484 THE BEGINNINGS OF LIFE. 



not wholly die. According to Dr. Gros, they may 

 resolve themselves, by what he very aptly termed a 

 process of c pangenesis,' into different lower forms of 

 life l . Previously to undergoing these transformations 

 they contract into a ball-like form, whilst their ali- 

 mentary canal, glands, and all other internal parts 

 undergo a new molecular elaboration and rearrange- 

 ment, followed by a process of segmentation, whereby 

 the altered and rejuvenized substance is converted into 

 independent masses of living matter capable of passing 

 on to new and varied forms of life. As a result of this 

 process, according to Dr. Gros 2 , comparatively large and 

 more or less spheroidal masses of protoplasm (Amoebae) 

 may be seen making their way through the integument 

 of the dead Rotifer ; though at other times the masses 

 assume different forms whilst still within the old in- 

 tegument. But in either case some of the individual- 

 ized and amoeboid bodies assume the form of large 

 specimens of Actinophrys, whilst others may become 

 converted into specimens of Peranema. The Actino- 

 phrys is generally represented most abundantly, and 

 sometimes such forms exist without any admixture with 

 Peranemata. On other occasions, though much more 

 rarely, all the individualizing masses may take on the 

 form of Peranemata. 



The Peranemata are colourless, flagellated organ - 



1 See pp. 382 and 393, for observations on the same subject by 

 M. Nicolet and Mr. Carter. 



2 Loc. cit., pp. 430-433 ; PI. M, figs. I, 2. 



