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178 RAYMOND BINFORD 
been able to observe the continuity of individual chromosomes 
from one division of the cell to the next one. But these are 
exceptions. The problem of the origin of the chromosome is a 
real problem. For many reasons, in our final analysis, we must 
go back of the chromosome. So without attacking the propo- 
sition that chromosomes are the means for distributing the heredi- 
tary elements at the time of division, we may take up the ques- 
tion of the origin of the chromosome before division. 
The phenomena described in this paper force us to consider 
this question if we are to bring the fact concerning fertilization 
in this crab in line with existing theories. Does any of the 
chromatin from the nucleus of the spermatid enter the egg? We 
have shown that it is the substance in the wall or in the cavity 
of the capsule that enters and fertilizes the egg. . Now is there 
any evidence that the chromatic substance in the nucleus is 
transferred to the capsule during spermatogenesis? 
Grobben (’78) claimed that the capsule is derived from the 
nucleus of the spermatid. He described a change in the con- 
sistency and a reduction in size of the nucleus which occurred 
simultaneously with the development of the capsule. He seemed 
to be of the opinion that the nuclear material was transferred by 
diffusion from the nucleus to the capsule. 
Herrmann (90) suggests that when one follows the parallel 
transformations of the capsule and the nucleus, one gets the 
impression that there is a sort of migration of the chromatic 
substance from the nucleus to the capsule. 
Brandes (’97) found two substances in the nucleus of the 
spermatid. One was stained blue with methylene blue, the other 
red with acid fuchsin. The latter settles to one side of the 
nucleus and then passes out into the cytoplasm. The later 
workers, Koltzoff (06) and Spitschakoff (’09), describe no such 
process. 
In my own investigations I-have noted a decrease in affinity 
for chromatic stains and in the size of the nucleus. The capsule, 
on the other hand, showed an increasing affinity for iron-hema- 
toxylin and safranin. These facts suggest a transfer of nuclear 
material. 
