Observations on Human Spermatozoa. By Dr. R. L. Maddox. 5 
adherence on the under surface of a stained granule of the accompany- 
ing secretion. 
I do not see there would be anything contrary biologically to the 
existence of such a nucleolus, but its rarity seems to militate against 
its real or general existence, and the histological evidence yet requires 
to be placed either with or against the optical conclusions. Further 
observations, under a variety of conditions, are needed to decide this 
point, unless others can furnish more satisfactory proof than is known 
to the writer. 
Unfortunately, 1 have not as yet been able to follow or confirm the 
description of the latest research on the structure of the human sper- 
matozoon, as furnished in the pages of the October No. of the ‘ Annales 
de Micrographie,’ by that careful observer, Mr. G. F. Dowdeswell. 
Briefly, my friend describes and figures a kind of calix, or very 
delicate envelope, which partially embraces the head. This is stated 
to be best seen while the organism is slowly moving, and very rarely 
in stained and dried preparations. The existence of such an envelope 
adds considerable interest to the general study of these delicate 
generative bodies. 
Since writing the above, Mr. Dowdeswell has kindly informed me 
that Dr. Heneage Gibbes considered the joint could always be pro- 
duced by treatment with alcohol ; yet, as aforestated, it is also to be 
found in some of the spermatozoa which have been treated in very 
different ways, and without alcohol. I suspect it is more or less 
indicative of greater maturity in the spermatozoon. Although the 
varied additional forms mentioned by Dr. E. Cutler, and noticed in 
a short paragraph in the Journal of the Society, vol. vi. p. 581, have 
not yet been seen, no doubt they can be found by further close examina- 
tion. I am quite willing to accept his suggestion that they may some- 
times cause teratological conditions in children. If “ fecundation be 
regarded as the union of the nuclear substance of the maternal and 
paternal individuals,” should there be a preponderance of the male 
element, must we not suppose it to carry some additional influence, 
whether towards heredity or teratology, which may evolve as a “ firm 
friend or a deadly foe.” Indeed, may not such a privileged power, 
fraught with a co-operative influence, originate in the resultant indi- 
vidual an exalted repetition of its own history, or give rise to such 
rejuvenescence as may restore what by misguidance may have been 
lost, or brought about by the disastrous storms of circumstance and 
faulty environment ? 
If tending to teratology only, perhaps some light might be thrown 
on the subject by a strict examination of the spermatozoa in those 
families where redundant parts recur through several generations. 
It is to be hoped further research in the study of spermatogenesis 
may not only lift it out of its bewildering nomenclature, but also 
bring to light much that is still hidden, and of the highest interest. 
