OUTLOOK. 685 



According to this conception, every body-cell must be able to form anti- 

 toxines, although such an assumption is not absolutely necessary. We 

 can also imagine that individual cell-complexes possess the ability of pro- 

 ducing toxines; in fact, there seems to be evidence of a selective action 

 within certain limits. The whole subject of the formation of antitoxines 

 is analogous to that of the general process of metabolism. We can 

 easily imagine that the cell-metabolism is so altered by the introduction 

 of toxines that an over-production of side-chains results. This assumption 

 only serves as an assistant hypothesis, which is to act as a prop to the main 

 idea which is likewise hypothetical in its nature. It is entirely possible 

 that the idea of such an enlarged production of atomic groups, and their 

 expulsion beyond the influence of the cell, is not at all necessary. We 

 must call attention to a process which we have already discussed in 

 detail. We have repeatedly remarked how from the carbon dioxide of 

 the air products of entirely different properties are formed as soon as it 

 comes in contact with the plant cells containing chlorophyll. They are in 

 the first place optically active, and contain in their composition hydrogen 

 as well as carbon and oxygen. We are accustomed to assume that the 

 first product formed is a carbohydrate, although this belief has no sub- 

 stantial foundation. Other compounds, as well as carbohydrates, might 

 be formed just as easily. Why is an optically active, very specifically 

 constituted substance, formed from carbon dioxide and water? We are 

 unable to answer this question. We must assume that this phenomenon 

 is mainly dependent on the composition of the protoplasm of the chromo- 

 phyll-containing cells. This is, itself, asymmetrically constituted, and can 

 consequently only produce asymmetric compounds. When we consider 

 the question why the cells of the stomach only deliver pepsin or hydro- 

 chloric acid, and those of the pancreas likewise give a very specific 

 secretion, we must answer that in this case also the constitution of the 

 cells is the fundamental cause of the individual functions. Every body- 

 cell evidently endeavors to maintain its composition, for its permanency 

 guarantees that its function remains the same and that there is a normal 

 progress of its metabolism. The whole organization of the animal body 

 is so adjusted that the cells shall maintain their specific composition. This 

 is already evident from our consideration of the subject of digestion. We 

 do not in the least doubt that every individual body-cell continually forms 

 a definite secretion, thus participating in the general metabolism. But 

 the same food is being normally presented to the cells by the blood. 

 If a foreign substance passes beyond the intestine, manifold assistance is 

 offered as quickly as possible all over the organism to forestall any damage. 

 The liver, especially, guarantees the constant composition of the blood. 

 It captures material, unites it with other products, etc. If its functions 

 are not sufficient, other organs come to assist, while the different glands 



