K-0 581 THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESENTED BY PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID [ 89 ] VII. On Fibre. By MARTIN BARBY, M.D., F.R.SS. L. and E. Received December 3, Head December 16, 1841. THERE is scarcely any term so generally used in the description of animal or vegetable tissue, as the term Jibre. If this serves to show the universal presence of fibre, it also indicates the importance of having a correct notion of its structure. On this subject, however, physiologists differ widely : some believing fibre to be com- posed of globules, while others maintain that no globules can be discerned in it. My investigations have led me to adopt neither of these views. Should the obser- vations that I have to communicate be found deserving of attention, it will be owing to my having carefully examined the structure of fibre in the course of its formation, beginning with the very earliest stage. At this period, I had to deal with an object of considerable size ; the form of which, therefore, could be distinctly seen : and by tracing the metamorphoses of the large and parent fibre, I was enabled to see in the minute succeeding ones a structure, which I think would not otherwise have been discerned. We may hereafter see the cause of the difference in opinion regarding the structure of fibre. The present memoir, though devoted to the investigation of fibre, is in fact a con- tinuation of those which I have already communicated to the Society on the Corpus- cles of the Blood -f-. Formation of a Flat Filament within the Blood-corpuscle. Structure of this Fila- ment. Presence of a Filament having the same appearance in the Coagulum of Blood -, as well as in the Tissues generally, of both Animals and Plants. This Flat Filament is what is usually termed a " Fibre." 1. In the mature blood-corpuscle (red blood-disc), there is often to be seen a flat filament or band already formed within the corpuscle. In Mammalia, including Man (Plate V. figs. 4, 1, 2), this filament is frequently annular ; sometimes the ring is divided at a certain part ; and sometimes one extremity overlaps the other. In Birds (fig. 5.), Amphibia (figs. 8, 9, 10, 11), and Fishes (figs. 12, 13), the filament is of such length as to be coiled. 2. This filament is formed of the discs contained within the blood-corpuscle. In Mammals, the discs entering into its formation are so few as to form a single ring; whence the biconcave form of the corpuscle in this class, and the often annular form f Part I. Philosophical Transactions, 1840, p. 595, Part II. Philosophical Transactions, 1841, p. 201, Part III. Philosophical Transactions, 1841, p. 217. MDCCCXLII. N 90 DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. of the filament it produces. In the other Vertebrata, the discs contained within the blood-corpuscle are too numerous-}- for such a ring ; therefore their arrangement forms a coil. At the outer part of this coil, the filament (already stated to be flat) is often on its edge (figs. 10, 11, 12), from which arises a greater thickness of the corpuscle, and the appearance it has of being cut off abruptly at this part ; while in the centre, there is generally the unappropriated portion of a nucleus (figs. 8, 10) : whence the central eminence, around which there appears a depression in those cor- puscles that, from the above cause, have the edge thickened. 3. The nucleus of the blood-corpuscle in some instances resembles a ball of twine, being actually composed, at its outer part, of a coiled filament (fig. 10 /3, y). 4. Such of the Invertebrata as I have examined (figs. 14, 15), likewise present the blood-corpuscle passing into a coil. 5. Acetic acid dissolves the part most advanced, leaving the newest part behind. This accounts for the figures accompanying my Part II. on the Corpuscles of the Blood %, representing corpuscles of Birds, Amphibia, and Fishes, from which the filament in question, or its elements, had been removed by this reagent. 6. The filament thus formed within the blood-corpuscle, has a structure which is very remarkable (see the figures just referred to). It is not only flat, but deeply grooved on both surfaces ; being thereby thinner in the middle than at the edges. The edges are rounded : and when seen on its edge, the filament at first sight seems to consist of segments. It is important, however, to observe, that the line sepa- rating the apparent segments from one another, is not directly transverse, but oblique (see fig. 9 y). 7. Of course the structure of an object so minute, cannot be seen without a very high magnifying power, and a good light. And it may be here remarked, that in the researches forming the subject of this paper, I have generally added dilute spirit (sp. gr. about 0'940), containing about -j^oth of corrosive sublimate^. 8. It is deserving of notice, in the first place, that portions of the coagulum of blood sometimes consist of filaments having a structure identical with that of the filament formed within the blood-corpuscle ; secondly, that, in the coagulum, I have noticed the ring formed in the blood-corpuscle of Man (fig. 4), and the coil formed in that of Birds (fig. 6) and Reptiles, unwinding themselves into the straight and often parallel filaments of the coagulum, changes which may be also seen taking place in blood placed under the microscope before its coagulation ; thirdly, that I have noticed similar coils strewn through the field of view (figs. 7, 17) 5 when examining various tissues, the coils here also appearing to be altered blood-corpuscles, and f Philosophical Transactions, 1841, PI. XVIII. figs. 52 y, 54 e. In all vertebrated animals the young blood- corpuscle is a mere disc, with a depression in the centre. In Mammalia it continues of this form ; while in the other Vertebrata it becomes a nucleated cell. J L. c., PI. XVIII. For the examination of certain tissues, especially muscle, I have since used chromic acid sp. gr. about 1-050. DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. 