognizes the fact that development is epigenetic in its external 
features; but like Darwin’s hypothesis of pangenesis, it is at bottom 
a theory of preformation, and Weismann expresses the conviction 
that an epigenetic development is an impossibility.1 He thus ex- 
plicitly adopts the view, long since suggested by Huxley, that “the 
process which in its superficial aspect is epigenesis appears in es- 
sence to be evolution in the modified sense adopted in Bonnet’s later 
writings; and development is merely the expansion of a potential 
organism or ‘original preformation’ according to fixed laws.”’? Hert- 

> wig (92, 2), while accepting the pangen-hypothesis, endeavours to 
take a middle ground between preformation and epigenesis, by 
assuming that the pangens (idioblasts) represent only ce//-characters, 
the traits of the multicellular body arising epigenetically by permu- 
tations and combinations of these characters. This conception cer- 
tainly tends to simplify our ideas of development in its outward 
features, but it does not explain why cells of different characters 
should be combined in a definite manner, and hence does not reach 
the ultimate problem of inheritance. 

What lies beyond our reach at present, as Driesch has very ably 
urged, is to_explain the orderly rhythm of development — the co- 
ordinating power that guides development to its predestined end. 
We are logically compelled to refer this power, to the inherent 
organization of the germ, but we neither know nor can we even 
conceive what that organization is. The theory of Roux and Weis- 

—mann demands for the orderly distribution of the elements of the 
germ-plasm a prearranged system of forces of absolutely incon- 
ceivable complexity. Hertwig’s and De Vries’s theory, though ap- 
parently simpler, makes no less.a demand; for how are we to 
conceive the power which guides the countless hosts of migrating 
pangens throughout all the long and complex events of development? 
The same difficulty confronts us under any theory we can frame. If 
with Herbert Spencer we assume the germ-plasm to be an aggrega- 
tion of like units, molecular or supra-molecular, endowed with prede- 
termined polarities which lead to their grouping in specific forms, 


1 Germ-plasm, p. 14. 2 Evolution, Science, and Culture, p. 296. 


PREFORMATION AND EPIGENESIS 433 


we but throw the problem one stage farther back, and, as Weismann 
himself has pointed out,’ substitute for one difficulty another of 
exactly the same kind. é ; 
~ The truth is that an explanation of development is at present 
beyond our reach. The controversy between preformation and 
epigenesis has now arrived at a stage where it has little meaning 
apart from the general problem of physical causality. What we» 
know is that a specific kind of living substance, derived from the 
parent, tends to run through a specific cycle of changes during which 
it transforms itself into a body like that of which it formed a part; 
and we are able to study with greater or less precision the mechanism 
by which that transformation is effected and the conditions under: 
which it takes place. But despite all our theories we no more know 
how the organization of the germ-cell involves the properties of the 
adult body than we know how the properties of hydrogen and oxygen 
involve those of water. So long as the chemist and physicist are 
unable to solve so simple a problem of physical causality as this, 
the embryologist may well be content to reserve his judgment on a 
problem a hundred-fold more complex. — 

The second question, regarding the historical origin of the idio> 
plasm, brings us to the side of the evolutionists. The idioplasm of 
every species has been derived, as we must believe, by the modifica- 
tion of a preéxisting idioplasm through variation, and the survival 
of the fittest. Whether these variations first arise in the idioplasm 
of the germ-cells, as Weismann maintains, or whether they may arise 
in the body-cells and then be reflected back upon the idioplasm, is 
a question to which the study of the cell has thus far given 
no certain answer. Whatever position we take on this question, the: 
same difficulty is encountered; namely, the origin of that coordi-| 
nated fitness, that power of active adjustment between internal and | 
external relations, which, as so many eminent biological thinkers’ 
have insisted, overshadows every manifestation of lite. The nature | 
and origin of this power is the fundamental problem of biology. 
When, after removing the lens of the eye in the larval salamander, | 
we see it restored in perfect and typical form by regeneration from 
the posterior layer of the iris,” we behold an adaptive response to 
changed conditions of which the organism can have had no antece- 
dent experience either ontogenetic or phylogenetic, and one of so 
marvellous a character that we are made to realize, as by a flash of 
light, how far we still are from a solution of this problem. It may 
be true, as Schwann himself urged, that the adaptive power of 
living beings differs in degree only, not in kind, from that of unor- 

1 Germinal Selection, January, 1896, p. 284. 
2 See Wolff, ’95, and Miiller, ’96. 
2F 


434 INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT 


ganized bodies. It is true that we may trace in organic nature long 
and finely graduated series leading upward from the lower to the 
higher forms, and we must believe that the wonderful adaptive mani- 
festations of the more complex forms have been derived from simpler 
conditions through the progressive operation of natural causes. But 
when all these admissions are made, and when the conserving 
action of natural selection is in the fullest degree recognized, we can- 
not close our eyes to two facts: first, that we are utterly ignorant of 
the manner in which the idioplasm of the germ-cell can so respond 
to the influence of the environment as to call forth an adaptive 
variation; and second, that the study of the cell has on the whole) 
seemed to widen rather than to narrow the enormous gap that sepa- 
rates even the lowest forms of life from the inorganic world. ’ 

I am well aware that to many such a conclusion may appear reac- 
tionary or even to involve a renunciation of what has been regarded 
as the ultimate aim of biology. In reply to such a criticism I can 
only express my conviction that the magnitude of the problem of 
development, whether ontogenetic or phylogenetic, has been under- 
estimated; and that the progress of science is retarded rather than 
advanced by a premature attack upon its ultimate problems. Yet 
the splendid achievements of cell-research in the past twenty years 
stand as the promise of its possibilities for the future, and we need 
set no limit to its advance. To Schleiden and Schwann the present 
standpoint of the cell-theory might well have seemed unattainable. 
We cannot foretell its future triumphs, nor can we doubt that the 
way has already been opened to better understanding of inheritance 
and development. 


EME RAT URE. 1X 


Barfurth, D.— Regeneration und Involution: Merkel u. Bonnet, Ergeb., 1-V1UI1I. 
1891-99. 

Boveri, Th. — Ein geschlechtlich erzeugter Organismus ohne miitterliche Eigen- 
schaften: S7¢z.-Ber. d. Ges. f. Morph. und Phys. in Miinchen, V. 1889. See 
also Arch. f. Entw. 1895. 

Brooks, W. K. — The Law of Heredity. Baltimore, 1883. 

Id. — The Foundations of Zodlogy. Mew York, 1899. asta} 

Davenport, C. B. — Experimental Morphology: I., II]. Mew York, 1897, 1899. 

Driesch, H. — Analytische Theorie der organischen Entwicklung. Le7pzzg, 1894. 

Id. — Die Localisation morphogenetischer Vorgange: Arch. Entw.,VII.1. 1899. 

Id. — Resultate und Probleme der Entwickelungs-physiologie der Tiere: J/erkel u. 
Bonnet, Ergeb., VU1., 1898. (Full literature.) 

Herbst, C.— Uber die Bedeutung der Reizphysiologie fiir die kausale Auffassung 
von Vorgangen in der tierischen Ontogenese: Szol. Centralb., X1V., XV. 
1894-95- 

Hertwig, 0. — Altere und neuere Entwicklungs-theorien. Serlin, 1892. 


LITERATURE 435 


Hertwig, 0. — Urmund und Spina Bifida: Arch. mck. Anat., XXXIX. 1892. 

Id. — Uber den Werth der Ersten Furchungszellen fiir die Organbildung des Em- 
bryo: Arch. mik. Anat., XLII. 1893. 

Id. — Zeit und Streitfragen der Biologie. I. Berlin, 1894. Il. Jena, 1897. 

Id. — Die Zelle und die Gewebe, II. _/ewa, 1808. 

His, W.— Unsere Korperform und das physiologische Problem ihrer Entstehung. 
Leipzig, 1874. 

Loeb, J. — Untersuchungen zur physiologischen Morphologie: I. Heteromorphosis. 
Wiirzburg, 1891. II. Organbildung und Wachsthum. Wiirzburg, 1892. 

Id. — Some Facts and Principles of Physiological Morphology: Wood’s Holl Biol. 
Lectures. 1893. 

Morgan, T. H. — Experimental Studies of the Regeneration of Phanaria Maculata: 
Arch. Entw., VII. 2, 3. 1808. 

Id. — The Development of the Frog’s Egg. Mew Vork, 1897. 

Nageli, C.— Mechanisch-physiologische Theorie der Abstammungslehre.  JZiin- 
chen u. Leipzig, 1884. 

Roux, W. — Uber die Bedeutung der Kernteilungsfiguren. Lezpzzg, 1883. 

Id. — Uber das kiinstliche Hervorbringen halber Embryonen durch Zerstérung einer 
der beiden ersten Furchungskugeln, etc.: Vzrchow’s Archiv, 114. 1888. 

Id. — Fiir unsere Programme und seine Verwirklichung: Arch. Entw.,V.2. 1897. 
(See also Gesammelte Abhandlungen iiber Entwicklungsmechanik der Organ- 
ismen, 1895.) 

Sachs, J. — Stoff und Form der Pflanzenorgane: Ges. Abhandlungen, 11. 1893. 

Weismann, A.— Essays upon Heredity, First Series. Oxford, 1891. 

Id. — Essays upon Heredity, Second Series. Oxford, 1892. 

Id. — Aussere Einfliisse als Entwicklungsreize. _/eza, 1894. 

Id.— The Germ-plasm. Wew York, 1893. 

Whitman, C. 0. — Evolution and Epigenesis: Wood's Holl Biol. Lectures. 1894. 

Wilson, Edm. B.—On Cleavage and Mosaic-work: Arch. fiir Entwicklungsm., 
III. 1. 1896. See also Literature, VIII.,.p. 394.) 


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GEOSSARY 


[Obsolete terms are enclosed in brackets. The name and date refer to the first use of the word; 
subsequent changes of meaning are indicated in the definition.] 


Achro’matin (see Chromatin), the non-staining substance of the nucleus, as 
opposed to chromatin; comprising the ground-substance and the linin-network. 
(FLEMMING, 1879.) 

A’crosome ( akpov, apex, copa, body), the apical body situated at the anterior end 
of head of spermatozodn. (LENHOSSEK, 1897.) 

[Akaryo’ta] (see Karyota), non-nucleated cells. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Ale’cithal (d-priv. ; A€xuos, the yolk of an egg), having little or no yolk (applied 
to eggs). (BALFOUR, 1880.) 

Alloplasma'tic (aAXos, different). Applied to active substances formed by differ- 
entiation from the protoplasm proper, ¢.g. the substance of cilia, of nerve-fibrille, 
and of muscle-fibrilla. Alloplasmatic organs are opposed to * protoplasmatic,” 
which arise only by division of pre€xisting bodies of the same kind. (A. MEYER, 
1896.) 

Amito’sis (see Mitosis), direct or amitotic nuclear division; mass-division of 
the nuclear substance without the formation of chromosomes and amphiaster. 
(FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Am’phiaster (dud, on both sides: dornp, a star), the achromatic figure formed 
in mitotic cell-division, consisting of two asters connected by a spindle. (FOL, 
1877.) 

Amphipy’renin (see Pyrenin), the substance of the nuclear membrane. 
(SCHWARZ, 1887.) 

Amy'loplasts (dpvAov, starch; zAacros, tAaooev, form), the colourless starch- 
forming plastids of plant-cells. (ERRERA, 1882.) 

An/aphase (dvd, back or again), the later period of mitosis during the divergence 
of the daughter-chromosomes. (STRASBURGER, 1884.) 

Aniso’tropy (see Isotropy), having a predetermined axis or axes (as applied to 
the egg). (PFLUGER, 1883.) 

Antherozo‘id, the same as Spermatozoid. 

Anti’podal cone, the cone of astral rays opposite to the spindle-fibres. (VAN 
BENEDEN, 1883.) 

Archiam’phiaster (dp. = first, + amphiaster), the amphiaster by which the first 
or second polar body is formed. (WHITMAN, 1878.) 

Ar'choplasma or Archoplasm (dpyr, a ruler) (sometimes written avchiplasm), 
the substance from which the attraction-sphere, the astral rays, and the spindle- 
fibres are developed, and of which they consist. (BOVERI, 1888.) 

Arrhe’noid (dppyv, male). The sperm-aster or attraction-sphere formed during the 
fertilization of the ovum. (HENKING, 1890.) 

As’ter (dornp,a star). 1. The star-shaped structure surrounding the centrosome. 
(Fou, 1877.) [2. The star-shaped group of chromosomes during mitosis (see 
Karyaster). (FLEMMING, 1892.) | 

[As’troccele] (doryp, a star; kotXos, hollow), a term somewhat vaguely applied to 
the space in which the centrosome lies. (FOL, 1891.) 


437 


438 GLOSSARY 


As'trosphere (see Centrosphere). 1. The central mass of the aster, exclusive 
of the rays. in which the centrosome lies. Equivalent to the “ attraction-sphere ” 
of Van Beneden. (FOL, 1891; STRASBURGER, 1892.) 2. The entire aster 
exclusive of the centrosome. Equivalent to the ‘astral sphere” of Mark. 
(BOVERI, 1895.) 

Attraction-sphere (see Centrosphere), the central mass of the aster from which 
the rays proceed. Also the mass of * archoplasm,” derived from the aster, by 
which the centrosome is surrounded in the resting cell. (VAN BENEDEN, 1883.) 

[Au'toblast] (avrds, self), applied by Altmann to bacteria and other minute organ- 
isms, conceived as independent solitary * bioblasts.” (18g0.) 

Axial filament, the central filament, probably contractile, of the spermatozoon- 
flagellum. (EIMER, 1874.) 

Basichro’matin (see Chromatin), the same as chromatin in the usual sense. 
That portion of the nuclear network stained by basic tar-colours. (HEIDENHAIN, 
1894. ) 

Bi oblast (vos, life; BAaoros, a germ), a term applied by Altmann to the hypo- 
thetical ultimate vital unit (equivalent to A/asome), and identified by him as 
the “ granulum.” 

Biogen (ios, life; -yevys, producing), equivalent to Alasome, etc. (VERWORN, 
1895.) 

Biophores (ios, life; -opos, bearing). the ultimate supra-molecular vital units. 
Equivalent to the angers of De Vries, the /asomes of Wiesner, etc. (WEISMANN, 
1893.) 

Bi/oplasm (ios, tAdspa). The active “living, forming germinal material,” as 
opposed to ‘formed material.” Nearly equivalent to protoplasm in the wider 
sense. (BEALE, 1870.) 

Bi/oplast, equivalent to cell. (BEALE, 1870.) 

Bi'valent, applied to chromatin-rods representing two chromosomes joined end to 
end. (HACKER, 1892.) 

Ble’pharoplast (/3AePdpis, eye-lash or cilium). The centrosome-like bodies in 
plant-spermatids in connection with which the cilia of the spermatozoids are 
formed. (WEBBER, 1897.) 

Cell-plate (see Mid-body), the equatorial thickening of the spindle-fibres from 
which the partition-wall arises during the division of plant-cells. (STRASBUR- 
GER, 1875.) 

Cell-sap, the more liquid ground-substance of the nucleus. [KOLLIKER, 1865; 
more precisely defined by R. HERTWIG, 1876. ] 

Central spindle, the primary spindle by which the centrosomes are connected, as 
opposed to the contractile mantle-fibres surrounding it. (HERMANN, 1891.) 
Cen’triole, a term applied by Boveri to a minute body or bodies (* Central-korn ”) 
within the centrosome. In some cases not to be distinguished from the centro- 

some. (BOVERI, 1895.) 

Centrodes’mus (xévtpor, centre ; desjds, a band), the primary connection between 
the centrosomes, formed by a substance from which arises the central spindle. 
(HEIDENHAIN, 1894.) 

Centrodeu'toplasm, the granular material of the testis-cells which may contribute 
to the formation of the Nebenkern or to that of the idiozome. (ERLANGER, 
1897.) 

Centrole’cithal (xévrpov, centre; A€xHos, yolk), that type of ovum in which the 
deutoplasm is mainly accumulated in the centre. (BALFOUR, 1880.) 

Cen'troplasm (xévrpov, centre; 7Adopa), the protoplasm forming the attraction- 
sphere or central region of the aster; the substance of the centrosphere. (ER- 
LANGER, 1895.) 


eres 


GLOSSAR¥ 439 


Cen’trosome (xévtpor, centre; a@pa, body), a body found at the centre of the aster 
or attraction-sphere, regarded by some observers as the active centre of cell- 
division and in this sense as the dynamic centre of the cell. Under its influence 
arise the asters and spindle (amphiaster) of the mitotic figure. (BOVERI, 
1888.) 

Cen’trosphere, used in this work as equivalent to the “astrosphere” of Stras- 
burger; the central mass of the aster from which the rays proceed and within 
which lies the centrosome. The attraction-sphere. [STRASBURGER, 1892; 
applied by him to the “astrosphere” and centrosome taken together. ] 

Chloroplas’tids (xAwpos, green; tAaoros, form), the green plastids or chlorophyll- 
bodies of plant and animal cells. (SCHIMPER, 1883.) 

Chro’matin (\pwpa, colour), the deeply staining substance of the nuclear network 
and of the chromosomes, consisting of nuclein. (FLEMMING, 1879.) 

Chro’matophore (xpwya, colour; -@opos, bearing), a general term applied to the 
coloured plastids of plant and animal cells, including chloroplastids and chromo- 
plastids. (SCHAARSCHMIDT, 1880; SCHMITZ, 1882.) 

Chro’matoplasm (ypwya, colour; tAaopa, anything formed or moulded), the sub- 
stance of the chromoplastids and other plastids. (STRASBURGER, 1882.) 

Chro’miole, the smallest chromatin-granules which by their aggregation form the 
larger chromomeres of which the chromosomes are composed. (EISEN, 1899.) 

Chro’momere (xpapa, colour; pepos, a part), one of the chromatin-granules of 
which the chromosomes are made up. Identified by WEISMANN as the “id.” 
See Chromiole. (FOL, 1891.) 

Chromoplas’tids (ypapa, colour; +Aaoros, form), the coloured plastids or pigment- 
bodies other than the chloroplasts, in plant-cells. (SCHIMPER, 1883.) 

Chro’moplasts, net-knots or chromatin-nucleoli; also used by some authors as 
equivalent to Chromoplastid. (EISEN, 1899.) 

Chro’/mosomes (xp@pa, colour; capa. body), the deeply staining bodies into which 
the chromatic nuclear network resolves itself during mitotic cell-division. (WAL- 
DEYER, 1888.) 

Cleavage-nucleus, the nucleus of the fertilized egg, resulting from the union of 
egg-nucleus and sperm-nucleus. (O. HERTWIG, 1875.) 

Cortical zone, the outer zone of the centrosphere. (VAN BENEDEN, 1887.) 

Cyano’philous (xvavos, blue; ¢tAety, to love), having an especial affinity for blue 
or green dyes. (AUERBACH.) 

Cy'taster (xvros, hollow (a cell); doryp, star), the same as Aster, 1. See Kary- 
aster. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

[Cy’toblast] (xvros, hollow (a cell); PAaoros, germ). 1. The cell-nucleus. 
(SCHLEIDEN, 1838.) 2. One of the hypothetical ultimate vital units (bioblasts or 
“eranula”) of which the cell is built up. (ALTMANN, 1890.) 3. A naked cell 
or * protoblast.” (KOLLIKER. ) 

[Cytoblaste’ma] (see Cytoblast), the formative material from which cells were 
supposed to arise by “free cell-formation.”  (SCHLEIDEN, 1838.) 

[Cytochyle’ma] (kvros, hollow (a cell) ; xvAos juice), the ground-substance of the 
cytoplasm as opposed to that of the nucleus. (STRASBURGER, 1882.) 

Cy’tode (Kvros, hollow (a cell) ; e30s, form), a non-nucleated cell. (HACKEL, 1866.) 

Cytodie’resis (xitos, hollow (a cell) ; diacpeots, division), the same as Mitosis. 
(HENNEGUY, 1882.) 

Cytohy/aloplasma («vros, hollow (a cell) ; vados, glass ; tAdopa, anything formed), 
the substance of the cytoreticulum in which are embedded the microsomes ; 
opposed to nucleohyaloplasma. (STRASBURGER, 1882.) 

Cy’tolymph (xvros. hollow (a cell) ; Zywpha, clear water), the cytoplasmic ground- 
substance. (HACKEL, 1891.) 


440 GLOSSARY 


Cytomicrosomes (see Microsome), microsomes of the cytoplasm; opposed to 
nucleomicrosomes. (STRASBURGER, 1882.) 

Cytomi'tome (xv7os, hollow (a cell) ; pitwpa, from piros, thread), the cytoplasmic 
as opposed to the nuclear thread-work. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Cy'toplasm (xvrTos, tAadopa). 1. The protoplasmic ground-substance as opposed 
to the granules. (KOLLIKER, 1863.) 2. Equivalent to protoplasm. (KOLLIKER, 
1867.) 3. The substance of the cell-body as opposed to that of the nucleus. 
(STRASBURGER, 1882.) 

Cytoretic’'ulum, the same as Cytomitome. (STRASBURGER, 1882. ) 

Cy'tosome (xvTos, hollow (a cell) ; a@pa, body). 1. The cell-body or cytoplasmic 
mass as opposed to the nucleus. (HACKEL, 1891.) 2. A term used as parallel to 
chromosome to denote deeply staining definitely organized cytoplasmic filaments 
or other cytoplasmic structures composed of * cytochromatin.” (PRENANT, 1898.) 

Der’matoplasm (éé¢pya, skin), the living protoplasm asserted to form a, part of the 
cell-membrane in plants. (WIESNER, 1886.) 

Der’matosomes (é¢pya, skin; g@pa, body), the plasomes which form the cell-mem- 
brane. (WIESNER, 1886.) 

Determinant, a hypothetical unit formed as an aggregation of biophores, determin- 
ing the development of a single cell or independently variable group of cells. 
(WEISMANN, 1891.) 

[Deuthy alosome] (dev’7(epos), second: see Hyalosome), the nucleus remaining 
in the egg after formation of the first polar body. (VAN BENEDEN, 1883.) 

Deu'toplasm (devr(epos), second; wAdaopa, anything formed), yolk, lifeless food- 
matters deposited in the cytoplasm of the egg: opposed to “protoplasm.” (VAN 
BENEDEN, 1870.) r 

Diakine’sis (da, through), the segmented-spireme-stage, following the synapsis, in 
the primary oocyte or spermatocyte, during which the chromosomes persist for a 
considerable period in the form of double rods. (HACKER, 1897.) 

Directive bodies, the polar bodies. (FR. MULLER, 1848.) 

Directive sphere, the attraction-sphere. (GUIGNARD, 1891.) 

Dispermy, the entrance of two spermatozoa into the egg. 

Dispi’reme (see Spireme), that stage of mitosis in which each daughter-nucleus 
has given rise to aspireme. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Dy’aster (dvas, two; see Aster, 2), the double group of chromosomes during the 
anaphases of cell-division. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Ectosphere (€xros, outside), the outer or cortical zone of the attraction-svhere. 
(ZIEGLER, 1899.) 

Egg-nucleus, the nucleus of the egg after formation of the polar bodies and before 
its union with the sperm-nucleus. Equivalent to the “female pronucleus” of VAN 
BENEDEN. (O. HERTWIG, 1875.) 

Enchyle’ma (év, in; yvAds, juice). 1. The more fluid portion of protoplasm, 
consisting of “hyaloplasma.” (HANSTEIN, 1880.) 2. The ground-substance 
(cytolymph) of cytoplasm as opposed to the reticulum. (CARNOy, 1883.) 

Endoplast, the cell-nucleus. (HUXLEY, 1853. 

Ener’gid, the cell-nucleus together with the cytoplasm lying within its sphere of 
influence. (SACHS, 1892.) 

Entosphere, (év7ds, inside), the inner or medullary zone of the attraction-sphere. 
(ZIEGLER, 1899.) 

Equatorial plate, the group of chromosomes lying at the equator of the spindle 
during mitosis. (VAN BENEDEN, 1875.) 

Ergastic (€pyaCoua, to work). Applied to relatively passive substances “ formed 
anew through activity of the protoplasm.” Equivalent to metaplasmic. Cf 
alloplasmatic. (A. MEYER, 1896.) 


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GLOSSARY AAI 


Ergastoplasm (€pydfouat, to work). Nearly equivalent to the “kinoplasm” of 
Strasburger and the “ ergoplasm” of Davidoff. The more active protoplasmic 
substance from which fibrillar formations arise. (GARNIER, 1897.) 

Ergoplasm (epyov, work). The active protoplasm of the egg (in tunicates), mainly 
derived from the achromatic part of the germinal vesicle, and giving rise in part 
or wholly to the polar spindle. Analogous to archoplasm and kinoplasm. 
(DAVIDOFF, 1889.) 

Erythro’philous (€pv6pos, red; dryetv, to love), having an especial affinity for red 
dyes. (AUERBACH.) 

Ga’mete (yapery, wife ; yaperys, husband), one of two conjugating cells. Usually 
applied to the unicellular forms. F 

Gem’mule (see Pangen), one of the ultimate supra-molecular germs of the cell 
assumed by Darwin. (DARWIN, 1868.) 

[Ge/noblasts] (yévos, sex; PAacros, germ), a term applied by Minot to the mature 
germ-cells. The female genoblast (egg or *thelyblast”) unites with the male 
(spermatozo6n or “arsenoblast”) to form an hermaphrodite or indifferent cell. 
(Minor, 1877.) 

Germinal spot. the nucleolus of the germinal vesicle. (WAGNER, 1836.) 

Germinal vesicle, the nucleus of the egg before formation of the polar bodies. 
(PURKINJE, 1825.) 

Germ-plasm, the same as idioplasm. (WEISMANN.) 

Heterokine’sis (€repos, different), qualitative nuclear division ; a hypothetical mode 
of mitosis assumed to separate chromatins of different quality; opposed to 
homookinesis or equation-division. (WEISMANN, 1892.) 

Heterole’cithal (€repos, different: Aé€KiHos, yolk), having unequally distributed 
deutoplasm (includes telolecithal and centrolecithal). (MARK, 1892.) 

Heterotyp’ical mitosis (€Tepos, different; see Mitosis), that mode of mitotic 
division in which the daughter-chromosomes remain united by their ends to form 
rings. (FLEMMING, 1887.) 

[Holoschi’sis] (oAos, whole; oxiCewv, to split), direct nuclear division. Amitosis. 
(FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Homole’cithal (duos, the same, uniform; A€xHos, yolk), equivalent to alecithal. 
Having little deutopiasm, equally distributed, or none. (MARK, 1892.) 

Homodkine’sis or Homzokine’sis (60s, the same), equation-division, separating 
equivalent chromatins ; opposed to heterokinesis. (WEISMANN, 1892.) 

Homeotyp/ical mitosis (dpovos, like; see Mitosis), a form of mitosis occurring 
in the secondary spermatocytes of the salamander, differing from the usual type 
only in the shortness of the chromosomes and the irregular arrangement of 
the daughter-chromosomes. (FLEMMING, 1887.) 

Hy’aloplasma (vados, glass; zAdopa, anything formed). 1. The ground-substance 
of the cell as distinguished from the granules or microsomes. [HANSTEIN, 1880. ] 
2. The achromatic substance of the nucleus in which the chromatin-particles are 
embedded. (STRASBURGER, 1882.) 3. The ground-substance as distinguished 
from the reticulum or “spongioplasm.” (Lryp1G, 1885.) 4. The exoplasm or 
peripheral protoplasmic zone in plant-cells. (PFEFFER. ) 

Hy’alosomes (‘ados, glass; cGpa, body), nucleolar-like bodies but slightly stained 
by either nuclear or plasma stains. (LUKJANOW, 1888.) 

[Hy’groplasma | (bypos, wet; zAaopa, something formed), the more liquid part 
of protoplasm as opposed to the firmer stereoplasm. (NAGELI, 1884.) 

Id, the hypothetical structural unit resulting from the successive aggregation of 
biophores and determinants. Identified by Weismann as the chromomere, or 
chromatin-granule. (WEISMANN, 1891.) i 

Idant, the hypothetical unit resulting from the successive aggregation of biophores, 


es 


442 GLOSSARY 


determinants, and Ids. Identified by Weismann as the chromosome. (WEIS- 
MANN, I8QI.) 

Idioblasts (idvos, one’s own; BAacros, germ), the hypothetical ultimate units of 
the cell; the same as biophores. (O. HERTWIG, 1893.) 

Id‘ioplasm ((di0s, one’s own; wAdopa,a thing formed), equivalent to the germ- 
plasm of Weismann. The substance, now generally identified with chromatin, 
which by its inherent organization involves the characteristics of the species. 
The physical basis of inheritance. (NAGELI, 1884.) 

