The present study, contrary to accepted views, indicates that the "central bodies" of both sperm asters and cleavage amphiasters are only coagulation artifacts of ray substance at the astral center, appearing when coarse rays arise and disappearing when they fade. These facts are in harmony with central body phenomena in cytasters. Over 900 eggs, chosen at random, were studied. The central bodies and asters were measured and analyzed with reference to about 20 factors. All types were considered in arriving at conclusions. The method involves but the simplest quantitative principles as applied to cytological research. The present conclusion, that "central bodies" Echinarachnius eggs are coagulation artifacts, may apply to fertilization and mitosis (excluding gametogenesis) of other species.