102 THE PSYCHIC LIFE 



eration. We have already seen that, during the epi- 

 demic periods of conjugation, the Paramecia which 

 have their nuclei overrun with parasites cease to con- 

 jugate with animals of the same species. The destruc- 

 tion of their nucleus by the Bacteria produces in the 

 Paramecia the effect of actual castration. 



The removal of the nucleus, accordingly, causes 

 the interruption of the following functions and in the 

 following order as to time: 



1. The regenerative and reproductive property of 

 the plasma; 



2. The vitality of the plasma, and the psychical 

 functions. 



The psychologist will notice with interest that the 

 psychical function of the protoplasm outlives the re- 

 generative function for an appreciable length of time; 

 a fragment of a cellule which, having been mutilated 

 by the act of severance, is unable to correct its out- 

 ward form, or to secrete a fresh cuticle, or to recon- 

 struct its lost organs, is nevertheless still capable of 

 perceiving sensations and of responding thereto by 

 movements. Psychical life is consequently a prop- 

 erty of living matter which appears to be less complex 

 than the regenerative property, inasmuch as it ceases 

 later. 



To summarize, the nucleus plays the primordial 

 role in the cellule; if, to use an old comparison of Ar- 

 istotle's, we compare the protoplasm to the clay, we 

 must compare the nucleus to the potter that fashions 

 it. The nucleus comprehends all the physiological 

 properties, the totality of which goes to constitute 

 life. 



It is interesting to note what perfect accord pre- 

 vails between these recently discovered facts and the 



