MULTIPLE NEUROMATA OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. rast 
and pons) degree the specific nervous elements—axis-cylinder and myelin sheath; and 
that function is essential to the complete differentiation of the nerve fibre. As the 
genesis of these cells cannot be traced to any of the specific elements of the tissue, we 
suggest that the fusiform nucleated cells which build up the nucleated tubes and nerve 
fibres are indifferent cells of the value of peripheral neuroblasts—according to the 
cell-chain conception—which have wandered into the mesodermic tissue forming the 
anlage of the vessels and of the connective tissue constituents of the cord, and that, 
later, they develop their latent activity. 
The multiplicity of the nodules favours this mode of origin, and the presence of 
_ several anomalies—the malformation in the pons, the glia islets in the spinal pia, and 
the heterotopia of ganglion ceils—lends countenance to the correctness of the assump- 
tion that these, together with the neuromata, must be regarded as developmental 
anomalies. . 
Our study, then, 1s a confirmation, from the aspect of a pathological new formation, 
of the multicellular structure of the peripheral nerve fibre. 
The supporters of this view claim that the neurone conception is thus placed in its 
true light without necessarily destroying it: ‘“ Elle réduit la doctrine des neurones a sa 
véritable valeur sans |’ébranler.” ‘The neurone would therefore no longer be looked 
upon as a structural unit but its trophic autonomy is retained. ‘Two of our predecessors 
in the study of this difficult and complex problem have taken as the motto of their 
work, ‘‘ To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive,” and, in concluding, as we 
recognise the conscientiousness of the research which has led equally able workers to 
take views that seem so fundamentally opposed to one another, we must admit that 
there are no sufficient grounds for stating that the old neurone theory has had its day, 
nor, on the other hand, that the cell-chain theory has no foundation. 
The work has been carried out in the Royal College of Physicians’ Laboratory, 
Kdinburgh, and during the tenure, by one of the authors, of a Carnegie Fellowship. 
Generous assistance, in the shape of grants, has been given by the Carnegie Trust 
both during the lifetime of Dr Brucr and since his death. 
It is a pleasure to record the great debt we owe to Dr James Rircuin, the 
Superintendent of the Laboratory. His wise guidance has always, in the most 
generous way, been at our disposal, and his keen criticism has made it necessary for 
us to examine every aspect of our argument with great thoroughness. For this and 
for his sympathetic interest at every stage we desire to express our gratitude. 
We are indebted also to Dr Davin Orr of Manchester, Dr Rows of Lancaster, Dr 
Harvey Pirie, and Dr Nintan Bruce for much kindness, help, and criticism. 
The illustrations in the text are by Dr Ninian Brucz, the coloured illustrations by 
Mr Ricnarp Murr, and the photographs by Mr Witutam Watson and Mr Murr: our 
thanks are due to them for the great care with which these have been prepared. 
