240 Histological Examination of a Case of Albinism 
oesophagus were normal. The uterus and cervix were infantile in shape, but the 
ovaries were both enlarged and cystic. Pieces were removed from each organ, and 
placed in a solution of formalin (1 in 10) for histological examination. 
The Brain was removed intact (weight, 1 lb. ^ oz.), and was very soft. The 
dura mater, as is usual in children, was adherent at the suture lines. The cerebral 
sinuses were found to be normal. The pituitary body with the sella turcica 
appeared to be normal, and were removed en masse. 
Histopatliology. All the organs and tissues were examined microscopically, 
but, apart from a complete absence of any pigment in certain parts, no histological 
peculiarities were observed. With regard to the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, 
pancreas, thymus, thyroid, heart, and muscles, no abnormality was made out; 
while in the other structures, namely, brain, eyes, internal ear, supi'arenal gland, 
skin, and hair, the only noticeable feature was a complete absence of pigment. 
Brain. Sections of the cerebrum, cerebellum, crura cerebri, pons Varolii, and 
medulla oblongata were examined, both in the stained and unstained condition. 
Search was made for pigment in those parts in which pigmentation normally 
exists in the brain cells in the adult. The various nuclei of the pons, medulla, and 
cerebellum, the substantia nigra and the grey matter were examined, but contained 
no pigment granules. 
Sections of these areas were also stained with fluorescein, but no granules were 
found. 
The pituitary body was apparently normal in structure. 
Tlie Eyes. Both eyes were examined completely, one was fixed in formalin 
(10 °/^) and the other in spirit, and then they were frozen solid and cut into 
right and left halves. The internal aspect of the eyeballs was like yellowish white 
parchment. The vessels were clearly outlined on their surface, while the fovea 
centralis appeared as a distinct spot of a slightly deeper tint than the surrounding 
retina. 
Paraffin and celloidin sections were made and examined under the microscope 
by day and artificial light, without even a trace of pigment being found in any of 
the structures of the eye, whether of an ectodermic or mesodermic origin, retina, 
epithelium and stroma of iris or choroid : see Plate II. 
Owing to the entire absence of pigment in the eyes, the anatomical structure 
of the irides and retina was shown to great advantage, while the arrangement of 
the delicate connective tissue of the iris and its continuity with the choroid and 
ciliary processes were clearly seen. The arrangement of the two sets of muscle 
fibres could be followed. The iris also showed a well-marked crypt. Unfortunately 
the retina had not been fixed soon enough after death to preserve the rods and 
cones layer intact, their situation however can be easily recognised. 
The choroid and retina were examined in the stained and unstained condition. 
