Il8 H. H. NEWMAN. 



changes in the character of the nuclear elements has occurred 

 (Fig. 20), except that the chromosome threads are a little shorter 

 and thicker. 



As the follicle develops through stages 2, 3, and 4 we find 

 nuclear changes corresponding to those shown in Figs. 21, 22, 

 and 23, which are evidently to be interpreted as stages in the 

 separation of the closely fused diplotene threads into their com- 

 ponent halves. Occasionally the whole complex, as in Fig. 21, 

 is seen to be composed of elements distinctly double in character. 

 More frequently, however, the condition is less obvious, as in Figs. 

 21 and 22, where the double elements have opened up into V's 

 and rings, or occasionally have become precociously condensed 

 into chromsomes of tetrad-like structure. There is no change as 

 yet in the staining reactions of the nuclear components. 



In connection with follicular stages 5 and 6 we customarily find 

 in the nucleus of the ovocyte very marked shortening of the 

 chromosomes accompanied by an increasing vagueness and ir- 

 regularity of outline (Fig. 24). The diploid character of the 

 elements is pronounced. The chromatin is undergoing a chemical 

 change from a basic to an acid character, while the plasmosome 

 still retains its acid affinities. This change is shown clearly 

 when the neutral safranin and acid violet combination is used, 

 for the chromatin no longer stains violet but assumes a faint 

 pinkish hue from the safranin. Likewise, when toluidin blue 

 and acid fuchsin are employed the chromatin stains bluish instead 

 of bright red as formerly, indicating a change from basic to 

 acid character. Slender threads of linin connect the various 

 chromosome bodies. The chemical character of the plasmosome 

 is not altered. 



In follicular stages 7 and 8 the process of chromosome condensa- 

 tion has made considerable progress as is shown in Fig. 25. There 

 are very great individual differences in the degree of condensation 

 seen in the various units of the complex. Some of them have 

 attained a form practically like that seen just before spindle 

 formation, while others are still elongated and irregular. Linin 

 threads, usually double in character, still form numerous connec- 

 tions between the chromatin elements. Both chromosomes and 

 plasmosome at this stage take basic stains with about equal 



