CURRENT LITERATURE 
BOOK REVIEWS 
Fertilization 
The problem of fertilization has been studied chiefly by morphologists, 
who have limited themselves rather strictly to the structures concerned, an 
consequently a book by a prominent investigator, dealing primarily with the 
physiological aspects of the case, cannot fail to be interesting and helpful. 
ile the physiological standpoint is everywhere in evidence, the morphology 
is fairly presented, and the general conclusions, based upon both physiology 
and morphology, are suggestive. 
Fortunately, NEmEc does not confine himself to fertilization as usually 
defined, but devotes a large share of his attention to nuclear and cell phenomena 
“is vegetative tissues, where he believes such phenomena may be of value in 
Interpreting the process of fertilization. In this connection he discusses mul- 
tinucleate cells, fusions in such cells, karyomere-formation, and the effect of 
a oral hydrate and chloroform upon cells and nuclei. Some attention is 
Siven to the behavior of nuclei in wound tissue, and to the influence of plas- 
molysis upon nuclear and cell division. Interesting chapters deal with the 
development of the chromosome and reconstruction of the nucleus, and with 
the influence of external factors upon the form of the chromosome. There 
is also a chapter upon the microchemistry of the nucleus and mitotic figure. 
These are the Principal features of the first, or special part of the book. 
The second, or general part, may seem to cover the whole field of cytology, 
but a glance at the chapter headings shows that the wide range of matter is 
Pertinent and emphasizes the breadth of the subject. The headings are: 
the persistence and individuality of the chromosome; the relation between 
the size of nuclei and cells; the position of the nucleus; vegetative and sexual 
nuclear fusions; the reduction of chromosomes; the significance of chromo- 
Some numbers in alternation of generations; the nucleus as the bearer of 
hereditary characters; the nature of fertilization; and the individuality of the 
cell in the tissue. 
Space would hardly permit a discussion of all these fundamental problems, 
but a mere Statement of NEMmEc’s position may be of interest. He believes 
that the hypothesis of the individuality of the chromosome offers the best 
explanation of the known facts, and suggests that the individuality may yet 
be demonstrated, perhaps by microchemical methods... Further, the number 
etna 
‘NEmec, B., Das Problem der Befruchtungsvorgange und andere cytologische 
Fragen. 8vo. PP. 532. pls. 5. figs. 119. Berlin: Gebriider Borntraeger. 1910. M20. 
393 
