316 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [May, 



such a mixture occurs in the cells during absorption. I was unable 

 to get a precipitate of the true peptones, after the removal of albu- 

 moses by (NH4),S0<, even by the strongast fluids (HgCl,, Flem- 

 ming's fluid, 1 per cent, chromic acid), which also is in agreement 

 with Fischer. We may safely conclude that the large granules 

 above mentioned contain albumose, and as such they will be desig- 

 nated hereafter. '- 



The exact nature of the flnely granular substance, previously 

 mentioned as coming from the nucleus, may now be considered. 

 The very strong evidence that it is derived from the nucleus, and 

 the fact that it is associated with albumose granules in the cell, both 

 speak for a substance elaborated for the purpose of acting on the 

 food. Fig. 14, sixteen hours after feeding, from a fresh iutestine 

 stained fifteen minutes in dilute Bismarck-brown, shows masses of 

 granules about the nucleus. The appearance is strongly suggestive 

 of zymogen esis (see figs. 20 and 21). Granules are very often 

 seen about the nucleus in fresh intestines not previously stained, 

 such as in fig. 1 4, and are not therefore to be ascribed to the effect of 

 the fluid used. Since proteids can enter the cell only in the form 

 of solutions, we can scarcely suppose that we are dealing with any 

 stage of the food. If we may speak of the substance tentatively 

 as zymogen, what further evidence have we that it is destined for 

 ferment action ? When the lumen of the intestine contains secre- 

 tion from the hepatopancreas, as is always the case Avhen this body 

 appears in the cells in large quantity, it is difficult to be certain 

 whether or not these granules are poured out to mix with the secre- 

 tion. If the quantity in the cell is great it is sometimes found on the 

 luminal side; but the definite aggregations, which occur most often 

 near the nucleus, are not found here, nor does one ever see distinct 

 evidence of a streaming through the intima. Now, considering that 

 inter-alveolar substance, with which Ihis is to be classed, is capable 

 of being moved by the killing fluids, and that the penetration in the 

 cases mentioned is toward ihe lumen, it should be found on that 

 side in greater quantity if it is destined for action in the lumen. 

 Notwithstanding this evidence, however, and the further fact that, 

 although it is plainly different from the "liver" zymogen, no 

 secretion different from that of the " liver " can be distinguished 



'^ It will be understood, of course, that the granule is in reality a com- 

 pound of albumose with the precipitating fluid. 



