it seems to me), that the whole method of explanation is unnecessary. Just as the supposed ãhauling upã of the protoplasmic festoons is at once explained by capillary phenomena, so also, in all probability, is the position and arrangement of the little elongated bodies. Whatever the actual nature of these bodies may be, whether they are truly portions of differentiated protoplasm, or whether they are foreign bodies or spicular structures (as bodies occupying a similar position in other cases undoubtedly are), we can explain their situation on the surface {463} of the protoplasm, and their arrangement around the radial spicules, all on the principles of surface-tensionÿ£¢71.
This last case is not of the simplest; and I do not forget that my explanation of it, which is wholly theoretical, implies a doubt of Schewiakoffãs statements, which are founded on direct personal observation. This I am none too willing to do; but whether it be justly done in this case or not, I hold that it is in principle justifiable to look with great suspicion upon a number of kindred statements where it is obvious that the observer has left out of account the purely physical aspect of the phenomenon, and all the opportunities of simple explanation which the consideration of that