350 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [Nov. 



large numbers in all pathological processes, whether 

 these i^resent themselves as inflammation, as progressive 

 or as regressive disturbances of nutrition. However, 

 their presence is not confined to pathological pro- 

 cesses, as they are always present, for example, in fat 

 tissue. 



At all events, we have to deal with nuclear formations 

 which are no longer fittted for propagation. For in 

 those epithelial tumors (condylomata acuminata, carcin- 

 omata) wiiere the acid nuclei are present in large 

 numbers together Avith cell division, the latter are never 

 surrounded by a basic-stained back-ground ; a division 

 formation in acid nuclei seems out of the question, and 

 with it their 2)ropagative ability. With the conception of 

 a sterile being we are accustomed to unite the idea of an 

 early resting condition upon a period of rapid develop- 

 ment, and at the same time of a tendency to unnatural 

 body increase. We meet with both in the acid nuclei. 

 I have already called attention to their large size. A 

 study of them in benign epithelial tumors, especially in 

 condylomata acuminata, shows that they are extremely 

 stable formations. The acid nuclei make their appear- 

 ance in the youngest epithelial row at the connective 

 tissue boundary, and can be found with the same staining 

 reaction, size and formation through the older layers 

 until within reach of the horny layer; Avhereas the 

 surrounding ordinary nuclei of all ages are subject to 

 very obvious changes in size, form and tingibility. 



As a consequence, we can hardly go amiss if we conclude 

 that the acid nuclei by giving off to the nuclear juice 

 the chromatine essential for reproduction have lost their 

 faculty of propagation ; have become sterile. If the 

 conditions are really so, then we can by a i)roi)er staining 

 of the tissue very appropriately make some statement in 

 regard to their power of reproduction even though we 



