Nuclear Somatization and Equal Cell Division 79 



count of the much greater modification which it would 

 then induce in the distribution of nervous energy already 

 existing, the doing of a large amount of work, an 

 amount which would require more energy than the quan- 

 tity present in each element. 



The centroepigenetic hypothesis of a single limited 

 zone containing the germinal substance, and the other 

 conception following upon it, that the germinal sub- 

 stance may consist of a number of different, material 

 particles, each representing one particular, specific, poten- 

 tial element brings up the question of nuclear somatiza- 

 tion. 



We postulate the existence of a central germinal zone 

 distinct from the soma. We must not forget neverthe- 

 less that all nuclei arise by division from the first, that 

 of the egg. If we also admit with the epigenesists a 

 qualitatively equal nuclear division, then the nuclei des- 

 tined to become somatic must at first be equivalent with 

 those destined to become the central zone of development. 

 In what way then is the nuclear somatization brought 

 about in the cells which later must constitute all the dif- 

 ferent tissues of the body? 



There presents itself at once the preliminary ques- 

 tion: Must we really admit this nuclear division to be 

 always qualitatively equal ? Or shall we rather hold with 

 the preformists that in addition to equal nuclear divi- 

 sions there may be also unequal divisions ? On this point 

 we believe we ought to agree unconditionally with the 

 epigenesists. 



There does not exist any observation which gives even 

 the slightest ground for the conclusion that there is a 

 qualitatively unequal division. "By the most thorough 

 study of the longitudinal division of the chromosomes," 





