42 
PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
rally most marked in the deepest portions of the anterior columns 
and in the commissure. Changes were seen in the nerve-tubes, the 
nerve-cells, and the neuroglia. 
In the nerve-tubes the most remarkable changes were seen in the 
axis cylinder, this being dilated at irregular intervals into large oval 
swellings, from five to ten times its normal diameter, still contained 
in the distended and attenuated nerve-sheath, and composed of a 
transparent substance, deeply stained by carmine. These oval swell- 
ings were sometimes connected together by the unaltered axis cylinder, 
sometimes detached. In many of them evidence was seen of fissiparous 
division, groups of smaller though similar transparent bodies being 
produced, which appeared to spread beyond the original but now 
empty nerve-sheath, and to invade the surrounding tissues, being then 
identical with the so-called “ colloid bodies ” abundantly met with in 
chronic affections of the spinal cord. 
In the seat of most intense inflammation the bodies underwent a 
further and more remarkable development, becoming granular, and 
several nuclei being formed in their interior. The corpuscles then 
presented the appearance of mother cells, and in some cases these 
mother cells were broken down, and the young cells in their interior 
were set free as pus-corpuscles. 
The changes in the nerve-cells were less important, consisting 
chiefly of swelling and molecular transformation, a condition often 
described as an oedematous affection. In no case was division of the 
nerve-cells observed. 
The neuroglia was less altered than might have been expected, but 
in many instances abundant nuclei were seen, the origin of which was 
obscure. 
Abundant evidence was seen of the emigration of leucocytes from 
the blood-vessels, the adventitious sheaths being filled with them, as 
in inflammation of other parts. Similar appearances were seen in a 
case of syphilitic disease of the nerve centres. 
After a brief discussion on the paper, Mr. Groves described and 
exhibited Crouch’s improved fine adjustment for microscope stands, 
made on the Continental model, in which great stability was combined 
with easy and regular motion, the points of friction being reduced to 
a minimum. He also described a centering sub-stage arrangement for 
the same stand. 
Quekett Microscopical Club. 
Ordinary Meeting, April 23. — Dr. Matthews, F.R.M.S., President, 
in the chair. 
The President announced the death of Mr. Robert Hardwicke, 
which had occurred since the last ordinary meeting, and passed a 
high eulogium upon him. Mr. Hardwicke was one of the founders of 
the club, and its Treasurer from the commencement, and allowed his 
house of business to be used as its office. He also published the 
Journal, was an active and useful member of committee, and greatly 
advanced the interests of the club. A resolution expressive of the 
