132 THE EVOLUTION OF SEX. 



Since the reproductive organs are simply, as every morphologist 

 knows, shortened branch-structures, we should predict that the 

 cell from the segmentation of which the antheridium is derived 

 must correspond in position to a nodal and katabolic cell {i.e., 

 be based upon an internode), while the corresponding essentially 

 female cell or ovum must be internodal or apical in origin {i.e., 

 based upon a node, and this relatively more anabolic). It is 

 therefore not a little noteworthy that an examination, alike of 

 classical figures and fresh specimens, will show that this imper- 

 fect homology, but perfect physiological correspondence, is 

 invariably the fact (see figure). 



§ 7. Conclusion.- — In conclusion, in defiance of Dr Minot's 

 recent dictum, that "such speculation passes far beyond the 

 present possibilities of science," we believe that the consideration 

 {a) of the characteristics of the sex-elements, alike in history, as 

 Minot himself emphasises, and in their finished form, {b) of 

 the incipient sex dimorphism seen among the simplest plants 

 and animals, {c) of phenomena, both normal and pathological, 

 in the sexual tissues and organs, {d) of the established facts 

 in regard to the determination of sex (chap. 4), and (6') of the 

 structural and functional, primary and secondary characteristics 

 of the sexes (chap. 2 and passim), — all lead to the general con- 

 clusion, that the female is the outcome and expression of pre- 

 ponderant anabolism, and in contrast the male of predominant 

 katabolism. Further corroborations will gradually appear in 

 the succeeding sections, as we discuss fertilisation, partheno- 

 genesis, or special facts like menstruation and lactation. The 

 whole thesis may be once more summed up diagrammatically. 



SUM OF FUNCTIONS. 



Anabolism. Katabolism. Female. JNIale. 



In this way we see, with reference to the three speculations 



