202 CONNECTIVE TISSUE. 



arising from the cell-bodies became violet, but could not be traced 

 into the basis-substance any farther than in uncolored specimens j 

 in specimens from the lateral surfaces, numerous coarse and 

 thorny offshoots of a violet color were seen, similar to that of 

 the cell-bodies themselves, while the basis-substance remained 

 uncolored or was pale bluish-red. 



After one hour's action of the gold solution, the coarse off- 

 shoots and the cells appeared dark violet, the offshoots of the 

 second order became distinctly visible; some of the offshoots of 

 the third order could be traced far into the basis-substance, or 

 directly into cells near each other. 



After twelve hours' action of the gold-solution, formations 

 were brought into view which, being granular and crumbly, did 

 not deserve attention. The cartilage cells were dark violet, the 

 nucleus recognizable, if at all, as a lighter field. From all around 

 the cell-body projected delicate offshoots, most of which looked 

 finely granular, and in many places joined a granular reticu- 

 lum. The reticulum is most abundant in the immediate vicinity 

 of the cell and on the borders of the cell territories ; it connects 

 directly with neighboring cells, and in some places is so compli- 

 cated that a precise definition is impossible, even with an immer- 

 sion lens No. 10. In places where the image is incomplete, we can 

 satisfy ourselves that we have to deal with a reticulum which is 

 richly supplied with granular and varicose nodulations, and the 

 connection of which with the cell-bodies is beyond doubt. Fig. 

 76 illustrates such a picture. 



At the points of transition of cartilage into bone, there exists, 

 as is well known, a layer of cartilage cells, the basis-substance of 

 which is calcified. A calcareous deposition in the cartilage can 

 be produced also by inflammation, following certain injuries of 

 the cartilage. In horizontal sections of fresh, calcified specimens, 

 as well as in specimens deprived of their lime-salts by chromic 

 acid, we recognize that the basis-substance is traversed by chan- 

 nels, which hold offshoots emanating from the cell cavities, and 

 producing a net work. The image of these offshoots is the same 

 whether much or little lime-salt be present, either in the wall of 

 the cavity bordering the cell- body or at the boundaries of the 

 cell territories. We are satisfied that in all cases a deposition of 

 lime-salts has taken place in the fields of the basis-substance, 

 while the cell and its offshoots have remained unchanged. In 

 old animals, where the calcified cartilage directly borders the 

 bone-tissue, positive proof can be obtained that the "osteoid" 



