ON THE CORPUS LUTEUM. 139 



impossibility . It appears to me that my view of the vitellary composition of the corpus 

 luteum, and the mechanical result of its accumulation in effecting the oviposit ought to 

 be received as satisfactory rationale of the germ-depositing function. The foecundation 

 of germs is a mystery which I deem beyond human cognition — and likely ever to remain 

 so. The inquiry into the corpus luteum is far more feasible and practicable. No woman 

 can menstruate but coincidently with, and in consecjucnce of, the oviposit. Every oviposit 

 i- followed by a corpus luteum, which is larger or smaller, according to circumstances. 

 Many women have scarce discernible ones after conception — others have very large ones. 

 The true and false corpora lutea differ only in magnitude — not in their essential nature. 