91 unwinding-; lastly, that filaments having the same structure as the foregoing, are to be met with apparently in every tissue of the body. 9. I proceed to enumerate the parts in which I have observed the same kind of filaments ; without stopping to point out peculiarities in their size or in their mode of combination in the various parts. Future observers will find, that while in some parts they have coalesced to produce a membrane, have themselves passed into tubes, or are otherwise rendered indistinct, they retain their form remarkably, being sometimes crossed in various directions, or at other times lying parallel. Some remarks on this subject will be found in the explanation of the figures, as for instance in that of the cornea (fig. 91). The parts in which I have noticed the filaments in question are these : the cortical and medullary substance of both the cerebrum and cerebellum, the spinal chord, the optic nerve and retina, the olfac- tory and auditory nerves, nerves connected with the spinal chord, voluntary and involuntary muscle, (the latter including the muscle in all parts of the alimentary canal, and the Fallopian tube and uterus, as well as blood-vessels, the iris and the heart), tendon, elastic tissue, cellular and fatty tissue, serous membranes (peri- toneum, pericardium, and arachnoid membrane), various parts of the so-called mucous membrane-f-, the lining membrane of the large blood-vessels and the valve of a large vein, the skin, the dura mater and the sheath of the spinal chord, liga- ment, the gums and palate, the stroma of the ovary, the testis and the walls of the vas deferens, the kidney and ureter, the glans, as well as the corpus spongio- sum and corpus cavernosum penis, the coats of the gall-bladder and of the cystic duct, the pancreas, the liver. I found them along with the marrow from a bone ; be- tween the rings of the trachea, as well as in the substance of the lungs, and the gills of the common Mussel ; in the parenchyma of the spleen, the lachrymal gland, the sclerotic coat of the eye, the conjunctiva, the cornea, the membrane of the vitreous humour, the capsule of the crystalline lens, the lens itself, the cartilage of the ear and cartilage of bone, bone itself, the periosteum, the claw of the Bird, the shell- membrane of the egg, substance connecting the ova of the Crab, silk, hair, the incipient feather, the feather-like objects from the wing of the Butterfly and Gnat, and the Spider's web. These are the principal of the animal structures in which I have found filaments such as those above described. 10. Of plants, I subjected to microscopic examination the root, stem, leaf-stalk and leaf, besides the several parts of the flower : and in no instance where a fibrous tissue existed, did I fail to find filaments of the same kind. This was in the Phane- rogamia. On subsequently examining portions indiscriminately taken from Ferns, Mosses, Fungi, Lichens, and several of the marine Algae, I met with an equally general distribution of the same kind of filaments. 11. The flat filament seen by me in all these structures, of both animals and t I saw a curious interlacement of these filaments on the villi of the lining membrane of the rectum in the Rabbit. N 2 92 DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. plants, is that usually denominated a " fibre." And the appearance of the filament in all the structures mentioned, was essentially such as that delineated in the figures above referred to : an appearance which I have never before seen represented as that of fibre." 12. Most of the figures which accompany the memoir present filaments, having the appearance in question. It will be seen to be precisely such as that of the filament formed within the corpuscle of the blood. We know that discoid corpuscles circulate in plants ; and it remains to be seen whether filaments are not formed in these. The foregoing facts, I think, indicate the necessity in physiological research, of not resting satisfied with mere opinion, though emanating from so high an authority as HUNTER; who supposed the corpuscles to be "the least important portion of the blood." Structure of the Flat Filament (" Fibre") more particularly investigated. 13. We have hitherto viewed the object called by me a flat filament, only in some of its minutest forms. These are sufficient to show that it is a compound structure. But in order to become more particularly acquainted with this structure, it is requi- site to trace the filament into similar objects of larger size. For this purpose, it will be sufficient to examine successively the following figures, from nervous substance, from muscle, and from the crystalline lens : namely, figs. 1 17 |3, 116/3, 1 15 j8, 1 14 (3, 62, 53, 92, 56, 54, 84, 131. 14. I have attempted in fig. 55. to represent what has appeared to me to be the structure of the objects in the figures now referred to. Here (in fig. 55) we find two spirals, running in opposite directions, and interlacing at a certain point (a), in every wind. This arrangement gives to the entire object a grooved appearance and a flattened form. It is in fact the structure which, for want of a better term, I have called a flat filament. The edge of this filament (figs. 1 14 (3, 56 y, 62) presents what at first sight seem like segments, but which in reality are the consecutive curves of a spiral thread. A transverse section of such an object is rudely represented by the figure 8. This is precisely the appearance presented also by the minutest filament or " fibre :" and I particularly refer to the oblique direction of the line separating the apparent segments in the smaller filament (fig. 9 y), in connection with the oblique direction of the spaces between the curves of the spiral threads in the larger one. 15. In further proof of identity in the structure of the larger and the smaller fila- ments, it may be mentioned, that I have seen filaments of minute size to enlarge, and give origin in their interior to other filaments (fig. 131). 