Germinal
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The article explains the concept of germinal (from Latin germen - bud, shoot, embryo) as literally embryonic. It discusses germinal plasma (idioplasm) according to Nägeli, which is contained in every cell and supposedly has the ability to reproduce parental qualities. It also covers Weismann's distinction between germinal plasma of sex cells and somatic idioplasm, as well as germinal transmission of properties through generative cells.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Germinal (from Latin germen - bud, shoot, embryo), literally embryonic. Germinal plasma, otherwise idioplasm, according to Nägeli, is contained in every cell of an organism, and allegedly possesses the ability to reproduce the qualities of parents, in contrast to nutritive plasma, which specifically deals with phenomena of nutrition. Weismann separated germinal plasma, or germinal idioplasm of sex cells, from bodily, somatic idioplasm. According to Weismann, the properties of the entire organism are potentially laid down only in the plasma of the first kind. Germinal transmission, or the transmission of any properties by the germinal method, is the transmission from ancestors to offspring through generative cells - the egg and sperm. In particular, one speaks of germinal infection in cases where there is reason to assume the transmission of contagion through the sex cells.
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“Germinal.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/germinal/