CANCER 



A Possible Clue 



THERE is, I think, convincing evidence that cell 

 division is an electrical rather than a chemical 

 phenomenon. 



We may be sure that the nucleus of every cell loses its 

 insulation during division because it breaks up and with 

 the chromosomes forms a skein, and it is equally certain 

 that the chromosomes lose their insulation temporarily 

 for the reason that they split and in so doing double their 

 number. 



In no other way can their positions, first in the equatorial 

 plane and, second, their attraction in two equal groups 

 by the centrosomes, be adequately explained. 



We may be sure also that the exoplasm does not dis- 

 integrate or undergo material change in the course of cell 

 reproduction, for if for the briefest possible period of time 

 the absolute insulation of the cell failed the process of 

 mitotic division would automatically cease. 



Logically then there must, after loss, be gain of insulation. 

 The life of the cell, its development towards renewed mitosis, 

 its power to receive and impart charge and the activation 

 of its chemical processes depend mainly upon the perfect 

 insulation of its various parts. I say " mainly," because 

 if we disregard intra-cellular action we must consider the 

 activating force as exterior to the cell and suppose the cell 

 itself to receive charge by induction, in accordance with the 

 theory of the propagation of electricity by molecular action. 



