An extremely valuable & interesting paper on Cell-life was read by Mr. J. W. Smith, L.R.C.P.

Mr. Smith first defined what it meant by a cell & incidentally referred to the Genesis of cells. Taking the Amoeba at the most convenient and typical representative of the cell, its actions were described – (1) It exhibits movement (2) it receives & digests food, (3) is sensitive & volitional & (4) is reproductive. These qualities are the common endowments of all cells wherever found, & may be taken as representing all the ordinary manifestations of vitality as seen in the higher animals.

In single celled organisms there is no advance in function, this only occurring when by mutual association a division of labour is brought about. Sponges & Foraminifera present all associations containing units banded together for obtaining food chiefly. A great advance is seen in the higher animals which may be regarded as cell communities in which certain cells are set apart to perform certain functions.

Mr. Smith traced the ever-increasing purpose which seems to run from the lowest to the highest member of the animal kingdom & remarked that in the Infusoria we see the greatest perfection attainable by the simple cell as an isolated individual. The common Hydra was given as presenting one of the most rudimentary instances of purposive cell federation; following the scale upwards carious examples were noted & described. In conclusion, Mr. Smith said that the same principles held good in respect to the vegetable kingdom.