PREFACE 



In this monograph I have attempted to summarize all that has 

 been learned about a certain group of ciliate protozoa pre- 

 eminently suitable for class-room study and research. To this end 

 1 have tried conscientiously to review all the literature of Stentor 

 so that the reader will need to turn to original sources only for 

 minor details. A few publications were not available to me though 

 I had reports of their contents, and these are so indicated in the 

 bibliography. Many points I have been able to substantiate 

 myself, and I have taken this opportunity to include previews of 

 work in progress and miscellaneous observations from my own 

 experience with these ciliates. 



Naturally I am keenly aware of our indebtedness to all who 

 have labored in this field and of my responsibility for reporting 

 their studies accurately and commenting upon them fairly. When 

 I use the words ''seem" and ''apparently" with their goading 

 provisionality, this is not in derogation of a fine piece of work but 

 simply means that confirmation of results assures a firm basis for 

 further investigation. It is often surprising what differences may 

 appear in both procedure and interpretation when different 

 individuals undertake the same problem or even the same approach. 

 On the other hand, there has been unnecessary duplication of 

 effort for lack of a comprehensive review as here attempted, and 

 I have myself been at fault in this regard. Studies in which 

 Stentor appears as suitable material in a wider context — frequently 

 biochemical — may also be led astray because investigators are 

 not aware of relevant aspects of the biology of this animal which 

 are crucial for proper interpretations. I hope to have provided 

 the basis or background for extensive further researches. 



The illustrations from my own studies do not represent general 

 conceptions but specific cases drawn from laboratory records. 

 Therefore they offer the basis for different interpretations, if these 

 need be made, as well as suggesting many directions for further 

 study. 



