90 
CiACcio^ on the Nerves of the Cornea. 
In connection with tbe nerve-branches or bundles which 
compose both the networks and plexuses before mentioned^ 
are observed several small bodies^ triangular^ or quadrangular^ 
or even of an irregular shape. These small bodies are not 
all of the same size^ and some of them appear of a uniform^ 
granular structure,, whilst in others I have found nuclei im- 
bedded in the granular matter. These nuclei are prominently 
coloured by carmine^ whereas the granular matter is not^ or 
only very slightly affected by this substance. From these 
bodies bundles of fibres are seen to proceed in three^ four^ or 
more directions^ while some other fibres pass close by them 
without being absolutely connected with the same. In the 
first variety of networks these bodies are few in number^ and 
sometimes are found just at the point at which a branch is 
met by another ; and in this case they are of a quadrangular 
form^ and at others^ at the point where a bundle of fibres 
bifurcates^ and then present a triangular shape. In the 
second variety the small bodies are more numerous^ and may 
exhibit an oval^ triangular^ or quite an irregular form, and 
are found either amongst the fibres which compose the large 
branches^ or at the point of union of the bundles with each 
other or where they divide. Again, in the first variety of 
plexuses, the bodies alluded to are generally met Avith at the 
angles of the different meshes forming the plexus, and are 
usually either triangular or quadrangular. They contain 
granular matter, and sometimes a nucleus may distinctly be 
seen at their centre or at one of the angles. As to the 
second variety, I confess I have not succeeded in seeing any 
of the bodies I had found in the first variety of plexuses. I 
believe I have failed because the human cornese which I 
could get for investigation were not so fresh as is requisite 
for carrying out successfully such delicate researches. I say^ 
however, that in some specimens from man's cornea I have 
observed most distinctly very fine nerve-fibres connected with 
certain small bodies exhibiting a triangular or quadrangular 
form, but as the fibres ran for a long distance in straight 
directions, I cannot help doubting their nervous nature. 
Now here arises the question : What is the nature of the 
bodies which have been described ? Are they to be considered 
as special organs connected with the terminal portions of the 
nerves of common sensation? or are they not at all different 
from the nuclei which, as I have said before, are observed to 
bo very numerous in connection with the individual fibres 
composing the trunks and the largest branches of the nerves 
of the cornea? It seems to me that Dr. Beale, who, so far 
as I know, was the first to point out the existence of these 
