DEGENERATIONS, DESMOGNATHUS 245 



affected are his poussieroides and transitory (i.e., presynaptic). 

 The change shows itself first in the nuclei ; the fine network ar fine 

 granulations forming larger masses grouped around the nucleolus. 



CONCLUSION 



In Desmognathus fusca at the time that the transformation of 

 spermatogonia into spermatocytes ceases, degeneration figures in 

 large numbers, involving whole cysts and lobules, may be found 

 among the cells that have ' failed' to transform that season. They 

 have a definite position in the testis as well as in the spermatoge- 

 netic cycle and seem to be closely associated with the regulation of 

 the spermatogenetic process. 



Apparently similar degenerations have been reported in a num- 

 ber of different forms, in the oogenesis and in the spermatogenesis. 



Such degenerations have undoubtedly a greater significance 

 in connection with the activities of the reproductive organs than 

 is generally recognized. 



For their adequate treatment, however, spermatogenesis must 

 be dealt with in its relation to the whole organ and the whole 

 organism. Little help in interpretation, it is believed, may be. 

 expected from the ultra-chromosomal point of view, or even from 

 that of the cell theor}'. 



January 20. 1912. 



