

FIBRINE. 



115 



80. We see, then, that when considered in its simply-Chemical rela- 

 tions, Fibrine does not differ in any essential particular from Albumen ; 

 and that the chief point of obvious variation, is the spontaneous coagu- 

 lation of the former, when it is removed from the living body. There 

 is, however, in the structure of the coagulum itself, a most important 

 difference ; for instead of consisting of a homogeneous structureless 

 or of a simple aggregation of minute granules, it is found by the 

 Microscope to possess a definite fibrous arrangement, the fibres crossing 

 one another in every direction. In the ordinary coagulum or clot of 

 Blood, these fibres do not present any great degree of firmness : they 

 may be hardened, however, by boiling ; and their arrangement then 

 becomes more definite. They may be seen much more clearly, however, 

 in the "bufly coat" of Inflammatory blood ; in which there is not only 

 an increased proportion of Fibrine, but the Fibrine itself seems to have 

 undergone a higher elaboration, that is, to have proceeded still further 

 in the change towards regular organization. In this state, the process 

 of coagulation is unusually slow ; the clot formed by the fibrous tissue 

 is much more solid ; and it continues for some hours, or even days, to 

 increase in solidity, by the mutual attraction of the particles composing 

 the fibres, which causes them to contract and to expel the fluid contained 

 in their interstices. 



181. The most perfect fibrous structure originating in the simple 

 coagulation of fibrine, is to be found, however, in those exudations, 

 which take place either from inflammation, or from a peculiar forma- 

 tive action, destined to repair an old tissue or to produce a new one. 



Fig. 2. 



Fig. 3. 



Fibrous structure of inflammatory exudation 

 from peritoneum. 



.Fibrous membrane, lining the egg-shell, 

 and forming the animal basis of the shell 

 itself. 



Thus in Fig. 2 is shown the fibrous structure of a false membrane, 

 formed by the consolidation of a fibrinous exudation from the "surface of 

 an inflamed peritoneum. And in Fig. 3 is displayed a similar fibrous 

 structure (in which, however, the fibres have more of a reticulated ar- 

 rangement), which incloses the fluid contents of the egg, and enters 

 into the composition of the shell itself. As the ovum (which, at the 

 time of its quitting the ovarium, consists of the yolk-bag only) passes 

 along the oviduct of the parent, it receives its coating of albuminous 

 matter, of which layer after layer is thrown out by the vessels of the 

 oviduct. When a sufficient supply has thus been furnished, it appears 



