374 
THOMPSON YATES LABORATORIES REPORT 
the nodule is composed of fibrous tissue separating it from the gland tissue, and 
there is a nest-like arrangement of the connective tissue around each fungus-like 
mass, which recalls the appearance of an actinomycotic granuloma. The presence 
of leucocytes, lymphoid cells, and proliferating connective tissue cells towards the 
centre, and concentric layers of fibrous tissue at the periphery suggests that the focus 
is the result of irritation, and that the cause of the irritation is the fungus-like 
mass. 
Structure of the Ray Fungus like Masses 
The method of inoculation having failed to furnish any proof of the parasitic 
nature of the nodules, sections were cut and treated with the above stains, as well as 
by numerous chemical reagents. 
Staining Reactions 
Haematoxylin. The Actinbmycotic-like masses remained partly unstained and 
highly refractive, and partly stained red, owing probably to the presence of 
calcareous salts. The club-like radiate structure can be readily made out. 
Leucocytes are massed around the ends of the clubs. 
Gram s Method. Some of the club-like bodies retain the stain, others remain 
clear and refractive. 
Methylene Blue. The clubs for the most part remain unstained and highly 
refractive. Where staining does occur the colour is green. 
Phenol Thionin. Good differential staining effect is obtained, the fungus-like 
masses, if they stain at all, assume a green colour. 
Fuchsin and Methylene Blue. The fungus-like masses in places stain intensely 
with the fuchsin. 
The staining reactions show that there is little uniformity, the clubs do not 
invariably stain, and there is no trace of thread-like hyphae. The structure is essen- 
tially radiate, but here and there are transparent structureless areas. The material is 
very refractile, recalling the appearance of a crystalline body. In Figs. 2, 3, and 4 
the irregular appearances presented by the mulberry masses is well seen ; the clubs 
vary in size, some are narrow, others greatly thickened at the ends, and some have a 
distinctly globular configuration, Fig. 4. The clubs may branch, Fig. 3. There is 
no central core in the club which stains differently from a surrounding capsule; the 
club as a whole stains or refuses to take the stain. The clubs are for the most part 
homogeneous, occasionally they are granular, and occasionally there is the appearance 
of concentric deposits upon them. Thus, as the results of the staining reactions, the 
masses may be either old degenerate masses of the ray fungus or crystalline forma- 
tions or concretions. 
