Translation from Hering 77 



entirely different place. Many mystical theories have been 

 propounded for the elucidation of this question, but the 

 following reflections may serve to bring the cause nearer 

 to the comprehension of the physiologist. 



The nerve substance, in spite of its thousandfold sub- 

 division as cells and fibres, forms, nevertheless, a united 

 whole, which is present directly in all organs — nay, as 

 more recent histology conjectures, in each cell of the more 

 important organs — or is at least in ready communication 

 with them by means of the living, irritable, and therefore 

 highly conductive substance of other cells. Through the 

 connection thus established all organs find themselves 

 in such a condition of more or less mutual interdependence 

 "upon one another, that events which happen to one are 

 repeated in others, and a notification, however slight, 

 of a vibration set up^ in one quarter is at once conveyed 

 even to the farthest parts of the body. With this easy 

 and rapid intercourse between all parts is associated the 

 more difficult communication that goes on by way of 

 the circulation of sap or blood. 



We see, further, that the process of the development 

 of all germs that are marked out for independent existence 

 causes a powerful reaction, even from the very beginning 

 of that existence, on both the conscious and unconscious 

 life of the whole organism. We may see this from the fact 

 that the organ of reproduction stands in closer and more 

 important relation to the remaining parts, and especially 

 to the nervous system, than do the other organs ; and, 

 inversely, that both the perceived and unperceived events 

 affecting the whole organism find a more marked response 

 in the reproductive system than elsewhere. 



We can now see with sufficient plainness in what the 

 material connection is established between the acquired 



' It is from such passages as this, and those that follow on the 

 next few pages, that I collect the impression of Professor Bering's 

 meaning which I have endeavoured to convey in the preceding 

 chapter. 



