Further Observations on the Structure of Nerve-Fibres

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the number of this Journal for October, 1859, appeared a communication by Professor Lister and myself, ‘On the Structure of Nerve-Fibres? In it we directed attention to the great benefits to be derived from the use of chromic acid and carmine in the examination of these fibres. We especially pointed out the different action of these two substances upon the constituent structures of the fibres, the axial cylinders alone being coloured by the carmine, whilst the medullary sheaths assumed under the action of the chromic acid a peculiar fibroid appearance. Our observations were made especially upon transverse sections through the fibres, not only as they exist in an ordinary spinal nerve, such as the sciatic, but also as they lie in the columnar’ portions of the cord. In addition, we described and figured certain fibres, views of which were obtained by mailing longitudinal sections of the columnar portions of the cord. Since this paper was printed, I have continued my observations on the subject, and, by a slight modification of our former process have succeeded in obtaining extremely satisfactory views of the axial cylinder, and of the proportion which it bears to the medullary sheath. From the great simplicity and precision of this process, I am induced to make the following communication.