RETICULAR AND OTHER CONNECTIVE TISSUES 



291 



If one assumes that to disprove the theory of Bizzozero one 

 must find the fibrils at all times outside the anastomosing cells, 

 never within, then proof is not forthcoming. On the other hand 

 proof is also lacking if to demonstrate the theory of Kolliker 

 fibers must always be found within the cellular syncytium. But 

 viewing the tissue in the light of its histogenesis, one need not, as 

 pointed out above, be thus limited in either case, for the fibers of 

 reticulum may, according to this interpretation, come to lie now 

 within, now without the syncytial endoplasm. The examination 

 of such appearances as those shown in any of the figs. 8 to 11, 

 which are accurately drawn with high magnification, or yet more 



Fig. 9 Reticulum and cells as seen in a thin section through the pulp of the 

 human spleen. No collaginous fibers have been included. Fibers and nuclei are 

 black, the cytopla.sm is granular. The fibers are surrounded by a halo of cyto- 

 plasm especially distinct wherever their cut ends are directed toward the eye 

 of the observer. Ret, reticlular fibers; fc, cytoplasm; L, lymphocyte. Biels- 

 chowsky stain. Camera lucida; occ. 1, obj. I'.y hom im. 



truly if one studies the actual preparations, must convince one at 

 a glance that in mature lymphoid tissue the fibrils of the reticu- 

 lum are not entirely contained within the fixed cells. The burden 

 of proof lies on the other side. 



