Page:Microscopicial researchers - Theodor Schwann - English Translation - 1947.pdf/283

PHYTOGENESIS. 249 bably be classed more especially, in which we are, as yet at least, totally unacquainted with the cytoblasts, in consequence of their absolute minuteness and transparency; if we further bear in mind that the nucleolus in the cell-germ, even in the larger cytoblasts, frequently appears immeasurably small, or even entirely escapes the eye with the highest magnifying power; and, lastly, if we deduce from what has been previously stated, that nevertheless this granule, which can no longer be rendered perceptible, probably furnishes in the suitable medium a sufficing cause for the formation of a cytoblast which serves as an introduction to the whole formative process of the cells; then, indeed, we are forced to confess that the imagination obtains ample latitude for the explanation in every case of the generation of infusorial vegetable structure, even without the aid of a deus ex machina (the generatio spontanea). But my present object is to communicate only facts and their immediate consequences, and not to dream; I will therefore rather add a few more observations on the growth of the plant.

What is meant by to grow? is a question to which every child quickly replies, “when I am getting as big as father.’ There is truth in this answer, but not sufficient to satisfy science. Words have no value in themselves, but are like coin, merely tokens of a value not exhibited in species, in order to facilitate commerce. And to carry the simile further, insecurity in this intellectual property, and frequently bankruptcy results, if this coinage has not its unchangeable, accurately-determined standard; in a word, the utility of a scientific expression depends upon the accurate definition of the idea on which it is based. Unfortunately the perplexity of our social relations has caused us to forget entirely the original meaning of money, the sign has become to us the thing itself; may some good genius protect us from similar mistakes in our intellectual life. We must here be on our guard against two dangerous rocks: first, when we transfer words from one science to another, without first accurately testing whether they fit their new situation as respects all their accompanying significations also; and, secondly, when we voluntarily lose sight of the signification of a word consecrated by the spirit of the language and its historical development, and employ it without further cere-