1901-2.] The Condition of the Iron in the Spleen. 
21 
The Condition of the Iron in the Spleen. By William 
Brodie Brodie, M.D., F.B.S.E., Muirhead Demonstrator of 
Physiology in the University of Glasgow.* 
(Read January 20, 1902.) 
Many investigations have been made as to the destruction of red 
blood corpuscles in the spleen, and there can be little doubt that 
this occurs. If the hsemoglobin set free is also destroyed in the 
spleen, iron in some form will be liberated. The presence of iron 
in the spleen has already been shown by various observers, but the 
exact nature of the substances with which it is combined is still 
a matter of doubt. The object of this investigation was, if possible, 
to trace the stages in the decomposition of haemoglobin as shown 
by the existence of intermediate compounds, and to ascertain the 
chemical nature of such compounds. 
The work already done has been partly histological and partly 
chemical. The present communication is to be regarded as of a 
preliminary character, and indicates the lines along which further 
researches will be carried out. 
(A.) Histological. 
This portion of the work was devoted entirely to ascertaining 
what were the histological elements containing the iron or iron- 
containing substances other than the hsemoglobin present in the 
red corpuscles. 
The method adopted was that of treating sections of material 
hardened in alcohol with potassium ferrocyanide and hydrochloric 
acid, and thereafter counterstaining with carmalum. This method 
leads to the development of Prussian blue, while the cell nuclei 
are coloured by the counterstain, and the cellular elements so 
rendered more prominent. 
Treatment with ammonium sulphide was also adopted, but in 
this case it was found advisable to avoid the carmalum counterstain, 
as this stain seems to attack the iron sulphide thus formed and to 
decolorise it. 
* This research is being conducted for the British Association for the Advance- 
ment of Science by a Committee consisting of Professor M ‘Kendrick, Professor 
Stockman, and Dr Brodie Brodie. 
