THE MARVEL OF GROWTH 1 17 



the same time he is making further experiments with his 

 own body. He begins to tumble about, perhaps learns that 

 it is possible to get from one place to another by rolling 

 or creeping, and slowly he discovers the possibility of loco- 

 motion, which you know by the end of the year will have so 

 far perfected itself that usually at twelve months the baby 

 can walk." 



Dr. Minot goes on to say that if conditions are favorable 

 during these early months, the later development of the child 

 will be greatly advanced. " In brief," he says, " I find myself 

 led to the hypothesis that the better health of the mothers 

 secures improved nourishment in the early stages of the off- 

 spring, and that the maternal vigor is at least one important 

 cause of the physical betterment of the children." 



This chapter on growth and the preceding chapter on 

 germ cells make it plain that the welfare of the cell itself is 

 of utmost importance to the individual that develops from 

 the cell. Imagine, then, what the result might be if some- 

 thing in the blood could reach germ cells and damage them 

 before they begin to multiply in growing. 



The next chapter gives facts instead of imaginings con- 

 cerning this very subject. 