Id'iosome (dios, one’s own; capa, body), the same as idioblast or plasome. 
(WHITMAN, 1893. ) 

Idiozome (id.os, specially formed; Cépa, girdle). The sphere, often called attrac- 
tion-sphere and usually enclosing the centrosomes, found in the spermatids of 
animals. (MEVES, 1897.) 

Interfilar substance, the ground-substance of protoplasm as opposed to the thread- 
work. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Interzonal fibres (‘Filaments reunissants” of Van Beneden. “ Verbindungs- 
fasern” of Flemming and others). Those spindle-fibres that stretch between 
the two groups of daughter-chromosomes during the anaphase. Equivalent 
in some cases to the central spindle. (MARK, 1881.) 

Iso’tropy (isos, equal; tpowy, a turning), the absence of predetermined axes (as 
applied to the egg). (PFLUGER, 1883.) 

[Ka’ryaster] (xdpvov, nut, nucleus ; see Aster, 2), the star-shaped group of chromo- 
somes in mitosis. Opposed to cytaster. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Karyenchy’ma (xdapvov, nut, nucleus: év, in; Xvpds, juice), the “nuclear sap.” 
(FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Karyokine’sis (xapvov, nut, nucleus; «ivyois, change, movement), the same as 
mitosis. (SCHLEICHER, 1878.) 

[Karyoly’ma], the “karyolytic” (mitotic) figure. (AUERBACH, 1876.) 

Ka'ryolymph. The nuclear sap. (HACKEL, 1891.) 

[Karyo'lysis] (xapvoyv, nut, nucleus; Avovs, dissolution), the supposed dissolution 
of the nucleus during cell-division. (AUERBACH, 1874.) 

[Karyoly’tic figure] (see Karyolysis), a term applied by Auerbach to the mitotic 
figure in living cells. Believed by him to result from the dissolution of the 
nucleus. (AUERBACH, 1874.) 

Karyomi’crosome (see Microsome), the same as nucleo-microsome. 

Karyomi'tome (xapvov, nut, nucleus ; pitwpa, from pros, a thread), the nuclear as 
opposed to the cytoplasmic thread-work. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Karyomito’sis (xapvov, nut, nucleus; see Mitosis), mitosis. (FLEMMING, 
1882.) 

Ka’ryon (xapvoy, nut, nucleus), the cell-nucleus. (HACKEL, I89I.) 

Ka’ryoplasm (xapvov, nut, nucleus; 7Adaopa, a thing formed), nucleoplasm. The 
nuclear as opposed to the cytoplasmic substance. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Ka’ryosome (xapvov, nut, nucleus; o@ua, body). 1. Nucleoli of the * net-knot ” 
type, staining with nuclear dyes, as opposed to plasmosomes or true nucleoli. 
(OGATA, 1883.) 2. The same as chromosome. (PLATNER, 1886.) 3. Caryo- 
some. The cell-nucleus. (WATASE, 1894.) 

[Karyo’ta] (xapvor, nut, nucleus), nucleated cells. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Karyothe’ca (xdpvoy, nut, nucleus; @7Ky, case, box), the nuclear membrane. 
(HACKEL, 1891.) 

Ki’noplasm (xuvety, to move: wAaopa, a thing formed), nearly equivalent to 
archoplasm, but used in a broader sense to denote in general the more 
active elements of protoplasm from which arise fibrillz, the substance of cilia, 
and (in plants) the peripheral * Hautschicht” from which the membrane is 


GLOSSARY 443 


formed; opposed to the “trophoplasm”™ or nutritive plasm. (STRASBURGER, 
1892.) 

[Lanthanin | (AavOavev, to conceal), equivalent to oxychromatin. (HEIDENHAIN, 
1892.) 

Leucoplas’tids (AevKos, white; zAagros, form), the colourless plastids of plant- 
cells from which arise the starch-formers (amyloplastids). chloroplastids, and 
chromoplastids. (SCHIMPER, 1883.) 

Li’‘nin (linum, a linen thread), the substance of the ** achromatic” nuclear reticu- 
lum. (SCHWARZ, 1887.) 

Lininoplast, the true nucleolus or plasmosome. (EISEN, 1899.) 

Macrocentrosome, a term applied to the * centrosome” in Boveri’s sense, z.z. to 
the larger body in which lies the central granule. (ZIEGLER, 1898.) Probably 
synonymous with entosphere. j 


Maturation, the final stages in the development of the germ-cells. More spe- 
cifically, the process by which the reduction of the number of chromosomes 
is effected. 


Metakine’sis (see Metaphase) (pera, beyond (ze. further) ; xivvnots, movement), 
the middle stage of mitosis, when the chromosomes are grouped in the equatorial 
plate. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Metanu cleus, a term applied to the nucleolus after its extrusion from the germi- 
nal vesicle. (HACKER, 1892.) 

Met’aphase, the middle stage of mitosis during which occurs the splitting of the 
chromosomes in the equatorial plate. (STRASBURGER, 1884.) 

Met’aplasm (wera, after, beyond; wrAaopa, a thing formed), a term collectively 
applied to the lifeless inclusions (deutoplasm, starch, etc.) in protoplasm as op- 
posed to the living substance. (HANSTEIN, 1868.) 

Micel’la, one of the ultimate supra-molecular units of the cell. (NAGELI, 1884.) 

Microcentrosome, equivalent to the central granule or centriole of Boveri. 
(ZIEGLER, 1898.) 

Microcen’trum, the centrosome or group of centrosomes united bv a “ primary 
centrodesmus,” forming the centre of the astral system. (HEIDENHAIN, 1894.) 

Mi'cropyle (juxpos, small; wvAy, orifice), the aperture in the egg-membrane 
through which the spermatozodn enters. [First applied by TuRPIN, in 1806, 
to the opening through which the pollen-tube enters the ovule. ¢ ROBERT 
BROWN. ] 

Mi’crosome (xpos, small; c@pua, body), the granules as opposed to the ground- 
substance of protoplasm. (HANSTEIN, 1880.) 

Microsphere, the central region of the aster (centrosphere) at the centre of which 
lie the centrosomes. (KOSTANECKI and SIEDLECKI, 1896.) 

Middle-piece, that portion of the spermatozodn lying behind the nucleus at the 
base of the flagellum. (SCHWEIGGER-SEIDEL, 1865.) 

Mid-body (“Zwischenkérper”), a body or group of granules, probably comparable 
with the cell-plate in plants, formed in the equatorial region of the spindle during 
the anaphases of mitosis. (FLEMMING, 1890.) 

Mi'tome (irwua, from pros, a thread), the reticulum or thread-work as opposed to 
the ground-substance of protoplasm. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

[Mitoschi'sis (yiros, thread; oyCew, to split), indirect nuclear division; mitosis. 
(FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Mito’sis (yiros, a thread), indirect nuclear division typically involving: a, the 
formation of an amphiaster; 4, conversion of the chromatin into a thread 
(spireme) ; c, segmentation of the thread into chromosomes; ¢@, splitting of the 
chromosomes. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Mi'tosome (wiros, a thread; o@pa, body), a body derived from the spindle-fibres 


444 GLOSSARY 


of the secondary spermatocytes, giving rise, according to PLATNER, to the mid- 
dle-piece and the tail-envelope of the spermatozoén. Equivalent to the Neben- 
kern of La Valette St. George. (PLATNER, 1889.) 

Nebenkern (Paranucleus), a name originally applied by Biitschli (1871) to an 
extranuclear body in the spermatid; afterwards shown by La Valette St. George 
and Platner to arise from the spindle-fibres of the secondary spermatocyte. 
Since applied to many forms of cytoplasmic bodies (yolk-nucleus, etc.) of the 
most diverse nature. 

Nuclear plate. 1. The equatorial plate. (STRASBURGER, 1875.) 2. The parti- 
tion-wall which sometimes divides the nucleus in amitosis. 

Nuclein, the chemical basis of chromatin ; a compound of nucleinic acid and albumin 
or albumin radicles. (MIESCHER, 1871.) 

Nucleinic or nucleic acid, a complex organic acid, rich in phosphorus, and an 
essential constituent of chromatin. 

Nucleo-albumin, a nuclein having a relatively high percentage of albumin. Dis- 
tinguished from nucleo-proteids by containing paranucleinic acid which yields no 
xanthin-bodies. 

[Nucleochyle’ma] (xvAds, juice). the ground-substance of the nucleus as opposed 
to that of the cytoplasm. (STRASBURGER, 1882.) 

Nucleohy'aloplasma (see Hyaloplasm), the achromatic substance (linin) in which 
the chromatin-granules are suspended. (STRASBURGER, 1882.) 

Nucleomi’crosomes (see Microsome), the nuclear (chromatin) granules as 
opposed to those of the cytoplasm. (STRASBURGER, 1882.) 

Nu'cleoplasm. 1. The reticular substance of the (egg-) nucleus. (VAN BENE- 
DEN, 1875.) 2. The substance of the nucleus as opposed to that of the cell- 
body or cytoplasm. (STRASBURGER, 1882.) 

Nucleo-pro’teid, a nuclein having a relatively high percentage of albumin. May 
be split into albumin and true nucleinic acid, the latter yielding xanthin-bodies. 

Cde’matin (oidnpa, a swelling), the granules or microsomes of the nuclear ground- 
substance. (REINKE, 1893.) 

O’écyte (Ovocyte) (wor, egg; Kiros. hollow (a cell)), the ultimate ovarian egg 
before formation of the polar bodies. The primary odcyte divides to form the 
first polar body and the secondary odcyte. The latter divides to form the second 
polar body and the mature egg. (BOVERI, 1891.) 

Odgen’esis, Ovogenesis (wor, egg; yéveots, origin), the genesis of the egg after its 
origin by division from the mother-cell. Often used more specifically to denote 
the process of reduction in the female. 

Oégo/nium, Ovogonium (wor, egg ; yovy, generation). 1. The primordial mother- 
cell from which arises the egg and its follicle. (PFLUGER.) 2. The descend- 
ants of the primordial germ-cell which ultimately give rise to the odcytes or 
ovarian eggs. (BoveRrt, 1891.) 

Odkine’sis (wor, egg; xivnots, movement), the mitotic phenomena of the egg dur- 
ing maturation and fertilization. (WHITMAN, 1887.) 

O'vocentre, the egg-centrosome during fertilization. (FOL, 1891.) 

Oxychro’matin (ofvs, acid; see Chromatin). that portion of the nuclear substance 
stained by acid tar-colours. Equivalent to “Jlinin” in the usual sense. 
(HEIDENHAIN, 1894.) 

Pangen’esis (as (zav-), all; yéveous, production), the theory of gemmules, accord- 
ing to which hereditary traits are carried by invisible germs thrown off by the 
individual cells of the body. (DaARwtn, 1868.) 

Pangens (zas (zav-), all; -yevys, producing), the hypothetical ultimate supra-molec- 
ular units of the idioplasm, and of the cell generally. Equivalent to gemmules, 
micellae, idioblasts, biophores, etc. (DE VRIES, 1889.) 


ee en 


GLOSSARY 445 


Parachro/matin (see Chromatin), the achromatic nuclear substance (linin of 
Schwarz) from which the spindle-fibres arise. (PFiTZNER, 1883.) 

Parali’nin (see Linin), the nuclear ground-substance or nuclear sap. (SCHWARZ, 
1887.) 

Parami’'tome (see Mitome), the ground-substance or interfilar substance of proto- 
plasm, opposed to mitome. (FLEMMING, 1892. ) 

Paranu’clein (see Nuclein), the substance of true nucleoli or plasmosomes. 
Pyrenin of Schwarz. (O. HERTWIG, 1878.) Applied by Kossel to “nucleins ” 
derived from the cytoplasm. These are compounds of albumin and paranucleic 
acid which yields no xanthin-bodies. 

Paranucleus (see Nebenkern). 

Par’aplasm (zrapa, beside; tAdopa, something formed), the less active portion of 
the cell-substance. Originally applied by Kupffer to the cortical region of the 
cell (exoplasm), but now often applied to the ground-substance. (KUPFFER, 
1875.) 

Per'iplast (zepi, around; zAaoros, form). 1. The peripheral part of the cell, 
including those parts outside the nucleus or “endoplast.” (HuxLey, 1853.) 
2. A term somewhat vaguely applied to the attraction-sphere. The term 
daughter-periplast is applied to the centrosome. (VEJDOVSKY, 1888.) 

Perisphere (epi, around), a term applied to the outer region of the attraction- 
sphere in nerve-cells, and opposed to an inner “centrosphere.” (LENHOSSEK, 
1895.) 

Plasmocytes (zAacpa, kivtos), colourless blood-corpuscles supposed to be free 
attraction-spheres. (EISEN, 1897.) 

Plasmosphere, the same as Perisphere. 

Plas‘mosome (zAdcopa, something formed (7.2. protoplasmic) ; c@ua, body), the 
true nucleus, distinguished by its affinity for acid tar-colours and other “ plasma- 
stains.” (OGATA, 1883.) 

Pla’some (zAaopa, a thing formed; g@pa, body), the ultimate supra-molecular 
vital unit. See Biophore, Pangen. (WIESNER, 1890.) 

Plas’tid (zAastos, form). 1. A cell, whether nucleated or non-nucleated. (HACKEL, 
1866.) 2. A general term applied to permanent cell-organs (chloroplasts, etc.) 
other than the nucleus and centrosome. (SCHIMPER, 1883.) 

Plas’tidule, the ultimate supra-molecular vital unit. (ELSSBERG, 1874; HACKEL, 
1876.) 

Plas/tin, a term of vague meaning applied to a substance related to the nucleo- 
proteids and nucleo-albumins constituting the linin-network (Zacharias) and the 
cytoreticulum (Carnoy). (REINKE and RODEWALD, 1881.) 

Pluri’valent (f/ws, more; valere. to be worth), applied to chromatin-rods that 
have the value of more than one chromosome sevsz strictu. (HACKER, 1892.) 

Polar bodies (Polar globules), two minute cells segmented off from the ovum 
before union of the germ-nuclei. (Disc. by CARus, 1824; so named by Rosin, 
1862.) 

Polar corpuscle, the centrosome. (VAN BENEDEN, 1876.) 

Polar rays (Polradien), a term sometimes applied to all of the astral rays as 
opposed to the spindle-fibres, sometimes to the group of astral rays opposite to 
the spindle-fibres. 

Pole-plates (End-plates), the achromatic spheres or masses at the poles of the 
spindle in the mitosis of Protozoa, probably representing the attraction-spheres. 
(R. HERTWIG, 1877.) 

Polyspermy, the entrance into the ovum of more than one spermatozoon. 

[Prochro’matin] (see Chromatin), the substance of true nucleoli, or plasmosomes. 
Equivalent to paranuclein of O. Hertwig. (PFITZNER, 1883.) 


446 GLOSSARY 


Pronuclei, the germ-nuclei during fertilization; 7.e. the egg-nucleus (female pro- 
nucleus) after formation of the polar bodies, and the sperm-nucleus (male pro- 
nucleus) after entrance of the spermatozodn into the egg. (VAN BENEDEN, 
1875.) 

[Prothy’alosome] (see Hyalosome), an area in the germinal vesicle (of Ascaris) 
by which the germinal spot is surrounded, and which is concerned in formation 
of the first polar body. (VAN BENEDEN, 1883.) 

Pro'toblast (zpéros, first; BAaoros, a germ). 1. A naked cell, devoid of a mem- 
brane. (KOLLIKER.) 2. A blastomere of the segmenting egg which is the 
parent-cell of a definite part or organ. (WILSON, 1892.) 

Pro'toplasm (pros, first; wAaopa, a thing formed or moulded). The active 
or “living” cell-substance. By all earlier and some present writers applied only 
to the substance of the cell-body (equivalent to Strasburger’s cytoplasm). By 
many later writers applied to the entire active substance of the cell (karyoplasm 
plus cytoplasm). (PURKINJE, 1840; H. vON MOHL, 1846.) 

Pro'toplast (zparos, first; mAdaoros, formed). 1. The protoplasmic body of the 
cell, including nucleus and cytoplasm, regarded as a unit. Nearly equivalent to 
the energid of Sachs. (HANSTEIN, 1880.) 2. Used by some authors synony- 
mously with plastid. 

[Pseudochro’matin] (see Chromatin), the same as prochromatin. (PFITZNER, 
1886. ) 

Pseudonu'clein (see Nuclein), the same as the paranuclein of Kossel. (HAmM- 
MARSTEN, 1894.) 

Pseudo-reduction, the preliminary halving of the number of chromatin-rods as a 
prelude to the formation of the tetrads and to the actual reduction in the number 
of chromosomes in maturation. (RUCKERT, 1894.) 

Pyre’nin (zvupyyv, the stone of a fruit; z.e. relating to the nucleus), the substance of 
true nucleoli. Equivalent to the paranuclein of Hertwig. (SCcuwarz, 1887.) 
Pyre’noid (zvpyyv, the stone of a fruit; like a nucleus), colourless plastids (leuco- 
plastids). occurring in the chromatophores of lower plants, forming centres for 

the formation of starch. (SCHMITZ, 1883.) 

Reduction, the halving of the number of chromosomes in the germ-nuclei during 
maturation. 

Sarcode (capé, fleshy. The protoplasm of unicellular animals. (Du JARDIN, 
1835.) 

Sertoli-cells, the large, digitate, supporting, and nutritive cells of the mammalian 
testis to which the developing spermatozoa are attached. (Equivalent to “sper- 
matoblast” as originally used by VON EBNER, 1871.) 

Sper’matid (o7épua, seed), the final cells which are converted without further 
division into spermatozoa; they arise by division of the secondary spermatocytes 
or “ Samenmiitterzellen.” (LA VALETE ST. GEORGE, 1886.) 

Sper/matoblasts (o7épya, seed; PBAacros, germ),a word of vague meaning, 
originally applied to the supporting cell or Sertoli-cell, from which a group of 
spermatozoa was supposed to arise. By various later writers used synonymously 
with spermatid. (VON EBNER, 1871.) 

Sper’matocyst (o7épya, seed: kvoris, bladder), originally applied to a group of 
sperm-producing cells (‘* spermatocytes”), arising by division from an “ Ursa- 
menzelle” or “spermatogonium.” (LA VALETTE ST. GEORGE, 1876.) 

Sper’matocyte (o7epya, seed: kvros, hollow (a cell)), the cells arising from the 
spermatogonia. The primary spermatocyte arises by growth of one of the last 
generation of spermatogonia. By its division are formed two secondary sper- 
miatocytes, each of which gives rise to two spermatids (ultimately spermatozoa). 
(LA VALETTE ST. GEORGE, 1876.) 


GLOSSARY 447 


[Spermatogem’ma] (o7épya, seed; gemma, bud), nearly equivalent to spermato- 
cyst. Differs in the absence of a surrounding membrane. [In mammals, LA 
VALETTE ST. GEORGE, 1878.] 

Spermatogen’esis (o7epya, seed: yéveots, origin), the phenomena involved in 
the formation of the spermatozo6n. Often used more specifically to denote the 
process of reduction in the male. 

Spermatogo’nium (‘ Ursamenzelle”) (o7épya, seed: yovy, generation), the 
descendants of the primordial germ-cells in the male. Each ultimate sper- 
matogonium typically gives rise to four spermatozoa. (LA VALETTE St. 
GEORGE, 1876.) 

Spermatome'rites (o7épya, seed: pepos, a part), the chromatin-granules into 
which the sperm-nucleus resolves itself after entrance of the spermatozoén. (In 
Petromyzon, BOHM, 1887.) 

Sper/matosome (o7épya, seed; capa, body), the same as spermatozodn. (La 
VALETTE ST. GEORGE, 1878.) 

Spermatozo'id (see Spermatozo6n), the ciliated paternal germ-cells in plants. 
The word was first used by von Siebold as synonymous with spermatozodn. 
Spermatozo’6én (o7epya, seed; Cdov, animal), the paternal germ-cell of animals. 

(LEEUWENHOEK, 1677.) 

Sperm-nucleus, the nucleus of the spermatozo6n ; more especially applied to it after 
entrance into the egg before its union with the egg-nucleus. In this sense 
equivalent to the “male pronucleus” of Van Beneden. (O. HERTWIG, 
1875.) 

Sper’mocentre, the sperm-centrosome during fertilization. (FOL, 1891.) 

Spireme (ozecpnua, a thing wound or coiled; a skein), the skein or “ Knauel” 
stage of the nucleus in mitosis, during which the chromatin appears in the form 
of a thread, continuous or segmented. (FLEMMING, 1882.) 

Spon’gioplasm (ozoyyiov, a sponge; 7Aagpa, a thing formed), the cytoreticulum. 
(LEYDIG, 1885.) 

Ste’reoplasm (orepeds, solid), the more solid part of protoplasm as opposed to the 
more fluid “ hygroplasm.” (NAGELI, 1884.) 

Substantia hyalina, the protoplasmic ground-substance or ‘“hyaloplasm.” 
(LEyDIG, 1885.) 

Substantia opaca, the protoplasmic reticulum or “spongioplasm.” (LEyDIG, 
1885.) 

Synap’sis (cvva7tw, to fuse together). A stage in the nucleus preceding the first 
maturation-division, characterized by the massing of the chromatin at one side 
of the nucleus. From it the chromatin-masses emerge in the reduced number. 
(Moore, 1895.) 

Te'loblast (réAos, end; BXacros, a germ), large cells situated at the growing end 
of the embryo (in annelids, etc.), which bud forth rows of smaller cells. (WuHIT- 
MAN, WILSON, 1887.) 

Telole’cithal (7éAos, end; AexiOos, yolk), that type of ovum in which the yolk is 
mainly accumulated in one hemisphere. (BALFOUR, 1880.) 

Te’lophases, Telokine’sis (ré\os, end), the closing phases of mitosis, during 
which the daughter-nuclei are re-formed. (HEIDENHAIN, 1894.) 

To’noplasts (rovos, tension; tAacrds, form), plastids from which arise the vacuoles 
in plant-cells. (DE VRIES, 1885.) 
Trophoplasm (rpo¢y, nourishment; zAdopa). 1. The nutritive or vegetative 
substance of the cell, as distinguished from the idioplasm. (NAGELI, 1884.) 
2. The active substance of the cytoplasm other than the “kinoplasm ” or archo- 
plasm. (STRASBURGER, 1892.) : 

Tro'phoplasts (tpody, nourishment ; zAagros, form), a general term, nearly equiv- 


448 GLOSSARY 


alent to the “plastids” of Schimper, including “anaplasts” (amyloplasts), 
“autoplasts ” (chloroplasts), and chromoplasts. (A. MEYER, 1882-83.) 
Yolk-nucleus, a word of vague meaning applied to a cytoplasmic body, single or 
multiple, that appears in the ovarian egg. [Named “ Dotterkern” by Carus, 
1850.) 
Zy'gote or Zy’gospore (fvydv, a yoke), the cell produced by the fusion of two 
conjugating cells or gametes in some of the lower plants. 


CEeNERAL, LITEBRATURE-LIST 


THE following list includes only the titles of works actually referred to in the text 
and those immediately related to them. For more complete bibliography the reader 
is referred to the literature-lists in the special works cited, especially the following. 
_ For reviews of the early history of the cell-theory see Remak’s Untersuchungen’ 
(50-55). Huxley on the Ced/-theory (°53). Sach’s Hrstory of Botany and Tyson's 
7 Cell-doctrine (78). An exhaustive review of the earlier literature on proto- 
plasm, nucleus, and cell-division will be found in Flemming’s Zel/substanz (82), 
and a later review of theories of protoplasmic structure in Biitschli’s Protoplasma 
((92) and in Fischer’s /2xervng, etc., des Protoplasmas (99). The earlier work on 
__ mitosis and fertilization is very thoroughly reviewed in Whitman’s Clepsine (‘78), 
. Fol’s Hénogente (79), and Mark’s Liamax (81). For more recent general litera- 
ture-lists see especially Hertwig’s Ze//le und Gewebe (93,98), Yves Delage (95). 


H Henneguy’s Celltle (96), Hackers Praxis und Theorie der Zellen und Refruch- 
3 tuneslehre (99). and the admirable reviews by Flemming, Boveri, Riickert, Meves, 
£ Roux, and others in Merkel and Bonnet’s 2 gebnisse (91-98). 
: The titles are arranged in alphabetical order, according to the system adopted in 
- Minot’s Haman Embryology. Each author's name is followed by the date of publi- 
cation (the first two digits being omitted, except in case of works published before 
the present century), and this by a single number to designate the paper, in case 
two or more works were published in the same year. For example, Boveri, Th., 
___-’87, 2, denotes the second paper published by Boveri in 1887. 
In order to economize space, the following abbreviations are used for the journals 
. most frequently referred to : — 
ABBREVIATIONS 
A.A. Anatomischer Anzeiger. 
A.B. Archives de Biclogie. 
Als. s Archiy fiir Anatomie und Physiologie. 
A. 4, Archiv fiir mikroscopische Anatomie. 
A. one Archiv fiir Entwicklungsmechanik. 
B.C. Biologisches Centralblatt. 
C. R. Comptes Rendus. 
J. M. Journal of Morphology. 
J. w. Bot. Jahrbuch fiir wissenschaftliche Botanik. 
J. Z. Jenaische Zeitschrift. 
M.A, Miiller’s Archiv. 
MW. J. Morphologisches Jahrbuch. 
Q. 7. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science. 
Z. A. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 
Z.w. Z. Zeitschrift fiir wissenschaftliche Zoologie. 
ALBRECHT, E.,’98. Untersuchungen zur Structur des Seeigeleies: Sz/zb. Ges. 
Morph. Phys. Miinchen., 3. — Altman, R.,’86. Studien tiber die Zelle, 1.: Lecpzzg. 
' —Id,’87. Die Genese der Zellen: Leipzig. —Id., ’89. Uber Nucleinsaure: A. 
* A. P., p. 524.—Id., 90, 94. Die Elementarorganismen und ihre Beziehung zu 
2G 440 
he 


450 GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 


den Zellen: Leépsig. — Amelung, B., 93. Uber mittlere Zellgrésse: Flora, p. 176. 
— Andrews, E. A., 98,1. Filose Activities in Metazoan Eggs: Zool. Bull., 11., 1. 
— 1d.,’98, 2. Activities of Polar Bodies of Cerebratulus: Arch. Entwm., V1.,2.— 
Andrews, G. F.,’97. The Living Substance as Such and as Organism: /. JZ, 
XII., 2, Suppl. — Arnold, J.,’79. Uber feinere Struktur der Zellen, etc. : Vzrchow’s 
Arch., 1879. (See earlier papers.) — Atkinson, G. F.,’99. Studies on Reduction 
in Plants: Bot. Gaz., XXVIII. 1,2. — Auerbach, L.,’74. Organologische Studien : 
Breslau. —1da., 91. Uber einen sexuellen Gegensatz in der Chromatophilie der 
KXeimsubstanzen: Sz¢zunesber. der Konigl. preuss. Akad. d. Wess. Berlin, XXXV. 
—Id.’96. Untersuchungen iiber die Spermatogenese von Paludina: /. Z., XXX. 


