Reviews and Records in Anatomy and Physiology. 393 
Arr. XLIII.—Reviews and Records in Anatomy and Physi- 
ology ; by Waxpo I. Burnett. 
I. (1.) Theorie der Befructhung und iiber die Rolle, welche die Sper- 
matozdiden dabei spielen; von Dr. Ta. Lupw. WitHELM Biscuorr, 
—in Miller’s Arch. 1847. p. 422-443. 
(2.) On the rato gnation of the Ovum in the Amphibia, and the direct 
agency of the Spermatozoon ; (1st Series.) ies pee Transactions, 
1851, p. 169 ; “2nd Series revised. ) Pro mote Royal Society, June 
17, 1852 ; by GEorce Newrort, F.R.S., &., &c. 
(3.) De Spermatozoorum peep in ovula. Aditomenta ad , nae 
giam Generationis. e Gottn. Aue. Fer &ec. Ac- 
cedunt Ixxxi figurae eee textui Aa ag in Iv Tabulas 
collecte. 4to, pp. 118. Regiomonti Prussorum, MpcccLul. 
Wirth every inquiring mind there is a deep interest connected 
with the development of animal life. ‘To watch the origin and 
rise of new forms, to trace the successive phases through which 
they pass, as the ideas on which they are based become more and 
more definitely expressed, until finally the perfect animal is 
produced,—these have been avorite studies from the earliest 
times with some of the most genial minds, and over which they 
were accustomed to dwell with increasing delight. But more in- 
teresting still, because more wonderful, is the study of those neces- 
sary —: ~s all individual development—the mysterious 
conditions of fecundation. ‘To observe, after nature has prepare 
the material, few ae puts up a new structure and to trace the 
adaptive idea in the laying of each part, require un opportunity 
united with careful diligence and patience. But to lift the veil 
beneath which lie hidden the more than mysterious relations of 
individuality, this is to tread on the confines which separate the 
material from the immaterial world. 
There is no question in physiology so difficult and at the same 
time so interesting as—How is a new individuality started by 
the conjugation of the sexes; and whibiio so little could be ob- 
served, there has been more scope for speculation. 
In modern times, however, with certainly better Risresie m if 
not better eet He ah we have looked for less ore 
limitation of that which can be perceived by the senses, is the 
real confine between the known and the unknown in physical 
science. . 
We have selected the above-cited works, because they comprise 
some of the most important’ recent contributions upon a subject 
we here propose to take up in asomewhat discursive manner. As 
it would be profitless to notice the —_ of those numerous men, 
Srconp Seriss, Vol. XVI, No. 48.—Nov., 1 50 
