326 Prof. Pringslieim on Ilypochlorin and the 



information as to the intimate structure of the chlorophyll- 

 grain, hitherto not noticed by anatomists, and as to the local 

 distribution of the oil among the solid constituents of its 

 fundamental substance. 



With the exception of some still but imperfectly investi- 

 gated cases (such, for example, as the generally known one 

 of Bryopis), and leaving out of consideration the sporadic or 

 temporary occurrence of isolated and limited starch-inclusions, 

 the chlorophyll-bodies of the uninjured cell usually produce 

 the impression of homogeneous bodies, apparently consisting 

 of homogeneous green substance. But when the hypochlorin 

 and the oil are extracted from them by evaporation and 

 hydrochloric acid, they are found to be hollow bodies, the 

 cavities of which are filled with oil. 



The framework of the solid substance exhibited by the 

 chlorophyll-bodies when deprived of oil may, indeed, show 

 subordinate modifications in its forms, according to the species 

 of plant and the age of the tissue, especially when its shape 

 has been influenced at high temperatures by the swelling of 

 starch-enclosures ; but, at the same time, the general struc- 

 ture of the chlorophyll-grain is always unmistakably mani- 

 fested, as that of a porous body, in the pores of which the oil 

 has accumidated. Its solid residues, if the grain has. not been 

 broken up into separate shell-like fragments by complete 

 disruption, always represent more or less distinct and often 

 exceedingly elegant hollow bodies with perforated envelopes, 

 which latter may assume all possible forms of a retiform 

 trabecular framework. These forms show themselves most 

 distinctly, perfectly regular, characteristic, and always homo- 

 geneous when the extreme action of heat is avoided, and the 

 process of removal of the oil is carefully conducted. 



The right mode of proceeding must here be specially ascer- 

 tained for each case, as it is influenced by the actual condition 

 of development of the chlorophyll-body, and especially by the 

 grade of development of its starch-enclosures. It is, however, 

 always easily attainable, if the temperature and the duration 

 of its action are suited to the given conditions. The tissues 

 must be, according to their constitution, exposed for from a 

 quarter to half an hour to the vapour of boiling water, or 

 heated for about half an hour in water of 50°-80° C. (=122° 

 -176° F.), and then left for at least one or two days lying in 

 dilute hydrochloric acid. A good strength of the acid solu- 

 tion is one volume of hydrochloric acid to four volumes of . 

 water. The tissues may, however, remain for weeks or even 

 months in the dilute hydrochloric acid without any alteration ; 

 and the structure of the chlorophyll-bodies thus gains, or at 



