AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

Studies on the chromosome spiralization cycle in trillium.

by Arnold Hicks Sparrow




Institution: McGill University
Department: Department of Genetics.
Degree: PhD
Year: 1941
Keywords: Chromosomes.
Record ID: 1559543
Full text PDF: http://digitool.library.mcgill.ca/thesisfile129847.pdf


Abstract

Note: p. 68, 87 missing "Broadly speaking, the sum-total of the concepts involved in any material phenomenon is a constant (P); and if we simplify or diminish the complexity of the substance or matter units (M) reckoned with, we must correspondingly complicate or increase the behaviour factor (B). That is, since the phenomenon is a function of both M and B, we may write P = f(M,B) and any increase in the complexity of M involves a corresponding simplification in B, and vice versa." {Bridges (Alexander, 1928)} This formula no doubt applies to the concepts concerning any field of investigation at a given time. But, since M and B are both variables, it would seem from a survey of the literature over an extended period that P must necessarily be increasing. So it appears to most biologists interested in relating the problems of genetics with chromosome structure and behaviour. Not only to these people, at close range, does P appear to be increasing, but the rapid advances in the field of investigation are even attracting the attention of those not fundamentally interested in this branch of biology. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the not so long ago "upstart science" of genetics has begun to have important implications in other fields of endeavour, however secure the specialists in those fields may have considered themselves in their self-complacent isolationism. [...]