132 REPORTS ON INVESTIGATIONS AND PROJECTS. 



Carolina, at which place eggs of sea-urchins and tunicates, admirably 

 suited for the purpose, were found. The conditions have probably 

 never been so favorable for a test of the effects of electrostatic and 

 electromagnetic fields on the lines observed in the living cell, as the 

 eggs under observation were large and transparent, and some of the 

 radiations surrounding the center were seen very clearly in the living 

 cell in its natural environment. One of the most satisfactory results 

 was that it was found possible to ship to Washington living marine 

 animals having eggs in first-class condition on arrival. Some eggs 

 studied reached the 128-cell stage in three hours or less, or made 

 the equivalent of 127 divisions in this short time. Preparatory to 

 each division the whole cell was filled with radiations of exceptional 

 clearness. 



Laboratory research in Washington has been in the nature of a study 

 of living and fixed cells in reference to the behavior of the lines of 

 force during various periods of cell activity. The highest resolving 

 powers of the microscope will be utilized. Mr. Swingle considers 

 the evidence for the existence of a system of force in the living cell 

 to be well-nigh conclusive. 



In connection with the work it has become imperative to consult 

 the principal papers on the cell, and there has therefore been begun 

 and is well on the road to completion a comprehensive index on 

 the literature of the cell. Various bibliographies have been photo- 

 graphed and are being arranged on cards, of which some 2,000 cards 

 are now in use. 