VON BAER, C. E.,'28, 37. Uber Entwickelungsgeschichte der Thiere. Beo- 
bachtung und Reflexion: I. Aonzgsherg, 1828; I]. 1837. —I1d., °34. Die Metamor- 
phose des Eies der Batrachier: J/iidler’s Arch. — Balbiani, EB. G.,"61. Recherches 
sur les phénoménes sexuels des Infusoires: Journ. de la Phys., \V.—Id., 64. Sur 
la constitution du germe dans l’ceuf animal avant la fécondation: C. #., LVIII. — 
Id., "76. Sur les phénoménes de la division du noyau cellulaire: C. &., XXX.., 
October, 1876. —Imd., 81. Sur la structure du noyau des cellules salivares chez les 
larves de Chironomus: Z. A., 1881, Nos. 99, 100. —Id., 89. Recherches expéri- 
mentales sur la merotomie des Infusoires ciliés: MRecawezl Zool. Suisse, January, 1889. 
—Id.,’91,1. Sur les régénérations successives du peristome chez les Stentors et 
sur le réle du noyau dans ce phénoméne: Z. 4., 372, 373.—Id., “91, 2. Sur 
la structure et division du noyau chez les Spirochona gemmipara: Ann. d. 
Micrographie. —1d., 93. Centrosome et Dotterkern: Journ. de Vanat. et de la 
physiol., XX1X.— Balfour, F. M., ’80. Comparative Embryology: I. 1880. — 
Ballowitz, ‘88-91. Untersuchungen iiber die Struktur der Spermatozoen : 1. (birds) 
A.m.A., XXXII., 1888; 2. (insects) Z. w. Z., LX., 1890; 3. (fishes, amphibia, 
reptiles) A. m. A.. XXXVI., 1890; 4. (mammals) Z. w. Z., 1891. —Id., ’89. 
Fibrillare Struktur und Contractilitat: Arch. ges. Phys.. XLVI.—Id., ’91, 2. 
Die innere Zusammensetzung des Spermatozoénkopfes der Saugetiere : Centrald. f. 
Phys.,V.—1d.,’95. Die Doppelspermatozoa der Dytisciden: Z. w. Z., XLV., 3. — 
Ia.,°97. Uber Sichtbarkeit und Aussehen der ungetarbten Centrosomen in ruhen- 
den Gewebszellen: Z. w. Mic. X1V.—Id., ’98. Zur Kenntniss der Zellsphare: 
Arch. Anat. Phys., 98, I1., 111.— Van Bambeke, C.,’93. Elimination d’éléments 
nucléaires dans l’ceuf ovarien de Scorpzena scrofa: 4. &., XIII., 1.—Id., ‘96. De 
l'emploi du terme Protoplasma: Bull. Soc. Belge. Mic., XXII. —1d.,’97. A propos 
de la delimitation cellulaire: /ézd., XXIII].—Id., 98. Recherches sur l’oocyte 
de Pholcus phalangioides : A. &., XV.— De Bary, ’58. Die Conjugaten. —Id., 62. 
Uber den Bau und das Wesen der Zelle: Flora, 1862. —Id., 64. Die Mycetozoa: 
2d Ed., Lespzzeg.— Barry, M. Spermatozoa observed within the Mammiferous 
Ovum: Phil. Trans., 1843. — Beale, Lionel S., 61. On the Structure of Simple 
Tissues of the Human Body: ZLoxzdon.—Béchamp and Estor, 82. De la consti- 
tution élémentaire des tissues: J/on/fellier. — Belajeff, W., ’89. Mittheilung 
iiber Bau und Entwicklung der Spermatozoiden: Ber. D. Bot. Ges. —Id., ‘92, 1. 
Uber den Bau und die Entwicklung der Antherozoiden, I., Characeen. — Id., ’92, 2. 
Uber die Karyokinesis in den Pollenmutterzellen bei Lar¢v und Frétellaria: Sitzb. 
Warsch. Naturf. Ges.—1d., ’94, 1. Zur Kenntniss der Karyokinese bei den 
Pflanzen: Flora, 1894, Erganzungsheft. —Id., 94,2. Uber Bau und Entwicklung 
der Spermatozoiden der Pflanzen: /Yora, LIV.—Id., 97, 1. Uber den Neben- 
kern in Spermatogenen Zellen und die Spermatogenese bei den Farnkrauten: Ler. 
LD. Bot. Ges., XV.—Id., 97, 2. Uber die Spermatogenese bei den Schachtel- 
halmen: /éid.—Id., 97, 3. Uber die Aehnlichkeit einiger Erscheinungen in 
der Spermatogenese bei Thieren und Pflanzen: /d¢d¢.—Id., 97, 4. Einige Streit- 


~~) lea 


pee 


GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 451 


fragen in den Untersuchungen iiber die Karyokinese: /颢d.—Id.,’98, 1. Uber 
die Reductionstheilung des Pflanzenkerns: /é7d., XVI.—Id., ’98, 2. Uber 
die Cilienbildner in den spermatogenen Zellen: /é/¢.—Id., 99. Uber die 
Centrosomen in den spermatogenen Zellen: /d7d., XVII., 6.—Benda, C., ’87. 
Untersuchungen a den Bau des funktionirenden Samenkenkanalchens einiger 
Saugethiere: 4. m. d.—Id., 93. Zellstrukturen und Zelltheilungen des Sala” 
manderhodens.: Verh. ad. Anat. Ges., 1893. Van Beneden, B., °70.  Recher- 
ches sur la composition et la signification de lceuf: J/ém. cour. de U'Ac. roy. 
ad. S. de Belgi La maturation de l’ceuf, la fécondation et les 
premiéres phases du développement embryonnaire des mammiferes d’aprés des 
recherches faites chez le lapin: Swdl. Ac. roy. de Belgique, X1.—Id., °76, 1. 
Recherches sur les Dicyémides: Bull. Ac. roy. Belgique, XLI., XLII.—Id., 
76,2. Contribution a histoire de la vésicule germinative et du premier noyau 
embryonnaire: /ézd., XLI.; also Q. /., XVI.—Id., 83. Recherches sur la matura- 
tion de l’ceuf, la fécondation et Ja division celluiaire: 4. 4.,1V.— Van Beneden 
and Julin, ‘84,1. Lasegmentation chez les Ascidiens et ses rapports avec l’organi- 
sation de la larve: /dzd., V.—Id., °84, 2. La spermatogenése chez 1’Ascaride 
mégalocéphale: Bull. Ac. roy. Belgigue,.3me ser.. V1I1.— Van Beneden, E., et 
Neyt, A., 87. Nouvelles recherches sur la fécondation et la division mitosique 
chez l’Ascaride mégalocéphale: /ézd., 1887. — Bergh, R. S., 89. Recherches sur 
les noyaux de l’Urostyla: A. &. IX. —Id., 94. Vorlesungen iiber die Zelle und die 
einfachen Gewebe: Wiesbaden. —Id.,’95. Uber die relativen Theilungspotenzen 
einiger Embryonalzellen: A. Axtw., I1., 2.— Bernard, Claude. Lecons sur les 
Phénomeénes de la Vie: 1st Ed. 1878, 2d Ed. 1885, Parvzs. — Berthold, G., 86. 
Studien uber Protoplasma-mechanik: Le7fz7g.— Bickford, EB. B.,’°94. Notes on 
Regeneration and Heteromorphosis of Tubularian Hydroids: /. J7., IX., 3.— 
Biondi, D.,’85. Die Entwicklung der Spermatozoiden: A. 7. A., XXV.— Blanc, 
H., °93. Etude sur la fécondation de l’ceuf de la truite: Ber. Naturforsch. Ges. 
zu Freiburg, V1. — Blochmann, F.,’87, 2. Uber die Richtungskorper bei Insek- 
teneiern: J7. /., XII. —Id., 88. Uber die Richtungskérper bei unbefruchtet sich 
entwickelnden Insekteneiern: Verh. naturh. med. Ver. Heidelberg, N. ¥., 1V., 2.— 
Id., 89. Uber die Zahl der Richtungskérper bei befruchteten und unbefruchteten 
Bieneneiern: J/._7.—Id., 94. Uber die Kerntheilung bei Euglena: 2. C., XIV. — 
Bohm, oe 88. Uber Reifung und Befruchtung des Eies von Petromyzon Planeri: 
TON ee XA at. (OY. Die Befruchtung des Forelleneies : Sitz.-Ber. d. Ges. 
Ff. Morph. u. Phys. Miinchen, VU. — Boll, Fr., "76. Das Princip des Wachsthums : 
Berlin. — Bonnet, C., 1762. Considerations sur les Corps organisés : Amsterdam. 
—Born, G., 85. Uber den Einfluss der Schwere auf das Froschei: 4. wz. Ap: 
XXIV.—Id., 94. Die Structur des Keimblaschens im Ovarialei von Triton 
teniatus: 4.2. A., XLII]. —Bourne, G. C., 95. A Criticism of the Cell-theory ; 

being an Answer to Mr. Sedgwick’s Article on the Inadequacy of the Cellular 
Theory of Development; Q. Wie XXXVIII., 1.— Boveri, Th., 86. Uber die 
Bedeutung der Richtungskorper: Sz¢z.-Ber. Ges. Morph. u. Phys. Miinchen, \1. — 
Id.,’87, 1. Zellenstudien, Heft I.; /. Z., XXI.—Id., 87, 2. Uber die Befruch- 
tung der Eier von Ascaris megalocephala: Sitz.-Ber. Ges. Morph. Phys. Miinchen, 
WUE ta °87, 2. Uber den Anteil des pperme 02008 an der Teilung des Eies: 
Sitz.-Ber. Ges. Morph. Phys. Miinchen, W1.,3.—14., 87,3. Uber Differenzierung 
der Zellkerne wahrend der Furchung des ies von Ascaris meg.: A. A:, 1887.— 
Id.,’88,1. Uber partielle pee ee : Sttz.-Ber. Ges. Morph. Phys. Miinchen, 1V., 
2.—I1d.. °88, 2.- Zellenstudien, : J. Z., XXII. —Iad., °89. Ein geschlechtlich 
erzeugter Organismus ohne ae Eigenschaften: Sz/z.-Ber. Ges. Morph. see 
Wijchon: V.. Trans. in Av. Wat., March, 93. —Id.,’90. Zellenstudien, Heft III. 

Jj. Z., XX1V.—I14., 91. Befruchtung: Merkel und Bonnet’s Ergebnisse, I. aire 


452 GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 
95,1. Uber die Befruchtungs- und Entwickelungsfahigkeit kernloser Seeigel-Eier, 
etc.: 4. Entwm. Il., 3.—1d., 95, 2. Uber das Verhalten der Centrosomen bei der 
Befruchtung des Seeigeleies, nebst allgemeinen Bemerkungen iiber Centrosomen 
und Verwandtes: Verh. ad. Physikal.-med. Gesellschaft zu Wirzburg, N. F., 
XXIX., 1.—Id., 96. Zur Physiologie der Kern- und Zellteilung: S7tzb. Phys.- 
Med. Ges. Wiirzburg. — Braem, F., 93. Das Prinzip der organbildenden Keim- 
bezirke und die entwicklungsmechanischen Studien von H. Driesch: 2. C., XIIL., 
4, 5. — Brandt, H., °77. Uber Actinospherium Eichhornii: Désser/ation, Halle, 
1877.— Brass, A., "83-4. Die Organisation der thierischen Zelle: //al/e. — 
Brauer, A., 92. Das Ei von Branchipus Grubii von der Bildung bis zur Ablage: 
Abh. preuss. Akad. Wiss., 92. —1d.,°93,1. Zur Kenntniss der nae des par- 
thenogenetisch sich entwickelnden Eies von Artemia Salina: 4. » XLII. — 
Id., ‘93, 2. Zur Kenntniss der Spermatogenese von Ascaris meg galocconeien 
A.m. A. XLII.—Id., 94. Uber die Encystierung von Actinospherium Eich- 
hornii: 7. w. Z., LVIII., 2.—Braus, 95. Uber Zellteilung und Wachstum des 
Tritoneies: /. Z., XXIX.— Brooks, W. K.,’83. The Law of Heredity: Aadtz- 
more. Brown, H. H., 85. On Spermatogenesis in the Rat: Q. /., XXV.— 
Brown, Robert, 33. Observations on the Organs and Mode of Fecundation in 
Orchidee and Asclepiadee: 7rans. Linn. Soc., 1833. Briicke, C.,’61. Die Ele- 
mentarorganismen: I vener Sztzber., XLIV., 1861. Brunn,M. von, ’89. Beitrage 
zur Kenntniss der Samenkorper und ihrer Entwickelung bei Vigeln und Sauge- 
thieren: 4. mw. A., XXXII. —De Bruyne, C..’95. La sphére attractive dans flee 
cellules fixes du tissu conjonctif: Bull. Acad. Sc. de Relgigue, XXX.— Biirger, O., 
91. Uber Attractionsspharen in den Zellkérpern einer Leibesfliissigkeit: 4. A., 
VI.—Id.,’92. Was sind die Attractionsspharen und ihre Centralkorper? A. 4., 
1892. — Biitschli, O.,°73. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der freilebenden Nematoden: 
Nova acta acad. Car. Leopold, XXXV1.—Id., °75. Vorlaufige Mitteilungen tiber 
Untersuchungen betreffend die ersten Byegicehiness organge im befrachteten Ei 
von Nematoden und Schnecken: 7. w. Z., XXV.—Id., "76. Studien iiber die 
ersten Entwickelungsvorgange ee Eizelle, die Zellteilung und die Konjugation der 
Infusorien: Adz. des Soa Vaturjorscher-Ges., X. ta 85. Organisations- 
verhaltnisse der Sog. Cilioflagellaten und der Noctiluca: 17. /., X.—Id., ’90. 
Uber den Bau der Bakterien, ete.: Lezps7g.—Id.,’91. Uber die sogenannten 
Centralkorper der Zellen und ihre Bedeutung: Verh. Naturhist. Med. Ver. Heidel- 
berg, 1891. —Id..’€2,1. Wher die kiinstliche Nachahmung der Karyokinetischen 
Figuren: /dzd., N. F., V.—Id., 92, 2. Untersuchungen iiber mikroskopische 
Schaume und das Protoplasma (full review of literature on protoplasmic structure) : 
Leipzig (Engelmiann).—Id., ‘94.  Vorlaufige Berichte iiber fortgesetzte Unter- 
suchungen an Gerinnungsschaumen, etc.: Verh. Waturhist. Ver. Heidelberg, V. 
—Id.,°96. Weitere Ausfiihrungen iiber den Bau der Cyanophyceen und Bakterien : 
Leipzig. —Id.,’98. Untersuchungen iiber Strukturen: Lezpzig (Engelmann). 


CALKINS, G.N.,’95,1. Observations on the Yolk-nucleus in the Eggs of 
Lumbricus: Zvanus. N.Y. Acad. Scz.. June, 1895.—Id., 95, 2. The Spermato- 
genesis of Lumbricus: /. J7., XI., 2. —Id., 97. Chromatin-reduction and Tetrad- 
formation in Pteridophytes: Bzdl. Torrey Bot. Club, XX1V.—Id., "98,1. The 
Phylogenetic Significance of Certain Protozoan Nuclei: 42x. MV. Y. Acad. Sez, XI, 
16. —Id., 98, 2. Mitosis in Noctiluca: Ginn & Co., Boston, also /. 47., XV., 3.— 
Calberla, E, '78. Der Befruchtungsvorgang beim Ei von Petromyzon Planeri: 
Z.w.Z., XXX.— Campbell, D. H., 88-9. On the Development of Pilularia 
globulifera: Ann. Bot., 11.— Carnoy, J. B.,’84. La biologie cellulaire: Lzerre. — 
id., °85. La cytodiérése des Arthropodes: Za Cellule, 1.—Id., 86. La cytodié- 
rese de l’ceuf: La Cellule, 11. —Id., 86. La vésicule germinative et les globules 


\ 


GENERALE LITERATURE-LIST 453 


polaires chez quelques Nématodes: La Cellule, I11.—Id.,’°86. La segmentation 
de l’ceuf chez les Nématodes: La Cellule, II1., 1.— Carnoy and Le Brun, IS 7eel, 
98, "99. La vésicule germinative et les globules polaires chez les Batraciens: La 
Cellule, XII, XIV, XVI.—Id., “97, 2. La fécondation chez l’Ascaris megalo- 
cephala: La Cellule, XIi1.— Castle,W.E.,°96. The Eariy Embryology of Ciona 
intestinalis: Bull. Mus. Comp. Zobl., XXVII., 7.— Chabry, L., 87. Contribu- 
tions 4 lembryologie normale et pathologique des ascidies simples: Paris, 1887. 
— Child, C.M.,’97. The Maturation and Fertilization of the Egg of Arenicola: 
Trans. N. V. Acad. Sci.. XV1.— Chittenden, R. H.,’94. Some Recent Chemico- 
physiological Discussions regarding the Cell: dm. Nat., XXVII., Feb., 1894. — 
Chun, C.,’90. Uber die Bedeutung der direkten Zelltheilung: Svtzb. Schr. Phystk.- 
Okon. Ges. Konigsberg, 1890. —Id., 92, 1. Die Dissogonie der Rippenquallen : 
Festschr. f. Leuckart, Leipzig, 1892. —Id., 92,2. (In Roux, ’92, p. 55): Verh. d. 
Anat. Ges., V1., 1892. — Clapp, C. M.,’91. Some Points in the Development of 
the Toad-Fish: /. J7., V.—Clarke. J. Jackson, 95. Observations on various 
Sporozoa: Q. /., XXXVII., 3.— Coe, W. R.,’99. The Maturation and Fertiliza- 
tion of the Egg of Cerebratulus: Zod/. Jahré., X11. — Cohn, Ferd.,’51. Nachtrage 
zur Naturgeschichte des Protococcus pluvialis: Mova Acta, XXII. — Conklin, E. G., 
94. The Fertilization of the Ovum: Avol. Lect., Marine Biol. Lab.. Wood's Holl, 
Boston, 1894.—Id, °96. Cell-size and Body-size: Rept. of Am. Morph. Soc. 
Science, I1., Jan. to, 1896. —Id.,’97,1. Nuclei and Cytoplasm in the Intestinal 
Cells of Land Isopods: Am. Wat., Jan. —1d.,°97,2. The Embryology of Crepidula: 
J. M., XII1., 1.—Id., 98. Cleavage and Differentiation: MWood’s Holl Biol. Lec- 
tures. —Id.,’99. Protoplasmic Movement as a Factor in Differentiation: I! ood’s 
Floll Biol. Lectures. — Crampton, H. E.,’94. Reversal of Cleavage in a Sinistral 
Gasteropod: Anu. N. Y. Acad. Scz., March, 1894. —Id., 97. The Ascidian Half- 
Embryo: /ézd., June 19. —Id.,’99. The Ovarian History of the Egg of Molgula: 
J. M., XV., Suppl. — Crampton and Wilson, 96. Experimental Studies on 
Gasteropod Development (H. E. Crampton). Appendix on Cleavage and Mosaic- 
Work (E. B. Wilson): A. Extwwz., I11., 1. —Czermak, N.,’99. Uber die Desin- 
tegration und die Reintegration des Kernkorperchens, efc.: A. A., XV., 22. 


DARWIN, F., 77. On the Protrusion of Protoplasmic Filaments, efc.: Q._/. 
XVH.—Davis, B. M., 99. The Spore-mother-cell of Anthoceros: Lot. Géz., 
XXVIII., 2. —Debski, B., 97. Beobachtungen iiber Kerntheilung bei Chara: 
J. w. B., XXX.—Id.,’98. Weitere Beobachtungen an Chara: /iid., XXXII, 4. 
-—— Delage, Yves, ’95. La Structure du Protoplasma et les Théories sur hérédité 
et les grands Problémes de la Biologie Générale: Parzs, 1895. —Id., 98. Embry- 
ons sans noyau maternel: C. &., CXXVII., 15.—-Id., 99. La fécondation méro- 
gonique et ses résultats: C. 2., Oct. 23.—Demoor, J., 95. Contribution a 
l'étude de la physiologie de la cellule (indépendance fonctionelle du protoplasme et 
du noyau): A. &., XI11.— Dendy, A., 88. Studies on the Comparative Anatomy 
of Sponges: Q./., Dec., 1888. Dixon, H. H.,’9%. Fertilization of Pius: Ann. 
Bot., VIL. —Id., °96. On the Chromosomes of Lilium longliflorum: Proc. R. fr. 
Ac., WI. —Doflein, F. J.,°97,1. Die Eibildung bei Tubularia: 2. w. Z., LXIL., 
Id., 97, 2. Karyokinesis des Spermakerus: 4. m. A., L, 2.—Dogiel, A. S., 
90. Zur Frage iiber das Epithel der Harnblase: 4. 7:. A., XXXV.—Driesch, 
H., 92,1. Entwickelungsmechanisches: 4. A., VIl., 18.—Id. Entwicklungs- 
mechanische Studien, I., II., 1892, Z. w. Z., LIII.; III.-VI., 1893, /drd., LV. ; 
VII.-X., 1893: Mitt. Zovl. St. Neapel, XI., 2. —Id.,’94. Analytische Theorie der 
organischen Entwicklung: Ze/pz/e.—Id.,’95,1. Von der Entwickelung einzelner 
Ascidienblastomeren: 4. Fyfwzz., I.,3.—Id., 95, 2. Zur Analysis der Potenzen 
embryonaler Organzellen: /d¢d., I].—Id., °98, 1. Uber den Organisation des 


454 GENERAL LITERAT URE=LIST 


Eies: Extww., 1V.—Id., 98, 2. Von der Beendigung morphogener Elemen- 
tarprocesse: Arch. Entwm., VI.—-1d., 98, 3. Ueber rein-miitterliche Charaktere 
an Bastardlarven von Echiniden: /é¢d., VII., 1. —Id., "99. Die Localisation mor- 
phogenetischer Vorgange: /izd., VIII., 1.—Driesch and Morgan, ’95, 2. Zur 
Analysis der ersten Entwickeiungsstadien des Ctenophoreneies: /ézd., II., 2.— 
Driiner, L., °94. Zur Morphologie der Centralspindel: /. Z., XXVIII. (XXI.).— 
Id., 95. Studien iiber den Mechanismus der Zelltheilung: /dzd., XXIX., 2. — Dii- 
sing, C., 84. Die Regulierung des Geschlechtsverhaltnisses : /eva, 1884. 


VON EBNER, V., °71. Untersuchungen tiber den Bau der Samencanalchen und 
die Entwicklung der Spermatozoiden bei den Saugethieren und beim Menschen: 
Inst. Phys. u. Hist. Graz., 1871 (Leipzig). —1d., 88. Zur Spermatogenese bei 
den Siugethieren: A. 7. 4., XXXI.—Bhrlich, P., 79. Uber die specifischen 
Granulationen des Blutes: A. A. P. (Phys.), 1879, p- 573.-—HBisen, G., ’97. 
Plasmocytes: Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1., 1.—I1d.,°99. The Chromoplasts and the 
Chromioles: ZB. C., XIX., 4.—Bismond, J., 95. Einige Beitrage zur Kenntniss 
der Attraktionsspharen und der Centrosomen: 4. A., X.—Endres and Walter, 
°95. Anstichversuche an Eiern von Rana fusca: A. Exntwm., I1.,1.— Engelmann, 
T. W.,’80. Zur Anatomie und Physiologie der Flimmerzellen: Arch. ges. Phys., 
XXIII. —von Erlanger, R., 96, 1. — Die neuesten Ansichten iiber die Zelltheilung 
und ihre Mechanik: Zod/. Centralb., III.,2.—Id., °96, 2. Zur Befruchtung des 
Ascariseies nebst Bemerkungen iiber die Struktur des Protoplasmas und des Centro- 
somas: Z. A., XIX.—Id., ’96, 3. Neuere Ansichten iiber die Struktur des Proto- 
plasmas: Zo0/. Centralb., II1., 8,9.—Id., 96, 4. Zur Kenntniss des feineren 
Baues des Regenwurmhodens, etc.: A. wm. A., XLVII.—Id., 96, 5. “Die Versoni- 
sche Zelle: Zo0l. Centralb., II1., 3. —Id., 96,6. Die Entwicklung der mannlichen 
Geschechtszellen: /é¢d., III., 12. —Id., 97,1. Uber Spindelreste und den echten 
Nebenkern, etc.: Zodl. Centralb., 1V., 1.—Id., ’97, 2. Uber die sogenannte 
Sphare in den mannlichen Geschlechtszellen: /éd., 1V., 5.—Id., ’97, 3. Uber 
die Chromatinreduktion in der Entwicklung der mannlichen Geschlechtszellen: 
lbid.,1V ., 8. —1d.,’97,4. Beitrage zur Kenntniss des Protoplasmas, ete. A. mw. A., 
XLIX.—Id., 97,5. Uber die Spindelbildung in den Zellen der Cephalopoden 
Keimscheibe: 2. C., XVII., 20.—Id., 98. Uber die Befruchtung, etc., des 
Seeigeleies: 4. C., XVIII., 1.— Brrera, ’86. Eine fundamentale Gleichgewichtsbe- 
dingung organischen Zellen: Ber. Deutsch. Bot. Ges., 1886.—I1d.,’87. Zellformen 
und Seifenblasen: Zagebl. der 60 Versammlung deutscher Naturforscher und Aerzte 
zu Wiesbaden, 1887. 


FAIRCHILD, D. G.,’97. Uber Kerntheilung und Befruchtung bei Basidio- 
bolus: Jahrb. wiss. Bot., XXX.— Farmer, J. B., 93. On nuclear division of the 
pollen-mother-cell of Lilium Martagon: Ann. Bot. VII., 27. —I1d., 94. Studies in 
Hepatice: /izd., VIII., 29.—Id., 95,1. Uber Kernteilung in Lilium-Antheren, 
besonders in Bezug auf die Centrosomenfrage: Flora, 1895, p. 57. —Id., 95, 2. On 
Spore-formation and Nuclear Division in the Hepatice: Anz. Bot., IX.— Farmer 
and Moore, ’95. On the essential similarities existing between the heterotype 
nuclear divisions in animals and plants: 4. A., XI., 3.— Farmer and Williams, 
96. On Fertilization, etc., in Fucus: Aun. Bot., X.—Fick, R.,’°93. Uber die 
Reifung und Befruchtung des Axolotleies: 7. w. Z., LVI., 4.—Id., 97. Bemer- 
kungen zu M. Heidenhain’s Spannungsgesetz: Arch. Anat. u. Phys. (Anat.).— 
Fiedler, C., ‘91. Entwickelungsmechanische Studien an Echinodermeneiern: 
Festschr. Nageli u. Kolliker. Zurich, 1891.— Field, G. W., 95. On the Mor- 
phology and Physiology of the Echinoderm Spermatozoén: /. J/., XI. — Fischer, 
A., 94, 1. Zur Kritik der Fixierungsmethoden der Granula: A. A., IX., 22.— 


sa Ba 


GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 455 


Id., 94, 2.—Uber die Geisseln einiger Flagellaten: /. w. B. XXVII.—I4d., 
95. Neue Beitrage zur Kritik der Fixierungsmethoden: 4. 4., X.—Id., ’97. 
Untersuchungen iiber den Bau der Cyanophyceen und Bakterien: Jena, Fischer. — 
Id.,’99.  Fixierung, Farbung und Bau des Protoplasmas: /é¢d. —Flemming, W.., 
75. Studien in der Entwicklungsgeschichte der Najaden: Sv/zb. d. k. hk. Akad. 
Wiss. Wien, LXXI., 3.—Id., °79,1.  Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Zelle und ihre 
Lebenserscheinungen, I.: A. m. A., XVI.—Id., 79,2. Uber das Verhalten des 
Kerns bei der Zelltheilung, etc.: Vzrchow’s Arch., LXXVII. —I4., ’80. Beitrage 
zur Kenntniss der Zelle und ihrer Lebenserscheinungen, II.: 4. wz. A.. XIX. —I4., 
81. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Zelle und ihrer Lebenserscheinungen, III.: /é7d., 
XX.—Id., 82. Zellsubstanz, Kern und Zellteilung: Lecpzig, 1882.—Id., 87. 
Neue Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Zelle: 4A. m. A.. XXIX.—Id., 88. Weitere 
Beobachtungen tiber die Entwickelung der Spermatosomen bei Salamandra maculosa : 
Ibid., XXX1.—Id., ’91-97.  Zelle, 1.-VI.: Lvgebn. Anat. u. Entwicklungsgesch. 
(Merkel and Bonnet), 1891-97. —I1d., 91,1. Attraktionsspharen u. Centralkérper 
in Gewebs- u. Wanderzellen: A. 4.—Id.,’91,2. Neue Beitrage zur Kenntniss der 
Zelle, II. Teil: A. m. A.. XXXVII.—Id., 95,1. Uber die Struktur der Spinai- 
ganglienzellen: Verhandl. der anat. Gesellschaft in Basel, 17 April, 1895, p. 19. — 
Id., 95,2. Zur Mechanik der Zelltheilung: A. #. A., XLVI. —I1d.,’97,2. Ueber 
den Bau der Bindegewebszellen, etc.: Zest. Biol., XXXIV.—Floderus, M., ’96. 
Uber die Bildung der Follikelhiillen bei den Ascidien: Z. w. Z., LXI.,2.— Fol, H., 
"73. Die erste Entwickelung des Geryonideies: /. Z., VI]. —Id., 75. Etudes sur 
le développement des Mollusques. —Id., 77. Sur le commencement de l"hénogenie 
chez divers animaux: Arch. Scz7. Nat. et Phys. Geneve. LVI. See also Arch. Zool. 
Exp., V1.—Id.,’79. Recherches sur la fécondation et la commencement de I’hé- 
nogenie: J/ém. de la Soc. de physigue et d’hist. nat., Geneve, XXV1.—Id., “91. 
Le Quadrille des Centres. Un episode nouveau dans histoire de la fécondation : 
Arch. des sci. phys. et nat., 1§ Avril, 1891; also, A. A., 9-10, 1891. — Foot, K., 
794. Preliminary Note on the Maturation and Fertilization of Allolobophora: /. J7., 
IX., 3, °94.—Id., 96. Yolk-nucleus and Polar Rings: /ézd., XII., 1.—Id., ‘97. 
The Origin of the Cleavage Centrosomes: /. /7., XII., 3.—Francotte, P., 97. 
Recherches sur la maturation, e/c., chez les Polyclades: JZem. cour. Acad. Sct. Belg. 
— Frenzel, J.,’93. Die Mitteldarmdriise des Flusskrebses und die amitotische 
Zelltheilung: 4. m. A., XLI.—Fromman, C.,’65. Uber die Struktur der Binde- 
substanzzellen des Riickenmarks: Centr/. f. med. Wiss., I1., 6.—Id.,°75. Zur 
Lehre von der Structur der Zellen: /. Z., IX. (earlier papers cited). —Id., ‘84. 
Untersuchungen iiber Struktur, Lebenserscheinungen und Reactionen thierischer 
und pflanzlicher Zellen: /. Z., XVII. —Fiirst, E., ‘98. Uber Centrosomen bei 
Ascaris: A. m. A., LI]. —Fulmer, E.L.,’98.  Cell-division in Pine Seedlings: 
Bot. Gaz., XXVI., 4. 


