488 ARMAND RUFFER. 
On closer examination, however, it is plain that the latter have 
been merely pushed out of the way by the advance of the 
microphages, and crushed by them into the most extraordi- 
nary positions. It is almost always possible to make sure of 
the presence of the epithelial cells by looking for their 
nuclei, which differ greatly in shape and colouration from 
those of the invading microphages. Their nuclei, instead of 
being vertical as they ought to be, are often placed obliquely 
or even horizontally. The striated border of the epithelial 
lining, showing the cells composing it to be present, is also 
intact as a rule in all places, except where the leucocytes are 
actually about to fall into the intestinal cavity. 
The nucleus or nuclei (for many are polynucleated) of these 
microphages are small, and stain deep red with alum-car- 
mine. They are sometimes provided with one or two nucleoli 
which stain more deeply. The intranuclear reticulum is but 
poorly marked and often almost absent. I cannot say for 
certain whether the other large cells which will, under the 
name of macrophages, be described later on, do or do not 
penetrate into the epithelial lining of the rabbit’s or dog’s 
lymphoid patches, as I have never been able to demonstrate 
their presence there with absolute certainty. The guinea- 
pig’s macrophages undoubtedly come right up to the free 
surface. 
The interest of the section increases if the tissue be first 
stained with alum-carmine in the usual way, and secondly 
with gentian-violet according to Gram’s method as modified by 
Weigert. The numerous micro-organisms, varying in shape, 
size, and number which line the intestinal cavity, assume a 
deep violet-blue colour, whilst the nuclei are stained red and 
the protoplasm of the cells of a pale rose colour. The layer of 
microbes does not as a rule actually touch the epithelial lining, 
but is separated from it by a small clear space. It would be 
almost impossible to describe the innumerable forms and sizes 
of these micro-organisms, but special attention must be called 
to the fact that ail the fungi present in the cavity of the 
intestine, if they retain the colouring matter at all, are stained 
