318 Prof. Pringsheim on Hypochlorin and the 



time indicate a noteworthy structure of those bodies which 

 has hitherto not been noticed by anatomists, and demonstrate 

 the wide diffusion of fatty oil in them. 



I. Structure and Composition of the Chlorophyll-bodies. 



In the direct observation of the fresh plant the hypochlorin 

 cannot be distinguished in the apparently homogeneous chloro- 

 phyll-bodies ; for it is only in rare instances that traces of its 

 presence can be detected in them under normal conditions. 

 Its presence betrays itself at once, however, when the green 

 cells are treated with hydrochloric acid. 



Under the influence of this acid, as I have already briefly 

 stated in my former memoir, dark, deep-reddish -brown or 

 rust-coloured, irregularly bounded forms are separated in 

 a few hours in the chlorophyll-bodies, especially at their 

 periphery, and also between neighbouring chlorophyll-bodies. 

 These are not perfectly spherical drops, but rather semifluid 

 masses of irregular form, with sometimes spherical, sometimes 

 plane limiting surfaces, which sometimes push forth angular 

 or pointed processes, and thus become indistinct crystalline 

 scales or nests. From these, after a longer or shorter time, 

 shoot forth long, pointed, straight or curved needles, and ex- 

 tremely thin twisted filaments, or even shorter and thicker 

 rods. 



These extremely remarkable effects, which occur without 

 exception in all chlorophyll -plants after treatment with hydro- 

 chloric acid, constitute a characteristic and infallible reaction 

 for hypochlorin. Without any further examination, they de- 

 monstrate directly by their external appearance the presence 

 of a hitherto unnoticed substance in the chlorophyll-bodies of 

 plants. But the circumstances under which they occur pre- 

 sent many difficulties in the way of the right conception of 

 the relation here brought to light, and therefore require a more 

 thoroughgoing examination and investigation. 



As has already been stated, even direct observation leaves no 

 doubt that the substance which afterwards (perhaps modified 

 by the process of its production) becomes converted into the 

 crystalline needles outside the chlorophyll-bodies was previ- 

 ously present in their fundamental substance. It is evidently 

 drops of an oleaginous consistency which first separate from 

 the fundamental substance, gradually increase or coalesce into 

 larger masses, and form the foundation of the future needles 

 and filaments. No distinct structure is recognizable in these 

 needles and filaments ; and one may often be in doubt, when 

 the formations are thicker and shorter, whether they possess 

 an organic structure or a crystalline texture. 



