

PROTOPLASMIC CURRENTS AND VITAL FORCE. 
BY PROF. NE lis HERRERA, M. Me A. % 
1 have lately stated that some currents of granules may lead to the 
formation of a pseudopodium in my synthetic protoplasm observed un- 
der the microscope.' What occurs is an exact imitation of the natural 
phenomenon. The internal energy of the said currents expends itself . 
in external movements. The fluid loaded with granulations strikes, as 
it were, a blow as it dashes against the endosarc, or the limiting mem- 
brane of the protoplasm, and pushes it outwards. 
But these currents play a more important part; they induce, indeed, 
the following processes: — . 
1st. Renovation of the surfaces of contact between the oxidisable 
parts and the external oxygen. More effective elimination of carbon 
dioxide.* 
2nd. Conveyance of the nutritive particles and residues. Nutrition 
of the masses of alveolar protoplasm, wich fulfil the functions of 
elands, etc., according to principles of Van't Hoff, Becquerel* and 
Loeb. Circulation of the reserves and circulation in the zymoses. 
3rd. Deposition of certain materials and separation of some others 
1 Natural Science, August 1898; Bull. Soc. Zool. France, 1898, p.119; American Na- 
turalist, December 1898, 
2 See A. L. Herrera and D. Vergara Lope, “New Theory of Respiration.” Con- 
gress at Moscow, 1898. 
3 Becquerel, “Les forces électro-capillaires dans les pnénoménes de nutrition.” 
Comptes rendus Acad. Sci. Paris, 16 Févrler 1875. 