16. We shall hereafter find that there is a tendency in these filaments to become membranous at the surface (par. 62). Hence it appears to be, that, very often when the flattened form of the filament and its grooved middle part are distinctly visible, no trace whatever of a crenate edge can be discerned. This may serve to show the necessity for extended observation, before investigators come to a conclusion as to DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. 93 the existence of filaments, such as those I have described. And here they should be apprized, that the filaments are sometimes exceedingly minute. Such was their condi- tion, for instance, in tendon. In bone also, from which the phosphate of lime had been removed (by muriatic acid), I found them exceedingly minute. The varying appear- ance of the edges of the filament, just referred to, may assist to explain why some have believed " fibre" to consist of globules ; while others have maintained that no globules can be discerned in it. The Spiral Form as general in Animals as in Plants Universality and Early Appearance of the Spiral Form. 1 7. It is known that vegetable tissue presents, in some parts, a feature which has heretofore seemed wanting, or nearly so, in that of animals the spiral form. I venture to believe that some appearances met with in my investigations may go far towards supplying this deficiency. These appearances will be found represented in the nervous tissue (Plates VI., VIII., IX.), in muscle (Plates VI., VII., VIII., IX.), in minute blood-vessels (fig. 16), and in the crystalline lens (fig. 131). If indeed the view above mentioned that the larger and the smaller filaments have the same structure be correct, it follows that spirals are much more general in plants them- selves than has been hitherto supposed. Spirals would thus appear, in fact, to be as universal as a "fibrous" structure. 18. The tendency to the spiral form manifests itself very early. Of this the most important instance is afforded by the corpuscle of the blood, as above described. I have also obtained an interesting proof of it in cartilage from the ear of a rabbit (figs. 133 to 136), where the nucleus, lying loose in its cell, resembled a ball of twine ; being actually composed, at its outer part, like the nuclei of certain blood- corpuscles, of a coiled filament ; which it was giving off to weave the cell-wall ; this cell-wall being no other than the last formed portion of what is termed the inter- cellular substance the essential part of cartilage. 19. I think there is ground for believing, that the nucleus of the cell in cartilage, now compared to a ball of twine, is descended by fissiparous generation from the nucleus of the blood-corpuscle; which on a former occasion-)- we saw to give the first origin to cartilage, for I have never seen the nucleus of a cell arise, except as part of a previously existing nucleus^. It is therefore interesting now to find in each the appearance which I have compared to a ball of twine: though it is not likely that cartilage is the only tissue to which the blood-corpuscle transmits the property in question. Mode of Origin of the Flat Filament (" Fibre") Its Reproduction. 20. It is known that, in order to the formation of certain fibrous tissues, cells t Philosophical Transactions, 1841, PI. XXII. figs. 116^ 122. \ Some of the nuclei in the cells of cartilage in figs. 134, 135, were apparently undergoing division. 94 DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. apply themselves to one another (fig. 28), so as to present the appearance of a neck- lace ; and that subsequently, as the partitions between the cell-cavities are absorbed, this necklace becomes a tube. It is supposed that the ultimate threads of the tissue arise within this tube. But on the subject of the particular mode of origin of these ultimate threads, I am not aware that we possess any published information, except that furnished by SCHWANN and VALENTIN : the former having shown that a " secon- dary deposit" makes its appearance on the inner surface of the wall of the tube-f-, and the latter, that this deposit soon presents longitudinal threads ; which threads have sometimes the appearance of being "composed of longitudinal rows of globules^." I do not find that any mention has hitherto been made of a second order of tubes, arising within the first or parent tube (par. 42). The results obtained by myself are by no means complete ; but may perhaps afford information that will serve as a guide in future investigations. 21. Cells applied to one another in the above necklace-like manner, I formerly showed to become filled with discs . If now fig. 26 - 45 )- Fig. 51. Young Monoculus. Flat surface of a muscle-filament (" fibril"), observed in the leg, near its extremity (par. 45). Fig. 52. Turtle. From the heart. Muscle-filament (' fibril") on its flat surface (par. 45). At the lower part the two spiral threads composing it have become unconnected. One of these threads still presents the spiral form. R2 124 DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. Fig. 53. Chick in ovo ; incubated fifteen days. From the leg. Filament, seen with an immense number of other filaments, forming a very large muscle- fasciculus (par. 45). Fig. 54. Periwinkle. Interlacing spirals. The lower part of a was not very distinctly seen on the left side. /3. Similar objects, but larger. They are in outline. y. Seen with great distinctness (par. 45). Fig. 55. Scheme, illustrating the structure, apparently, of the objects figs. 40 a, 41 a, |3, 52, 54, 56, 83, 84, and of every object termed in this memoir a filament, flat filament, or band, i. e. a " fibre" (pars. 13, 14). Fig. 56. Turtle. Portion of muscle from the heart. It is a filament, composed of two interlaced spirals (par. 45) ; but very much larger than usual. At the filament is broadest : at (3 it is narrower, perhaps from elongation : at y it is twisted ; and it is the (narrow) edge of the filament that is here seen (par. 44 Note). Fig. 57- Chick in ovo ; incubated fifteen days. Interlacing spirals, a. Two nuclei, with