90 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
The author states that the so-called ‘nuclei’ (germinal matter) 
of the fine muscular fibres, of the papille are continuous with the 
contractile material, as may be demonstrated by a magnifying 
power of 1800 linear ; and he holds the opinion that the contractile 
matter is formed from the nuclei. He adduces observations which 
lead him to the conclusion that these nuclei alter their position 
during life, and that, as they move in one or other direction, 
a narrow line of new muscular tissue (fibrilla) is as it were left 
behind.* This is added to the muscular tissue already formed, 
and thus the muscle increases. 
Roya Society, June 16th, 1864. 
TInpicatTtons of the PATHS TAKEN by the NERVE-CURRENTS, as 
they TRAVERSE the CAUDATE NERVE-CELLS of the SPINAL 
Corp and Excepuaton. By Lionet 8. Bears, M.B., F.R.S. 
Aurnouan the caudate nerve-vesicles, or cells existing in the 
spinal cord, medulla oblongata, and in many parts of the brain, 
have been described by the most distinguished modern anatomists, 
there yet remains much to be ascertained with reference to their 
internal structure, connections, and mode of development. In 
this paper I propose to describe some points of interest in con- 
nection with their structure. In the first place, however, I would 
remark that there are neither “cells” nor “ vesicles” in the ordinary 
acceptation of these words, for there is no proper investing 
membrane, neither are there “ cell-contents ” as distinguished from 
the membrane or capsule ; in fact, the so-called cell consists of soft 
solid matter throughout. The nerve-fibres are not prolonged from 
the nucleus or from the outer part of the cell, but they are con- 
tinuous with the very material of which the substance of the “ cell ” 
itself is composed, and they are, chemically speaking, of the same 
nature. So that in these caudate cells we have but to recognise 
the so-called “ nucleus” (germinal matter) and matter around this 
(formed material) which passes into the “fibres,” which diverge in 
various directions from the cell (see Plate VIII, Vol. lV, N.S., 
fig. 1.) 
ity the outer part of many of these “ cells,” usually collected 
together in one mass, are a number of granules. These are not 
usually seen in the young cells, and they probably result from 
other tissue of the body. But such a view is opposed to many broad facts, 
and not supported by minute observation. The nuclei of the nerve-fibres 
are one thing, the nuclei of the corneal tissue another; and the tissues 
resulting from these nuclei, nerve-tissue, and corneal tissue are distinct in 
chemical composition, microscopical characters, and properties and actions. 
* « New Observations upon the Movements of the Living or Germinal 
Matter of the Tissues of Man and the higher Animals,” ‘ Archives,’ No. 
XIV, p. 150. 
