CHAPTER XVIII 



THE CELL AS A MICROBE 



THE cell, like everything else in the universe, 

 is a thing of Evolution. In its primal form it con- 

 sists of a minute particle of matter resembling 



jelly. 



At a second stage, within this particle, and 

 diffused through it, are exceedingly fine granules. 



At a third stage, the particle is surrounded by 

 a membranous covering, and at its center is de- 

 veloped a round kernel called the nucleus, which is 

 larger than the granules. 



At a later and final stage appear within the 

 nucleus certain tiny dots called nucleoli; also a 

 certain network consisting of fine threads va- 

 riously woven together. Because this network may 

 be stained with coloring matter it is called 

 chromatic. 



In Fig. 47 are represented all these steps in the 

 evolution of the cell; from the minute particle to 

 the full grown cell; with all its organs completely 

 developed. 



But the cell, thus complete, is so minute that no 

 unaided eye has ever seen it, or ever will see it. 

 Only a powerful microscope can reveal it. Yet it 

 possesses a wonderful twofold power. 



47 



