752 
MR. G. J. ROMANES ON THE LOCOMOTOR SYSTEM OE MEDUSHL 
applicable ; but this is a matter of no moment, as he leaves no doubt that the area in 
question is confined to what I may call the microscopical vicinity of the lithocyst. No 
doubt, therefore, the difference between our experimental results is to be attributed 
merely to the different manner in which we performed the operation of excising the 
lithocysts : for while conducting my experiments I supposed that the question which 
had to be settled was whether the spontaneity of the animal proceeded from the large 
“ crescent-shaped interruptions ” or from the very minute lithocysts ; and, accordingly, 
in removing the latter alone, I was careful to remove them well from their roots — thus, 
no doubt, disturbing the “ nerve-epithelium ” which Mr. Schafer has figured as occupy- 
ing the microscopical vicinity of the lithocysts. On the other hand, Dr. Eimer, in con- 
ducting his experiments, must have had a completely different question in view, and 
therefore, in excising the lithocysts, he no doubt took scrupulous care to remove them 
well above their roots, so leaving the “ nerve-epithelium ” intact. Thus our apparent 
want of agreement on this point is shown to have arisen merely from a want of under- 
standing with regard to the term “ contractile zone.” 
It only remains for me to express my sincere satisfaction that the few and compara- 
tively immaterial points with regard to which Prof. Eimer and myself were not pre- 
viously quite agreed are thus so completely disposed of, and hence that in all respects 
our published results, in so far as they are common, are now in full accord. 
G. J. R. 
