254 



Human Physiology. 





Fig. 61. EVOLUTION OF 

 SPERMATOZOA. 



Floating in a liquid are minute cells, in which other cells, 01 



corpuscles may be discovered, and 

 in these are formed, as shown in 

 Fig. 6 1, bundles of spermatozoa, 

 curiously shaped living cells, 1-600 

 to i -800 of a line in length, each 

 one of which is furnished with a 

 single cilium, or long slender tail, 

 which propels it with a constant 

 vibrative motion, as if it were a 



living animalcule. This spermatozoon is believed to be the 

 true agent of fertilisation, corresponding to the pollen grain of 

 the flower. It has been discovered in the womb, in the Fallo- 

 pian tubes, and in contact with the germ just leaving the ovary. 

 There can be little doubt that the cells, furnished with long 

 propellers, as shown in Fig. 62, carry in them the male prin- 

 ciple which gives to the female germ all 

 that makes the child resemble its father, 

 all that it inherits from him of bodily 

 form, features, complexion, temperament, 

 constitution, mental power, and moral 

 character health, disease, idiosyncrasy ; 

 that which may make his happiness or 

 misery in this life and who can say how 

 much als in the life to come? 



The germs of human, as of all life, are 

 produced in immense numbers. Even in 

 childhood imperfect germs are formed and 

 discharged, and conception may take 

 place before menstruation begins. Idle- 

 ness, luxury, the use of rich, highly sea 

 soned food, condiments, and stimulants 



Fig. 62. HUMAN 

 SPERMATOZOA.* 



* These are magnified from nine hundred to one thousand diameter* 

 Spermatozoon presenting the flat surface. b. One viewed in profile 



