[Vol. 2, 1915] 



252 ANNALS OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN 



That protein bodies are not primarily affected by alcohol 

 and other narcotics seems to be sufficiently proved by the fact 

 that ethyl alcohol coagulates protein solution at a concentra- 

 tion not lower than 5 mols, and that while the higher alcohols 

 show fatal effects on living cells, they do not produce any 



protein coagulation. 



So we are brought, I think, by several facts to the conclu- 

 sion that living protoplasm must be considered as a colloidal 

 emulsion of lipoids in hydrocolloidal media, the latter con- 

 taining proteins and mineral salts. For the endosmotic pas- 

 sage of dissolved substances the fatty constituents of proto- 

 plasm have no significance. The narcosis, however, and the 

 deleterious effects of alcohols clearly show how lipoids, more 

 than the protein constituents of the surface layer of proto- 

 plasm, participate in such phenomena. The more we advance 

 in the disclosure of the details regarding colloidal mixtures 

 and structures in living protoplasm, the more indispensable it 

 is to be reserved when applying the new results to the var- 

 ious problems to which an approach is so tempting to the 



physiologist. 



Many may feel inclined to be disappointed when they ob- 

 serve how much time and mental energy are needed to study 

 only so small a question as that about the presence of fat in 

 protoplasm. But now after some years' work on this sub- 

 ject it may be seen how important a part is to be attributed 

 even to the combination of mineral salts contained in the 

 plasma colloids. And so we may hope that in the progress 

 of research new and unexpected paths may become visible and 

 open to the indefatigable investigator. Further, we shall not 

 be discouraged if when after long and patient work some 

 results and ideas are won which subsequently are proved 

 untenable. We are all common soldiers in the great battle for 

 truth in science, and we know that few will attain the happi- 

 ness of planting the flag of victory upon the battlements of 

 the conquered fortress. 



