Nuclear Somatization and Equal Cell Division 79 
count of the much greater modification which it would 
then induce in the distribution of nervous energy already 
existing, the doing of a large amount of work,—an 
amount which would require more energy than the quan- 
tity present in each element. 
The centroepigenetic hypothesis of a single limited 
zone containing the germinal substance, and the other 
conception following upon it, that the germinal sub- 
stance may consist of a number of different, material 
particles, each representing one particular, specific, poten- 
tial element brings up the question of nuclear somatiza- 
tion. 
We postulate the existence of a central germinal zone 
distinct from the soma. We must not forget neverthe- 
less that all nuclei arise by division from the first, that 
of the egg. If we also admit with the epigenesists a 
qualitatively equal nuclear division, then the nuclei des- 
tined to become somatic must at first be equivalent with 
those destined to become the central zone of development. 
In what way then is the nuclear somatization brought 
about in the cells which later must constitute all the dif- 
ferent tissues of the body? 
There presents itself at once the preliminary ques- 
tion: Must we really admit this nuclear division to be 
always qualitatively equal? Or shall we rather hold with 
the preformists that in addition to equal nuclear divi- 
sions there may be also unequal divisions? On this point 
we believe we ought to agree unconditionally with the 
epigenesists. 
There does not exist any observation which gives even 
the slightest ground for the conclusion that there is a 
qualitatively unequal division. “By the most thorough 
study of the longitudinal division of the chromosomes,” 
