Page:The Physiology of the Ascent of Sap.djvu/10

vi of these is brought about by the movement of sap, and the second by the excitatory nervous impulse. They give rise to two reflexes at a distance, the hydraulic reflex being antagonistic to the nervous reflex. There are, no doubt, many such reflexes corresponding to the various modes of stimulation. The complexity of the life-movements is, in fact, the expression of the combined effects of concordant and antagonistic reflexes.

The ascertained facts justify the important generalisation of the unity of the physiological mechanism in plants and animals. Further investigation of the simpler life of plants may therefore be expected to lead to the solution of many intricate problems in animal life.

It affords me much gratification to associate this work with the ‘Cossimbazar Endowment,’ founded for my Institute by the enlightened interest taken by the Maharajah Sir Manindra Chandra Nandy, K.C.S.I., of Cossimbazar, in the advancement of research.

I also take this opportunity of acknowledging the very efficient help which has been rendered to me by my research-assistants and scholars. J. C. BOSE.
 * January, 1922.