orifices (" nucleoli"), in the space circumscribed by one of the spirals (par. 44). Fig. 58. Tadpole, 65'". Four spirals visible on one side of the fasciculus ; in each of which were seen two filaments (par. 42). An appearance of fibres cross- ing one another (spirals entering into the formation of the investing membrane ?) was observed at the outer part. They are not shown in the figure. Fig. 59. Tadpole. From the tail. A small muscle-fasciculus, in which are seen spirals surrounding objects, probably filaments, too minute to be ex- amined in this state. On the left side, one of the spirals is ruptured, (par. 42). Fig. 60. Scheme, showing the structure of objects illustrated by fig. 55, in an altered state (see pars. 27, 38, 39). Fig. 61. Muscle-filament (" fibrilla") from the iris of a fish, on its flat surface (par. 45). Fig. 62. Tadpole, about 6'". Sketch of the widened or brush-like extremities of two ruptured fasciculi of muscle (par. 1 19 Note.) a. Two filaments (" fibrillse"). The inner of these filaments presents its edge only. The outer filament exhibits at the upper part, its flat surface ; and at the lower part, its edge: i. e. this filament is twisted (par. 45.). Dots represent the situa- tions of the other filaments in these two fasciculi. Fig. 63. Tadpole. Sketch of a fasciculus of muscle, broken off at the upper part. The transverse and longitudinal striae, are represented by lines, except at a, where the structure is delineated fully. This part shows the edge of six filaments (" fibrillee") (par. 45). (8, /3, (3. These longitudinal striae darker than the rest (par. 42). DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. 125 Fig. 64. Muscle ; a, y, from the Lobster (after boiling) ; 5, from the Sheep, a, y. Interlaced spirals, which are compound filaments. Their structure is seen at |3. Dots represent the situation of longitudinal filaments, sur- rounded by the spirals a, y. 8. Appearance inducing the belief that the transverse striae cross the fasciculus in a continuous line, until the parts are more minutely examined (see the objects a, y, and par. 120). Fig. 65. Tadpole, 8'". From the tail. Muscle-fasciculus more advanced than that in fig. 94. It presents on one side four interlacing spirals ; each spiral a compound object. Their contents not shown. Fig. 66. Young Crab. Two portions of a fasciculus of muscle : a. Contracted; and (3, relaxed (see par. 52). The arrow shows the longitudinal direction of the fasciculus. Fig. 67. Tadpole. Two portions of a fasciculus of muscle, a. The edges of four fila- ments (" fibrillse") are seen, unchanged. (3. Extremity, elongated to a point before being broken. In (3, the direction of the spirals is very much altered. The upper part of ]3 may serve to convey an idea of the state of a fasciculus in extreme relaxation (par. 51). |3 Appeared to be invested by a highly elastic membrane (par. 54). The extreme point of /3 was at the distance of -^j-'" from a. PLATE VIII. Fig. 68. Tadpole, 5^'". From the fail. Appearance near the surface of an object such as the larger of those in fig. 73, after the addition of acetic acid of the strength of distilled vinegar. The discs it presented (fig. 68) seem to have been the essential part of spirals such as the larger of those in fig. 73 ; the outer part of which had been removed by the acetic acid, a. The discs seemed to be composed of minuter discs (par. 55). Fig. 69. Tadpole, about 5'". From the tail. Spirals detached from a fasciculus of muscle ; in a quadruple coil (par. 80). Fig. 70. Tadpole, about 5'". From the tail. Spirals detached from a fasciculus of muscle ; in a double coil (par. 80). Fig. 71. Strawberry (Fragaria vesca, LINN.). Spiral from the leaf-stalk. This spiral is a compound object, containing filaments (" fibres") (par. 80). Fig. 72. Sheep. From the white substance of the cerebellum. A spiral filament, a. Structure of this filament (par. 35). Fig. 73. Tadpole, 5^'". From the tail. Sketch of two sets of spirals ; several being parallel in each. The spaces circumscribed by these spirals presented discs ; and the spirals exhibited more or less distinct traces of discs in their substance (par. 55). 126 DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. Fig. 74. Flax, dividing and subdividing into filaments (" fibres"). At a, and in part of |3, a membrane-like investment prevented the structure from being seen (pars. 69, 62). Fig. 75. Similar division of flax. The same fasciculus presented the three states a, ft y (par. 69). Fig. 76. Similar division of flax ; the states a, /3, y and 5, having been seen in the same fasciculus (par. 69). Fig. 77- Sheep. From the spinal chord -f. Sketch of a fasciculus of nerve. At a, a spiral crosses the entire fasciculus : at |8, one half of the fasciculus is crossed by another spiral (par. 39). Fig. 78. Sketch of mould from a ripe berry (Rubus fruticosus, LINN.). It presents a fasciculus of filaments, surrounded by a spiral filament (par. 67). Fig. 79. Tadpole, about 5'". Portion of muscle. From the tail, presenting interlaced spirals (par. 45). These are more transversely curved at the upper part, and the object (filament) is therefore wider here than below, where the direction of the curves is more oblique. At a part still lower than the figure shows, the object was as broad as at the upper part of the figure : and here also there was a corresponding change in the direction of the spirals (par. 51). Fig. 80. Sheep. From the spinal chord -f-. Sketch of spiral filaments (a), surrounding filaments having a more (yet not perfectly) longitudinal direction ((8). Internal to the latter, was a broad " band-like axis" (y), exceedingly de- licate, and consisting of very minute filaments, such as those in fig. 8 1 . (par. 36). Fig. 81. Sheep. From the spinal chord-f-. a. Dots, showing the curves of a spiral. These curves presented great irregularity in their direction, which has not been imitated in the figure. |8. Delicate " band-like axis" (corre- sponding to that in fig. 80), consisting of minuter filaments. Spirals seen in the latter (par. 36). Fig. 82. Sheep (?). From the grey substance of the cerebellum. Sketch of a fasci- culus of nerve, consisting of two halves. Two spiral filaments are seen, the one surrounding half of the fasciculus, and the other surrounding the whole of it. The latter spiral is removed from the fasciculus at the lower part (par. 39). Fig. 83. Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus, LINN.). From the root. Sketch of two interlaced spirals, invested by something like a membrane (par. 83). Fig. 84. Tadpole. Sketch of two interlaced spirals in muscle, forming a very large filament (par. 45). Between a and (3, the filament is twisted ; present- ing here, therefore, a thinner part, its edge. Fig. 85. Sheep. From the spinal chord -f-. Sketch of a fasciculus of nerve. The upper t See the note, p. 120. DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. 127 or outer part a, is in mere outline. The lower or inner part appeared to correspond to that marked y in fig. 80, and (3 in fig. 81 ; but was in a more advanced state, the filaments (very minute and delicate in figs. 80 and 81) having enlarged, and separated from one another. The spirals in these filaments are represented at certain parts () (par. 36). Fig. 86. Sheep. From the spinal chord -f-. Sketch of filaments. They represent a state more advanced than those in fig. 85 (/3) (par. 36). Fig. 87 to 90. From the root of the Sow Thistle. Most of the objects represented in these figures, have the appearance of being merely " dotted," when viewed at certain distances (par. 83). Fig. 87. The tubes sketched in this figure were filled with interlaced spirals, which are represented only at certain parts. In the tube a, the direc- tion of these spirals is unaltered. In /3, partly separated from the other tubes, the spirals have been distorted ; precisely the change that takes place in muscle (par. 54). y. Extremity of the tube /3, elongated to a point, with a corresponding elongation of the con- tained spirals. Compare with fig. 67, from muscle, and see the de- scription of fig. 67. Fig. 88. Corresponding tube, in a state more advanced, and the spirals, there- fore, more numerous and smaller, a. Surface of the tube ("dots"). j3. Interior (par. 83). Fig. 89. a. Interlaced spirals, nearly resembling those in fig. 87- /3. Interlaced spirals in a distorted state (par. 54). y. Drawn by reflected light, exhibits interlaced spirals. Compare with figs. 92, 93, and 94, from muscle. Fig. 90. The tube in this figure presents the appearance, merely, of transversely elliptical, and bright " pores" or " dots ;" which in reality are spaces between the curves of interlacing spirals, such as those in figs. 87, 88, and 89, the curves being concealed in fig. 90. The more su- perficial of the spirals in fig. 90, seem to be coalescing into a mem- branous substance, which conceals the inner ones. a. One of the "septa," formed by the interlacing spirals (par. 83). Fig. 91. Sheep. Filament consisting of interlaced spirals, from the cornea. The cornea appeared to be wholly composed of filaments in the densest ag- gregation, and running in every direction. Fig. 92. Turtle. Interlaced spirals, from the heart. Fig. 93. Chick in ovo ; incubated fifteen days. a. Sketch of interlaced spirals in muscle. On the right, at the lower part, are portions of a ruptured spiral, adherent to the rest. The object |8 represents a young fasciculus of muscle. Compare it with fig. 89 y, and see par. 83. t See the note, p. 120. 128 DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. Fig. 94. Tadpole, about 5'". From the tail. Young muscle-fasciculus, presenting on one side three interlacing spirals, with their contents. This object very much resembles |3 of fig. 93, but is larger. The alternation of the inner spirals in a large fasciculus, may be seen by gradually shortening the focal distance. Fig. 95. Tadpole, 5^'". Superficial part of a muscle-fasciculus presenting interlaced spirals (par. 42). , Fig. 96. Tadpole, about 6"'. Muscle-fasciculus presenting on one side five interlaced spirals (par. 42). The transverse striae somewhat distorted by manipu- lation. PLATE IX. Fig. 97. From mould formed on a portion of the heart. . Tube containing fila- ments, apparently spirals, running in different directions, and cross- ing one another. The filaments are dotted merely. It is their edges which are thus represented. |8. Tube containing interwoven spiral fila- ments, in outline except at one part (par, 67). Fig. 98. From the same mould. The figure represents two parts of a tube, contain- ing filaments. In the part a, some of the filaments are very longitudinal ; others more spiral, and interlacing. In the part |3, the spiral filaments (S) are more transversely spiral ; they seemed to have been broken off at this part, and had perhaps recoiled in consequence (par. 39). At y, are fila- ments transversely spiral ; and forming a narrow mass, occupying only the middle of the tube. S. Structure of the filaments. Fig. 99. Sheep. From the spinal chord-f-. Fasciculus of nerve. The figure represents only a part of the many spiral filaments seen in this object. Between some of these spiral filaments (a) were enlargements (|3). y. Structure of the spiral filaments, as well of those at , as of the others. , I. Longi- tudinal filaments, t. Central space, much more pellucid than the rest. This central part is the place of origin of new substance. There seemed to be in the interior, filaments interlacing with one another. These are not represented (par. 39). Fig. 100. Sketch of fasciculi of flax. In a, are seen longitudinal and spiral filaments. In (3, the filaments seemed to interlace (par. 68). Fig. 101. Sketch of a fasciculus of flax; the interior not shown. Here and there, and in some degree at pretty regular distances, it was crossed by trans- verse filaments running in opposite directions. At a, there were two of these filaments in each direction (par. 68) ; at (3, there was only one. Where these filaments (a and |3) were situated, the diameter of the fasci- t See the note, p. 120. DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. 