Protozoan Natural History

Abstract

THE systematic study of the natural history of the Protozoa in past years has, in general, lagged far behind that of the higher groups of animals. In large part, no doubt, this has been due to technical difficulties of collection and examination, but it has resulted also from a delay in recognition of the fact that the same problems of species and of their geographical distribution which have stimulated and directed the detailed study of Metazoan natural history for so many years have equivalent applicability and interest among the Protozoa. The brilliant labours of Ehrenberg, however, who concerned himself largely with the local distribution of Protozoan forms, and the later work of Biitschli, have been increasingly fruitful. The conception by Biitschli of the “cosmopolitanism” of the Protozoa has been supported by the results of numerous workers in various countries and continents, and found its fullest sanction in the studies of Schewiakoff during his voyage round the world. Schewiakoff, indeed, by showing in how large a proportion the Protozoan species already well known in Europe were spread through other continents, opened the most attractive field for the study of the problem of species among the unicellular animals.

Faune Infusorienne des Eaux stagnantes des Environs de Genève.

Par Dr. Jean Roux, Assistant au Laboratoire de Zoologie de l'Université de Genève. Pp. 148; 8 plates. (Geneve: H. Kundig, 1901.)

Faune Rhizopodique dn Bassin du Léman.

Par Dr. Eugène Penard. Pp. 714. (Genève: H. Kundig, 1902.)