STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS IN NERVE CELLS 
219 
The condition of the individual cells did not differ materially from that described as resulting after 
other forms of physiological interference. The blue chromatic granules were disintegrated, and the nucleus 
was often situated peripherally. 
Exp. 2. Cat. Killed in 12 da^js. Partial hemisection at the level of 1st lumbar segment. 
A naked eye dissection showed that the lesion extended through the posterior and lateral portion 
of the cord, the anterior and lateral part not being cut. 
Examination of sections extending some distance below the site of the lesion showed that the cord 
was in good condition and free from inflammation. There was distinct chromatolysis in the cells ot 
Clarke's Column. Thus in 90 sections, half of which were examined, the following numerical result was 
obtained : . 
. . . j Normal cells in Clarkk's Column 57 
Side of lesion , ^j^^^^^ 
( Normal cells in Clarke's Column 58 
Opposite s,de ^ ^^^^^^^ 
Exp. 3. Cat, Killed in i 3 da'ss. Almost complete hemisection at the level of the Vth thoracic segment. 
The cord at the site of and just below the lesion was in good condition with remarkably little 
inflammation ; nearly all the cells on the same side as the operation showed marked chromatolysis, those on 
the opposite side were normal. 
No altered cells were found in the upper lumbar region, but at the region of the Vllth and Vlllth 
segment altered cells were met with, though in very small numbers. Thus 230 sections cut, half examined. 
Number of altered cells on side of lesion, 14. The number was too small to locate them to any definite 
group. 
Exp. 4.. Cat. Killed on the iph day. Nearly complete hemisection of cord in mid-thoracic region. 
Condition at the site of and just below lesion. This was similar to- that in the preceding 
observation ; a large number of the cells on the side of the operation showed marked chromatolysis. 
Condition lower down in the cord. A very few altered cells were found. 
Exp. 5. Cat. Killed on the \%th day. Nearly complete hemisection in the lower thoracic region. 
Condition at the site of and just below lesion. Similar to that noted in the preceding cases. 
The condition of Clarke's Column was somewhat remarkable, there being no chromatolysis noted 
but a very marked atrophy and even disappearance of the cells in this region. 
Thus about 300 sections cut, half examined. \ 
Number of cells counted on normal side = 565. \ 
„ „ „ side of lesion =238. 
Condition of the cord lower down. 200 sections cut, half examined. Very few altered cells 
found which were in the lower lumbar region. 
Note. In examining Clarke's Column it is not easy to avoid counting the cells in many instances 
several times over, but the above results may be accepted as indicating the relative appearance on the 
two sides. 
Summary of Results of these Experiments 
(1) Clarke's Column of cells suflFers markedly after transection of the spinal cord. 
(2) The cells of the anterior grey matter are only to a slight extent affected, individual 
cells appear to be pi ked out in an arbitrary manner. In the case of complete transection they 
showed a peculiar limitation to the posterior region of the anterior horji. 
(3) At the sight of lesion, where all the fibres passing to and from the cells are cut, there is 
marked chromatolysis. 
These experiments were performed before the interesting communication of Professor 
Schafer to the Physiological Society, and were intended to be preliminary to a more exact 
determination of the relation between fibres and cells of the spinal cord. In view, however, of 
Professor Schafer's work I wish to put my observations on record. 
