1875.] The Question of Organic Evolution. 1Gg9 
either separate or aggregated into flakes. There were also 
a large number of monilated chains of various lengths, of a 
kind frequently met with in abscesses and other situations 
where pyzmia or low typhoid states of the system exist in 
the human subject. There where, in addition, a large number | 
of Torula corpuscles, as well as of brownish nucleated spore- 
like bodies, gradually increasing in size from mere specks, 
about I-30,oo0oth up to 1-2500th of an inch in diameter. 
Lastly, there was a small quantity of a mycelial Fungus 
filament, bearing short lateral branches, most of which were 
capped by a single spore-like body.” 
Here, therefore, both animal and vegetal organisms make 
their appearance. The second experiment is not less con- 
elusive :— 
‘‘ A strong infusion of common cress, to which a few of the 
leaves and stalks of the plant were added, was enclosed in 
a hermetically-sealed flask in the same way, heated in the 
digester at the same time (and therefore to the same tem- 
perature), and was subsequently exposed to the influence of 
the same conditions as already mentioned in conne¢tion 
with the last experiment. This flask was, however, opened 
one week later. Before breaking the neck of the flask, the 
inbending of the glass under the blowpipe flame showed 
that it was still hermetically sealed. The reaction of the 
fluid was distin@tly acid, though there was no notable 
odour. The fluid itself was tolerably clear and free from 
scum, but there was a dirty-looking flocculent at the bottom 
of the flask. On microscopical examination much altered 
chlorophyll existed, either dispersed or aggregated amongst 
the other granular matter of the sediment, and amongst 
this three minute and delicate Protam@be were seen, varying 
in form, and creeping with moderately rapid slug-like move- 
ments. In the same drop of fluid more than a dozen very 
active monads were seen, each provided with a long, 
rapidly-moving lash. There were also several unjointed 
Bacteria, presenting most rapid progressive movements. 
Many Torula corpuscles and other fungus spores also ex- 
isted, as well as portions of a mycelial filament, containing 
equal segments of colourless protoplasm within its thin in- 
vesting membrane.” 
We especially call attention to the following sequel :— 
‘* A drop of the fluid containing several of these active monads 
was placed for about five minutes on a glass slip in a water- 
oven, maintained at a temperature of 140° F. All the move- 
ments of the monads ceased from this time, and they never after- 
wards showed any signs of life.” 
VOL. V. (N.S.) 2¢ 
