118 THE STORY OF THE RED BLOOD CORPUSCLES. 
they become. In such a case practically all the red blood 
corpuscles present may be within the hyaline cells. 
Function of Hexemolymph Glands——The structure of 
hemolymph glands suggests that they may perform some 
of the chief functions of ordinary lymphatic glands. For 
example, they are obvious centres for the manufacture of 
white corpuscles (lymphocytes, at least), and the vascular 
arrangements are such that these may readily escape into 
the circulation. In the second place, their structure is 
suggestive of some function with reference to the blood. 
There is no sufficient evidence that they take part in the 
formation of red cells. Warthin, however, in his recent 
paper, says he thinks they may do so in some pathological 
conditions, and describes a special variety of “ marrow-lymph ” 
gland which may assume the functions of the bone-marrow. 
He admits, however, that even these glands do not form red 
cells under normal circumstances. 
On the other hand, the glands seem to play a very 
important part in the destruction of red corpuscles, and 
this process of destruction is sometimes very active indeed. 
This is indicated by the very large numbers of red cells 
which may sometimes be seen engulfed by the hyaline cells. 
It is further borne out by the quantity of pigment which 
may be present, especially in the glands of old animals. 
This pigment contains iron, and is evidently derived from 
the red corpuscles. It is occasionally present in such 
extraordinary abundance as to completely block some of 
the sinuses. 
We thus see that the body is provided, not only with 
organs for the production of red corpuscles, but with others 
whose main function would appear to be their destruction. 
Under what conditions this destruction occurs, and whether 
it involves only old and worn-out red cells, or whether all 
the red cells which reach the hemolymph glands are liable 
to promiscuous disintegration; and further, whether the 
products of this destruction are made use of again in the 
body, or whether the whole process may not be a stage in 
the manufacture of some substances of use within the 
body, are questions upon the discussion of which it is 
impossible to enter at the present time. 
