great, no difficulty too repellent for his ardour." [2] By Prof. Hertwig of Munich. * * * * * It is, I think, desirable to assure the reader of this book that the actual state of knowledge in regard to various subjects discussed in the _Life_ at the time when they were made the subjects of study by Metchnikoff is fairly and correctly sketched, and the growth and development of his views and original discoveries are correctly given. But it must be remembered that this _Life_ is not a critical discussion of the steps by which our knowledge of cell-layers, of intracellular digestion, and other factors contributory to Metchnikoff's doctrine of Phagocytosis and its outcomes were reached. Others played an important if a subsidiary part in building up that knowledge. What we have here is an account of the growth of Metchnikoff's own observations and theoretical inferences, which were so independent, and founded on such decisive original observations, as to make him a solitary figure contending, and successfully contending, during the best years of his lifetime for the recognition of a great generalisation for long opposed by most of the medical and physiological authorities of the time, and finally established by his lifelong researches and those of his faithful pupils and coadjutors. The recognition of the validity of _the doctrine of phagocytosis_ in relation to wounds, disease, immunity, and normal healthy life is the triumphant result of the scientific insight and boundless energy of Elie Metchnikoff. E. RAY LANKESTER. CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE v INTRODUCTION xxi CHAPTER I 1845. Panassovka--Metchnikoff's parents--Country life in Little Russia 1 CHAPTER II Metchnikoff's brothers and sister--Childish characteristics 8 CHAPTER III 1850. Journey to Slaviansk--The coach attacked by peasants 12 CHAPTER IV 1851. Departure for Kharkoff--Town life 16 CHAPTER V 1853-1856. Leo Metchnikoff's illness--Private tutors-- Botanical studies--A memorable birthday 19 CHAPTER VI Ancestors of the Metchnikoff family--The great "Spatar"--Leo Nevahovitch 23 CHAPTER VII