GALEOTTI, GINO, 93. Uber experimentelle Erzeugung von Unregelmassig- 
keiten des karyokinetischen Processes: Bez. zur patholog. Anat. u. 2. Allg. Pathol., 
XIV., 2, Jena, Fischer, 1893. Gallardo, Angel, ‘96. La Carioquinesis: dun. 
Soc. Cientif. Argentina, XLII. —Id., 97. Significado Dinamico de las Figuras 
Cariocineticas: /d¢d., XLIV.— Gardiner, B. G., 98. The Growth of the Ovum, 
etc., in Polycheerus: /. 1/., XV., 1.— Gardiner, W., ’83. Continuity of Proto- 
plasm in Vegetable Cells: Phzl. ZTrans.,. CLXXIV.— Garnault, ’88, °89. Sur les 
phénoménes de la fécondation chez Helix aspera et Arion empiricorum: Z00/. dnz., 
XI., XIIl.— Geddes and Thompson. The Evolution of Sex: London, 1899. — 
— Gegenbaur, C., 54. Beitrage zur naheren Kenntniss der Schwimmpoiypen: 
Z.w. Z..V.—Van Gehuchten, A., ‘90. Recherches histologiques sur l’appareil 
digestif de la larve de la Ptychoptera contaminata: La Cellule, V1. — Giard, A., "77. 


456 GENERAL LITERATUORE-LIST 

Sur la signification morphologique des globules polaires: Revue sctentifique, XX.— 
Id., 90. Sur les globules polaires et les homologues de ces éléments chez les infu- 
soires ciliés: Budletin scientifique de la France et de la Belgique, XX11.—Goa- 
lewsky, B.°97,1. Uber mehrfache bipolar Mitose bei der Spermatogenese von 
Helix: dus. Akad. Wiss. Krakau.—I1d., 97,2. Weitere Untersuchungen tiber 
die Umwandlung der Spermatiden, efc.: Anz. Akad. Wiss. Krakau., Nov., °97. 
—Goroschanktin, J., 83. Zur Kenntniss der Corpuscula bei den Gymnosper- 
men: Sot. Zeit., LXI.— Graf, A.,’97. The Individuality of the Cell: 1. V. State 
Hosp. Bull., April. — Grégoire, V.,°99. Les cinéses polliniques dans les Liliacées : 
Bot. Centb., XX., 1; La Cellule, XV1., 2.— Griffin, B. B., 96. The History of 
the Achromatic Structures in the Maturation and Fertilization of 7halassema: Trans. 
N.Y. Acad. Sct. —1d.,°99. Studies on the Maturation, Fertilization, and Cleavage 
of Thalassema and Zirphea: /. J7., XV.—Gierke, H.,’85. Farberei zu mikro- 
skopischen Zwecken : Zezt. W2ss. J/tk., 11. — Grobben, C.,°78. Beitrage zur Kennt- 
niss der mannlichen Geschlechtsorgane der Dekapoden: Ard. Zodl. Inst. Wien, I. 
“— Gruber, A., 84. Uber Kern und Kerntheilung bei den Protozoen: Z w. Z, 
XL.—Id., 85. Uber kiinstliche Teilung bei Infusorien: B. C., 1V., 23; V., 5.— 
Id., 86. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Physiologie und Biologie der Protozoen: Ber. 
Naturf. Ges. Freiburg,1.—I1d.,’93. Mikroscopische Vivisektion: Ber. d. Naturf. 
Ges. zu Freiburg, V\l.. 1.—Id., ‘97. Weitere Beobachtungen an vielkernigen 
Infusorien: Ber. Naturf. Ges. Freiburg, \i1.— Guignard, L., 89. Développement 
et constitution des Anthérozoides: Rev. gen. Bot., 1.—Id.,°91,1. Nouvelles études 
sur la fécondation: Ann. ad. Sczences Nat. Bot., X1V.—Id., 91, 2. Sur l’existence 
des “ sphéres attractives” dans les cellules végétales: C.2., 9 Mars. —Id., 98, 1. 
Les centres cinétiques chez les végétaux: Ann. Scz. Nat. Bot., (VII1.) V.; also, Bot. 
Gaz., XXV.—Id., "98,2. Le developpement du pollen et la réduction chromatique 
dans le Wazs major: Arch. Anat. Mik., I1., 4.—Id., 99. Sur les anthérozoides et 
ja double copulation sexuelle chez les végétaux angiospermes: C. &., CXXVIIL, 14. 


HABERLANDT, G., 87. Uber die Beziehungen zwischen Funktion und Lage 
des Zellkerns: /vscher, 1887.—Hackel, E., 66. Generelle Morphologie. — 
Id., 91. Anthropogenie, 4th ed., Lezpzig, 1891.— Hacker, V.,’92,1. Die Fur- 
chung des Eies von AXquorea Forskalea: A. m. A., XL.—Id., 92,2. Die Eibil- 
dung bei Cyclops und Canthocamptus: Zool. Jahrb., V.—Id., 92, 3. Die 
heterotypische Kerntheilung im Cyclus der generativen Zellen: Ber. naturf. Ges. 
Freiburg. V1.—Id., 93. Das Keimblaschen, seine Elemente und Lageverander- 
ungen: A. mw. A., XLI.—Id.,’94. Uber den heutigen Stand der Centrosomen- 
frage: Verhandl. d. deutschen Zool. Ges., 1894, p. 11.—I1d., "95,1. Die Vorstadien 
der Eireifung: A. m. A., XLV., 2. —Id., 95,2. Zur frage nach dem Vorkommen 
der Schein-Reduktion bei den Pflanzen: /ézd., XLVI. Also Azz. Bot., 1X.— 
Id., 95,3. Uber die Selbstandigkeit der vaterlichen und miitterlichen Kernsbe- 
standtheile wahrend der Embryonalentwicklung von Cyclops: A. mw. A., XLVL., 4. 
—Id., 97,1. Die Keimbahn von Cyclops: A.m. A., XLIX.—Id., 97,2. Uber 
weitere Ubereinstimmungen zwischen den Fortpflanzungsvorgingen der Thiere 
und Pflanzen: B. C., XVII.—Id., 98. Uber vorbereitende Theilungsvorginge 
bei Thieren und Pflanzen: Verh. d. Zool. Ges., VUI.—Id., "99. Praxis und 
Theorie der Zellen und Befruchtungslehre: /eva, Fischer. — Hallez, P., ‘86. Sur 
la loi de orientation de l’embryon chez les insectes: C. 2., 103, 1886. — Hallibur- 
ton, W.D.,’91. A Text-book of Chemical Physiology and Pathology: London. 
—Id.,°93. The Chemical Physiology of the Cell: (Gowldstontan Lectures) Brit. 
Med. Journ. —Wammar, J. A.,’96. Uber einen primaren Zusammenhang zwi- 
schen den Furchungszellen des Seeigeleies: 4. . 4., XLVIL., 1.—Id., 97. Uber 
eine allgemein vorkommende primare Protoplasmaverbindung zwischen den Blas- 


> 203 een 


GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 457 


tomeren: A. m. A.. XLIX.— Hammarsten, O.,'94. Zur Kenntniss der Nucleo- 
proteiden: Zest. Phys. Chen., XIX.—Id., "95. Lehrbuch der physiologischen 
Chemie, 3e Ausgabe: l1lcesbaden, 1895.— Hansemann, D., 91. Karyokinese und 
Cellularpathologie: Berl. Klin. Wochenschrift, No. 42.—Id., °93. -Spezificitiit, 
Altruismus und die Anaplasie der Zellen: Bern, 1893. Hanstein, J., 80. Das 
Protoplasma als Trager der pflanzlichen und thierischen Lebensverrichtungen. 
Heidelbere. — Harper, R. A., 96. Uber das Verhalten der Kerne bei der 
Fruchtentwickelung einiger Ascomyceten: /ahré. wiss. Bot., XXIX.—Id.. ‘97. 
Kernteilung und freie Zellbildung im Ascus: /é¢d.. XXX.—Hardy, W. B., 
99. On the Structure of Ceil-protoplasm: Jour. Phys.. XXIV., 2.— Harvey, 
Wm., 1651. _ £Exercitationes de Generatione Animalium: Zonwdon. Trans. in 
Sydenham Soc., X., 1847. —WHartog, M. M., 91. Some Problems of Reproduc- 
tion, etc.: QO. /., XXXIII.—Id., "96. The Cytology of Saprolegnia: Ann. Bot.. 
1X.—Id., 98. Nuclear Reduction and the Function of Chromatin: Wat. Scé., 
XII.— Hatschek, B., 87. Uber die Bedeutung der geschlechtlichen FortpHan- 
zung: Prager Med. Wochenschrift, XLV1.—Id., 88. Lehrbuch der Zoologie. 
Heath, H., 99. The Development of Ischnochiton: /exa, Fischer. — Heiden- 
hain, M., 93. Uber Kern und Protoplasma: Festchr. z. 50-/ahr. Doctorjub. von 
v. Kolliker: Leipzig.—Id., 94. Neue Untersuchungen iiber die Centralk6rper und 
ihre Beziehungen zum Kern und Zellenprotoplasma: A. w. A., XLII]. —Id., 95. 
Cytomechanische Studien: A. Axfwr., 1., 4.—Id., "96,1. Ein neues Modell zum 
Spannungsgesetz der centrirten Systeme: Verh. anat. Ges.—Id., 96, 2. Uber 
die Mikrocentren mehrkerniger Ricsenzellen, etc.: J/orph. Arb., VII., 1.—Id., 99. 
Uber eine eigenthiimliche Art Knospung an Epithelzellen, etc.: 4. m. A. LIV., 
1.— Heidenhain and Cohn, 97. Uber die Mikrocentren in den Geweben des 
Vogelembryos, etc.: J/orph. Ard., VIl.—Heitzmann, J., ‘73. Untersuchungen 
iiber das Protoplasma: S7tz. d. k. Acad. Wess. Wien., LXVII.—I1d., 83. Mikro- 
scopische Morphologie des Thierkorpers im gesunden und kranken Zustande: /17en, 
1883. — Henking, H. Untersuchungen iiber die ersten Entwicklungsvorgange in 
den Eiern der Insekten, I., II., IlI.: Z. w. Z., XLIX., LL. LIV., 1890-92. — 
Henle, J., 41. Allgemeine Anatomie: ZezfJz7g.— Henneguy, L. F., 91. Nou- 
velles recherches sur la division cellulaire indirecte: /owrn. Anat. et Physiol., 
XX VII. —Id., 93. Le Corps vitellin de Balbiani dans lceuf des Vértébres: /ézd., 
XXIX.—Id., 96. Lecons sur la cellule: Parzs.—Id., ‘98. Sur les rapports des 
cils vibratils avec les centrosomes: Arch. Anat. M/7k., |.— Hensen, V., 81. Phy- 
siologie der Zeugung: Hermann’s Physiologie, V1.— Herbst, C. Experimentelle 
Untersuchungen aber den Einfluss der veranderten chemischen Zusammensetzung 
des umgebenden Mediums auf die Entwicklung der Thiere, ].; 7. w. Z., LV., 1892; 
Il., Mitt. Zool. St. Neapel, X1., 1893 ; U1.-VI., Arch. Entwm., 11., 4, 1896. —Id., 84 
95. Uber die Bedeutung der Reizphysiologie fiir die Kausale Auffassung von Vor- 
gangen in der tierischen Ontogenese: vol. Centralb., XIV., XV., 1894, 1895.— 
Herla, V.,’93. Etude des variations de la mitose chez l’ascaride mégalocéphale : 
A. &., X\l. —Herlitzka, A.,’95. Contributo allo studio della capacita evolutiva 
dei due primi blastomeri nell’ uove di Tritone: 4. Evfwzz., I., 3. —Hermann, P. 
"89. Beitrage zur Histologie des Hodens: A. m. d., XXXIV. —Id.,°91. Beitrag 
zur Lehre von der Entstehung der karyokinetischen Spindel: /é2d., XXXVII.— 
Id., 92. Urogenitalsystem, Strukur und Histiogenese der Spermatozoen: JJerkel 
und Bonnet’s ernie. IIl.—Id., ‘97. Beitraége zur Kenntniss der Spermato- 
genese: 4. m. A., L.— Hertwig, O., 75. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Bildung, 
Befruchtung und Teilung des tierischen Eies, I.: 47. /., 1. —Id.,°77. Beitrage, etc., 
IW Zora. Ill. —Id., "78. Beitrage, etc., III.; /é¢d.,1V.—Id., 84. Das Problem 
dee Befruchtung und der Isotropie des Eies, eine Theorie der Vererbung: /. Z, 
XVIII.—Id., 90, 1. Vergleich der Ei- und Samenbildung bei Nematoden. Eine 


458 GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 
Grundlage fiir cellulare Streitfragen: A. mw. A.. XXXVI.—Id., 90, 2. Experi- 


mentelle Studien am tierischen Ei vor, wahrend und nach der Befruchtung: /. Z., 
1890. —Id., °92, 1. — Urmund und Spina Bifida: dA. m. A., XXXIX.—Iqd., 92, 2. 
Aeltere und neuere Entwicklungs-theorieen: Ber/in. —Id., "93, 1. Uber den 
- Werth der ersten Furchungszellen fiir die Organbildung des Embryo: 4. m. A., 
XLII. —Id., 93, 2. Die Zelle und die Gewebe: Fischer, Jena, 1893, 1898. — 
Id.,°94. Zeit und Streitfragen der Biologie: er/in.— Hertwig, O. and R., 86. 
Experimentelle Untersuchungen iiber die Bedingungen der Bastardbefruchtung : 
Zeke S37 ber den Befruchtungs- und Teilungsv organg des tierischetl 
Eies unter dem Einfluss ausserer Agentien : Vina XX. Se este "77." Uber 
den Bau und die Entwicklung der Spirochona gemmipara: /dzd., XI. —Id., °84. 
Die Kerntheilung bei Actinospharium Eichhorni: /ééd., XVU.—Id., 88. Uber 
Kernstruktur und ihre Bedeutung fiir Zellteilung und Befruchtung: /é/d.. 1V., 1888. 
—Id., 89. Uber die Konjugation der Tatseeriene Abh. der bayr. Akad. ad. Wiss., 
Il., Cl., XVII. —Id., 92. Uber Befruchtung und Conjugation: Verh. deutsch. Zool. 
Ges., Berlin. —1d., 95. Uber Centrosoma und Centralspindel: S7z.-Ber. Ges. 
Morph. und Phys., Miinchen, 1805, Heft I. —Id., 96. Uber die Entwicklung des 
unbefruchteten Seeigeleies, etc.: Festchr. f. Gegenbaur.—1d.,'97, 1. Uber die 
3edeutung der Nucleolen: S7z/zb. Ges. Morph. Phys. Miinchen, 1898, 1. —1d.,"97, 2. 
— Uber Karyokinese bei Actinospherium: S77/zb. Ges. Morph. Phys. Miinchen, XMI1., 
1.—Id., ‘98. Kerntheilung, Richtungskorperbildung und Befruchtung von Acti- 
nospherium: Adbh. K. bayer. Akad. Wiss., X1X, 2. — Heuser, E., 84. Beobach- 
tung iiber Zelltheilung:. Lot. Cent. — Hill, M. D.,’95. Notes on the Fecundation 
of the Egg of Spherechinus granularis and on the Maturation and Fertilization of 
the Egg of Phallusta mamnullata: Q. /.. XXXVIII.— Hirase, S., ‘97. Unter- 
suchungen iiber das erhalten des Pollens von Gingko biloba: Pot. Centb., LXIX., 
, 3-—Id., "98. Etudes sur la fécondation et lembryogénie der Gingko: Jour. 
Coll Sct., Tokio, X11.— His, W.,’74. Unsere KGérperform und das physiologische 
Problem ihrer Entstehung: Lefz7g.— Hofer, B., 89. Experimentelle Untersuch- 
ungen iiber den Einfluss des Kerns auf das Protoplasma: /. Z., XXIV.— Hoff- 
man, R. W., 98. Uber Zellplatten und Zellplattenrudimente: Z. w. Z., LXIII. 
—Hofmeister, 67. Die Lehre von der Pflanzenzelle: Leépzig, 1867. — Holl, 
M., "90. Uber die Reifung der Eizelle des Huhns: Sztzb. Acad. Wiss. Wren, 
XCIX., 3. —Hooke, Robt.,1665. Mikrographia, or some physiological Descrip- 
tions of minute Bodies by magnifying Glasses: Lovdon.—Hoyer. H.,’90. Uber 
ein fiir das Studium der * direkten” Zelltheilung vorziiglich geeignetes Objekt: A. 
A., V.— Hubbard, J. W., 94. The Yolk-Nucleus in Cymatogaster: Proc. Am. 
Phil. Soc., XXXUI.—Huie, L., ’97. Changes in the Cell-organs of Drosera 
produced by Feeding with Egg-albumen: Q. /., XXXIX.— Humphrey, J. E., 
94. Nucleolen und Centrosomen: .Ber. deutschen bot. Ges., XII., 5. —Id., ’95. 
On some Constituents of the Cell: Anz. Bot., IX. —Huxley, T. H., 53. Review 
of the Cell-theory: Arzt. and Foreign Med.-Chir. Review, X\1. —1d., °78. Evo- 
lution in Biology, Zc. Brit., 9th ed., 1878; Sczence and Culture, N. Y., 1882. 


IKENO, S.,’97. Vorlaufige Mitth. uber die Spermatozoiden bei Cycas: Bot. 
Centb., LXIX., 1.—Id., 98,1. Zur Kenntniss des sogenannten centrosomahn- 
lichen Korpers im Pollenschlauche der Cycaden: /¥ora, LXXXV., 1.—Id., ’98, 2. 
Untersuchungen uber die Entwickelung der Geschlechtsorgane, e¢c., bei Cycas : Jahrb. 
wess. Bot., XXXII., 4.—Ishikawa, M., ’91. Vorlaufige Mitteilungen iiber die 
Konjugationserscheinungen bei den Noctiluceen: 7. 4., No. 353, 1891. —Id., 94. 
Studies on Reproductive Elements: II., Wocteluca miliaris Sur., Its Division and 
Spore-formation: Journ. College of Sc. lmp. Univ. Japan, V1.—I1d., °97. Die 


ceae ALAR 


GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 459 


Entwickelung der Pollenkorner von Allium: Journ. Coll. Sci. Tokyo, X., 2. -— Id., 
99. Further Observations on the Nuclear Division of Noctiluca: /ééd., XII.. 4 


JENNINGS, H.S.,’96. The Early Development of Asplanchna: Bud/. Mus. 
Comp. Zool.. XXX.—Jensen, O. S., 83. Recherches sur la spermatogénése: 
A. &., \V.— Johnson, H. P., 92. Amitosis in the embryonal envelopes of the 
Scorpion: Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXI1., 3. —Jordan, B. O.,’93. .The Habits 
and Development of the Newt: /. J7., VIII., 2.— Jordan and Eycleshymer, ‘94. 
On the Cleavage of Amphibian Ova: /. d7/., IX., 3, 1894. —Juel, H. O.,°97. Die 
Kerntheilungen in den Pollenmutterzellen, e¢c. : Jahrb. wiss. Bot.. XXX.—Julin, J.. 
93,1. Structure et développement des glandes sexuelles, ovogénése, spermatogé- 
nése et fécondation chez Styleopsis grossularia: Budi. Sc. de France et de Beleajue, 
XXIV.—Id., 93, 2. Le corps vitellin de Balbiani et les éléments des Métazoaires 
qui correspondent au Macronucléus des Infusoires ciliés: /é7d¢., XXIV. 


KARSTEN, G.,’96. Untersuchungen iiber Diatomeen: ora, LXXXII. — 
Keuten, J.,’95. Die Kerntheilung von Euglena viridis Ehr: Z. w. Z., LX.— 
Kienitz-Gerloff, F.,°91. Review and Bibliography of Researches on Protoplasmic 
Connection between adjacent Cells: in Bot. Zectung, XLIX.— Kingsbury, B. F., 
99. The Reducing Divisions in the Spermatogenesis of Desmognathus: Zod. 
Bull. \1., 5. —Klebahn, ’90. Die Keimung von Closterium und Cosmarium: /afré. 
wiss. Bot., XXII.—Id., 92. Die Befruchtung von Cedigonium: Jahrd. f. wiss. 
Bot., XX1V.—Id., 96. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Auxosporenbildung, I., Rho- 
palodia: Jahrb. wiss. Bot., XX1X.— Klebs, G.,’83. Uber die Organisation einiger 
Flagellaten-Gruppen, etc.: ot. Just. Tiibingen, \., 1.—I14d., ’84. Uber die neueren 
Forschungen betrefts der Protoplasmaverbindungen benachbarter Zellen: Lot. Zeit., 
188.4—Id., 87. Uber den Einfluss des Kerns in der Zelle: &. C., VII. — Klein, 
E.,’78—79. Observations on the Structure of Cells and Nuclei: Q./., XVIII., XIX. 
— Klinckowstrém, A. v., 97. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Eireife und Befruch- 
tung bei Prosthecerzeus: A. wz. d., XLVIII.— von K6lliker, A.,°41. Beitrage zur 
Kenntniss der Geschlechtsverhaltnisse und der Samenfliissigkeit wirbelloser Tiere : 
Berlin. —1d.,’°44. Entwicklungsgeschichte der Cephalopoden: Zi77ch. —Id., 85. 
Die Bedeutung der Zellkerne fiir die Vorgange der Vererbung: Z. w. Z., XLII. — 
Id.,’86. Das Karyoplasma und die Vererbung, eine Kritik der Weismann’schen 
Theorie von der Kontinuitat des Keimplasmas: /é¢d., XLII]. —Id., 89. Handbuch 
der Gewebelehre, 6th ed.: Zeéfzzg.—Id., ‘97. Die Energiden von Sachs, ec. : 
Verh. Phys. Med. Ges., Wiirzburg, XXXI1., 5. —Korff, 99. Zur Histogenese der 
Spermien von Helix: A. m. A., LIV. Korschelt, B.,’89. Beitrage zur Mor- 
phologie und Physiologie des Zell-kernes: Z00/. Jahrb. Anat. u. Ontog., 1V.—Ia., 
93. Uber Ophryotrocha puerilis: Z. w. Z., LIV. —Id., ‘95. Uber Kerntheilung, 
Eireifung und Befruchtung bei Ophryotrocha puerilis: bid., LX.—Id.,"96.  Kern- 
structuren und Zellmembranen in den Spinndriisen der Raupen: 4. mw. 4., XLVII. 
—Id.,°97. Uber den Bau der Kerne in den Spinndriisen der Raupen: /ézd., XLIX. 
—Kossel, A.,°91. Uber die chemische Zusammensetzung der Zelle: Arch. Anat. 
u. Phys. —1d., 93. Uber die Nucleinsdure: /ézd., 1893. —Id., ’96. Uber die 
basischen Stoffe des Zellkernes: Zeit. Phys. Chem., XX11.— von Kostanecki, K., 
91. Uber Centralspindelkérperchen bei karyokinetischer Zellteilung: dxat. Hefte, 
1892, dat. 91. —Id., °96. Uber die Gestalt der Centrosomen im befruchteten See- 
igelei: /dzd., VII., 2. —Id., 97, 1. Uber die Bedeutung der Polstrahlung, efc.: 
A. m. A., LX1X.—Id., °98. Die Befruchtung des Eies von JZyzostoma: lhid., 
LI. —Kostanecki and Siedlecki, 96. Uber das Verhalten der Centrosomen 
zum Protoplasma: /éid., XLIX. __Kostanecki and Wierzejski, 96. Uber das 
Verhalten der sogenannten achromatischen Substanzen im befruchteten Ei: /ézd., 
XLII., 2.-— Kiihne, W., 64. Untersuchungen tiber das Protoplasma und die Con- 


460 GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 


tractilitat. —Kupffer, C., °75. Uber Differenzierung des Protoplasma an den 
Zellen thierischer Gewebe: Schr. natur. Ver. Schles.-Holst., 1., 3. —Id., "90. Die 
Entwicklung von Petromyzon Planeri: 4. #7. A., XXXV.—Id., 96. Uber Ener- 
giden und paraplastische Bildungen: Rehtoratrede, Miinchen, 1896. 


LAMEERE, A.,’90. Recherches sur la reduction karyogamique: Brvxelles. — 
Lauterborn, R., 93. Uber Bau und Kerntheilung der Diatomeen: Verh. d. 
Naturh. Med. Ver. tn Heidelberg, 1893. —Id.,’95. Protozoenstudien, Kern- und 
Zellteilung von Ceratium hirundinella O. F. M.: Z. w. Z., XLIX.—Id., ’96.— La 
Valette St. George, 65. Uber die Genese der Samenkorper: A. m. A., 1.— 
Ia., 67. Uber die Genese der Samenkérper, II. (Terminology): /é¢d., III. — 
Id.,°76. Die Spermatogenese bei den Amphibien: /ézd., XII. —Id.,°78. Die 
Spermatogenese bei den Saugethieren und dem Menschen: /ézd., XV.—Id., °85—87. 
Spermatologische Beitrage, I.-V.: /did., XXV., XXVII., XXVIII., and XXX. 
—Lankester, E. Ray, 77. Notes on Embryology and Classification: London. — 
Lavdovsky, M.,’94. Von der Entstehung der chromatischen und achromatischen 
Substanzen in den tierischen und pflanzlichen Zeilen: J/erkel und Bonnet’s Anat. 
Hefte, 1V., 13. — Lawson, A. A.,’98. Some Observations on the Development 
of the Karyokinetic Spindle, efc.: Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., 1., 5. — Lazarus, A., 98. 
Die Anemie: Wzen.— Lee, A. Bolles, 96. Sur le Nebenkern, efc., chez Helix: 
La Cellule, X1.—Id., 97. Les cinéses spermatogénétiques chez Helix: /dzd., 
XIII. — von Lenhossék, M., 95. Centrosom und Sphare in den Spinalganglien 
des Frosches: A. mz. A., XLVI.—Id., °98, 1. Uber Flimmerzellen: Verh. An. 
Ges., XII. —Id., 98, 2. Untersuchungen tiber Spermatogenesis: A. mz. A., LI. — 
Id., °99. Das Mikrocentrum der glatten Muskelzellen: 4. A., XVI., 13, 14. — 
Leydig, Fr.,’°54. Lehrbuch der Histologie des Menschen und der Thiere: -Arank- 
furt.—Id.,’85. Zelle und Gewebe, Lonn.—Id., 89. Beitrage zur Kenntniss 
des thierischen Eies im unbefruchteten Zustande: Sfengel’s Jahrb. Anat. Ont., II. 
— Lilienfeld, L., 92, ’93. Uber die Verwandtschaft der Zellelemente zu gewissen 
Farbstoffen: Verh. Phys. Ges., Berlin, 1892-93.—I1d., 93. Uber die Wahlver- 
wandtschaft der Zellelemente zu Farbstoffen: 4. A. P., 1893. — Lillie, F. R., 95. 
The Embryology of the Unionide: /. 47., X.—Id., 96. On the Smallest Parts 
of Stentor capable of Regeneration: /. J/7., XII., 1.—Id.,°97. On the Origin of 
the Centres of the First Cleavage-spindle in Unio: Sczence, V.—Id., 98. Centro- 
some and Sphere in the Egg of Unio: Zodl. Bull. 1.,6.—Id., °99. Adaptation in 
Cleavage: Wood's Holl Biol. Lect.—Uist, Th.,’96. Beitrage zur Chemie der Zelle 
und Gewebe, I.: JZ7tth. Zodl. St. Neap., XI1., 3. — Loeb, J., "91-92. Untersuch- 
ungen zur physiologischen Morphologie. I. Heteromorphosis: Wirzdurg, 1891. 
II. Organbildung und Wachsthum: /dzd., 1892. —Id., ’92. Experiments on Cleav- 
age: /. M., VII.—Id., (93. Some Facts and Principles of Physiological Mor- 
phology: Wood's Holl Biol. Lectures, 1893.—I1d., °94. Uber die Grenzen der 
Theilbarkeit der Eisubstanz: A. ges. P., LIX., 6, 7.—Id.,°95. Uber Kernthei- 
lung ohne Zelltheilung: Arch. Entwm., 11.—Id., 99,1. Warum ist die Regenera- 
tion kernloser Protoplasmastiicken unmoglich, efc.: /ézd., VIII., 4.—Id., °39, 2. 
On the Nature of the Process of Fertilization and the Artificial Production of Nor- 
mal Larvee, e¢c.: Am. Journ. Phys., U1., 3. —Loéwit, M., 91. Uber amitotische 
Kerntheilung: 2. C., XI. —Lukjanow, 91. Grundziige einer allgemeinen Patho- 
logie der Zelle: Lezfzig.— Lustig and Galeotti, “93. Cytologische Studien tiber 
pathologische menschliche Gewebe: eztv. Path. Anat., XIV. 


