Serious Stumbling Blocks

Abstract

McAlpine’s experience in the mid 1870s in Huxley’s laboratory dissecting specimens then illustrating and labelling what he found combined with his subsequent study of the literature and a wide range of biological specimens equipped him to make detailed studies of the anatomy of pome fruit. It is evident that prior to committing himself to the bitter pit investigation he began familiarising himself with the anatomy of apples pears (Figs. 10.2, 10.3) and quinces (McAlpine 1912d). As he applied himself to defining the morbid anatomy of bitter pitted fruit, he drew heavily on the information gleaned during 1910 and 1911 (Figs. 11.1 and 11.2). Transverse median section of apples (Fig. 11.1) show the ten vascular bundles positioned around the carpels from which branches radiate out towards the surface of the fruit as well as producing vascular traces supplying the developing seed. Another aspect of the system is demonstrated in the longitudinal median sections and the exposed vascular system left by the dissolution of the flesh (Fig. 11.2). It was through these examinations that he saw that the initiation of the pits was death of parenchyma cells surrounding vein endings. This confirmed other findings and supported propositions about the cause of bitter pit. It also provided Professor Ewart with a basis to accuse him of plagiarism!