BIOPLASM CAN BE SEEN IN PROCESS OF DIVISION. 123 



still enclosed in the greatly enlarged parent capsules." 

 Against this theory, I have endeavoured to prove 

 that the matrix or intercellular substance with the 

 membranous capsules of the cartilage cells is perfectly 

 passive, and possesses no such capacity of extending 

 itself. Like the cell- wall of a spore of mildew, to 

 which it corresponds, it does not possess either 

 moving or formative power. It has been produced ; 

 it has been formed ; but it cannot form. It may be 

 added to, but it cannot increase or build itself up out 

 of pabulum. It may be moved, but it cannot move 

 of itself. The outer capsule of the mildew, never 

 possesses inherent powers of growth. It is the 

 bioplasm which is alone concerned in the growth of 

 the plant. 94. So also in cartilage, the matrix 

 is passive. The bioplasm only possesses active power. 

 The septa do not extend themselves in, or grow in, but 

 the material of which they are composed results from 

 an alteration taking place upon the surface, that is in 

 the oldest part of the bioplasm. In the same manner, 

 the bioplasm when enclosed may divide, and produce 

 formed material on its surface. It is in this way 

 that the appearance of secondary and tertiary septa 

 results. 



1^5. The Bioplasm can be seen in process of divi- 

 sion. It is very surprising that Virchow's view 

 should still be entertained, because any one can so 

 easily demonstrate that the bioplasm always exists 

 before the formed material is produced, and that the 

 latter is never found without the former having been 

 present. In a specimen I possess (Prep. 12, Lect. 

 IV, p. 62), some masses of bioplasm are actually seen 

 in process of dividing. They have been stained with 

 carmine, and have been preserved while they were 

 undergoing the change in question. In one there is 

 a deep fissure, but in a neighbouring mass there is a 

 mere indentation on one side, indicating the spot at 

 which the division is about to occur. Any one who 