MACALLUM, A. B.,°91. Contribution to the Morphology and Physiology of 
the Cell: Zrans. Canad. [nst., 1., 2.—McClung, C. E.,’99. A Peculiar Nuclear 
Element in the Male Reproductive Cells of Insects: Zo0/. Bull., I1., 4. —MacFar- 


GENERALE LITERATURE-LIST 46 I 


land, F. M.,’97. Cellulare Studien an Molluskeneiern: Zovl. Jahrb. Anat., X.— 
McGregor, J. H.,’99. The Spermatogenesis of Amphiuma: /. 17., XV., Suppl. 
— McMurrich, J. P., 86. A Contribution to the Embryology of the Prosobranch 
Gasteropods: Studies Biol. Lab. Johns Hopkins Univ., W1.—I1d., °95. Embry- 
ology of the Isopod Crustacea: /. M/., XI., 1.—Id.,’96. The Yolk-Lobe and the 
Centrosome of Fulgur: 4. 4., XII., 23.—Id.,’97. The Epithelium of the Midgut 
of the Terrestrial Isopods: /. J7., XIV., 1.— Maggi, L., 78. I plastiduli nei 
ciliati ed i plastiduli liberamente viventi: AZt7. Soc. /tal. Sc. Nat. Milano. XX. 
(also later papers). — Malfatti, H., 91.  Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Nucleine: 
Zeit. Phys. Chem., XV1.— Mark, B. L., 81. Maturation, Fecundation, and Seg- 
mentation of Limax campestris: Bull. Mus. Comp. Zovl. Harvard College, Vii 
Mathews, A. P., 97,1. Internal Secretions considered in Relation to Variation 
and Development: Sczence, V., 122. —Id., 97,2. Zur Chemie der Spermatozoen: 
Zeit. Phys. Chem., XXIII., 4, 5.—I1d.,°98. A Contribution to the Chemistry of 
Cytological Staining: Am. Journ. Phys.,1.,4.—1d.,’99,1. The Origin of Fibri- 
nogen: /déd., II]. —Id., "99,2. The Metabolism of the Pancreas Cell: Sw ae 
XV., Suppl. — Maupas, M., 88. Recherches expérimentales sur la multiplication 
des Infusoires ciliés: Arch. Zodl. Exp.. 2me série, V1. —Id.;°89. Le rejeunisse- 
ment karyogamique chez les Ciliés: /ézd., 2me série, VII]. —Id., 91. Sur le déter- 
minisme de la sexualité chez l’Hydatina senta: C. 7., Paris. —-Mayer. P., ‘91. 
Uber das Farben mit Carmin, Cochenille und Hamatein-Thonerde: J//th. Zoul. St. 
Neapol., X., 3.—I1d., 97. Beruht die Farbung der Zellkerne auf einem chem- 
ischen Vorgang oder nicht?: 4. 4., XIII.. 12 —Mead, A. D.,’95. Some Obser- 
vations on Maturation and Fecundation in Chetopterus pergamentaceus Cuv.: /. JZ., 
X., 1.—Id., 97,1. The Originof the Egg-centrosomes: /ézd., XII. —id., 97, 2. 
The early Development of marine Annelids: /ézd., V.—Id., 98,1. The Origin 
and Behaviour of the Centrosomes in the Annelid Ege: /é#d., X1V., 2. —Id., 98, 2. 
The Rate of Cell-division and the Function of the Centrosome: [Vood’s Holl Biol. 
Lectures. —Merkel, F.,°71. Die Stiitzzelien des menschlichen Hodens: J7/iiler’s 
Arch. — Mertens, H., "93. Recherches sur la signification du corps vitellin de 
Balbiani dans lovule des Mammiféres et des Oiseaux: A. 4., XIII. — Metschni- 
koff, E., 66. Embryologische Studien an Insecten: Z. w. Z., XVI.— Meves, 
F.,°91. Uber amitotische Kernteilung in den Spermatogonien des Salamanders, 
und das Verhalten der Attraktionsspharen bei derselben: A. A., 1891, No. 22. — 
Id.,’94. Uber eine Metamorphose der Attraktionssphare in den Spermatogonien 
von Salamandra maculosa: 4. m. A., XLIV.—Id., 95. Uber die Zellen des 
Sesambeines der Achillessehne des Frosches (Rava temporarza) und iiber ihre Cen- 
tralkoérper: Zd¢d., XLV.—Id., 96. Uber die Entwicklung der mannlichen Ge- 
schlechtszellen von Salamandra: /é¢d., XLVIII.—Id., “97, 1. Zur Struktur der 
Kerne in den Spinndriisen der Raupen: /é/d., XLVII.—Id., 97, 2. Uber 
Struktur und Histiogenese der Samenfaden von Salamandra: /é7d., L. —Id., °97, 3. 
Uber den Vorgang der Zelleinschniirung: Arch. Entwi., V., 2.—Id., 97, 4. 
Zelltheilung: Merkel u. Bonnet, Erg., V1.—Id., 97, 5. Uber Centralk6rper in 
mannlichen Geschlechtszelleén von Schmetterlingen: 4. 4., XIV., 1.—Id., '98. 
Uber das Verhalten der Centralkdrper bei der Histogenese der Samenfaden vom 
Mensch und Ratte: Verh. An. Ges., XIV.—1d.,°99. Uber Struktur und Histo- 
genesis der Samenfaden des Meerschweinschens: 4. #. A., LIV.— Meyer, A., 96. 
Die Plasmaverbindungen, efc.: Lot. Zeit., 11, 12. — Meyer, O., ‘95. — Cellular- 
Untersuchungen an Nematodeneiern: /. Z., XXIX. (XXII.).— Michaelis, L., "97. 
Die Befruchtung des Tritoneies: 4. m. 4., XLVIII.— Miescher, F., °96. 
Physiologisch-chemische Untersuchungen tiber die Lachsmilch: Arch. Exp. Path. 
u. Pharm., XXXVII.—Mikosch, 94. Uber Struktur im pflanzlichen Proto- 
plasma: Verhandl. d. Ges. deutscher Naturf. und Arzte, 1894; Abtei f. Pflanzen- 


462 GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 


Physiologie u. Pflanzenanatomie.— Minot, C. S., °77. Recent Investigations of 
Embryologists: Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., X1X.—1d.,°79. Growth as a Function 
of Cells: /ézd., XX.—Id.,’82. Theorie der Genoklasten: B.C.,II.,12. See also 
Am. Nat., February, 1880, and Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., X1X., 1877.—I1d., 91. 
Senescence and Rejuvenation: Jowrn. Phys., X11., 2. —I1d.,’92. Human Embryol- 
ogy: ew Vork.—von Mohl Hugo, 46. Uber die Saftbewegung im Innern der 
Zellen: Bot. Zeitung. — Moll, J. W.,°93. Observations on Karyokinesis in Spiro- 
gyra: Verh. Kon. Akad., Amsterdam, No. 9.— Montgomery, Th. H., 98, 1. 
The Spermatogenesis of Pentatoma, efc.: Zo0/. Jahrb. —Id., 98, 2. Comparative 
Cytological Studies, with Especial Reference to the Morpholos y : the Nucleolus : 

J. M., XV., 2.—Moore, J. BE. S., 93. Mammalian Spermatogenesis: A. 4., 

VIII. — ia, 95. On the Structural Changes in the Reproductive Cells during the 
Spermatogenesis of Elasmobranchs: Q. /, XXXVIII.— Morgan, T. H., 93. 
Experimental Studies on Echinoderm Eggs: 4. A., IX., 5, 6.—Id., ’95, 1. 
Studies of the “ Partial” Larve of Sphzrechinus: A. Z7/wz7z., I1., 1. —1d., 95, 2. 
Experimental Studies on Feleost-eggs: A. A., X., 19. —Id., 95, 3. Half-embryos 
and Whole-embryos from one of the first two Blastomeres of the Frog’s Egg: 
lbid., X., 19.—Id., 95, 4. The Fertilization of non-nucleated Fragments of 
Echinoderm-eggs : Arch. Entwmz., 11.,2.—Id., 95,5. The Formation of the Fish- 
embryo: /. J/., X., 2. —Id.,’96,1. On the Production of artificial archoplasmic 
Centres: Rept. of the Am. Morph. Soc., Science, I11., January 10, 1896. —Id., ’96, 
2. The Number of Cells in Larve from Isolated Blastomeres of Amphioxus: 
Arch. Entwm., W1:, 2. —Id., 86,3. The Production of Artificial Astrosphzres : 
Arch. Entwm., W1.—I1d., 98, 1. Experimental Studies of the Regeneration 
of Planaria maculata: /dzd., VII., 2, 3.—Id., 98, 2. Regeneration and Liability 
to Injury: Zool. Bull., 1., 6.—Id.,’99, 1. The Action of Salt-solutions on the 
Unfertilized and Fertilized Eggs of Arbacza and other Animals: Arch. Entwm., 
VIII., 3.—Id., ’99,2. A Confirmation of Spallanzani’s Discovery, efc.:.A. A., 
XV. 21.— Mottier, D. M.,’97,1. Uber das Verhalten der Kerne bei der Entwick- 
lung des Embryosacs, e¢éc.: Jahrb. wiss. Bot.,. XXX1.—Id., 97,2. Beitrage zur 
Kenntniss der Kerntheilung in den Pollenmutterzellen, efc.: /ézd., XXX.—I4d., ’98. 
Das Centrosoma bei Dictyota: Ser. D. Bot. Ges., XVI., 5. —Miiller, E., '96. 
pee die Regeneration der Augenlinse nach Exstirpation derselben bei Triton: 

A. Pose vers Munson, J. P.,°98. The Ovarian Egg of Limulus, ec. : 

Sf: ae XV., 2.-—Murray, J. A., 98. Gontubations to a Knowledge of the Neben- 
kern in the Spermatogenesis of Pulmonata: Zod/. Jahrob., X1., 14. 


NADSON. G., 95. Uber den Bau des Cyanophyceen-Protoplastes : Script. 
Botan. Horti. Petropol., V.— Nageli, C., 84. Mechanisch-physiologische Theorie 
der Abstammungslehre: J/iinchen u. Leipzig, 1884. —N&ageli und Schwendener, 
67. Das Mikroskop. (See later editions.) Le*fz7g.— Nawaschin, 99. Neue 
Beobachtungen iiber Befruchtung bei /7¢tillaria und Lilium: Bot. ris 
LXXVII., 2.—Nemec, B., 97. Uber die Struktur der Diplopodeneier, ae 
XN 10.1 de 99. el ber cdc pavolinete ete Kerntheilung in den we iir- 
zelspitzen von Alum: /.w.B., XXVIII, 2.—Newport,G@. On the Impregnation 
of the Ovum in the Amphibia: PAz/. Trans., 1851, 1853, 1854. —Norman, W. W.., 
96. Segmentation of the Nucleus without Segmentation of the Protoplasm: Arch. 
Entwi., ate — Nussbaum, M.,’80. Zur Differenzierung des Geschlechts im Tier- 
reich: A. m. A., XVIII. —Id., 84,1. Uber Spontane und Kiinstliche Theilung 
von Infusorien: Verh. d. naturh. Ver. preus., Rheinland, 1884. —1d., 84, 2. tiber 
die Veranderungen der Geschlechtsproducte bis zur Eifurchung: A. wm. A., XXIII. 
—Id.,’85. Uber die Teilbarkeit der lebendigen Materie, I. : ee m. A.,. XXVI.— 


ix” Aart ea 


GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 463 


Id., 94. Die mit der Entwickelung fortschreitende Differenzierung der Zellen: 
Sitz.-Ber. ad. niederrhein. Gesellschaft f. Natur- u. Heilkunde, Bonn, 5 Nov., 1894; 
also B. C., XVI., 2, 1896. —Id., 97. Die Entstehung des Geschlechts bei Hyda- 
fia: Ae 7s Ale OLX: 


OBST, P.,’99. Untersuchungen iiber das Verhalten der Nucleolen, etc. : Z. w. Z. 
LXVI., 2. — Ogata, 83. Die Veranderungen der Pancreaszellen bei der Secre- 
tion: 4d. A. P.— Oppel, A., "92. Die Befruchtung des Reptilieneies: 4. wm. A. 
XXXIX.—Osterhout, W. J. V., 97. Uber Entstehung der karyokinetischen 
Spindel bei Equisetum: /ahré. wiss. Bot., XXX.—Oltmanns, F.,’95. Uber die 
Entwickelung der Sexualorgane bei Vaucheria: Flora.— Overton, C. E., ’88. 
Uber den Conjugationsvorgang bei Spirogyra: Ber. deutsch. Bot. Ges., V1. —I1d., 
89. Beitrag zur Kenntniss der Gattung Volvox: Bot. Centralb., XXX1X.—Id.,°93. 
Uber die Reduktion der Chromosomen in den Kernen der Pflanzen: Vierteljahrschr. 
naturf. Ges. Zitrich, XXXVIII. Also Ann. Bot., VI1., 25. 


PALADINO, G., 90. I ponti intercellulari tra l’ uovo ovarico e le cellule folli- 
colari, etc.: A. A., V.—Paulmier, F. C., 98. Chromatin Reduction in the 
Hemiptera: 4A. A., XIV.—Id., 99. The Spermatogenesis of Anasa tristis: 
J. M., XV., Suppl. — Peter, K.,’99. Das Centrum fiir die Flimmer- und Geissel- 
bewegung: 4. 4., XV., 14, 15. — Pfeffer, W.,’99. Uber die Erzeugung und die 
physiologische Bedeutung der Amitose: er. kénzgl., sichs., Ges. Wiss. Letpzig., 
July 3.— Pfitzner, W., 82. Uber den feineren Bau der bei der Zelltheilung 
auffretenden fadenformigen Differenzierungen des Zellkerns: J7._/., VII. —Id.,’83. 
Beitrage zur Lehre vom Baue des Zellkerns und seinen Theilungserscheinungen : 
A.m. A., XX11.— Pfliiger, E., ’83. Uber den Einfluss der Schwerkraft auf die 
Theilung der Zellen: I., Arch. ges. Phys.. XXXI.; Il., Zbzd., XXXII.; abstract in 
Biol. Centh., Wl1., 1884.—Id., 84. Uber die Einwirkung der Schwerkraft und 
anderer Bedingungen auf die Richtung der Zelltheilung: Arch. ges. Phys., XXXIV. 
—Id., 89. Die allgemeinen Lebenserscheinungen: 4oxnx.— Platner, G., ’86, 1. 
Zur Bildung der Geschlechtsprodukte bei den Pulmonaten: 4. mw. 4., XXVI.—Id., 
86, 2.— Uber die Befruchtung von Arzon empiricorum: A. m. AL XVI 
Id., 89, 1. Uber die Bedeutung der Richtungskérperchen: &. C., VII.—Id., 
89, 2. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Zelle und ihrer Teilungserscheinungen, I.-VI.: 
A. m. A., XXXII. — Poirault and Raciborski, ‘96. Uber konjugate Kerne und 
die konjugate Kerntheilung: 2. C., XVI., 1.—Prenant, A., ’94. Sur le corpus- 
cule central: Bull. Soc. Sci., Nancy, 1894.—Id., 98, "99. Sur le protoplasma 
supérieure (archoplasme, kinoplasme, ergastoplasme) : /owr. Anat. Phys.,XXXI1V., 
XXXV.—Preusse, F., 95. Uber die amitotische Kerntheilung in den Ovarien 
der Hemipteren: 7. w. Z., LIX., 2.— Prévostand Dumas, ’24. Nouvelle théorie 
de la génération: Ann. Sci. Nat., 1., 11.—Pringsheim, N., 55. Uber die 
Befruchtung der Algen: Monatsh. Berl. Akad., 1855-56. 


RABL, C., ’85. Uber Zellteilung: A/. /., X.—Id., 89, 1. Uber Zelltheil- 
ung: 4. A.,1V.—Id., 89,2. Uber die Prinzipien der Histologie: Verh. Anat. 
Ges., III. —vom Rath, O.,’91. Uber die Bedeutung der amitotischen Kernteilung 
im Hoden: Zoé/. Anz., XIV.—Id.,’92. Zur Kenntniss der Spermatogenese von 
Gryllotalpa vulgaris: A.m. A. XL.—Id., 93. Beitrage zur Spermatogenese 
von Salamandra: Z. w. Z., LVI]. —Id., 94. Uber die Konstanz der Chromo- 
somenzahl bei Tieren: &. C., XIV., 13.—Id., ‘95, 1. Neue Beitrage zur Frage 
der Chromatinreduction in der Samen- und Eireife: 4. . A., XLVI.—Id., ’95, 2. 
Uber den feineren Bau der Driisenzellen des Kopfes von Anilocra, etc.: 2. w. Z., 
LX., 1. — Rauber, A., 83. Neue Grundlegungen zur Kenntniss der Zelle: 47. /., 


464 GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 


VIII —Rawitz, B.,’95. Centrosoma und Attraktionsphare in der ruhenden Zelle 
des Salamanderhodens: 4. m. A., XLIV., 4.—Id., "97. Bemerkungen iiber 
Mikrotomschneiden, etc.: A. A., XII]. — Reinke, Fr., 94. Zellstudien, I., 
A. m, A., XLIII.: Ill., /bza., XLIV., 1894.—Id., ’95. Untersuchungen iiber 
Befruchtung und Furchung des Eies der Echinodermen: S7¢z.-Ler. Akad. d. Wiss. 
Berlin, 1895, June 20. — Reinke and Rodewald, 81. Studien iiber das Proto- 
plasma: Untersuch. aus. ad. bot. Inst. Gottingen, 11.—Remak, R., "41. Uber 
Theilung rother Blutzellen beim Embryo: J7ed. Ver. Zeit., 1841. —Id., "50-55., 
Untersuchungen tiber die Entwicklung der Wirbelthiere: Aerdix, 1850-55. —Id., 
58. Uber die Theilung der Blutzellen beim Embryo: JZiéler’s Arch., 1858. — 
Retzius, G.,’89. Die Intercellularbriicken des Eierstockeies und der Follikelzellen : 
Verh. Anat. Ges., 1889. —Rhumbler, L., 93. Uber Entstehung und Bedeutung 
der in den Kernen vieler Protozoen und im Keimblaschen von Metazoen vorkom- 
menden Binnenkorper (Nucleolen): Z. w. Z., LVI.—Id., ‘96. Versuch einer 
mechanischen Erklarung der indirekten Zell- und Kerntheilung: Arch. Entwm., 
Il]. —Id., (97. Stemmen die Strahlen der Astrosphare oder ziehen sie? Arch. 
Entwi., \V.—Rompel, 94. Kentrochona Nebaliz n. sp., ein neues Infusor 
aus der Familie der Spirochoninen. Zugleich ein Beitrag zur Lehre von der Kern- 
teilung und dem Centrosoma: Z.w. Z., LVIII., 4. —Rosen,’92. Uber tinctionelle 
Unterscheidung verschiedener Kernbestandtheile und der Sexual-kerne: Cohn’s 
Beitr. z. Biol. ad. Pflanzen, V.—Id., ‘94. Neueres iiber die Chromatophilie der 
Zellkerne: Schles. Ges. vaterl. Kult., 1894. — Roux, W., 83,1. Uber die Bedeu- 
tung der Kernteilungsfiguren: ZLezfz7g.—Id., °83, 2. Uber die Zeit der Bestim- 
mung der Hauptrichtungen des Froschembryo: Zefz7g.—Id., °85. Uber die 
Bestimmung der Hauptrichtungen des Froschembryos im Ei, und tuber die erste 
Theilung des Froscheies: Areslauer artzl. Zeitg., 1885.—Id., °87. Bestimmung 
der medianebene des Froschembryo durch die Kopulationsrichtung des Eikernes 
und des Spermakernes: 4. #7. A., XXIX.—Id.,°88. Uber das kiinstliche Hervor- 
bringen halber Embryonen durch Zerstérung einer der beiden ersten Furchungskugeln, 
etc.: Virchow'’s Archiv, 114.—I1d.,’90. Die Entwickelungsmechanik der Organ- 
ismen. Wen, 1890.—Id.,’92,1. Entwickelungsmechanik: J7Zerkel and Bonnet, 
Erg., 11. —I1d., 92,2. Uber das entwickelungsmechanische Vermégen jeder der 
beiden ersten Furchungszellen des Eies: Verh. Anat. Ges., VI.—Id., ’93, 1. 
Uber Mosaikarbeit und neuere Entwickelungshypothesen: An. Hefte, Feb., 1893. — 
Ia., 93, 2. Uber die Spezifikation der Furchungzellen, etc.: B. C., XIII., 19-22 
—Id, 94,1. Uber den “Cytotropismus” der Furchungszellen des Grasfrosches : 
Arch. Entwm., 1., 1, 2.—I1d., 94, 2. Aufgabe der Entwickelungsmechanik, ete. : 
Arch. Entwm.,1.,1. Trans. in Bol. Lectures, Wood's Holl, 1894.— Rickert, J., 
*91. Zur Befruchtung des Selachiereies: A. A., VI. —I1d.,’92,1. Zur Entwick- 
lungsgeschichte des Ovarialeies bei Selachiern: 4. 4., VII. —Id.,’92,2. Uber die 
Verdoppelung der Chromosomen im Keimblaschen des Selachiereies: /ézd., VIII. 
—TId.,. °93, 2. Die Chromatinreduktion der Chromosomenzahi im Entwicklungs- 
gang der Organismen: J/erkel and Bonnet, krg., W1.—Id., °94. Zur Eireifung 
bei Copepoden: An. Hefte.—Id., °95, 1. Zur Kenntniss des Befruchtungs- 
vorganges: S7tsb. Bayer. Akad. Wiss., XXV1., 1.—Id., °55,2. Zur Befruchtung 
von Cyclops strenuus: A. A., X., 22.—Id., 95, 3. Uber das Selbstandigbleiben 
der vaterlichen und miitterlichen Kernsubstanz wahrend der ersten Entwicklung des 
befruchteten Cyclops-Eies: A. m. A., XLV., 3.— Riige, G., 89. Vorgange am 
Eifollikel der Wirbelthiere: 47./7.,XV.—Ryder, J. A., 83. The Microscopic 
Sexual Characteristics of the Oyster, ete., Bull. U. S. Fish. Comm., March 14, 1883. 
Also, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., X11., 1883. 


GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 465 


SABASCHNIKOFF, M.,’97. Beitrage zur Kenntniss der Chromatinreduk- 
tion in der Ovogenesis von Ascaris: Azul. S06: Vat., Moscow, 1.— Sabatier, A., 
"90. De la Spermatogénése chez les Lacustides : Comptes Rend., CX1., ’90.— 
Sachs, J., 82. Vorlesungen tiber Pflanzen-physiologie: Leipz, 
Anordnung der Zellen in jiingsten Pflanzentheile: 47d. Bot. Just. Wurzburg, 1.— 
Id., 92. Physiologische Notizen, II., Beitrige zur Zellentheorie: /Vora, 1892, 
Heft I.—Id.,’93. Stoffund Form der Pflanzen-organe: Gesammelte Abhandlungen, 
II., 1893.—Id., "95. Physiologische Notizen, 1X., weitere Betrachtungen iiber 
Energiden und Zellen: Flora, LXXXI., 2. — Sala, L., 95. Experimentelle Unter- 
suchungen iiber die Reifung und Befruchtung der Eier bei Ascar’s megalocephala : 
A.m. A., XL.— Sargant, “Ethel, 95: Some details of the first nuclear Division 
in the Pollen-mother-cells of aes martagon: Journ. Roy. Mic. Soc., 1895, part 3. 
—Id., ‘96. The Formation of the Sexual Nuclei in Lilium, I., Oogenesis: Ay. 
Bot., X.—I1d.,’97. Same title, II., Spermatogenesis : /é/d., X1.—Schafer, B. A., 
91. General Anatomy or Histology: in Quain’s Anatomy, 1., 2, 1oth ed., London. 


“+ 


— Schaffner, J. H.,’97,1. The Life-history of Sagittaria: Bot. Gaz., XXIII... 4 
—Id.,°97, 2. The Division of the Macrospore Nucleus (in Lilium): /é¢d., XXIIL., 
6. rae 98. Karyokinesis in. Root:tips of Allium: /éd/., XXVI., 4.—Schaudinn, 
F.,’95. Uber die Theilung von Amba binucleata Gruber: Sitz.-Ber. Ges. Natur- 
jorsch. Freunde, Berlin, Jahre. 1895, No. 6.—Id., 96,1. Uber den Zeugungs- 
kreis von Parameba Eilhardi: Sitz.-Ber. Akad. Wiss., Berlin, 1896, Jan. 16.— 
Id., 96, 2. Uber die Copulation von Actinophrys Sol: /éd.—Id., 96, 3. 
hae das Centralkorn der Heliozoen: Verh. D. Zoil. Ges.— Schewiakoff, W., 
88. Uber die karyokinetische Kerntheilung der Exglypha alveolata: M./., XII. 
—Id., 93. Uber einen neuen Bakteriendhnlichen Organismus: Hlab. Schrift, 
eee Winter. — Schiefferdecker and Kossel, “91. Die Gewebe des 
Menschlichen Korpers: Braunschweig. —-Schimper, 85. Untersuchungen iiber 
die Chlorophyllkorper, efc.: Zettsch. wiss. Bot., XV1.— Schleicher, W.,°78. Die 
Knorpelzelltheilung. a Beitrag zur Lehre der Theilung von Gewebezellen: 
Centr. med. Wiss. Berlin, 1878. Also A. m. A., XVI., 1879. —Schleiden, M. J., 
38. Beitrdge zur Phytogenesis: J7/iiller’s Archiv, 1838. [Trans. in Sydenham 
Soc., XII.: London, 1847.]—Schloter, G., °94. Zur Morphologie der Zelle: 
A.m. A., XLIV., 2. —Schmitz, 84. Die Chromatophoren der Algen. — Schnei- 
der, A., 73. Untersuchungen iiber Plathelminthen: /ahrd. da. oberhess. Ges. f. 
Natur-Heilkunde, X\V., Giessen. —Schneider, C., 91. Untersuchungen iiber die 
Zelle: Arb. Zovl. Inst. Wien, 1X., 2. —Schottlander, J., 88. Uber Kern und 
Zelltheilungsvorgange in dem Endothel der entziindeten Hornhaut: A. m. A., 
XXXI.— Schottlander, P., ‘93.  Beitrage zur Kenntniss des Zellkerns, ec. : 
Cohn’s Beitriige, V1. —Schultze, Max, 61. Uber Muskelkérperchen und das was 
man eine Zelle zu nennen hat: Arch. Anat. Phys., 1861.— Schultze, O., 87. 
Untersuchungen tiber die Reifung und Befruchtung des Amphibien-eies: Z. zw. Z., 
XLV.—Id., 90. Uber Zelltheilung: Svtzb. phys. med. Ges. Wrzburs Se Petiely 
94. Die kiinstliche Erzeugung von Doppelbildungen bei Froschlarven, efc.: Arch. 

Entwi., 1.,2.—Schwann, Th., °39. Mikroscopische Untersuchungen iiber die 
Ubereinstimmung in der Structur und dem Wachsthum der Thiere und Pflanzen: 

Berlin. [Trans. in Sydenham Soc., X\1.: London, 1847.] —Schwarz, Fr., ’87. 

