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intragemmale Nervenendigung, the ultimate fibrils of which 
pass between the cells forming the framework of the bulb and communicate 
with the exterior. The existence of reticulated, interlacing nerve 
filaments within the bulb similar to, if not identical with those ob- 
served by RETZIUS, was pointed out by the present writer some years 
ago, and was briefly noted by him in the “Journal of Anatomy” 1889, 
vol. XXIII, p. 573. The passage alluded to reads as follows: ,,A third 
element which enters into the construction of a taste-bulb is an 
intercalary network composed of very delicate filaments, through the 
meshes of which the sensory cells pass. Whether this intrabulbous 
network springs from the intra-epithelial or subepithelial plexus I was 
unable to determine, though I am inclined to believe that it is derived 
from the latter.” This arrangement of the nerves of the bulb (which 
was detected without the aid of Gonai’s method) was first observed 
in human embryos, and it has since been verified in various mammals. 
It is quite possible that the use of the term „network“ here is mis- 
leading, though, to say the least, this is still an open question. It is 
highly gratifying to me that my observations should he confirmed and 
amplified by so accomplished an histologist as Professor RETZIUS. 
LENHOSSEK’s views and conclusions touching the structure of the 
taste-cells are not in accord with those generally accepted by the 
investigators who have successfully isolated these organs. His state- 
ment that the basal pole of the cell is not only not continuous with 
a nerve-fibril, but terminates in a more or less blunted extremity, is 
one that many will be unable to accept as final. Whether there be 
direct continuity, or merely contiguity (as maintained, for example, 
by FAJERSZTAJN, in the end-disc of the frog), between the sensory 
elements of the bulb and the underlying nerve structures is still a 
doubtful question with some, but that the subepithelial nerve-fibrils 
penetrate the bulbs, as well as run between them, is a fact that has 
frequently been confirmed by competent observers, even before the 
existence of an intrabulbous plexus was suspected. 
The taste-cells are in their nature excessively delicate and sus- 
ceptible structures, and an over-refinement of method, even where it 
is apparently most successful in its results, may partially or entirely 
fail in its object by disturbing the normal relations of the parts 
affected. Nevertheless we are much indebted to LENHOoSSEk for his 
valuable contribution to this very intricate subject, and the full report 
of his research will be awaited with interest. 
Berlin, 14. February 1893. 
