A Criticism of the Cell-Theory; being an Answer to Mr. Sedgwick's ...

A CRITICISM OF THE OELL-THEORT. 167
Continuous cells, whose protoplasm is fused but whose
nuclei are separate, e.g. Myxomycetes, Cceloblastae,
Opaliua.
Conjunct cells, those which having a protoplasmic body
of definite outline are united inter se by fine bonds of protoplasm,
e. g. vegetable tissue cells, epithelial cells of many
animals; meseuchyme cells, &c.
Experience shows us that independent cells may, in process
of growth, give rise to coherent cells, continuous cells, conjunct
cells, or to all three together, and that coherent, continuous,
or conjunct cells may, and in fact do, give rise to
independent cells. As thus stated, can there be a better
illustration of von Sachs's principle that cell-formation is an
accompaniment of growth ?
It will be observed that, in adhering to the present terminology,
I am obliged to classify organisms usually (though not
always) called unicellular as multicellular. I have tried to
escape from this necessity, but the limitations of language
compel me to it. I should be grateful for a better and more
logical definition.
The view of Mr. Sedgwick—if I do not misrepresent him—
is this, that there are no coherent cells; that all which I have
classified as continuous and conjunct cells are not cells, but
tracts of protoplasm; that the only cell, sensu stricto, is
the independent cell, and that morphologically and physiologically
it is of no consequence.
I have already shown that there are cells which we must
regard as coherent. I cannot, for reasons which I will explain
directly, consider the independent cell of no consequence, and
the difference between us as to conjunct cells is simply this ;
Are they to be regarded as one or many ? I can, perhaps, best
express this difference by an illustration.
Is a house to be regarded as one room or composed of
separate rooms ? A room is a certain portion of space enclosed
by walls, ceiling, and floor; but it is also in connection, by
means of the door, with other similar rooms. Is it, then, not
a separate room, but part of a larger room ? Or if I shut the