CiACCio^ on the Nerves of the Cornea. 
91 
bodies in the terminal branches of the nerves distributed to 
the mucous membrane covering the human epiglottis^ and 
who spoke of them^ without any distinction whatever^ as 
nuclei, could have thought them any way different from the 
ordinary nuclei which are generally found in connection 
with the nerve-fibres at their peripheral distribution. I 
regret I cannot agree with Dr. Beale on this point, because 
I find a remarkable difference between these bodies and the 
common nuclei. In fact_, as observation shows, the nuclei 
connected with the nerve-fibres are always of an oval form, 
and equal in breadth to the fibre itself. Each single fibre 
contains several of them, separated from one another by 
little intervals, and arranged in linear series. They are seen 
varying greatly in number, according as the nerves are 
examined at an early period of development or in the adult 
state. On the contrary, the small bodies which are con- 
nected with the terminal branches of sensitive nerves are 
often triangular, quadrangular, or may exhibit some other 
form. As regards the fibres proceeding from them, these are 
very fine, and the relation they bear to the small bodies 
differs from that existing between the common nuclei and 
the nerve-fibres. Their number is not observed to vary 
according to the different periods of development of nerves, 
and they only appear to exist in greater number and to be 
more distinct in those animals in which there is reason to 
believe that the cornea is more sensitive. Besides, we must 
add, that the more the nerves approach the full development, 
the more perfect and complete the structure of these bodies 
appears to be. I think, therefore, that sufficient difference 
exists between these two kinds of small bodies to enable us 
to draw a marked distinction between them. Yet if we are 
not allowed to consider them as special organs of the terminal 
portion of the nerves of common sensation, it must still be 
admitted that they have something similar to those peculiar 
triangular nuclei which exist in connection with the nerves 
of special sensation at their ultimate distribution. 
It is not my intention to enter into any deep physiological 
speculations with regard to the office of these special bodies, 
and the nuclei which are observed in the nerves distributed 
to the cornea. Yet I cannot forbear expressing my opinion 
on this subject. I believe that the nuclei are the agents 
which are concerned in the formation and repair of nerve- 
fibres which are continually undergoing change during life ; 
while, on the other hand, I hold that the above-named small 
bodies take an active and important part in the phenomenon 
of sensation, and are the only organs by means of which the 