129 cnlus was greater than elsewhere, independently of the presence of the filaments (a and |3). In some parts a single transverse filament crossed the fasciculus, without being met by one in the opposite direction. Fig. 102. Sketches of fasciculi (the "primitive fibres" of authors) in the ischiatic nerve. All that is intended by this figure, is to show the breadths of the fasciculi, and to give some idea of the direction of such of the contained filaments (" white substance," par. 28) as are represented, which is by no means all that were present in these objects, a and y. Filaments inter- lacing. |8. Filaments more longitudinal. In (3, the interior seemed fluid, or nearly so. Fig. 103. Chick in ovo; incubated twelve days. Very young muscle-tube in a state resembling that in fig. Ill (see the description of fig. 111). The longi- tudinal filaments are all represented by dots except one, which is seen on its flat surface. The spiral filament is in outline. Fig. 104. Sketch of a fasciculus of filaments from mould on a ripe berry. The same mould as that in fig. 78. Fig. 105. Sheep. Sketch, showing the diameter, and undulating, soft appearance of two of the fasciculi in the medullary substance of the cerebrum. In one of these, some of the contained filaments are represented. Fig. 106. Sheep. Sketch of fasciculi from the cortical substance of the cerebrum, wholly composed of filaments. One of these fasciculi, a, is in outline only. In the other, /3, filaments are represented ; but these are merely dotted in, with one exception, y. These filaments did not appear tense, but of the same softness as those from the olfactory nerve, fig. 108. S. Division of the fasciculus into two parts. Fig. 107. Rabbit. Fasciculus from the optic nerve. It consists of filaments, lying loosely together, and less distinctly circumscribed by a membranous in- vestment than those of the " white substance" in, for instance, the ischi- atic nerve (par. 32). Fig. 108. Rabbit. Fasciculus from the olfactory nerve. See the description of fig. 107, which is quite as applicable here. The appearance is well repre- sented in this figure (par. 32). Fig. 109. Sketch of a fasciculus of flax. It represents very few of the filaments seen in the interior, a. Membrane at the surface divided at this part. |3. Fila- ment having a longitudinal direction, y. Direction of more oblique filaments, e. Central body, surrounded apparently by a fluid. In other parts of the fasciculus, e was not visible. It appeared to have resolved itself into the interlaced Jilaments Jig. 110; each of the threads in & pro- ducing several Jilaments. Fig. 110. Part of the same fasciculus of flax as that in fig. 109. a. Division of an investing membrane. In the interior were interlaced, and apparently MDCCCXLII. s 130 DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. spiral, filaments, probably arisen out of part of i fig. 109. See the ex- planation of fig. 109. Several of these filaments are represented in the figure, and parts of others are shown in outline. These filaments were tense. The direction of (3 seemed longitudinal. Fig. 111. Chick in ovo; incubated twelve (?) days. From the leg. A very young muscle-tube in which there are seen five filaments. The figure represents the edges of these filaments. Two of them are close together, and so ap- plied as to produce almost transverse striae; three are loosely situated in the tube. Such filaments appear to become enlarged into such as those in figs. 40, 41. Fig. 112. Frog. From a nerve of the leg. a, (3. Fasciculi or tubes (the so-called " primitive fibres"). In a, is seen one of the filaments (" white substance," par. 28) which lie loosely together in these tubes. This filament is on its flat surface. Dots indicate the situation of other filaments. In |3 are represented four of these filaments, all on their edges. The direction of three is oblique, y. Filament, the structure of which was remarkably distinct. S. Similar filament, but more minute and on its edge. 7 and $ seen in fasciculi such as those at and ft. Fig. 113. Sketch of a fasciculus of flax. a. Spiral, composed of two filaments, the structure of which is seen at the extremity. Compare with a a of the present figure ; with spiral from the leaf-stalk of the Strawberry, fig. "J\ ; with that in flax fig. 101 ; with those in muscle, figs. 69, 70 ; and see par. 80 on the reproduction of spirals by division. a. Spiral running in the opposite direction ; and consisting of four filaments (see the refer- ence above). The filaments surrounded by the spirals a and a a, are seen for the most part on their edges, in the figure. They have the same structure as the filaments of the spirals a and a a. A cavity in the middle of the fasciculus. Acetic acid. Fig. 114. Rabbit. Filaments found in the retina. The number seen was very great, a. Is on its edge. (3. The upper part on its edge ; the lower on its flat surface (pars. 6, 14). Fig. 115. Rabbit. Filaments from the medullary substance of the cerebrum. . On its edge; (3. on its flat surface (pars. 6, 14). Fig. 116. Rabbit. From the cortical substance of the cerebrum. (3, y. Filaments, the former on its flat surface, the latter on its edge (pars. 6, 14). Fig. 117. Frog. From the spinal chord, a, a, (3. Filaments; a, a, on their edges; (3. on its flat surface (pars. 6, 14). y. Varicose object, the enlargements often at pretty equal distances. I have seen the pellucid central part (nucleus?) of one of these enlargements to run along the object, and pass into another enlargement, which was thus increased in size. Fig. 118. Rabbit. Sketch of an object noticed in the lachrymal gland (see par. 40). DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. 