Die Morphologische und chemische ‘Tasammensetzung des Protoplasmas: Breslau. 
— Schweigger-Seidel, O..°65. Uber die Samenkérperchen und ihre Entwick- 
elung: A. m. A., 1.—Sedgwick, A.. ‘8588. The Development of the Cape 
Species of Peripatus, I.-VI.: Q. /.,XXV.-XXVIII.—Id., 94. On the Inadequacy 
of the Cellular Theory of Development, efc.: /bid., XXXVII., 1.— Seeliger, O., 
94. Giebt es geschlechtlicherzeugte Organismen ohne miutterliche Eigenschaften?: 
A. Ent., 1., 2. —Selenka, B., 83. Die Keimblatter der Echinodermen: Studien 


2H 


466 GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 


iiber Entwick., I1., Wiesbaden, 1883. — Sertoli, B., 65. Dell’ esistenza di parti- 
colari cellule ramificate dei canaliculi seminiferi del testicolo umano: // Morgagnt. 
— Shaw, W. R., 98,1. Uber die Blepharoplasten bei Onoclea und Marsilia: 
Ber. D. Bot. Ges., XV1., 7. —1d., °98, 2.. The Fertilization of Onoclea: Ann. Bot., 
XI1., 47-—Siedlecki, M., 95. Uber die Struktur und Kerntheilungsvorginge bei 
den Leucocyten der Urodelen: Anz. Akad. Wiss., Krakau, 1895.—1d.,’99. Etude 
cytologique et cycle évolutif de Adelea: Ann. Just. Pasteur., X111. —Sobotta, J., 
95. Die Befruchtung und Furchung des Eies der Maus: A. m. A., XLV.—Id., 

97. Die Reifung und Befruchtung ‘des Eies von Amphioxus: /ézd., L. = Bolger 
B.,°91. Die radidiren Strukturen der Zellko6rper im Zustand der Ruhe und bei der 
Kerntheilung: Berl. Klin. Wochenschr., XX., 1891. — Spallanzani, 1786. Expé- 
riences pour servir 4 ‘histoire de la génération des animaux et des plantes: Geneva. 
—Spitzer,°97. Die Bedeutung gewisser Nucleoproteide fiir die oxydative Leistung 
der Zelle: Arch. ges. Phys., LXVII.—Stevens, W. C., 98. Uber Chromoso- 
mentheilung bei der Sporenbildung der Farne: Ber. D. Bot. Ges., XVI., 8.—Ste- 
vens, F.L.,°99._ The compound Odsphere of Albugo: Sot. Gaz., XXVIII.. 3. 4. 
— Strasburger, B., 75. Zellbildung und Zelltheilung : Ist ed., Jena, 1875. —Id., 

"77. Uber Befrachtune und Zelltheilung : TAZ Xa ar re 80. Zellbildung cae 
Zellteilung: 3d ed. =ae "2. Uber den Becihmess organg der Zellkerne and das 
Verhiiltniss der Kerntheilung zur Zelltheilung: 4. 7. A. XXI.—Id., 182.1 Die 
Controversen der indirecten Zelltheilung: /ézd., XXIII].—Id., 84,2. Neue Unter- 
suchungen itiber den Befruchtungsvorgang bei den Sips oeenes. als Grundlage fiir 
eine iieane der Zeugung: Ene. 1884. aan ‘88. Uber ene und Zellteilung i im 
Pflanzenreich, nebst einem Anhang iiber Befruchtung: /eva. —Id., ’89. Uber das 
Wachsthum vegetabilischer Zellhaute: //zst. Bez., 11., Jena. —Id., "91. Das Proto- 
plasma und die Reizbarkeit: Rektoratsrede, Bonn, Oct. 18, 1891. Jena, Fischer. — 
Id.,°92. Histologische Beitrage, Heft IV.: Das Verhalten des Pollens und die 
Befruchtungsvorgange bei den Gy mnospermen, Schwarmsporen, pflanzliche Sperma- 
tozoiden nae tas Wieser der Befruchtang : Fischer, Jena, 1892. —I1d., 93, 1. Uber 
die Wirkungssphare der Kerne und die Zellengrisse : Flist. Beitr., V.—I1d., °93, 2. 
Zu dem jetzigen Stande der Kern- und Zelltheilungsfragen: A. 4., VIII., p. 177-— 
Id., 94. Uber periodische Reduktion der Chromosomenzahl im Entwicklungsgang 
der Organismen: &. C., XIV.—Id., 95. Karyokinetische Probleme: /ahro. f. 
wiss. Botanik, XXVIII., 1.—Id.,’97,1. Kerntheilung und Befruchtung bei Fucus: 
Jahrb. wiss. Bot., XXX.—1d., "97, 2. Uber Befruchtung: /é/d.—Id., °97, 3. 
Uber Cytoplasmastrukturen, Kern- und Zelltheilung: /d¢d¢.—Id., 98. Die Pflanz- 
lichen Zellhaute: /ézd., XXXI.—Strasburger and Mottier, ‘97. Uber den 
zweiten Theilungsschritt in Pollenmutterzellen: Ber. D. Bot. Ges., XV.,6.— Van 
der Stricht, O.,°92. Contribution a l'étude de la sphére attractive: A. &., XIL., 
4.—Id.,°95,1. La maturation et la fécondation de l’ceuf d’Amphioxus lanceolatus : 
Bull. Acad. Roy. Belgique, XXX., 2. —Id., 95, 2. De Vorigine de la figure achro- 
matique de l’ovule en mitose chez le Thysanozoon Brocchi: Verhandl. d. anat. 
Versammi. in Strassburg, 1895, p. 223. —Id., 95, 3. Contributions 4 l’étude de la 
forme, de la structure et de la division du noyau: Bull. Acad. Roy. Sc. Belgique, 
XXIX.—Id., 98,1. La formation des globules polaires, e¢c., chez Thysanozoon : 

Arch. Biol., XV .—I1d., "98,2. Contribution 4 l'étude du noyau vitellin de Balbiani : 

Verh. An. Ges., X\1.—Stricker, S..°71. Handbuch der Lehre von den Geweben: 

Leipzig. —Stuhlmann, Fr., 86. Die Reifung des Arthropodeneies nach Beobach- 
tungen an Insekten, Spinnen, Myriopoden und Peripatus: Ber. Maturf. Ges. Fret- 
burg, 1.— Suzuki, B., 98. Notiz iiber die Entstehung des Mittelstiickes von Sela- 
chiern: A. 4., XV., 8.—Swaen and Masquelin, 83. Etude sur la Spermato- 
génése: A. B., 1V.—Swingle, W. T., 97. Zur Kenntniss der Kern- und 
Zellteilungen bei den Sphacelariacee: /. w. B., XXX. 


GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 467 


THOMA, R.,’96. Text-book of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy : 
Trans. by A. Bruce, London. — Thomson, Allen. Article ‘Generation ” in Todd’s 
Cyclopedia. —Id. Article “Ovum” in Todd’s Cyclopedia. —Townsend, C. O., 
°97. Der Einfluss des Zellkerns auf die Bildung der Zellhaut: Jahrb. wiss. Bot., 
XXX.—Treat, Mary, 73. Controlling Sex in Butterflies: 4m. Mat... VII. — 
Trow, A. H., 95. The Karyology of Saprolegnia: Ann. Bot., 1X.—Tyson, 
James, 78. The Cell-doctrine: 2d ed., Philadelphia. 


UNNA, P., 95. Uber die neueren Protoplasmatheorien, und das Spongio- 
plasma: Deutsche Med. Zeit., 1895, 98-100. Ussow, M., °81. Untersuchungen 
iiber die Entwickelung der Cephalopoden: Arch. Aiol., II. 


VEJDOVSKY, F., 88. Entwickelungsgeschichtliche Untersuchungen, Heft I. : 
Reifung, Befruchtung und Furchung des Rhynchelmis-Eies: Prag, 1888.  Vej- 
dovsky and Mrazek, 98. Centrosom und Periplast: Sztzber. bohm. Ges. Wiss. — 
Verworn, M., 88. Biologische Protisten-studien: Z. w. Z., XLVI. —Id., 89. 
Psychophysiologische Protisten-studien: /eva.—Id., ‘91. Die physiologische 
Bedeutung des Zellkerns: Pfliiger’s Arch. f. d. ges. Physiol., W.—I1d.,’95. Allge- 
meine Physiologie: /eza. — Virchow, R., °55. Cellular-Pathologie: Arch. Path. 
Anat. Phys., VII1., 1. —1d., 58. Die Cellularpathologie in ihrer Begriindung auf 
physiologische und pathologische Gewebelehre: Ler/77, 1858. — De Vries, H., 89. 
Intracellulare Pangenesis : /eva. 


WAGER, H.,’96. On the Structure and Reproduction of Cystopus. Azz. Bot., 
X.— Waldeyer, W.,°70. Elierstock und Ei: Lezfzzg. —Id., 87. Bau und Ent- 
wickelung der Samenfaden: Verh. An. Ges. Leipzig, 1887. —1d., 88. Uber Karyo- 
kinese und ihre Beziehungen zu den Befruchtungsvorgangen: A. m. A., XXXII. 
[Trans. in Q. /.}—Id., 95. Die neueren Ansichten iiber den Bau und das Wesen 
der Zelle: Deutsch. Med. Wochenschr., No. 43, ff., Oct. ff., 1895.— Warneck, N. 
A.,’50. Uber die Bildung und Entwickelung des Embryos bei Gasteropoden : 
Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou, XX1UI1., 1. — Watasé, S.. "91. Studies on Cephalo- 
pods; I., Cleavage of the Ovum: /. 4/., IV., 3.—Id., "92. On the Phenomena of 
Sex-differentiation : /ézd., VI., 2, 1892.—Id., ‘93,1. On the Nature of Cell- 
organization: Wood's Holl Biol. Lectures, 1893.—I1d., '93, 2. Homology of the 
Centrosome: /. J/., VIII., 2.—I1d., 94. Origin of the Centrosome: Azological Lec- 
tures, Wood's Holl, 1894. Webber, H. J.,°97,1. Peculiar Structures occurring 
in the Pollen-tube of Zamia: Bot. Gazette, XXIII., 6.—Id., 97,2. The Develop- 
ment of the Antherozoids of Zamia: /ézd., XXIV., 1.—Id., 97, 3. Notes on the 
Fecundation of Zamia and the Pollen-tube Apparatus of Gingko: /érd., XXIV., 4. 
— Weismann, A.. 83. Uber Vererbung: /eva.—Id., 85. Die Kontinuitat des 
Keimplasmas als Grundlage einer Theorie der Vererbung: /eva.—Id., °86, 1. 
Richtungskorper bei parthenogenetischen Eiern: Zool. Anz., No. 233. —Id., "86, 2. 
Die Bedeutung der sexuellen Fortpflanzung fiir die Selektionstheorie: /eza. — 
io lai sy /e Uber die Zahl der Richtungskérper und iiber ihre Bedeutung fiir die 
Vererbung: /evza.—Id., "91, 1. Essays upon Heredity. First Series: Oxford. == 
Id., 91,2. Amphimixis, oder die V ermischung der Individuen: Jena, Fischer. — 
Id.,’92. Essays upon Heredity, Second Series: Oxford, 1892. —Id., ‘93. The 
Germ-plasm: Mew York. —Id., ‘94. Aussere Einfliisse als Entwicklungsreize: 
Jena. —I4d., ‘99. Regeneration: Wat. Scz., X1Vs,, 6. iSeeralsoude Ae, 1899. | 
Wheeler, W. M., 89. The Embryology of Blatta Germanica and Doryphora 
decemlineata: J. M., \11.—Id., 93. A Contribution to Insect-embryology: /dzd., 
VIIl., 1.—Id., 95. The Behaviour of the Centrosomes in the Fertilized Egg of 
Myzostoma glabrum: Ibid., X.—1d., "96. The Sexual Phases of Myzostoma : 


468 GENERAL LITERA? URE-LIST 


Mitth. Zool. St. Neapel, X11.,2.—Id., "97. The Maturation, Fecundation, and 
early Cleavage in Myzostoma: Arch. Biol.. XV.— Whitman, C. O., °78. The 
Embryology of Clepsine: Q. /., XVIII.—Id., °87. The Kinetic Phenomena of 
the Egg during Maturation and Fecundation: /. J/., I., 2. —Id., °88. The Seat of 
Formative and Regenerative Energy: /ézd., 11. —Id., "93. The Inadequacy of the 
Cell-theory of Development: l00d’s Holl Biol. Lectures, 1893.—1d.,°94. Evolu- 
tion and Epigenesis: /d/d., 1894. — Wiesner, J.,’92. Die Elementarstruktur und 
das Wachstum der lebenden Substanz: 7zen.— Wilcox, E. V.,’95. Spermato- 
genesis of Caloptenus and Cicada: Aull. of the Museum of Comp. Zo0l., Harvard 
College, Vol. XXVII., No. 1.—Id., ‘96. Further Studies on the Spermatogenesis 
of Caloptenus: Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., XXI1X.— Will, L., °86. Die Entstehung 
des Eies von Colymbetes: 2. w. Z., XLIII. — Wilson, Edm. B.,’92. The Cell- 
lineage of Werets: /. 7., V1., 3. —Id., 93. Amphioxus and the Mosaic Theory 
of Development: /é¢d., VIII., 3.—Id., °94. The Mosaic Theory of Development: 
Wood’s Holl Biol. Lect., 1894.—Id., °95, 1. Atlas of Fertilization and Karyo- 
kinesis: Mew York, Macmillan.—Id., °95, 2. Archoplasm, Centrosome, and 
Chromatin in the Sea-urchin Egg: /. J/7., XI.—Id., "96. On Cleavage and 
Mosaic-work. [Appendix to Crampton and Wilson, ’96.]: 4. Antwwt., I1.. 1.— 
Id., 97. Centrosome and Middle-piece in the Fertilization of the Egg. Sczence, 
Vol. V., No. 114. —Id., "98. Considerations on Cell-lineage and ancestral Remi- 
niscence: Anu. V. VY. Acad. Sci., XI. See also Wood's Holl Biol. Lectures, 99. 
—Id., 99. On protoplasmic Structure in the Eggs of Echinoderms and some 
other Animals: /. J7.,XV. Suppl. — Wilson and Mathews, ‘95. Maturation, 
Fertilization, and Polarity in the Echinoderm Egg: /. /., X., 1.— Wolff, Caspar 
Friedrich, 1759. Theoria Generationis. — Wolff, Gustav, ‘94. Bemerkungen 
zum Darwinismus mit einem experimentellen Beitrag zur Physiologie der Entwick- 
lung: B. C., XIV., 17.—Id., °95. Die Regeneration der Urodelenlinse: Arch. 
Entwm., 1., 3.— Wolters, M., "91. Die Conjugation und Sporenbildung bei 
Gregarinen: dA. wm. A.. XXXVII.— Woltereck, R., ’98. Zur Bildung und Ent- 
wicklung des Ostrakoden-Eies: Z. w. Z., LXIV. 


YUNG, E., ‘81. De Jinfluence de la nature des aliments sur la sexualité: 
GR XG also Arch. Lap -Zool., 2d, 1.1883. 


ZACHARIAS, O., 85. Uber die améboiden Bewegungen der Spermatozoen 
von Polyphemus pediculus: Z. w. 7., XLI. — Zacharias, B., 93,1. Uber die 
chemische Beschaffenheit von Cytoplasma und Zellkern: Ler. deutsch. Bot. Ges., 
II., 5.—-Id., "93, 2. Uber Chromatophilie: /ézd., 1893.—Id., 95. Uber das 
Verhalten des Zellkerns in wachsenden Zellen: /Yora, 81, 1895.—1d.,°94. Uber 
Beziehungen des Zellenwachstums zur Beschaffenheit des Zellkerns: Berzchte der 
deutschen botan. Gesellschaft, X11., 5. —1d., "98. Uber Nachweis und Vorkommen 
von Nuclein: Ber. d. Bot. Ges., XV1., 7. — Ziegler, B.,’88. Die neuesten Arbeiten 
iiber Vererbung und Abstammungslehre und ihre Bedeutung fiir die Pathologie: 
Beitr. zur path. Anat., \V.—Id., °89. Uber die Ursachen der pathologischen 
Gewebsneubildungen: /xt. Betr. zur. wiss. Med. Festschrift, R. Virchow, W1.— 
Id.,°92. Lehrbuch der allgemeinen pathologischen Anatomie und Pathogenese, 7th 
ed., /ena. — Ziegler, H. E.,’87. Die Entstehung des Blutes bei Knochenfischen- 
embryonen: 4. m. A.—Id., 91. Die biologische Bedeutung der amitotischen 
Kerntheilung im Tierreich: 2. C., XI. —Id., 94. Uber das Verhalten der Kerne 
im Dotter der meroblastischen Wirbelthiere: Ber. Naturf. Ges. Freiburg, 1894. — 
Id., 95. Untersuchungen iiber die Zelltheilung: Verhandl. d. deutsch. Zool. Ges., 
1895.—Id., ‘96. Einige Betrachtungen zur Entwicklungsgeschichte der Echino- 
dermen: Verh. d. Zool. Ges. —1d., 98. Experimentelle Studien iiber die Zellthei- 


GENERAL LITERATURE-LIST 409 


lung, I.,1I.: Arch. Entwm., V1.,2.— Ziegler and vom Rath. Die amitotische 
Kerntheilung bei den Arthropoden: &. C., XI. — Zimmermann, A., 93,1. Bei- 
trage zur Morphologie und Physiologie der Pflanzenzelle: 7iééngen.—Id., 94. 
Sammelreferate aus dem Gesammtgebiete der Zellenlehre: Bot. Centh. Beihefte, 
1894. Zimmermann, K. W., 93,2. Studien iiber Pigmentzellen, etc.: A. m. A, 
XLI.—Id., 98. Beitrage zur Kenntniss einiger Driisen und Epithelzellen: A. wz. 
A., LII. —Zoja, R., 95,1. Sullo sviluppo dei blastomeri isolati dalle uova di 
alcune meduse: 4. Antww.,1.,4; II.,1; I1., 1V.—Id., 95,2. Sulla independenza 
della cromatina paterna e materna nel nucleo delle cellule embrionali: A. A., XI., 
to. Id.,°97. Stato attuale degli Studii sulla Fecondazione: Aoll. Sc7. di Pavia, 
XVIII., XIX.—Zur Strassen, O., 98. Uber die Riesenbildung bei Ascaris- 
Eiern: Arch. Entwim., Vi1., 4. 


INDEX OF AUTHORS 


Albrecht, nuclei, 32. 

Altmann, granule-theory, 25, 27, 290; nu- 
clein, 332. 

Amici, pollen-tube, 218. 

Andrews, spinning activities, 61. 

Apathy, nerve-cells, 48. 

Aristotle, epigenesis, 8. 

Arnold, fibrillar theory of protoplasm, 23; 
leucocytes, 117; nucleus and cytoplasm, 
303. 

Atkinson, reduction, 269. 

Auerbach, 6; double spermatozoa, 142; 
staining-reactions, 176; fertilization, 181. 


Von Baer, cleavage, 10; cell-division, 64; 
egg-axis, 378; development, 396. 

Balbiani, scattered nuclei, 40; spireme- 
nuclei, 36; mitosis in Infusoria, 88; chro- 
matin-granules, 112; yolk-nucleus, 155- 
156; regeneration in Infusoria, 343. 

Balfour, polar bodies, 243; rate of division, 
366; unequal division, 371. 

Ballowitz, structure of spermatozoa, 139, 
140; double spermatozoa, 142. 

Van Bambeke, deutoplasm and yolk-nucleus, 
156-160; elimination of chromatin, 155. 

Barry, fertilization, 181. 

De Bary, protoplasm, 4, 5, 20; conjugation, 
181; cell-division and growth, 393. 

Beale, cell-organization, 291. 

Béchamp and Estor, microsome-theory, 290, 
201. ; 

Belajeff, spermatozoids, 172-175; reduction 
in plants, 267. 

Benda, spermatogenesis, 163; Sertoli-cells, 
284. 

Van Beneden, cell-theory, 1, 6, 7; proto- 
plasm, 23; nuclear membrane, 38; cen- 
trosome and attraction-sphere, 51, 74, 77, 
310, 323; cell-polarity, 55; cell-division, 
64, 74; origin of mitotic figure, 74-77; 
theory of mitosis, 100; division of chromo- 
somes, 112; fertilization of Ascaris, 7, 182; 
continuity of centrosomes, 75; -germ- 


471 


nuclei, 205; centrosome in fertilization, 
208; theory of sex, 243; parthenogenesis, 
281; nucleus and cytoplasm, 303; nuclear 
microsomes, 302; promorphology of cleav- 
age, 381; germinal localization, 399. 

Van Beneden and Julin, first cleavage-plane, 
380. 

Bergmann, cleavage, 10; cell, 17. 

Bernard, Claude, nucleus and cytoplasm, 341; 
organic synthesis, 431. 

Berthold, protoplasm, 
376. 

Bickford, regeneration in ccelenterates, 392, 
4209. 

Biondi, Sertoli-cells, 284. 

Biondi-Ehrlich, staining-fluid, 157. 

Bischoff, cell, 17. 

Bizzozero, cell-bridges, 60. 

Blanc, fertilization of trout, 210. 

Blochmann, insect-egg, 132; budding of nu- 
cleus, 155; polar bodies, 281; bilaterality 
of ovum, 383. 

Bohn, fertilization in fishes, 192. 

Bolsius, nephridial cells, 47. 

Bonnet, theory of development, 8, 432. 

Born, in 772lon-egg, 
gravitation-experiments, 386. 

Boveri, centrosome, named, 51; a permanent 
organ, 51, 74; in fertilization, 192, 211, 
215, 230; structure, 309; functions, 354; 
archoplasm, 69, 318; crigin of mitotic 
figure, 74, 77, 319; varieties of Ascaris, 
87; theory of mitosis, 101, 108; division 


te 
ot 


cell-division, 


8 


, 


chromosomes 33 


of chromosomes, I12; origin of germ-cells, 
147; fertilization 182; of 
Pterotrachea, 184; of Echinus, 192; the- 
ory of fertilization, 190, 211; of partheno- 
" genesis, 281; partial fertilization, 190, 194; 


of Ascaris, 


reduction, 233; maturation in Ascares, 
238; tetrads, 238; centriole, 309; attrac- 


tion-sphere, 324; egg-fragments, 353. 
Braem, cell-division, 377. 
Brandt, symbiosis, 53; regeneration in. Pro- 
tozoa, 342. 


472 


Brauer, bivalent chromosomes, 82; mitosis 
in rhizopod, 96; fission of chromatin- 
granules, 113; deutoplasm, 153; fertiliza- 
tion in Lranchipus, 192; parthenogenesis 
in Artemia, 281; spermatogenesis in Asca- 
rts, 255; intra-nuclear centrosome, 304. 

Braus, 81. 

Brogniard, pollen-tube, 218. 

Brooks, heredity, 12; variation, 179. 

Brown, Robert, cell-nucleus, 18; 
tube, 218. 

Briicke, cell-organization, 289. 

Von Brunn, spermatozo6n, 141. 

Biihler, astral systems, 318. 

Biitschh, 6; protoplasm, 25, 36, 50; diffused 
nuclei, 40; artifacts, 42; asters, 48, 316; 
cell-membrane, 54; mitosis, 109, I10; 

diatoms, 51; rejuvenes- 

cence, 178; polar bodies, 258. 


pollen- 


centrosome in 


Calberla, micropyle, 200. 

Calkins, nuclei of flagellates, 40; mitosis in 
Noctiluca, 92; yolk-nucleus, 157; origin 
of middle-piece, 165; reduction, 253, 257. 

Campbell, fertilization in plants, 216. 

Carnoy, nucleus, 40; muscle-fibre, 48; cen- 
trosome, I10; amitosis, 115, 117; germ- 
nuclei, 184; asters, 305, 317. 

Carnoy and Le Brun, nucleoli, 130; fertiliza- 
tion, 211; reduction, 263. 

Castle, egg-axis, 379; fertilization, 193. 

Chittenden, organic synthesis, 341. 

Chmielewski, reduction in Sfzrogyra, 280. 

Chun, amitosis, 117; partial development of 
ctenophores, 418. 

Clapp, first cleavage-plane, 381. 

Coe, fertilization, 194, 213; centrosome, 321. 

Cohn, cell, 17. 

Conklin, size of nuclei, 71; union of germ- 
nuclei, 204; centrosome in fertilization, 
210; centrosome and sphere, 323; un- 
equal division, 373; protoplasmic cur- 
rents, 377; cell-size and body-size, 388; 
types of cleavage, 423. 

Corda, pollen-tube, 218. 

Crampton, yolk-nucleus, 158; reversal of 
cleavage, 368; experiments on snail, 419, 
421; on tunicates, 419. 

Crato, protoplasm, 50. 


Darwin, evolution, 2,5; inheritance, 12, 396; 
variation, II; pangenesis, 12, 290; gem- 
mules, 290. 

Darwin, F., protoplasmic fragments, 346. 

Dendy, cell-bridges, 60. 


INDEX OF AUTHORS 


Dogiel, amitosis, 118. 

Driesch, dispermy, 198; fertilization of egg- 
fragments, 200, 353; pressure-experiments, 
375,410; regeneration, 393; isolated blas- 
tomeres, 409; theory of development, 394, 
415; experiments on ctenophores, 418; 
ferment-theory, 427. 

Driiner, spindle-fibres, 79; central spindle, 
105; aster, 321, 326. 


Von Ebner, Sertoli-cells, 284. 

Ehrlich, tar-colours, 335. 

Eismond, structure of aster, 48. 

Elssberg, plastidules, 291. 

Endres, experiments on frog’s egg, 399, 419. 

Engelmann, ciliated cells, 44; rejuvenes- 
Cence, 170. 

Von Erlanger, asters, 48, 316; spindle, 81; 
elimination of chromatin, 155; Nebenkern, 
163, 165; fertilization, 194, 212, 213; cen- 
troplasm, 324. : 

Eycleshymer, first cleavage-plane, 381. 


Farmer, reduction in plants, 275. 

Fick, fertilization of axolotl, 192, 212. 

Field, staining-reactions, 176. 

Fischel, ctenophores, 419. 

Fischer, nucleus, 40; artifacts, 42; staining- 
reactions, 335. 

Flemming, protoplasm, 25, 27; chromatin, 33; 
centrosome, 51; cell-bridges, 60, 61; cell- 
division, 64, 70; splitting of chromosomes, 
70; mitotic figure, 79; heterotypical mito- 
sis, 86; leucocytes, 102; theory of mitosis, 
106; division of chromatin, 113; amitosis, 
117, 285; nucleoli, 127; rotation of sperm- 


head, 188; spermatogenesis, 259-262; 
astral rays, 317; germinal localization, 
399- 


Floderus, follicle-cells, 150. 

Fol, 1, 6, 64; amphiaster, 68; theory of mi- 
tosis, 108; sperm-centrosome, 191; poly- 
spermy, 192; attraction-cone, 198; vitel- 
line membrane, 199; asters, 316. 

Foot, yolk-nucleus and polar rings, 156, 202; 
fertilization in earthworm, 187; entrance- 
funnel, 201; fertilization-centrosome, 212. 

Foster, cell-organization, somacules, 291. 

Francotte, polar bodies, 235; centrosome, 
306; sphere, 312, 325. 

Frommann, protoplasm, 23; 
cytoplasm, 303. 


nucleus and 


Gaieotti, pathological mitoses, 97. 
Gallardo, mitosis, 109. 


INDEX OF AUTHORS 


Galton, inheritance, 9. 

Gardiner, cell-bridges, 59; chromatin-elimi- 
nation, 276; sphere, 325. 

Garnault, fertilization in Avon, 207. 

Geddes and Thompson, theory of sex, 124. 

Van Gehuchten, spireme-nuclei, 36; nuclear 
polarity, 36; muscle-fibre, 48. 

Giard, polar bodies, 235, 238. 

Gierke, staining-reactions, 335. 

Gilson, spireme-nuclei, 36. 

Godlewski, spermatogenesis, 168. 

Graf, nephridial cells, 47. 

Grégoire, reduction, 267. 

Griffin, fertilization, centrosomes in 7/a/as- 

193, 194, 213; reduction, 259; 
structure of centrosome, 314; aster-forma- 
tiun, 321. 

Grobben, spermatozoa, 141. 

Gruber, diffused nuclei, 40; regeneration in 
Stentor, 342. 

Guignard, mitosis in plants, 82; fertilization 
in plants, 218, 221; reduction, 263, 267. 


Sema, 


Haberlandt, position of nuclei, 346. 

Hackel, inheritance, 7; epithelium, 56; cell- 
state, 58. 

Hacker, polar spindles, 276; bivalent chro- 
mosomes, 88; nucleolus, 125, 128; primor- 
dial germ-cells, 148; germ-nuclei, 208, 
299; reduction in copepods, 249. 

Hallez, promorphology of ovum, 384. 

Halliburton, proteids, 331; nuclein, 333. 

Hamm, discovery of spermatozoén, 9, 181. 

Hammar, cell-bridges, 60. 

Hammarsten, proteids, 331. 

Hansemann, pathological mitoses, 97. 

Hanstein, metaplasm, 19. 

Hardy, artifacts, 42. 

Harper, mitosis, 82. 

