JOURNAL 
OF THE 
ROYAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 
FEBRUARY 1891. 
TRANSACTIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 
I . — Some Observations on the Various Forms of Human 
Spermatozoa. 
By R. L. Maddox, M.D., Hon. F.R.M.S. 
{Read 19 th November , 1890.) 
.. Plate I. 
In examining some recent slides of human spermatozoa, prepared in 
various ways, I was struck with the different appearances some 
reagents gave, and also by the abnormal forms to be found by careful 
study. It is for the purpose of noting some of these varieties that I 
venture to offer a few remarks, trusting they may be of interest. 
There is considerable difficulty in so differentiating the parts that 
form these potent bodies without at the same time too freely dis- 
turbing their natural conditions. 
The following methods out of many trials have appeared to be 
the most satisfactory. After diluting the sperm with the normal salt 
solution 0*75 per cent., it was very lightly smeared on the cover- 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE I. 
(The figures in the original drawings are variously coloured, but are here tinted 
to one shade ; all except the last two x 3120.) 
Fig. a . — A fairly normal spermatozoon. 
,, &, c, d . — With single, double, and treble vacuoles or light spaces. 
„ e . — The usually dark or denser portion reversed in position. 
„ /. — Head and filament united by a clear ring. 
„ g . — An abnormal head. 
„ li . — The filament embracing the head. 
„ j . — A spermatozoon seen somewhat obliquely. 
„ k. — Ditto ditto. 
,, l . — Head with two constrictions. 
„ m . — Two heads, both small, to one filament. 
„ n. — Two heads finally united in one filament. 
„ o. — Head with two clear spaces, filament tending to a separation. 
„ p . — Large head, filament tending to divide into three filaments. 
„ q . — A greatly contorted head. 
„ r. — Two heads to one filament x 810 1 , . 
„ s. — Two single heads with each two filaments x 750 } P noto - 
1891. 
n 
