612.8 
ie) 
oo 
oo 
v 
Artificial Formation of a Rudimentary Nervous 
System 
ee my work “Lrorigine des individus et la construction de 
Yorganisme par les conditions internes”! I put forth a 
mechanical theory of organisation according to which the internal 
order of beings and their embryological evolution was supposed to 
be the result of nutritive conditions solely. I admitted the principles 
regarding inheritance as a consequence of present causes proposed 
by Delage, and supported his statement with many arguments, but 
I have of late been induced to consider the whole question from a 
rather different point of view. ‘There are, in my opinion, no germin- 
ative plasma and no mysterious principles in the pronucleus, the 
composition of which cannot have been modified by the mutilations 
endured by certain organs of its progenitors. The Monads, the 
Protists of early geological times, evolved into superior mammals 
without their having any tendency, marvellous property, germinative 
plasma or catalytic excitants of glandular origin within themselves. 
The internal and external conditions, that is, the agents of pro- 
gress in the mechanism of nourishment, have doubtless been the 
efficient causes of an evolution still more astonishing than that of 
human ovules. Moreover, the study of cellular genealogy, grafts, 
regeneration, monsters and atavisms obtained by a diminution of 
nutrition, etc., has demonstrated that there is naught but mechanism 
more or less obscure and complicated. But the supreme question 
concerning the origin and functions of the nervous system will be 
forever a source of impossibilities and embarrassment. 
I. There are no essential differences in the vibrations of more or 
less viscous liquids be they organic or inorganic, «for instance : 
gelatine with glycerine, Limax mucus dissolved in acetic acid, 
albumen of ege, water, mercury or neuroplasm. 
II. ‘The question concerning the origin and functions of the 
nervous system might be considered as a mechanical problem requir- 
ing a laborious solution. 
Experiments and comparisons.—Pour in a plate a small 
quantity of mercury whose fluidity has previously been diminished 
by the addition of a slight proportion of lead: this will serve the 
1 Sociedad Cientifica ‘‘ Antonio Alzate.” 1898, 
