CELLULAR TISSUE. 25 



Section V. 



Of the Origin of the Cellules. 



The origin of 'the cellules, like all which relates to 

 the origin of organized beings, is a problem absolutely 

 impossible to be solved in the present state of our know- 

 ledge. Two opinions on this subject have been put 

 forth by naturalists. Treviranus appears disposed to 

 think that the amylaceous granules which are found 

 in the cellules are the rudiments of new cellules, which, 

 being developed, tend to increase the mass of the tissue. 

 It seems that Raspail has adopted this opinion, from 

 the manner in which he considers the fecula of the 

 GramincEe. 



Kieser thinks, on the contrary, that the globules 

 which are found s^vimming in the juices of the inter- 

 cellular canals are the rudiments of young cellules, 

 which, deposited here and there in their route, tend to 

 increase the mass of the tissue. 



Without affirming any thing on a subject so obscure, 

 I am, for the present, more disposed to admit this last 

 opinion ; because the first supposes, either that the 

 amylaceous granules come out of the cellules, which 

 seems inconsistent with the absence of any visible pore ; 

 or that they break, in their development, the cellules 

 whence they have taken their origin, which point has 

 never been seen to take place. Finally : I only advert 

 to these opinions as curious points of meditation; and 

 I am cautious in taking up any decided opinion upon 

 subjects so difficult. 