131 . Interlacement of filaments. /3. Structure of these filaments, y. Spirals. &. Their structure, i. Outline of trunk ; into which passed. Fig. 1 19. Advanced state of such an object as i, fig. 109. PLATE X. Fig. 120. Tadpole, about 5^'". Corpuscles, having the same appearance as young blood-corpuscles, connected like the links of a chain (par. 23). Fig. 121. Tadpole, about 6"'. Sketch of muscle-tubes, as seen lying together, several of them exactly parallel, and the whole apparently discharged from a parent structure (par. 42). No more than the most superficial portion of their contents is shown ; and this only at certain parts. Some of these tubes (a) present at least two spirals ; in another (|3) are interlaced spi- rals ; and in a third (y), there are rings for the formation of interlacing spirals (par. 42). Very weak acetic acid. Fig. 122. Tadpole, 55'". Similar tubes, a. The direction of the spirals is exceedingly oblique. (3. Interlaced spirals. S. The number of spirals appears to be three. Fig. 123. Tadpole, 5^'". From the tail. Muscle-fasciculus in which the objects y are surrounded by spirals, (3, in such a manner, that each y is shared by two of |8. a. Larger spiral, common to the foregoing (par. 54). Fig. 124. Tadpole. Muscle-tube representing different states of the more central (a, (3), as well as the conditions of the more superficial (y, S) parts, a. Discs not in lines. 0. Larger discs, near the centre, and in something like lines, y. Discs overlapping one another, and in some parts appearing as if linked together. These more superficial than the discs |3, and nearly on a level with the interlaced spirals S ; which correspond to y of fig. 48. Fig. 125. Turtle. From the heart. Sketch of interlacing spirals. Each spiral is a flat and compound filament ; the edge of which filament is directed to- wards the observer. Every spiral thread appears to contain nuclei ; and may therefore become a compound filament (par. 55). Fig. 126. Dandelion (Leontodon Taraxacum, LINN.). Sketch of a portion of the pap- pus. Longitudinal filaments (j3) in the interior are represented by dots. These filaments are collected into fasciculi by spiral filaments (a) ; the longitudinal filaments being represented by rows of dots, their structure is shown at y. Fig. 12/. Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris, LINN.). From the root, a, |3. Sketch of fila- ments. The structure seen in certain of them, y Represents the struc- ture of the filaments (3, and their larger size. Fig. 128. Nettle (Urtica dioica, LINN.). The figure represents, between a and /3, the breadth of a hair from the leaf-stalk ; and filaments on the inner sur- s 2 132 DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. face of the hair. y. Structure of the filaments, and frequent position with reference to the surface. The dots show merely the direction of other of the filaments : this direction being spiral. Their distance from one an- other is different in different hairs. A similar appearance observed in hairs from the under surface of the leaf and from the stem (par. 72). Fig. 129. Fretal Sheep. From the crystalline lens. Sketch of tubes containing discs. A space in the middle of the tubes (see par. 61). Fig. 130. Chick in ovo ; incubated fifteen days. From the crystalline lens. Chiefly in outline, a. Composed of filaments, two of which are represented in the figure. |3. An object composed of filaments, more of which were present on the right hand than on the left ; whence the greater thickness at the former part. The arrow indicates the longitudinal direction of these filaments. At one end of this object (/3) are pendent portions, not of entire filaments, but of spiral threads composing filaments ; these spiral threads hanging from the extremities of certain filaments where broken off. y. Portion of a fasciculus of filaments containing a nucleus, which displaces the contiguous filaments. Many such fasciculi are seen in fig. 132. In the nucleus are three discs, with an orifice in each. Fig. 131. Bream. From the central part of the crystalline lens. a. Two spirals run- ning in opposite directions, the one within the other. /3. Two interlaced spirals containing filaments, y. Two interlaced spirals. 5. Filament en- larging. Certain states of filaments pass into the toothed fibre, discovered by Sir DAVID BREWSTER (see par. 62). Fig. 132. Chick in ovo ; incubated fifteen days. From a more central part of the same lens, as that from which fig. 130 was taken. Sketch of a flat object, folded at |3. It was composed of fasciculi, y, resembling y of fig. 130. These fasciculi consisted of filaments, among which were nuclei, displa- cing, as at a, the contiguous filaments. Figs. 133 to 136. Rabbit. From the cartilage of the ear. Fig. 133. This figure represents in outline the situations of several cells. The nuclei of these cells are not shown in all of them. In one instance, a, the nucleus resembles a ball of twine (see par. 18). ft. Some of the filaments of the intercellular substance. The nucleus frequently elliptical in form. Fig. 134. Cell, for the most part in outline. The walls composed of interlaced filaments, a. Structure of the filaments. The central portion of the nucleus had divided into two parts (centres), held together in a remarkable manner by interlaced filaments, proceeding from these parts. Possibly this division of the nucleus denotes incipient divi- sion of the cell into two minuter cells. Each of the two parts (centres) of the nucleus had its orifice (" nucleolus ") ; the two orifices DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. 