TRANSACTIONS. 
Of the Formation of the so-called Intercellular Substance 
of Cartilage, and of its relation to the so-called Cells ; 
with Observations upon the Process of Ossification. 
By Lionel S. Beale, M.B., F.R.S., Professor of Physio- 
logy and of General and Morbid Anatomy in King's Col- 
lege, London ; Physician to King's College Hospital. 
(Plates YIII and IX.) 
(Head March 1st, 1863.) 
It is generally held that cartilage consists of cells, and a 
' connective ^ or ' intercellular ' substance or matrix. There 
is, however, much difference of opinion as to whether the 
cell-wall is a part of, or distinct from, the intercellular sub- 
stance. Some observers maintain that, at least, in many 
forms of cartilage, the cell-wall exists as a distinct structure. 
Some hold, on the other hand, that the matrix itself corre- 
sponds to the cell-wall, and others state that the matrix is in 
part cell-wall and is in part composed of a cementing sub- 
stance. There is the greatest difference of opinion as to the 
relative importance of these two structures, cell and inter^ 
cellular substance^ in the formation of the cartilage. 
The cell-wall and matrix have been regarded in the light 
of excretions from the cell. It has been maintained that the 
cell exerts a direct influence upon the changes occurring 
during the formation of the intercellular substance, and, on 
the other hand, it has been considered to take part only in 
the process of reproduction. Intercellular substance, gene- 
rally, is believed to possess formative power, by virtue of 
which (or, as Professor Huxley says, under the guidance of 
the ' vis essentialis ') it becomes differentiated into the differ- 
ent forms of tissue with which we are familiar. 
Those who accept this view regard the cell-wall and inter- 
cellular substance as of the highest importance, and the 
' nucleus ' as the less important anatomical element ; for this, 
it is said, undergoes neither chemical nor morphological 
vol. XI. h 
