FORMATION OF DEFENSIVE FERMENTS 85 



answer questions concerning the finer structure of the 

 cell elements, we are bound to resort to indirect 

 methods. The latter have, in a relatively short time, 

 opened up a vast field, and discovered views of the 

 widest interest in regard to every kind of cellular pro- 

 cess. It is the duty of the future to follow up with 

 exact methods all the observations that have been 

 made, and to replace with known quantities the many 

 unknowns with which our present-day methods have 

 still to reckon. 



If we sum up all the phenomena observed, we get 

 the following picture : By introducing substances 

 which are out of harmony with the species, and more 

 particularly with the plasma, we bring into the 

 organism bodies which are, in their whole structure, 

 absolutely disharmonious with the cells of the body. 

 No alteration has as yet taken place. In order that 

 these substances may be utilized by the cells of the 

 body, the products that are suitable for the organism 

 must be so far decomposed as to entirely lose their 

 specific character. This decomposition is effected bv 

 ferments, and is certainly initiated very quickly, for 

 the disharmony with the blood or plasma and the 

 body may extend also to the cells, and have an in- 

 jurious effect on them. During the decomposition 

 of these substances products arise at first which are, 

 in part at least, definitely disharmonious with the 



