SPERMATIC PARTICLES. 



47 



a complete set of processes, ending in the elimination of bodies which are, in a physio- 

 logical sense, the miniature representatives of the whole being. And it is the function 

 of these bodies to come in contact with the ovum, and to awake within it those dormant 

 energies which find their expression in changes identical with those attendin"' the 

 elimination of the awakening body. And these forces, thus called into action by the 

 combined agency of the two sexes, have their final expression in the elimination 

 of a being possessing the characteristics of both. 



Such appears to be the philosophy of fecundation. You ask, " How is it accom- 

 plished ? " I have for some time thought it might be called a kind of Catalysis ; 

 that is, as the magnet awakens in the iron slumbering forces like its own, so 

 that it possesses nearly the characteristics of its awakener, so the spermatic par- 

 ticle, coming in simple contact (not mixing) with the ovum, awakens in the latter 

 slumbering forces like its own, — life being the result. 



We see exemplifications of this Catalysis in organized forms in the production 

 of cells, having types according to their local character. And although the word 

 may serve to cover up our ignorance, yet, as it is expressive of a power which the 

 scientific mind by analogy only can comprehend, it may be adopted. For, after 

 all, the ultimata of all science having any thing to do with vitality must ever rest 

 on words or conditions equally as vague and unsatisfactory. 



I subjoin, in a tabular form, the analogies existing between the Sperm-cell and 

 the Ovum. 



The Sperm-Cell. 



1. Is a nucleolated cell. 



2. The nucleus, increasing and becoming granular, 

 undergoes segmentation. 



3. The result of this segmentation is, that each 

 of the subdivided cells forms a spermatic ■particle. 



4. The function, then, of the sperm-cell, is to 

 eliminate the vitalizing spermatic particles. 



5. In the lowest sense of the term, the spermatic 

 particle is alive; that is, it is an organized acting 

 form. But it is so in the lowest sense only, since 

 it holds no relations whatever to the external world. 

 On this account it can never be an animal. 



The Ovum. 



1. Is a nucleolated cell. 



2. The nucleus (vitellus) increasing, becoming 

 granular, undergoes segmentation. 



3. The result of this segmentation is, that all the 

 subdivided cells, by a metamorphosis, form an embryo. 



4. The function, then, of the ovum, is to eliminate 

 the vitalized product, the embryo. 



5. In the lowest sense of the term, the embryo is 

 alive ; that is, it is an organized acting form. But it 

 is so in the lowest sense only, since it holds no re- 

 lations whatever to the external world. It is not an 

 animal until it does. 



