306 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
an abstract. The term “nucleus” is only employed in a 
general sense. The author believes that the ‘ nucleus,” 
“nucleolus,” and centres within the latter (“ nucleoluli’’) 
merely represent centres of different ages. He considers 
that the matter of the nucleus becomes gradually transformed 
into the formed matter around it, and generally that these 
bodies are merely centres which arise in pre-existing centres. 
He maintains that from the outer formed matter connected 
with the fibres new nerve-cells could not be produced, while 
he holds that from the nuclei, nucleoli, and contained centres, 
entirely new and complete cells could be evolved. So he 
considers that the difference in the properties and powers of 
the formed matter on the one hand, and the nuclei and 
nucleoli on the other, depends upon these two kinds of matter 
having arrived at different stages of existence. That which is 
formed cannot form new formed matter, nor appropriate 
nutrient material; but the living germinal matter of the 
nucleus can be resolved into formed matter, and it can 
appropriate inanimate pabulum, and confer upon it the 
same wonderful (vital) powers which it possesses itself, and 
which were communicated to it from pre-existing germinal 
matter. 
7. Of the fibres in the nerve-trunks continuous with the straight 
and spiral fibres of the ganglion-cells. 
The conclusions upon this important question are as 
follows :— 
lst. That in some instances very fine fibres, not more than 
the =5.ssth of an English inch in diameter, are alone 
continuous with both straight and spiral fibres of the gan- 
glion-cells. 
2nd. That a dark-bordered fibre may be traced to the 
ganglion-cell as the straight fibre, while the spiral fibres are 
continued on as very fine fibres. 
3rd. That the spiral fibres may be continued onwards as a 
dark-bordered fibre which may even be wider, at least for 
some distance, than the fibre continued from the straight 
fibre. 
Ath. That both straight and spiral fibres may be con- 
tinuous with dark-bordered fibres. 
It is therefore quite certain that the spiral fibre is not con- 
nective tissue, although the author considers it probable that 
many German observers may adopt this view until they have 
an opportunity of seeing the fibres themselves. 
