256 N. J. KUSNEZOV. 



in which the "normal" conditions are altered in the gynandrous 

 embryo by the interruption of the normal chemical stimulation of 

 somatic cells which have already obtained their sexual determi- 

 nation. 



It is a custom to unite all sexual structures, other than gonads, 

 under a general term of "somatic" structures and to subordinate 

 them to the hormones of the gonads. But (i) for insects this 

 subordination is yet to be proved (Oudemans, 1898; Meisen- 

 heimer, 1909; Kellogg, 1904; Kopec, 1908-1913); and (2) it is 

 evident that the somatic sexual structures are to be classed among 

 several rather independent groups, each group being influenced 

 by its own regulating factor, or, perhaps, possessing its own 

 determination (Abderhalden, 1911). The idea of a sexual 

 determination preexisting in all somatic cells grows more and 

 more acceptable. 



But, on the other hand, the division of the reproductive system 

 into primary, secondary organs, and so on, can be admitted only 

 theoretically. Physiologically speaking this system is a unity. 

 Perhaps, we should not speak, therefore, of dependencies of one 

 group upon another, but only of the degrees observed in the 

 display of the whole system in its parts collectively or individually. 

 And, it may be, the sexual chemical factors, though different in 

 their manifestations, are in reality the same, differing only 

 quantitatively. 



ZOOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF THE 



RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 

 May 18, 1926. 



