THE MECHANISM OF LIFE 563 



of the mechanism of amceboid protoplasmic motion. Starting 

 from the spherical form of the amoeboid cell, the surface-tension 

 would be locally diminished at any desired point of the periphery 

 by the introduction of oxygen into the biogen-molecule ; the 

 protoplasm would be bulged out ; and snice new biogen-molecules 

 would thus constantly come into contact with the oxygen of the 



Fig. 269.-Various forms assumed by oil-drops in an alkaline liquid. 



surrounding medium, a longer or shorter pseudopodium according 

 to the peculiar character of the protoplasm, would form. The 

 phase of expansion would thus be mechanica ly explained By the 

 introduction of oxygen the biogen-molecules would then have 

 reached the maximum of their labile constitution. They would 

 then become decomposed, to a certain extent spontaneously, but 

 more through the action of stimuli that excite dissimilation. 



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