THE MICROCOSM OF THE EGG 137 



statement, we hasten to add that 48 is also the 

 number of the snail and of one of the varieties of 

 banana. In truth, the important fact is not the 

 number itself, but its persistence; and that is only 

 an instance of the doggedness of specificity. 



One of the outstanding results of the intricate 

 process of ripening or maturation in the history of 

 the germ-cells is that the number of chromosomes 

 is reduced to one-half. When the sperm-cell 

 and the egg-cell unite in fertilization the normal 

 number is restored. In the case of the egg-cell the 

 reduction usually takes place in the formation of 

 the first of two polar bodies minute daughter-cells 

 of the ovum that come to nothing. If the chromo- 

 somes of the egg-cell be compared to a pack of 

 cards, half of the pack may be said to be thrown 

 away prior to the beginning of each individual life. 

 If the chromosomes are the bearers of hereditary 

 qualities, the halving of the pack may be one of the 

 opportunities for fresh permutations and com- 

 binations, which form the raw material of evolu- 

 tion. The ripe ovum, after a brief attempt to go on 

 actively living, sinks into static equilibrium. It is 

 paralyzed by its own waste-products (auto-intoxi- 

 cation), and becomes relatively impermeable to 

 outside influences. 



As every one knows, what normally reawakens 

 a certain proportion of the mature ova from their 

 inertia is fertilization. This implies many distinct 

 occurrences. ( i ) The sperm-cell enters the egg-cell 

 and there is an intimate and orderly union of the 



