71 



expanding and constituting the cell. It has been one of my 

 objects to show, that this is not of universal application, by an 

 attempt to demonstrate another mode of cell formation, which is 

 that the fundamental idea of a cell is a simple vesicle, and that 

 the nucleated cell is simply one cell containing another within its 

 walls. With Schwann the nucleus is exogenous and germina- 

 tive — with me the nucleus is endogenous and reproductive. 



" The two conclusions of the studies of cell life are then, 

 1st. The existence of an elementary particle having an invaria- 

 ble unity of expression, the cell. 2d. The universality of the 

 application of this particle for the formation of organized parts, 

 the tissues. "^"^ 



In studying cells in relation to pathology, he regards this last 

 as an erring physiology, and concludes, that, both as to their 

 genesis and general aspect as cells, those which belong to abnor- 

 mal cannot be distinguished from those belonging to normal con- 

 ditions of life. The genetic and general relations of cells in 

 physiology and pathology are therefore the same. Their differ- 

 ence does not relate to structure, but to their destiny. Physio- 

 logical cells must be considered teleologically, but pathological 

 ones have no ulterior object. 



Each of the different heads of his dissertation he discusses 

 with great ability, and gives ample evidence that he is not only 

 familiar with the scientific labors of others, but that he is per- 

 fectly at home in the different departments of investigation 

 which his essay involves. If it be allowable to express an 

 opinion of its merits in general terms, it may be truly said that 

 it gives evidence of wonderful zeal and industry in research, of 

 acute powers of observation, and of great readiness in perceiving 

 general relationships. It is in connection with this latter faculty 

 that he seems the most liable to error. He appears to have par- 

 taken something of the spirit of Oken, and to have given way at 

 times to the suggestions of the imagination, instead of subjecting 

 himself to the severe mandates of reason, and the rigid rules of 

 induction. This is naturally the fault of youth, and for which 

 scientific minds, at the present time, with their tendencies to 

 hasty generalization, may be justly said to be in part responsible. 

 But in one who combined industry, a desire for truth, and an 



