5 
On an Early Human Ovum. By G. E. Blenkins, F.R.C.S.E., 
Lecturer on Anatomy and Physiology. 
(Read June lOtb, 1857.) 
The interesting and instructive communication submitted 
to the Society at our last meeting by Dr. Arthur Farre^ de- 
scriptive of the appearance of an early human embryo, has 
suggested the following observations on another aborted 
human ovum^ within the first month after conception, which 
I have lately had the opportunity of examining. 
The most important points for our attention in such inves- 
tigations seem to be clearly to comprehend the nature and 
import of the several parts, as well as their mutual relations, 
and to note carefully the degree of evolution each part or 
organ has undergone, in order that we may be in possession 
of accurate information to guide us in our researches into the 
laws which regulate their development. 
Every one who has directed his attention to the subject 
will, I think, admit that our knowledge in this respect is still 
very obscure, and the opinions of observers are widely diffe- 
rent and very conflicting, clearly dependent on the paucity of 
observations which have been made on really healthy and 
normal human ova. Descriptive accounts of monstrous and 
distorted embryos, it is true, are numerous, but good descrip- 
tions and accurate delineations of those which we can rely 
upon as being in a healthy condition are rare. 
For the determination of the age of this ovum the usual data 
upon which we reckon for assistance in such inquiries, uncer- 
tain as these are, altogether fail me in this instance. I refer 
to the dates of the menstrual periods about the time when 
conception had occurred, or the periods when sexual intercourse 
had taken place. On these points I regret I am unable to 
obtain any satisfactory information ; I have had, therefore, 
to resort to a comparison with the most trustworthy examples 
which have been recorded by various authors who have written 
on the subject. In Wagner^ s ^ Physiology,^ an embryo and 
its membranes is represented and described, which the author 
considers to be the type of its period — about three weeks old. 
It presents a very great similitude in size, general appearance, 
and relative dimensions of the several parts to the one, a brief 
account of which I have now to bring before you. An in- 
spection of this specimen will convince you, I think, that it 
has the aspect of being in a healthy condition, and that its 
abortion was due to accidental causes, and not dependent on 
