614 
PEOEESSOE BEALE OX THE DISTEIBUTIOX OF XEEYES 
similar corpuscles in the sarcolemma itself*. These bodies have since been considered 
to belong to the areolar tissue, but it is probable that at least a certain number of them 
are the same corpuscles which I have described as forming an integral part of the nerve- 
fibre in its ultimate distribution. 
I have found the oval corpuscles present in great number in nerves of sensation, as 
well as in those of motion, and in the nerves distributed to vessels. They are very 
numerous in the nerve-fibres which supply the papillae of touch and taste. I have 
lately succeeded in tracing nerve-fibres amongst the muscular fibres of the heart. For 
the most part the bundles of nerve-fibres pass with the vessel. The compound fibres 
divide and subdivide, and very minute fibres may be traced for a long distance. I 
believe that the branches of each nerve-fibre passing into the muscular substance ai‘e 
brought into relation with an immense number of the muscular fibres of the heart (or 
rather with a considerable expanse of the muscular structure) by means of the oval 
nuclei, which are seen at short intervals throughout the whole course of the nerves. 
The distribution of the ultimate branches of the ners'es to the muscular fibres of the 
heart is now being investigated. 
The nuclei are in all probability the exact points at which all the phenomena con- 
nected with the action of nerves at their peripheral distribution occur. These bodies 
are more numerous in the nerves distributed to the muscles of the tongue and dia- 
phragm of the mouse than in those of other muscles. A greater number are found in 
connexion with the nerve-fibres of the mouse than in those of man. Generally, the 
nerves of mammalia and birds have a greater number of nuclei, which are separated 
from each other by shorter intervals than those of reptiles and fishes. As is well known, 
they are found all along the trunks of the so-called gelatmous fibres, and the same 
disposition is met with in the nerves distributed to vessels. I have seen them on 
branches of the sympathetic close to their origin from ganglia, on the branches in the 
ganglia, and in the so-called ganglion cells or vesicles. I may be permitted to state 
that I have made several observations which go far to convince me that the so-called 
gelatinous fibres, or fibres of Eemak, are not composed of fibrous tissue merely, as is 
now generally believed, but are really nerve-fibres, as they were originally considered. 
The exact nature and arrangement of these fibres, however, require further investiga- 
tion before I can arrive at definite conclusions. 
The nuclei, in their general appearance, much resemble the oval corpuscles which are 
connected with the walls of capillaries, and which in many instances lie quite external 
to them ; and not un&equently, in the same situation, are also found the nuclei of fibrous 
tissue, those of fat vesicles and other bodies of the same character, or nearly so, the 
nature of which has not yet been satisfactorily determined. By some observers, all the 
above structures, as seen in uninjected preparations, have been called areolar-tissue-cor- 
puscles, or connective-tissue-corpuscles [Bindegewebe-lcdrjjerclien). The bearings of this 
very important question must, however, be deferred. 
* Pliilosopliical Transactions, Part II. 1810, p. 485. 
