234 THE BEGINNINGS OF LIFE. 



4. Living matter being already in existence, it may 



after a time undergo a thorough molecular re- 

 arrangement whereby it acquires fresh powers 

 and an increased vitality, fitting it for inde- 

 pendent existence. By this process for which 

 we propose the name Biocsenosis * the spore is 

 produced in (Edogomum and other algae, and 

 also, after 'conjugation,' in Palmogl<ea and the 

 Zygnemeacete* 1 . 



5. Lastly, in the midst of already existing living 



matter (in the form of cell or plastide) there 

 may arise a new centre of growth and life, which 

 may subsequently lead an independent existence. 

 Such is the mode of origin of the embryo in all 

 Phanerogamia, of the majority of spermatozoa, 

 and possibly of the ova in Birds and Mammals ; 

 also of nuclei in many plastides, which may 

 outlive the latter and subsequently lead an inde- 

 pendent existence. These processes we propose 

 to include under the name Bioparadosis 3 . 



1 From #tos, ' life,' and rcaivuats, ' renewal.' 



* These are some of the phenomena spoken of by Alexander Braun 

 under the name 'Rejuvenescence' (Verjiingung). 



3 From 0ios, ' life,' and impaScaffts, ' transmission.' The phrase ' free 

 cell formation,' as used by older writers, includes these endogenous 

 processes, and also that which we designate Archebiosis. There is, 

 moreover, a certain resemblance between Arcbebiosis and Bioparadosis. 

 In the one case a centre of Life is initiated in the midst of mere 

 organizable matter, whilst in the other it is initiated in an equally 

 mysterious way in the midst of already existing living matter. The 



