320 MIND-BIOPLASTS. 



seen them turn back again into the gray substance. In 

 many instances, the long fibre that passes from the caudate 

 cells may be followed to a point about the ^th of an inch 

 below the surface, where it divides into numerous branches, 

 many of which again divide and subdivide. In short, the 

 ultimate ramifications of the long fibre running perpen- 

 dicularly towards the surface, branch off at a right angle, or 

 almost at a right angle, and radiate horizontally in every 

 direction. They very soon however turn inwards again, 

 and it is not possible to follow the individual fibres. Now 

 the surface of the gray matter of the convolutions imme- 

 diately under the pia mater, is almost destitute of bioplasts, 

 but a little beneath this point, that is in the situation ex- 

 actly where the fine ramifications of the nerve fibres are in 

 greatest number, and are pursuing the most varied courses, 

 are collections of roundish, very transparent, minute bio- 

 plasts, which are probably connected with one another by 

 exceedingly delicate branches. These are in immense num- 

 bers, but form groups, though in the intervals between the 

 groups the bioplasts are still numerous. The appearances 

 and arrangement of the bioplasts, which are for the most 

 part less than a white blood corpuscle, are not unlike those 

 observed in the so-called granules, constituting the granular 

 layer of the retina, and in the cortical substance of the 

 cerebellum. These minute bioplasts have been termed 

 "granules," but such a name seems to me particularly 

 inappropriate. These so-called "granules" are all com- 

 posed of bioplasm, and are examples of highly endowed 

 living matter. In all the organs in which they are found 

 they constitute an essential portion, and perform a very 

 important office. Such bioplasts are found connected with 