Hartsoeker, spermatozoon, 9. 

Harvey, inheritance, 7; epigenesis, 8. 

Hatschek, cell-polarity, 56; fertilization, 179. 

Heidenhain, nucleus, 36; basichromatin and 
oxychromatin, 38, 337; cell-polarity, 55; 
position of centrosome, 57; leucocytes, 
102; theory of mitosis, 105; amitosis, 116; 
staining-reactions, 337; micro- 
somes, 303; microcentrum, 311; asters, 
311, 317; origin of centrosome, 315; po- 
sition of spindle, 377. 

Heider, insect-egg, 132. 

Heitzmann, cell-bridges, 59; 
cytoplasm, 303. 

Henking, fertilization, 187; insect-egg, 96; 
spermatogenesis, 165, 248, 253, 271. 


nuclear 


nucleus and 


473 


Henle, granules, 289. 

Henneguy, deutoplasm, 153; yolk-nucleus, 
160; centrosome, 356. 

Hensen, rejuvenescence, 179. 

Herbst, development and environment, 428. 

Herla, independence of chromosomes, 208, 
299. 

Hermann, central spindle, 78, 105; division 
of chromatin, 112; spermatozodn, 105, 
166; staining-reactions, 176. 

Hertwig, O., 1, 7, 9; bivalent chromosomes, 
88; pathological mitoses, 97; rejuvenes- 

178; fertilization, 181; middle- 
piece, 187; polyspermy, 199; paths of 
germ-nuclei, 204; maturation, 241; polar 
bodies, 238; inheritance, 182; laws of 
cell-division, 364; theory of development, 
415. 

Hertwig, O. and R., 197; 
199; polyspermy, 199. 
Hertwig, Kk., mitosis in Protozoa, 90; germ- 
cells in Sag7/ta, 146; amphiasters in un- 
fertilized eggs, 306; conjugation, 222; 
reduction in Infusoria, 277; in Acérno- 
spherium, 278; origin of centrosome, 315; 

cell-division, 391. 

Hill, fertilization, 187, 193. 

Hirase, 144; 
218. 

His, germinal localization, 398. 

Hofer, regeneration in Amedba, 343. 

Hoffman, micropyle, 200. 

Hofmeister, cell-division and growth, 393. 

Holmes, cleavage, 368. 

Hooke, R., cell, 17. 

Hoyer, amitosis, 115. 

Huie, Drosera, 350. 

Huxley, protoplasm, 5; germ, 7, 396; fer- 
tilization, 178, 231; evolution and epi- 

genesis, 432. 


rea) 


cence, 


egg-fragments, 


spermatozoids, fertilization, 


Ikeno, cell-bridges, 150; blepharoplasts, 173; 
fertilization, 221. 

Ishikawa, /Vocti/eca, mitosis, 92; conjuga- 
tion, 227; reduction, 267; flagellum, 171. 


Jennings, cleavage, 377. 

Jordan, deutoplasm and yolk-nucleus, 153, 
156; first cleavage-plane, 381. 

Julin, fertilization in Séyleopsis, 192. 


Keuten, mitosis in Lug/ena, 91. 
Klebahn, conjugation and reduction in des- 
mids and diatoms, 280. 


474 


Klebs, pathological mitosis, 97, 98; cell- 
membrane, 346. 

Klein, nuclear membrane, 38; theory of 
mitosis, 100; amitosis, 118; nucleus and 
cytoplasm, 303; asters, 316. 

Klinckowstrém, fertilization, 213; reduction, 
250. 

Von Kdlliker, 1, 6, 9, 10, 27; epithelium, 56; 

spermatozoon, 9, 134; 
inheritance, 182;. development, 413. 

Korff, spermatogenesis, 163, 168, 173. 

Korschelt, nucleus, 37; amitosis, 115; move- 
ments and position of nuclei, 125, 349, 
387; nurse-cells, 151; fertilization, 193; 
tetrads in Ofhryotrocha, 258; physiolog 
of nucleus, 348; polarity of egg, 387. 

Kossel, chromatin, 336; nuclein, 334; 
ganic synthesis, 340. 

Kostanecki, fertilization, 193 ; astral rays, 318. 

Kostanecki and Wierzejski, fertilization of 
Physa, 193, 210, 212; continuity of cen- 
trosomes, 2II. 

Kupffer, energids, 30; 


cell-division, 63; 


or- 


cytoplasm, 41. 


Lamarck, inheritance, 12. 

Lamarle, minimal contact-areas, 361. 

Lankester, germinal localization, 398. 

Lauterborn, mitosis in diatoms, 95; origin 
of centrosome, 315. 

Leeuwenhoek, spermatozo6n, 8; 
tion, ISI. 

Von Lenhossék, nerve-cell, 21, 47; sperma- 
togenesis, 169, 315; centrosome, 314, 356. 

Leydig, cell, 19; protoplasm, 20; cell-mem- 
brane, 54; spermatozoa, 142; elimination 
of chromatin, 159. 

Lilienfeld, staining-reactions of nucleins, 336. 

Lillie, fertilization, 196, 213; centrosome 
and aster, 312, 326, 327; regeneration in 
Stentor, 343; cleavage, 360, 369, 377. 

Loeb, chemical fertilization, 215, 392; re- 
generation in ccelenterates, 392; theory 
of development, 427; environment and 
development, 430. 

Lustig and Galeotti, pathological mitoses, 
g8; centrosome, 51. 


fertiliza- 


Maggi, granules, 290. 

Malfatti, staining-reactions of nucleins, 335. 

Mark, germ-nuclei, 204; polar bodies, 235; 
polarity of ovum, 387. 

Mathews, pancreas-cell, 44; aster-formation, 
110; fertilization of echinoderms, 192, 212; 
origin of centrosome, 125; nucleic acid, 
334; staining-reactions, 337. 


INDEX OF 


AUTHORS 


Maupas, sex in Rotifers, 145; rejuvenes- 
cence, 179; conjugation of Infusoria, 223. 

Mayer, staining, 335. 

McClung, spermatogenesis, 271. 

MacFarland, spindle, 79; fertilization, 213, 
214; centrosome and sphere, 312, 314, 
321. 

McGregor, spermatogenesis, 167; reduction, 
2061. 

McMurrich, gasteropod development, 152; 
metamerism in isopods, 390. 

Mead, fertilization of Che/opterus, 192, 194, 
215; sperm-centrosome, 215; centrosomes 
de novo, 212, 306; cell-division, 391. 

Merkel, Sertoli-cells, 284. 

Mertens, yolk-nucleus and attraction-sphere, 
156, 159. 

Metschnikoff, insect-egg, 383. 

Meves, amitosis, 119, 285; spermatogenesis, 
167, 169; reduction, 260; cilia, 357. 

Meyer, energids, 30; cell-bridges, 60. 

Miescher, nuclein, 332. 

Mikosch, protoplasm, 44. 

Minot, rejuvenescence, 179; cyclical divi- 

sion, 222; theory of sex, 243; Sertoli- 
cells, 284; parthenogen sis, 280. 

Von Mohl, cell-division, 9; protoplasm, 17. 

Montgomery, nucleoius, 34; spermatogene- 
SIS) 25 fo 7a 

Moore, spermatozo6n, 167, 171; reduction, 
263. 

Morgan, centrosomes, 307; fertilization of 
egg-fragments, 353; cell-division, 391; 
effect of fertilization, 201; numerical rela- 
tions of cells, 389; regeneration, 393, 394; 
isolated blastomeres, 410; polarity, 417; 
experiments on ctenophores, 418; on 
frog’s egg, 422. 

Mottier, mitosis, 83; fertilization, 221; re- 
duction, 266; asters, 305. 

Munson, yolk-nucleus, 156. 


Nageli, development, 1; cell-organization, 
micelle, 289, 291; polioplasm, 41; idio- 
plasm-theory, 401. 

Nawaschin, fertilization, 218. 

Nemec, mitosis, 82; yolk-nucleus, 159. 

Newport, fertilization, 181; first cleavage- 
plane, 380. 

Nissl, chromophilic granules, 48. 

Nussbaum, germ-cells, 122; sex, 145; re- 
generation in Infusoria, 342; nucleus, 426. 


Obst, nucleoli, 130; follicle-cells, 151. 
Osterhout, spindle, 82; tetrads, 253. 


INDEX OF AUTHORS 


Overton, germ-cells of Volvox, 134; conju- 
gation of Spzrogyra, 229; reduction, 274, 
275. 


Owen, germ-cells, 122. 


Paladino, cell-bridges, 60. 

Paulmier, spermatozo6n, 165; reduction, 252, 
27 

Peremeschko, leucocytes, 117. 

Peter, cilia, 357. 

Pfeffer, hyaloplasm, 41; amitosis, 
chemotaxis of germ-cells, 197. 

Pfitzner, cell-bridges, 60; chromatin-gran- 
ules, 112. 

Pfliiger, position of spindle, 375; first cleay- 
age-plane, 380; gravitation-experiments, 
386; isotropy, 378. 

Plateau, minimal contact-areas, 366. 

Platner, mitosis, 110; egg-centrosome, 125; 
formation of spermatozoén, 163; fertiliza- 
tion of drzon, 207; maturation, 241. 

Pouchet and Chabry, development and en- 
vironment, 428. 

Prenant, spermatozodn, 162; 
322. 

Preusse, amitosis, 119. 

Prévost and Dumas, cleavage, Io. 

Pringsheim, Hautschicht, 41; fertilization, 
TASES Ae 

Purkinje, protoplasm, 17. 


119; 


archoplasm, 


Rabl, nuclear polarity, 36; cell-polarity, 56; 
centrosome in fertilization, 210; individu- 
ality of chromosomes, 294; astral systems, 
B17. 

Ranvier, blood-corpuscles, 54. 

Vom Rath, bivalent chromosomes, 88; ami- 
tosis, 118, 225; early germ-cells, 149; 
reduction, 249. 

Rauber, cell-division and growth, 393. 

Rawitz, amitosis, 116;  staining-reactions, 
335: 

Redi, genetic continuity, 290. 

Reichert, cleavage, 10, 64. 

Reinke, pseudo-alveolar structure, 50; nu- 
cleus, 38, 303; cedematin, 36; asters, 305; 
nucleus and cytoplasm, 303. 

Remak, cleavage, 1, 10, 361; cell-division, 
64; egg-axis, 378. 

Retzius, muscle-fibre, 48; cell-bridges, 60; 
end-piece, 140. 

Rhumbler, 105. 

Robin, germinal vesicle, 64. 

Rosen, staining-reactions, 220. 

Roux, 245, 301, 351; meaning of mitosis, 244, 


475 


301, 351, 405; position of spindle, 377; 
first cleavage-plane, 380;  frog-experi- 
ments, mosaic theory, 399; theory of de- 
velopment, 405; post-generation, 408. 

Riickert, pseudo-reduction, 248; fertilization 
of Cyclops, 193; independence of germ- 
nuclei, 208, 209; reduction in copepods, 
249, 251; early history of germ-nuclei, 
273; reduction in selachians, 257; history 
of germinal vesicle, 338. 

Riige, amitosis, 117. 

Ryder, staining-reactions, 175. 


Sabaschnikoff, tetrads, 256. 

Sabatier, amitosis, 116. 

Sachs, energid, 19, 30; laws of cell-division, 
362; cell-division and growth, 393; de- 
velopment, 427. 

St. George, La Valette, spermatozoén, 10, 

34; spermatogenesis (terminology), 161. 

Sala, polyspermy, 199. 

Sargant, reduction in plants, 267. 

Schafer, protoplasm, 29. 

Scharff, budding of nucleus, 155. 

Schaudinn, mitosis in Protozoa, 92, 94, 102; 
polar bodies, 278. 

Schewiakoff, mitosis in Zug/ypha, 91. 

Schimper, plastids, 290. 

Schleicher, karyokinesis, 64. 

Schleiden, cell-theory, 1;  cell-division, 9; 
nature of cells, 17; fertilization, 218. 

Schloter, granules, 38, 303. 

Schmitz, plastids, 290; conjugation, 216. 

Schneider, discovery of mitosis, 64. 

Schottlander, multipolar mitosis, 99. 

Schultze, M., cells, 1, 19; protoplasm, 20. 

Schultze, O., mitosis, 318; gravitation-ex- 
periments, 422; double embryos, 422. 

Schwann, cell-theory, 1; the egg a cell, 8; 
origin of cells, 9; nature of cells, 17; or- 
ganization, 58; adaptation, 433. 

Schwarz, protoplasm, 42; linin, 33; chemis- 
try of nucleus, 41; nuclei of growing ceils, 
340- 

Schweigger-Seidel, spermatozo6n, 9, 134. 

Sedgwick, cell-bridges, 60. 

Seeliger, egg-fragments, 353; egg-axis, 379. 

Selenka, double spermatozoa, 142. 

Shaw, spermatozoids, 175. 

Siedlecki, polar bodies, 280. 

Sobotta, fertilization, 185, 211. 

Solger, pigment-cells, 102; attraction-sphere, 
SI. 

Spallanzani, spermatozoa, 9; regeneration, 


393: 


47 INDEX OF AUTHORS 


Spencer, physiological units, 289; develop- 
ment, 432. 

Stauffacher, egg-centrosome, 125. 

Stevens, fertilization, 217. 

Strasburger, I, 7; cytoplasm, 20; Koérner- 
plasma, 41; centrosphere, 68, 356, 324; 
membranes, 55; origin of amphiaster, $2; 
multipolar mitoses, 99; theory of mitosis, 
105, 110; spermatozoids, 173; kinoplasm, 
27, $2, 322; staining-reactions of germ- 
nuclei, 220; fertilization in plants, 216, 
219, 221; reduction, 265, 269; theory of 
maturation, 275; organization, 289; in- 
heritance, 7, 182, 351; action of nucleus, 
420. 

Zur Strassen, giant-embryos, 296; 
cells, 148. 

Van der Stricht, spindle, 79; amitosis, 116; 
fertilization, 210; reduction, 259; centro- 
some and sphere, 312, 325. 

Strébe, multipolar mitoses, 99. 

Stuhlmann, yolk-nucleus, 156. 

Suzuki, spermatogenesis, 168. 

Swingle, mitosis, 82. 


germ- 


Tangl, cell-bridges, 59. 

Thiersch and Boll, theory of growth, 392. 
Townsend, cell-bridges, 61, 346. 

Treat, sex, 145. 

Treviranus, variation, 179. 


Unna, protoplasm, 27. 
Ussow, micropyle, 133; deutoplasm, 153. 


Vejdovsky, centrosome, 76; fertilization in 
Rhynchelmis, 192, 194; metamerism in 
annelids, 390. 

Verworn, cell-physiology, 6; regeneration in 
Protozoa, 344; inheritance, 359, 431. 

Virchow, 1; cell-division, 10, 63; proto- 
plasm, 25; cell-state, 58. 

De Vries, organization, pangens, 291, 327, 
406; tonoplasts, 53; plastids, 229; chro- 
matin, 431; development, 404. 


Waldeyer, nucleus, 38; cytoplasm, 41; cell- 
membrane, 54. 
Walter, frog-experiments, 419. 


Watasé, theory of mitosis, 106;  staining- 


reactions of germ-nuclei, 176; nucleus and 
cytoplasm, 292; asters, 305; theory of 
centrosome, 315; astral rays, 321; cleay- 
age of squid, 381; promorphology of ovum, 
383, 386. 

Webber, spermatozoids, 144, 173; fertiliza- 
tion, 221. 

Weismann, inheritance, 12; 
tion, biophores, 291; somatic and germ 
cells, 122; amphimixis, 179; maturation, 
243-246; constitution of the germ-plasm, 
245; parthenogenesis, 251; theory cf de- 
velopment, 404, 407, 432. 

Went, vacuoles, 53. 

Wheeler, amitosis, 115; insect-egg, 132; 
egg of AZyzostoma, 151; fertilization in 
Myzostoma, 208; bilaterality of ovum, 383. 

Whitman, on Harvey, 7; polar rings, 202; 
cell-division and growth, 393; polarity, 
384; theory of development, 400, 416. 

Wiesner, cell-organization, 290, 291. 

Wilcox, sperm-centrosome, 165; reduction, 
257- 

Will, chromatin-elimination, 135. 

Wilson, protoplasm, 27, 44; mitosis, 106; 
fertilization in sea-urchin, 187, 212; paths 
of germ-nuclei, 202; origin of linin, 303; 
astral rays, 28; centrosphere and centro- 
some, 314; dispermy, 355; rudimentary 
cells, 372; pressure-experiments, 411; 
experiments on Amphioxus, 410; theory 
of development, 415. 

Von Wittich, yolk-nucleus, 155. 

Wolff, C. F., epigenesis, 8. 

Wolff, G., regeneration of lens, 433. 

Wolters, polar bodies in gregarines, 278. 


Yung, sex, 144. 


Zacharias, E., nucleoli, 34; of meristem, 37; 
staining-reactions, 176; nuclein in grow- 
ing-cells, 340. 

Zacharias, O., amoeboid spermatozoa, 142. 

Ziegler, artificial mitotic figure, 108; amito- 
sis, 117; sphere, 324. 

Zimmerman, pigment-cells, 102; centrosome, 
350. 

Zoja, independence of chromosomes, 299; 
isolated blastomeres, 410. 


cell-organiza- 


INDEX. OF 


Acanthocystis, 94, 304, 306. 

Achromatic figure (see Amphiaster), 69; 
varieties of, 78; nature, 316. 

Achromatium, 39. 

Actinophrys, 92, 278. 

Actinospherium, mitosis, 90, 94; reduction, 
278; regeneration, 342. 

ALquorea, metanucleus, 128. 

Albugo, 217. 

Albumin, 331. 

Allium, 83, 253, 267. 

Allolobophora, teloblasts, 374. 

Alveoli, 25. 

Amitosis, 114; biological significance, 116; 
in sex-cells, 285. 

Ameba, 5; mitosis, 91; 
343: 

Amphiaster, 68; asymmetry of, 70, 373; 
origin, 72, 74, 316; in amitosis, 116; in 
fertilization, 187, 213; nature, 316; posi- 
tion, 375. 

Amphibia, spermatozoa, 140; sex, 145. 

Amphioxus, fertilization, 210; polar body, 
236, 277; cleavage, 370; dwarf larve, 
389, 410; double embryos, 410. 

Amphipyrenin, 41. 

Amphiuma, 167, 201. 

Amyloplasts, 53; in plant-ovum, 133. 

Anaphases, 70; in sea-urchin egg, 106. 


experiments on, 


Anasa, sperm-formation, 165, 271; reduc- 
tion, 272. 

Ancylus, 368. 

Anilocra, gland-cells, nuclei, 36; amitosis, | 
116. 

Anodonta, ciliated cells, 43, 357. 

Antipodal cone, Ior. 

Aphis, 281. 

Arbacia, 192, 215, 307. 

Archoplasm, 69; in developing spermatozoa, 
171; nature of, 318. 

Archosome, 52. 

Argonauta, micropyle, 133. 

Aricia, rudimentary cells, 372. 

Arion, spindle, 81; germ-nuclei, 207. 

Arisema, 269. 


477 


SUC is 


Artemia, chromosomes, 89; parthenogenetic 
maturation, 281. 

Artifacts, in protoplasm, 42. 

Ascaris, chromosomes, 87, 301; mitosis, 80, 
101; primordial germ-cells, 146; fertiliza- 
tion, 182, 211; polyspermy, 199; polar 
bodies, 238; spermatogenesis, 241, 253; 
individuality of chromosomes, 295; in- 
tranuclear centrosome, 304; centrosome, 


311; attraction-sphere, 323; supernumer- 
ary centrosome, 355. 
Aster, 68; asymmetry, 70; structure and 


functions, IOI; in amitosis, 116; in fertili- 
zation, 187, 213; nature of, 316; 
structure, 326; relative size, 70, 373. 

Asterias, spermatozoa, 176; sperm-aster, 
187; fertilization, 192, 210. 

Astrocentre, 324. 

Astrosphere, 324. 

Attraction-cone, 198. 

Attraction-sphere, 51, 72; in amitosis, 115; 
of the ovum, 125; of the spermatid, 163; 
in resting cells, 323; nature of, 323. 

Axial filament, 136; origin of, 165. 

Axis, of the cell, 55; of the nucleus, 36, 294; 
of the ovum, 378, 386. 

Axolotl, fertilization, 192. 


finer 


Bacteria, nuclei, 31, 39. 

Basichromatin, 38; staining-reactions, 338. 

Bioblast, 290. 

Biogen, 291. 

3iophore, 245, 291. 

Birds, blood-cells, 57; 
young ova, 155. 

Blastomeres, displacement of, 366; 
vidual history, 378; prospective value, 
41s; rhythm of division, 366, 389; de- 
velopment of single, 409, 418; in normal 
development, 423. 

Blennius, pigment-cells, 103. 

Blepharoplastoids, 175. 

Blepharoplasts, 173, 221. 

Branchipus, yolk, 153; sperm-aster, 192; 
reduction, 256. 


spermatozoa, 138; 


indi- 


478 


Calanus, tetrads, 250. 

Caloptenus, 165, 257. 

Cambium, 376. 

Cancer-cells, mitosis, 98. 

Canthocamptus, reduction, 251; ovarian 
eggs, 273. 

Cell, in general, 4; origin, 9; name, 17; 
general sketch, 19; polarity of, 55; as a 
structural unit, 58; structural basis, 23, 
293; physiology and chemistry, 330; size 
and numerical relations, 389; in inheri- 
tance, 9, 430; differentiation of, 413, 426; 
independence of, 427. 

Cell-bridges, 59. 

Cell-division (see Mitosis, Amitosis), general 
significance, 10, 63; general account, 65; 
types, 64; Remak’s scheme, 63; indirect, 
65; direct, 114; cyclical character, 178, 
223; equal and reducing or qualitative, 
405; relation to development, 388, 405, 
410, 427; Sachs’s laws, 362; rhythm, 366, 
389; unequal, 370; of teloblasts, 371; 
energy of, 388; relation to metamerism, 
390; causes, 391; relation to growth, 
388; and differentiation, 427. 

Cell-membrane, 53. 

Cell-organization, 289. 

Cell-organs, 52; nature of, 291; temporary 
and permanent, 292. 

Cell-plate, 71. 

Cell-state, 58. 

Cell-theory, general sketch, I-14. 

Central spindle, 70, 78. 

Centrodesmus, 79, 315. 

Centrodeutoplasm, 163, 324. 

Centroplasm, 324. 

Centrosome, 22; general sketch, 50, 304; 
position, 55; in mitosis, 74; a permanent 
organ, 74; dynamic centre, 76; historical 
origin, 315; functions, 101, 354; in ami- 
tosis, 115; of the ovum, 125; of the 
spermatozo6n, 137, 165-170; in fertiliza- 
tion, 190, 208; degeneration of, 186, 213; 
continuity, 74, 77, 194, 214, 321; nature, 
304; intra-nuclear, 304; supernumerary, 
355: 

Centrosphere, 68, 85; nature of, 324. 

Ceratium, Ql. 

Ceratozamia, reduction, 275. 

Cerebratiulus, 193, 194, 213, 306, 307, 321, 325. 

Cerianthus, regeneration in, 392. 

Chetopterus, spindle, 81, 84; fertilization, 
192; sperm-centrosome, 213; centrosomes 
de novo, 306; cell-division, 391. 

Chara, spermatozoids, 143. 


INDEX OF SUBJECTS 


Chilomonas, 32, 40, 192. 

Chironomus, spireme-nuclei, 36. 

Chorion, 132. 

Chromatic figure, 69; origin, 72; varieties, 
86; in fertilization, 181, 204. 

Chromatin, 33; in meristem, 37; in mitosis, 
65, 86; in cancer-cells, 98; of the egg- 
nucleus, 126; elimination of, in cleavage, 
147, 426; in odgenesis, 233, 276; staining- 
reactions, 334-340; morphological organi- 
zation, 37, 245, 294; chemical nature, 332, 
404; relations to linin, 302; physiological 
changes, 338; as the idioplasm, 352; in 
development, 405, 425, 431. 

Chromatin-granules, 37; in mitosis, 112; in 
reduction, 248; general significance, 301— 
304; relations to linin, 302. 

Chromatophore, 53; in the ovum, 133; in 
fertilization, 229. 

Chromiole, 302. 

Chromomere (see Chromatin-granule), 37, 
301. 

Chromoplast, 53. 

Chromosomes, 67, 70, 86, 112; number of, 
67, 206; bivalent and plurivalent, 87; 
division, 112; of the primordial germ- 
cell, 148; in fertilization, 182, 204; inde- 
pendence in fertilization, 204; reduction, 
238, 243, 248; in early germ-nuclei, 273; 
conjugation of, 257; in parthenogenesis, 
281; individuality of, 294; composition of, 
301; chemistry, 334, 336; history in ger- 
minal vesicle, 338; in dwarf larvee, 296. 

Ciliated cells, 44, 57. 

Ciona, egg-axis, 379. 

Clavelina, cleavage, 369, 381. 

Cleavage, in general, 10; geometrical rela- 
tions, 362; Sachs’s rules, 362; Hertwig’s 
rules, 364; modifications of, 366; spiral, 
368; reversal of, 368; unequal, 370; under 
pressure, 375,411; promorphology of, 378; 
bilateral, 381; rhythm, 366, 388; mosaic 
theory, 399, 423; half cleavage, 410. 

Cleavage-nucleus, 204. 

Cleavage-planes, 362; axial relations, 378. 

Clepsine, nephridial cell, 45; 
202; cleavage, 370. 

Clostertum, conjugation and reduction, 280. 

Cockroach, amitosis, 115; orientation of egg, 
384. 

Ccelenterates, germ-cells, 146; regeneration, 
392; 393; 430: 

Conjugation, in unicellular animals, 222; 
unicellular plants, 228, 280; physiological 
meaning, 178, 223. 


olar rings 
so 


—_— SP 


ee 


i el le oe ee oe 


arene 


SAA BE Mg i PS 


INDEX OF SUBJECTS 


Contractility, theory of mitosis, 100; inade- 
quacy, 106. 

Copepods, reduction, 251. 

Corixa, ovum, 383. 

Corpuscule central, 310, 314. 

Crepidula, fertilization, 210; dwarfs and 
giants, 389; cleavage, 323, 423. 

Cross-furrow, 368. 

Crustacea, spermatozoa, 142. 

Ctenophores, experiments on eggs, 418. 

Cucurbita, 346. 

Cuticular, 54. 

Cyanophycez, nucleus, 31, 39. 

Cycads, spermatozoids, 144, 173; fertiliza- 
tion, 218, 221. 

Cyclops, ova, 128; primordial germ-cells, 148; 
fertilization, 188; reduction, 251; attrac- 
tion-sphere, 325; axial relations, 385. | 

Cytoplasm, 21, 41, 293, 303; of the ovum, | 
130; of the spermatozo6én, 134; morpho- 
logical relations to nucleus, 302; to archo- | 
plasm, 316, 319; chemical relations to 
nucleus, 333-341; physiological relations 
to nucleus, 341; in inheritance, 352-354, 
3593 in development, 398, 421; origin, 431. 


Cytosome, 322. | 


Dendrobena, metamerism, 390. 

Determinants, 245. 

Deutoplasm, 131; deposit, 153; effect on 
cleavage, 366, 371; rearrangement by 
gravity, 422. 

Development, 1-12; and cell-division, 388; 
mosaic theory, 399, 421; theory of Nageli, 
402; Roux-Weismann theory, 404; of 
single blastomeres, 399, 409, 418; of egg- 
fragments, 296, 353, 419; De Vries’s the- 
ory, 413; Hertwig’s theory, 415, 432; 
Driesch’s theory, 394, 415; partial, 409, 
419; half and whole, 419; nature of, 413; 
external conditions, 428; and metabolism, 
430; unknown factor, 431; rhythm, 432; 
adaptive character, 433. 

Diaptomus, 250. 

Diatoms, mitosis, 92; centrosome, 51. 

Diaulula, 79, 314. 

Diemyctylus, yolk, 153; yolk-nuclei, 156. 

Differentiation, 361; theory of De Vries, 
404; of Weismann, 405; nature and 
causes, 413; of the nuclear substance, | 
425; and cell-division, 427. | 

Dipsacus, 346. 

Dispermy, 355- 

Double embryos, 410, 422. 

Drosera, 350. 


479 


Dwarfs, formation of, 353, 410, 422; size of 
cells, 389. 

Dyads (Zweiergruppen), 239, 241; in par- 
thenogenesis, 284. 

Dyaster, 70. 

Dycyemids, centrosome, 51. 

Dytiscus, ovarian eggs, 153, 349. 


Earthworm, ova, 152; spermatozoén, 165; 
yolk-nucleus, 154; polar rings, 156, 202; 
spermatogenesis, 257; teloblasts, 374. 

