GLANDS. 47 1 



which contained a turbid ochrey- coloured liquid, presenting under the 

 microscope numerous minute crystals of uric acid. Mr. Simon mentions 

 having found on two occasions xanthic oxyde in considerable proportion. 

 I have more than once observed them to contain blood in large quantity ; 

 and I have likewise found them full of a matter like stiff glue. 



" The occurrence of cysts in kidneys presenting a generally healthy 

 structure is so frequent, as to lead to the idea that they must be in such 

 cases the result of disease which has been arrested before any consider- 

 able disorganisation has taken place. Many of the cases of partial 

 atrophy of the kidneys figured by Rayer are probably due to the rup- 

 ture or obliteration of these cysts. 



" Before leaving the subject of cyst-formation I may state, that in one 

 instance I have observed the Malpighian capsules to be occupied by 

 distinct cysts.* 



" Dilatation and Thickening of the Tubes. This condition, although by 

 no means a very frequent one, is important as being characteristic, so 

 far as I have observed, of the extreme stage of what I have called the 

 4 waxy degeneration.' I have scarcely ever seen it unaccompanied by 

 entire obliteration of the vessels, and by enlargement and increased 

 density of the kidney. The organ has the dense resistant feeling of 

 fibro-cartilage, and both cortical and tubular portions have the light 

 yellow colour, and the appearances described above as those of the 

 waxy degeneration in its last stage. The strise of the pyramids appear to 

 radiate indefinitely towards the surface, and meet the cortical substance 

 in digitations, instead of being marked off by a sharp semicircular line, 

 as occurs in the healthy kidney. When examined with a simple lens, or 

 even the naked eye, the pyramidal striae are seen to pursue an unusually 

 sinuous course : this is peculiarly the case where they pass into the cor- 

 tical substance. Moreover, the pyramids are unusually broad at the 

 bases ; and the length of the straggling digitations is sometimes so great, 

 that I have measured fully an inch and a half between the extreme end 

 of the striae and the corresponding papilla. Nevertheless, the cortical 

 substance is not usually diminished in quantity, being developed to a 

 great extent between the pyramids. 



" This condition I have ascertained to proceed from dilatation and 

 thickening of the tubuli uriniferi throughout the organ. The dilated 

 tubes are usually twisted and varicose, as may be seen by inspecting a 

 section of the pyramids with a low power. When examined with a 

 higher power, the section presents an appearance very similar to some 

 tumours (of the fibrous or fibro-cystic kinds) ; viz. a number of com- 

 pressed areolae, enclosed by fibrous tissue, and presenting an appearance 

 of irregular concentric rings, of various distinctness, (an effect appa- 



* Obs. In one case of cystic disease of the kidneys which fell under 

 the notice of Mr. Quekett, the formation of the cysts evidently commenced 

 in the corpora Malpighiana beneath the capillary plexus. A. II. H. 



