Centenary of the Cell Theory

Abstract

THE centenary of the cell theory is marked by an article from the pen of Prof. William Seifriz, professor of botany in the University of Pennsylvania, in the recent issue of Chronica Botanica (4, No. 6, December 1938). The original theory as propounded by Schleiden and Schwann was faulty; but the immediate theory was, like many other theories, of far less value than the truths which it has been instrumental in ultimately bringing to light. The authors advanced the theory that all organisms are aggregations of structural units or cells; but in his cautiously worded article Prof. Seifriz warns biologists that disciples of the theory tend to attach far more meaning to this than perhaps even its originators intended. The theory established a universal principle of development in living matter; to follow the principle slavishly, in the light of modern knowledge, is wrong; but there is, according to Prof. Seifriz, a tendency to do so. Many biologists seem averse to remoulding their speculations with the advancement of knowledge. Another weakness in the theory is that the cell is viewed as an elementary individual with an autonomy all its own. But this conception is very limited, since the cell is invariably influenced by its environment, such as solutions, temperature, and even the proximity of other cells. That is, the cell is far more plastic than the cell theory would allow. As Prof. Seifriz emphasizes: “The laws of science as formulated by man are to be commended, even the worst of them, because of the influence they have on further speculation, but they are at best but speculations. … In this light must we view the cell theory. Flexibility in thinking comes through mellowness in character and greater willingness to view matters philosophically.”