Echinoderms, protoplasm, 28, 44, 293; sper- 
matozoa, 137; fertilization, 188, 212; 
polyspermy, 194, 198; dwarf larvz, 353. 
410; half cleavage, 410: eggs under press- 
ure, 411; modified larvee, 428. 

Echinus, fertilization, 210; centrosome, 314; 
dwarf larve, 353; number of cells, 389. 

Ectosphere, 324. 

378; promorphological — signifi- 
cance, 379; determination, 386; alteration 
of, 422. 

Egg-fragments, fertilization, 194; 
ment, 352. 

Elasmobranchs, spermatozoodn, 140, 167, 169; 
germinal vesicle, 245, 273; reduction, 257. 

Embryo-sac, 218, 263. 

Enchylema, 23. 

End-knob, 136. 

Endoplasm, 41. 

End-piece, 140. 

End-plate, 91. 

Energid, 19, 30. 

Entosphere, 324. 

Envelopes, of the egg, 132. 

Epigenesis, 8, 432. 

Equatorial plate, 68. 

Eguisetum, mitosis, 85. 

Ergastoplasm, 322. 

Erysiphe, mitosis, 82. 

Eucheta, tetrads, 250. 

Euglena, mitosis, 91, 315. 

Euglypha, mitosis, 89, 95. 

Evolution (preformation), 8, 399, 432. 

Evolution, theory of, 2, 8. 

Exoplasm, 41. 


Egg-axis, 


develop- 


Fertilization, general aspect, 9; physiologi- 
cal meaning, 180; general sketch, 180; 
Ascaris, 182; mouse, 185; sea-urchin, 188; 
Nereis, 188; Cyclops, 188; Thalassema, 
Chetopterus, 193, 195; pathological, 198; 
partial, 190, 194; of A7yzostoma, 196, 208; 
in plants, 215; egg-fragments, 194; Bo- 
veri’s theory, 192, 2II. 


480 


Fishes, pigment-cells, 102; periblast-nuclei, 
117; spermatozoa, 137; young ova, 116; 
single blastomeres, 410. 

Flagellates, diffused nuclei, 39. 

Follicle, of the egg, 150. 

Forficula, nurse-cells, 151. 

Fragmentation, 64. 

Fritillaria, spireme, 
219. 

Frog, tetrads, 259; egg-axis, 378; first cleav- 
age-plane, 380; Roux’s puncture experi- 
ment, 399; post-generation, 409; pressure- 
experiments, 410; effect of gravity on the 
egg, 422; development of single blasto- 
meres, 399, 408, 422; double embryos, 
oe 


Fucus, 143, 217, 221. 


112; __ fertilization, 


Ganglion-cell, 48; centrosome in, 51, 314. 

Gemme, 291. 

Gemmules, 12, 291. 

Genoblasts, 243. 

Geophilus, deutoplasm, 154, 158; yolk-nu- 
cleus, 156. 

Germ, 7, 396. 

Germ-cells, general, 8, 9; detailed account, 
122; of plants, 133, 142; origin, 144; 
growth and differentiation, 150; union, 
196; results of union, 200; maturation, 
233; early history of nuclei, 272. 

Germinal localization, theory of, 397. 

Germinal spot, 124. 

Germinal vesicle, 124, 125; early history, 
273; movements, 349; position, 387. 
Germ-nuclei, of the ovum, 125; of the 
spermatozo6n, 135; of plants, 216; stain- 
ing-reactions, 175; in fertilization, 182, 


188; equivalence, 182, 205; paths, 202;. 


movements, 204; union, 204; indepen- 
dence, 204, 299; in Infusoria, 224; early 
history, 272. 

Giant-cells, 31; microcentrum, 314. 

Gingko, 173. 

Globulin, 331, 333. 

Granules (see Microsomes), of Altmann, 290; 
nuclear, 37, 303; chromophilic, 23, 48; 
in general, 289. 

Gravity, effect on the egg, 131, 422. 

Gregarines, mitosis, 89; polar body, 278. 

Ground-substance, of protoplasm, 23; of 
nucleus, 36. 

Growth, and cell-division, 58, 388. 

Gryllotalpa, reduction, 249. 

Guinea-pig, spermatogenesis, 170; 
tion, 277. 


matura- 


INDEX OF SUBJECTS 


Heliozoa, 92, 103. 

Felix, 163, 168, 259. 

Hemerocallis, 306. 

Fleterocope, tetvads, 250. 
Heterokinesis, 406. 

Histon, 334, 336. 

Homeeokinesis, 406. 

Hydrophilus, orientation of egg, 384. 


Id, in reduction, 245; in inheritance, 406. 

Idant, 245. 

Idioblast, 291. 

Idioplasm, theory of, 401; as chromatin, 
403; action of, 406, 414, 431, 432. 

Idiosome, 291. 

Idiozome, 163, 165, 324. 

Llyanassa, partial development, 419. 

Infusoria, nuclei, 31, 224; mitosis, 90; con- 
jugation, 223; reduction, 277. 

Inheritance, of acquired characters, 12, 
433; Weismann’s theory, 12; through 
the nucleus, 351-354; and metabolism, 
430: 

Inotagmata, 291. 

Insect-eggs, 132, 386. 

Interzonal fibres, 70. 

fris, 267. 

Isopods, metamerism, 390. 

Isotropy, of the egg, 384, 417. 


Karyokinesis (see Mitosis), 64. 

Karyokinetic figure (see Mitotic Figure), 
69. 

Karyolymph, 36. 

Karyoplasm, 21. 

Karyosome, 34. 

Kinoplasm (archoplasm), 54, 77, 82, 173, 

B22. 

Lanthanin, 38. 

Lepidoptera, sex, 144. 

Leucocytes, structure, 102; division, I17; 
centrosome, 309; attraction-sphere, 326. 

Leucoplasts, of plant-ovum, 133. 

Lilium, mitosis, 83; spireme, 112; fertiliza- 
tion, 219; reduction, 265-271. 

Limax, germ-nuclei, 204. 

Limulus, 158. 

Linin, 32; relations to cytoreticulum and 
chromatin, 302. 

Liparis, 281. 

Locusta, orientation of egg, 384. 

Loligo, spindle, $1; cleavage, 381. 

Lumbricus, yolk-nucleus, 157; 
257. 


reduction, 


INDEX OF SUBJECTS 


Macrobdella, 305. 

Macrogamete, 226. 

Macromeres, 371. 

Mammals, spermatozoa, 139, 169; 
ova, 155. 

Mantle-fibres, 78, 105. 

Marsilia, 175. 

Maturation (see Reduction), 234; theoreti- 
cal significance, 243; of parthenogenetic 
eggs, 280; nucleus in, 353. 

Medusz, dwarf embryos, 410. 

Meristem, nuclei of, 340. 

Metamerism, 390. 

Metanucleus, 128. 

Metaphase, 69. 

Metaplasm, 19. 

Micelle, 291. 

Microcentrum, 311, 315, 324. 

Microgamete, 226. 

Micromeres, 371. 

Micropyle, 124, 133. 

Microsomes, 23; of the egg-cytoplasm, 131; 
nature of, 289, 290, 293; of the astral sys- 
tems, 318, 326; of the nucleus, 301, 303; 
relation to centrosome, 315; staining- 
reactions, 337. 

Microsphere, 324. 

Microzyma, 291. 

Mid-body, 71, 78. 

Middle-piece, 135, 139; origin, 161, 165— 
170; in fertilization, 187, 212. 

Mitosis, 64; general outline, 65; modifica- 
tions of, 77; heterotypical, $6; in unicellu- 
lar forms, 87; pathological, 88; multipolar, 
97; mechanism of, 100; physiological sig- 
nificance, 351; Roux-Weismann concep- 
tion of, 245, 406. 

Mitosome, 165. 

Mitotic figure (see Mitosis, Spindle), 69; 
origin, 72; varieties, 78. 

Molgula, 158. 

Mouse, fertilization, 185, 193. 

Musca, ovum, 142. 

Myriapods, spermatozoa, 142; yolk-nucleus, 
156. 

Myzostoma, fertilization, 196, 208. 


young 


Natas, 266. 

Nebenkern, pancreas-cells, 44; of spermatid, 
163, 165. 

Nebenkérper, 164, 165. 

Necturus, pancreas-cells, 44. 

Nematodes, germ-nuclei, 184. 

Nereis, asters, 49; perivitelline layer, 131; 
ovum, 129; deutoplasm, 131; fertilization, 


21 


481 


191; attraction-sphere and centrosome, 
325; cleavage, 366, 369; pressure-experi- 
ments on, 411. 

Nerve-cell, 48. 

Net-knot, 34. 

Noctiluca, mitosis, 93; flagellum, 171; con- 
Jugation, 227; sphere, 319. 

Nuclear stains, 335. 

Nuclein, 33, 332; staining-reactions, 334; 
physiological significance, 340, 

Nuclein-bases, 331. 

Nucleinic acid, 33, 332-334; staining-reac- 
tions, physiological significance, 
340. 

Nucleo-albumin, 331, 334. 

Nucleo-proteid, 331, 334. 

Nucleolus, 33; in mitosis, 67; of the ovum, 
126; physiological meaning, 128. 

Nucleoplasm, 21. 

Nucleus, general structure and functions, 
31; finer structure, 37; polarity, 36, 294; 
chemistry, 41; in mitosis, 65; of the 
ovum, 125; of the spermatozoGn, 135, 137; 
relation to cytoplasm, 302; morphological 
composition, 294; in organic synthesis, 
340, 430; physiology, 341; position and 
movements, 346; in fertilization, 181, 352; 
in maturation, 353; in later development, 
425; in metabolism and inheritance, 430; 
in inheritance and development, 341, 358, 
405, 425, 431; control of the cell, 426. 

Nurse-cells, 151. 


3343 


Qdigonium, fertilization, 181; 
346. 

Onoclea, 175. 

Odcyte, 236. 


membrane, 


Odégenesis, 234, 236. 

Oégonium, 236. 

Odsphere, 133. 

Ophryotrocha, amitosis, 115; nurse-cells, 
151; fertilization, 189, 193; tetrads, 258. 

Opossum, spermatozoa, 142. 

Organization, 289, 291; of the nucleus, 294, 
301; of the egg, 397, 433. 

Origin of species, 3. 

Osmunda, reduction, 275. 

Ovary, 123; of Canthocamptus, 273. 

Ovum, in general, 8, 9; detailed account, 
124; nucleus, 125; cytoplasm, 130; en- 
velopes, 132; of plants, 133; origin and 
growth, 150; fertilization, 178; effects of 
spermatozo6n upon, 201; maturation, 236; 
parthenogenetic, 280; promorphology, 
378; bilaterality, 382. 


482 INDEX OF SUBJECTS 


Oxychromatin, 38, 303; staining-reactions, 


207 


337+ 
Oxydation-ferments, 351. 


Oxytricha, 342. 
Oyster, germ-nuclei, staining-reactions, 175. 


Pallavicinia, reduction, 275. 

’aludina, dimorphic spermatozoa, I41, 

Pangenesis, 12, 290, 431. 

Pangens, 291. 

Parachromatin, 41. 

Paralinin, 41. 

Parameba, mitosis, 94, Git: 

aramecium, mitosis, 91; Conjugation, 224; 
reduction, 277. 

Paranucleus, 163. 

Parthenogenesis, theories of, 281; 
bodies in, 280. 

Pellicle, 54. 

entatoma, 271. 
etromyzon, fertilization, 192, 212. 

Phallusia, fertilization, 193, 212. 

Physa, fertilization, 193, 210, 212; reversed 
cleavage, 368. 

Physiological units, 289. 

Pieris, spinhing-gland, 37. 

Pigment-cells, 102. 

Pilularia, fertilization, 216. 

Pinus, reduction, 275. 

Planaria, regeneration, 394. 

Plant-cells, plastids, 52; membranes, 54; 
mitosis, 82; cleavage-planes, 363. 

Plasma-stains, 335. 

Plasmocyte, 52. 

Plasmosome, 34. 

Plasome, 291. 

Plastids, 52; of the ovum, 133; of the sper- 
matozoid, 143; conjugation of, 229. 

Plastidule, 291. 

Plastin, 41, 331. 

Pleurophyliidia, 78, 94. 

Podophyllum, 267. 

Polar bodies, 181; nature and mode of for- 
mation, 235-240; division, 236; in par- 
thenogenesis, 281. 

Polar rings, 156, 202. 

Polarity, of the nucleus, 36; of the cell, 55; 
of the ovum, 378; determination of, 382. 

Pole-plates, 91. 

Pollen-grains, formation, 263-265. 

Pollen-tube, 278. 

Polyclades, cleavage, 416. 

Polycherus, 276, 325. 

Polygordius, cleavage; 368. 

Polyspermy, 198; prevention of, 199. 


polar 


Polystomella, regeneration, 344. 
Polyzontum, 159.6 

-orcellio, amitosis, 116. 
Predelineation, 398. 
Preformation (see Evolution). 
Pressure, experiments, 375, 410. 
Principal cone, IOI. 
Pristiurus, 338. 
Promorphology (see Cleavage, Ovum). 
Pronuclei, 202. 
Prophase, 65. 
Prosthecer@us, 213, 235, 256, 259, 306. 
Prosthiostomum, 212. 
Protamin, 334. 
Proteids, 331. 
Prothallium, 264; chromosomes in, 275. 
Protoplasm, 4, 5, 17, 19; structure, 23, 42, 

293; chemistry, 331. 

Protoplast (see Plastid). 
Pseudo-alveolar structure, 50. 
Pseudo-reduction, 248. 
Pterts, 253. 
Pterotrachea, germ-nuclei, 186, 205. 
Ptychoptera, spireme-nuclei, 35. 
Pygera, 105. 
Pyrenin, 41. 
Pyrenoid, 133. 
Pyrrhocoris, 165, 248. 


Quadrille of centres, 210. 


Rat, spermatogenesis, 170. 

Reduction, general outline, 234; parallel 
between the two sexes, 241; theoretical 
significance, 243; detailed account, 246; 
in plants, 263; Strasburger’s theory of, 
275; in unicellular forms, 277; by conju- 
gation, 257; modes contrasted, 247. 

Regeneration, Weismann’s theory, 406; in 
frog-embryo, 409; nature of, 425, 427; 
in ceelenterates, 430; of lens, 433. 

Rejuvenescence, 179, 224. 

Renilla, ovum, 132. 

Rhabdonema, amitosis, 115. 

Khynchelmis, fertilization, 192, 193, 212; 
cleavage, 370. 

Rotifers, sex, 145. 


Sagitta, number of chromosomes, 184; pri- 
mordial germ-cells, 146; germ-nuclei, 184; 
spermaster, IOI. 

Salamander, epidermis, 3; spermatogonia, 
20; mitosis in, 71, 78; pathological mito- 
sis, 98; leucocytes, 102; spermatozoa, 
140; maturation, 259. 


Anak 


—~ 


INDEX OF SUBJECTS 


Sargus, pigment-cells, 103. 

Scyllium, 263. 

Segmentation (see Cleavage). 

Selaginella, spermatozoids, 197. 

Senescence, 179. 

Sepia, spindle, 81. 

Sertoli-cells, 284. 

Sex, 9; determination of, 144; Minot’s the- 
ory of, 243. 

Siphonophores, amitosis, 117. 

Soma, “13. 

Somacule, 291. 

Somatic cells, 122; number of chromosomes, 
233. 

Spermary, 123. 

Spermatid, 161, 163; development into sper- 
matozoon, 164. 

Spermatocyte, 161, 241. 

Spermatogenesis (see Reduction), 234; gen- 
eral outline, parallel with odgenesis, 241. 

Spermatogonium, 161, 241. 

Spermatozeugma, 142. 

Spermatozoid, structure and origin, 142, 
172; in fertilization, 217, 221. 

Spermatozo6n, discovery, 9; structure, 134; 
essential parts, 135; giant, 141; double, 
142; unusual forms, 142; of plants, 142; 
formation, 160; in fertilization, 181, 192; 
entrance into ovum, 197. 

Sperm-centrosome, 135, 164-171; in fertili- 
zation, 192, 211-215, 221. 

Sperm-nucleus, 
fertilization, 182, 190; rotation, 188; path 
in the egg, 202; in inheritance, 353; 
chemistry, 334. 

Spherechinus, fertilization, 193, 210; num- 
ber of cells, 389; hybrids, 353; regenera- 
tion, 393. 

Spindle (see Amphiaster, Central Spindle), 68; 
origin, 72, 79,82; in Protozoa, go; conjuga- 
tion of, 227; nature of, 316; position, 375. 

Spireme, 65. 

Spirochona, mitosis, 90. 

Spirogyra, nucleolus, 67; amitosis, 119 ; 
conjugation, 229; reduction, 280. 

Spongioplasm, 25. 

Spontaneous generation, 7. 

Stem-cells, 148. 

Stentor, regeneration, 342. 


~ Stylonychia, senescence, 224. 


Stypocaulon, mitosis, 82. 
Surirella, 94. 
Symbiosis, 53, 292. 
Synapta, cleavage, 364. 
Syncytium, 59. 


353 Origin, 164-171; in 


l 


483 


Teloblasts, 371, 390. 

Telophase, 71. 

Tetrads (Vierergruppen), 238; origin, 246; 
in Ascaris, 241, 253; in arthropods, 248; 
ring-shaped, 248; in amphibia, 259; ori- 
gin by conjugation, 257; formulas for, 
247. 

Tetramitus, 40, 92. 

Thalassema, spindle, 81; fertilization, 193, 
194, 213; reduction, 259, 263; centro- 
some, 321; attraction-sphere, 325. 

Thalassicolla, experiments on, 344. 

Thysanoz06n, 212, 259, 326. 

Tonoplast, 53. 

Toxopneustes, cleavage, 10; mitosis, 107; 
ovum, 126; spermatozo6én, 134; fertiliza- 
tion, 188; paths of germ-nuclei, 202; 
polar bodies, 114; double cleavage, 355. 

Trachelocerca, diffused nuclei, 40. 

Trillium, 269. 

Triton, 140, 212, 263, 277. 

Trophoplasm, 322, 401. 

Tubularia, regeneration, 430. 

Tunicates, egg-axis, 379; cleavage, 381. 


Unicellular organisms, 5; mitosis, 88; con- 
jugation, 222; reduction, 277; experi- 
ments on, 342. 

Unio, centrosome and aster, 314; cleavage. 
381. 

Urostyla, 40. 


Vacuole, 50, 53. 

Vanessa, ovarian egg, 153. 

Variations, I1; origin of, 433. 

Vaucheria, membrane, 348. 

Vitalism, 394, 417. 

Vitelline membrane, 132; of egg-fragments, 
132; formation of, 198; function, 199. 

Volvox, germ-cells, 133. 

Vorticella, conjugation, 226. 


Xiphidium, 27%. 


Yellow cells (of Radiolaria), 53. 
Yolk (see Deutoplasm), 152. 
Yolk-nucleus, 155. 

Yolk-plates, 131. 


Zamia, 173, 221. 

Zirph@a, 259, 263. 
Zwischenkérper (mid-body), 71. 
Zygnema, membrane, 346. 
Zygospore, 228. 


Columbia University Biological Series. 


EDITED BY 
HENRY FAIRFIELD OSBORN, 
Da Costa Professor of Zoblogy in Columbia University, 
AND 


EDMUND B. WILSON, 


Projessor of Zoblogy in Columbia University. 


This series is founded upon a course of popular University 
lectures given during the winter of 1892-3, in connection with 
the opening of the new department of Biology in Columbia 
College. ‘The lectures are in a measure consecutive in charac- 
‘ter, illustrating phases in the discovery and application of the 
theory of Evolution. Thus the first course outlined the de- 
velopment of the Descent theory; the second, the application 
of this theory to the problem of the ancestry of the Vertebrates, 
largely based*upon embryological data; the third, the applica- 
tion of the Descent theory to the interpretation of the structure 
and phylogeny of the Fishes or lowest Vertebrates, chiefly based 
upon comparative anatomy ; the fourth, upon the problems of 
individual development and Inheritance, chiefly based upon the 
structure and functions of the cell. 

Since their original delivery the lectures have been carefully 
rewritten and illustrated so as to adapt them to the use of Col- 
lege and University students and of general readers. The vol- 
umes as at present arranged for include: 


I. From the Greeks to Darwin. By Henry FartrFiELp 
OSBORN. 
If. Amphioxus and the Ancestry of the Vertebrates. 
By ARTHUR WILLEY. 
III. Fishes, Living and Fossil. By Basurorp Dean. 


IV. The Cell in Development and Inheritance. By 
Epmunp B. WILSON. 


V. The Foundations of Zoology. By Witiiam Kerru 


Brooks. 


THE MACMILLAN COMPANY, 


66 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK. 


I. FROM THE GREEKS TO DARWIN. 
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EVOLUTION IDEA. 
BY 
HENRY FAIRFIELD OSBORN, Sc.D., PRINCETON, 


Da Costa Professor of Zoblogy in Columbia University. 


8vo. Cloth. $2.00, net. 


This opening volume, “ From the Greeks to Darwin,” is an 
outline of the development from the earliest times of the idea of 
the origin of life by evolution. It brings together in a continu- 
ous treatment the progress of this idea from the Greek philoso- 
pher Thales (640 B.c.) to Darwin and Wallace. It is based 
partly upon critical studies of the original authorities, partly 
upon the studies of Zeller, Perrier, Quatrefages, Martin, and 
other writers less known to English readers. 

This history differs from the outlines which have been pre- 
viously published, in attempting to establish a complete conti- 
nuity of thought in the growth of the various elements in the 
Evolution idea, and especially in the more critical and exact 
study of the pre-Darwinian writers, such as Buffon, Goethe, 
Erasmus Darwin, Treviranus, Lamarck, and St. Hilaire, about 
whose actual share in the establishment of the Evolution theory 
vague ideas are still current. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
I, THE ANTICIPATION AND INTERPRETATION OF NATURE. 

II. AMONG THE GREEKS. 

Ill. THE THEOLOGIANS AND NATURAL PHILOSOPHERS. 
IV. THe EvoLuTIoNIsts OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 
V. From LAMARCK To ST. HILAIRE. 

VI. THE First HALF-CENTURY AND DARWIN. 

In the opening chapter the elements and environment of the 
Evolution idea are discussed, and in the second chapter the re- 
markable parallelism between the growth of this idea in Greece 
and in modern times is pointed out. In the succeeding chap- 
ters the various periods of European thought on the subject are 
covered, concluding with the first half of the present century, 
especially with the development of the Evolution idea in the 
mind of Darwin. 


Ii, AMPHIOXUS AND THE ANCESTRY 
OF THE VERTEBRATES. 


BY 


ARTHUR WILLEY, B.Sc. Lono., 


Tutor in Biology, Columbia University ; Balfour Student of the 
University of Cambridge. 


8vo. Cloth. $2.50, net. 


The purpose of this volume is to consider the problem of the 
ancestry of the Vertebrates from the standpoint of the anat- 
omy and development of Amphioxus and other members of the 
group Protochordata. The work opens with an Introduction, 
in which is given a brief historical sketch of the speculations 
of the celebrated anatomists and em bryologists, from Etienne 
Geoffroy St. Hilaire down to our own day, upon this problem. 
The remainder of the first and the whole of the second chapter 
is devoted to a detailed account of the anatomy of Amphioxus 
as compared with that of higher Vertebrates. The third chapter 
deals with the embryonic and larval development of Amphioxus, 
while the fourth deals more briefly with the anatomy, embryology, 
and relationships of the Ascidians; then the other allied forms, 
Balanoglossus, Cephalodiscus, are described. 

The work concludes with a series of discussions touch- 
ing the problem proposed in the Introduction, in which it is 
attempted to define certain ene al principles of Evolution by 
which the descent of the Vertebrates from Invertebrate ancestors 
may be supposed to have taken place. 

The work contains an extensive bibhography, full notes, and 
135 illustrations. 


TABLE. OF CONTENTS. 


INTRODUCTION. 
CHAPTER I. ANATOMY OF AMPHIOXUS. 
le Ditto. 


III. DEVELOPMENT OF AMPHIOXUS. 

IV. THe ASCIDIANS 

V. THe PRoTOCHORDATA IN THEIR RELATION TO 
THE PROBLEM OF VERTEBRATE DESCENT. 


Ill. FISHES, LIVING AND FOSSIL. 


AN INTRODUCTORY STUDY. 
BY 


BASHFORD DEAN, Pu.D., CoLumBia, 


Instructor in Biology, Colwnbia University. 


8vo. Cloth. $2.50, net. 


This work has been prepared to meet the needs of the gen- 
eral student for a concise knowledge of the Fishes. It contains 
a review of the four larger groups “of the strictly fishike forms, 
Sharks, Chimaeroids, 'Teleostomes, and the Dipnoans, and adds 
to this a chapter on the Lampreys. It presents in figures the 
prominent members, living and fossil, of each group; illustrates 
characteristic structures; adds notes upon the important phases 
of development, and formulates the views of investigators as to 
relationships and descent. 

The recent contributions to the knowledge of extinct Fishes 
are taken into special account in the treatment of the entire 
subject, and restorations have been attempted, as of Dinichthys, 
Ctenodus, and Cladoselache. 


The writer has also indicated diagrammatically, as far as 
generally accepted, the genetic relationships of fossil and livin 
: § 
orms. 


The aim of the book has been mainly to furnish the student 
with a well-marked ground-plan of Ichthyology, to enable him to 
better understand special works, such us those of Smith Wood- 
ward and Giinther. ‘The work is fully illustrated, mainly from 
the writer’s original pen-drawings. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER - . x 
I. Fisues. Their Essential Characters. Sharks, Chimaeroids, Teleo- 
stomes, and Lung-fishes. Their Appearance in Time and their 
Distribution. 
Il. Tue Lamepreys. Their Position with Reference to Fishes. Bdel- 
lostoma, Myxine, Petromyzon, Paliweospoudylus. 

Ill. THe Suark Group. Anatomical Characters. Its Extinct Members, 
Acarthodian, Cladoselachid, Xenucanthid, Cestracionts. 

TV. Cuimarroips. Structures of Callorhynchus and Chimaera. Squalo- 
raja and Myriacanthus. Life-habits and Probable ivelationships. 

V. Teteosromes. The Forms of Recent *fGanoids.” Habits and Dis- 
tribution. The Relations of Prominent Extinct Forms. Crosso- 
pterygians. Typical ‘* Bony Fishes.” 

VI. Tue Evo.urion or THE Groups oF Fisues. Aquatic Metumerism. 
Numerical Lines. Evolution of Gill-eleft Characters, Paired and 
Unpaired Fins. Aquatic Sense-organs. 

VIL. Tue DeveLorment oF Fisurs. Prominent Features in Embryonic 
and Larval Development of Members of cach Group = Summaries. 


V. The Foundations of Zoology 


By WILLIAM K¥ITH BROOKS, 
Professor of Zoblogy, FJohus Hopkins Untuersity. 


8vo. Cloth. Price $2.50 net. 


EXTRACT FROM PREFACE. 


“T shall try to show that life is response to the order of nature; in fact, this 
thesis is the text of most of the lectures: but if it be admitted, it follows that 
biology is the study of response, and that the study of that order of nature to 
which response is made is as well within its province as the study of the living or- 
ganism which responds, for all the knowledge we can get of both these aspects of 
nature is needed as a preparation for the study of that relation between them which 
constitutes life. Our interest in all branches of science is vital interest. It is only 
as living things that we care to know. Life is that which, when joined to mind, is 
knowledge, — knowledge in use; and we may be sure that all living things with 
minds like ours are conscious of some part of the order of nature, for the response 
in which lite consists is response to this order. The statement that physical 
phenomena are natural seems to mean little, but the phenomena of life are so 
wonderful that many hesitate, even at the present day, to believe that nature can be 
such a wonderful thing as it must be if the actions of all living things are natural; 
and, as I shall try to find out in this course of lectures what we mean by the asser- 
tion that living nature is natural, I shall now attempt, by a few illustrations, to give 
a broad outline of some of the most notable features of the nature of living things.” 


TABLE OF CONTENTS: 


I. Introductory. VIII. Darwin and the Origin or 
Ii. Huxley and the Problem of the Species. 
Naturalist. IX. Natural Selection and the An- 
Ill. Nature and Nurture. tiquity of Life. 
iv. Lamarck. X. Natural Selection and Natural 
V. Migration in its Bearing on Theology. 
Lamarckism. XI. Paley and the Argument from 
VI. (I) Zoology and the Philosophy Contrivance. 
of Evolution. XII. The Mechanism of Nature. 
VI. (II) An Inherent Error in the XIII. Louis Agassiz and George Berke- 
Views of Galton and Weis- ley. 


mann on Inheritance. 
VII. Galton and the Statistical Study 
of Inheritance. 


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