vi PKEGNANCY PAKTUKITION PUEEPERIUM 221 



Consequently these elements cannot be considered as separate in 

 origin, as was thought by many in times past, but a common 

 origin must be sought for them both. 



It is almost universally admitted that the syncytium and the 



FIG. 84. Gravid uterus at the tenth month. Longitudinal section. Half natural size. 

 (From a preparation at the Obstetrical Clinic at Bale.) 



cells of Langhans proceed from the foetal ectoderm. Sfameni 

 alone, going back to Ercolani's theory, is of the opinion that they 

 are derived from the decidua, and thus are of maternal origin, and 

 that the foetal ectoderm in woman and the higher mammals is 

 destined to disappear, as was shown by Ercolani in his numerous 