133 nearly facing one another. Around the orifice were pale discs not yet arranged into a filament (see par. 18). Fig. 135. Nuclei of two other cells. One centre is seen in the nucleus a, sur- rounded by filaments. This centre has its orifice. The nucleus /3 presents several parts, appearing as though held together by inter- lacing filaments. Yet perhaps this division of the nucleus into several parts denotes incipient division of the cell into as many minuter cells, of which each part of the divided nucleus would have been the nucleus. See pars. 18, 19. Fig. 136. Outline of two cells, the nuclei of which had escaped. A filament ex- tended from the situation of an unwinding nucleus to the wall of one of the cells. Fig. 1 37. Chick in ovo ; incubated fifteen days. Outline of cells in the cartilage of one of the phalanges (the terminal one). Filaments indistinctly seen at a. In the nuclei filaments were not seen (as in figs. 133 to 136) ; yet the discs of which the nuclei were composed (ft), appeared like rings : and the cen- tral portion of the nucleus y consisted of two halves as in fig. 134. Fig. 138. Chick in ovo ; incubated fifteen days. Filament observed in cartilage of a bone of the leg, more advanced than that in fig. 137. Fig. 1 39. Outline of the hair of a Caterpillar, containing filaments, one of which is seen at a (par. 71). Fig. 140. Sketch of part of two feather-like bodies from the wing of a Gnat. a, a. Structure of the filaments in these objects. Fig. 14 l v Sketch of feather-like bodies from the wing of a Butterfly, a. The object entire, and young : '/3. part of an object of the same kind, more advanced. y. Structure of the filaments in the object a. &. Structure of spirals pro- ducing transverse (as well as longitudinal) striae in the object /3. Fig. 142. Spider's web. Fasciculus of filaments. The filament a presents its edge at the middle part. Of the other three filaments, two are on their edge, and the third is on its flat surface. Citric acid. (par. 75). Fig. 143. Spider's web. Filament on its edge. It crossed some feather-like objects from the wing of a Butterfly ; part of one of which is represented in out- line in the figure. Citric acid. (par. 75). PLATE XI. Figs. 144 to 147^ are not drawn on the same scale as the rest. For the first three of these, the author is indebted to a friend. Fig. 147 is taken from a drawing by Dr. HESSE, in FRORIEP'S Notizen, Juli 1840, No. 309, p. 2. It represents part of Dr. HESSE'S fig. 5. 134 DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. Fig. 144. Frog. Sketch of a large muscular fibril from the heart ; a, on its edge (interspaces oblique) ; ft, on its flat surface (par. 92). Figs. 145, 146. Newt (Triton cristatus, LINN.). Sketch of red blood-discs con- taining filaments ; a, on the edge (interspaces oblique) ; ft, on the flat surface (par. 92). Fig. 147- "Transverse section of the tooth of the Ornithorhynchus near the apex, where the tubes have become closer" (par. 99). Fig. 147 j. From HENLE. (Allgemeine Anatomic. Lehre von den Mischungs- und-Formbestandtheilen des menschlichen Korpers, 1841. Taf. IV. fig. 5. 1.). From the nervus ischiadicus of the Frog ; " a ausgetretenes Mark, ft zusammengefallene Scheide." Fig. 148. Man. Sketch of objects from the blood-clot, a. Parent cell ; filled with blood-corpuscles having the form of Ammonites. ft. More advanced states of such blood- corpuscles, discharged from a parent cell, and seen with others lying in a group. They have the spiral form. 7. Similar blood- corpuscles of a larger size, i. e. in a state more advanced : the upper one beginning to undergo division. S. Spiral fasciculus of filaments (par. 97). Fig. 149. Newt (Triton cristatus, LINN.). Sketch of blood-corpuscles from the form- ing clot. No addition had been made (par. 96). All are flask-like vesicles (par. 96). a. The membrane without folds, ft. Folds are seen. 7. The filament protruding. S. Two filaments visible in the interior : the nucleus apparently giving them off. Figs. 150 to 152. Sketches of blood-corpuscles, and of filaments derived from them : as seen in the clot of the Frog and Newt. Fig. 150. Parent corpuscle, or cell, containing a coiled filament (a), which sur- rounds two young coiled filaments (ft, ft). A pellucid nucleus in each of the latter (par. 99). Fig. 151. Parent corpuscle, or cell, containing a coiled filament, which sur- rounds many young coiled filaments. Fig. 152. Coiled filaments, derived from blood-corpuscles: a, with a cavity in the centre ; ft, unwound. Fig. 153. Sheep. From the clot of blood: nine hours after the bleeding. Sketch of filaments, a. A spiral having been produced, it is elongating, ft. The elongation has proceeded farther ; and at 7 has produced the appearance of a merely twisted filament. Of these filaments, about half a dozen lay abreast, and some of them were united at their extremities. 5. Structure of the filaments. 2. Similarly twisted filaments. . Spiral; apparently an altered red blood-disc. The whole blood-red. Fig. 154. Newt (Lissotriton punctatus, BELL). From the blood-clot. Sketch of an . .? 2 5 Sparrow . f 6 Sparrow . 7 Chick. -f'roy . n. Toad . Skate f 23 Cod. * Lobster . ^/fi (S4- objects are' seen, of t/tar relative sizta. tang aWc& magnified/ 600 Diajnetcrs . Their actual sixes may be, determined, by reference, to tfie- spaces they occupy between, Inf fiarieantal lines, which are jfo* of a, faris laie, apart in, the, nucrojneter itself . Thus the actual length, of a in, fiy. 5. is i&o'" f 'Faris lint-J -Id nut dtLMortin. Sorry I ; ' Bloc d -vessel* . Nerve* . 18 .../,. Nerve to Nerve, . 2Z ..-<;- .,./, w__ iff Mould from Muscle 27 Mu-shroom . 28 3-2. IS* .x /';' *i/'i> 4 Muscle. r 33 Muscle* . Mwscle . 1 ^L i ) j J, 34 th& Objects are magrucfiAd 600 Diameters . Thf horizontal lines are described at die. foot J.Sa. 2 \\V -::> V *T s ^>- - f8 70 72 72 75 Jfutd* Musd* Mwsole,. from ti*. Zetfrtal*. Nerv( Musri , o/ 1 the. Stratrbtrry . . '1 1 \\ 4l| -i i "i ^ ^ ^--:^ ; '} 74 -^J ^a^. -Jk4 y \ f f '"' I't-'-l ~ > ' < a ^~{J v "^T^A . ? \\^--' 75 '-* V^. "--/* Fram *" f /\\ /\ . 82 \ \ Nerve, . Mus t a , B ! -' ' : ' de>. t] * V -v ' I. I 1 fXf ' 1 \ ' T, e *\ r-*. ~~^. 3 ! : ' :; "i^ ^P%^ 4 i \7 ' ; 1 B> T /.^ 's 1 \ ' l 7 / "^ X / J \ 86 g? '< 88 89 $o 85 Nerve/ . Nerve Fig? 87 to go, from, the- Sow Thirties . & ^ ' - B* ' A ^^ ^5^ ^ Cornea/ fft 93 94 95 96 Muscle, . Muscle* Muscle- . Mujdf Muscle/ . Hi the* Objects are/ magnified. 600 Diameters . The. KorvzantaL Vnej are drjrnbed at Afloat of Plate V J ' Jlafire jt*. ' ; i S> * . ' 99 ti I -I. ', *M 4 1 i\ ' '% Mould . 99 Jfarye< . rtL.I i 'ill/ $v ; ; ^ '-. y if " J /~ 1 / / T^ " &f< fi /JV > V t /'^.^ JM0 Jo5 jotf Mu self Mould, . Nerve/. Nerve/. /Malul Sutst Cerebr.} ICorcSubst. Gtrtbr.l wi Flaa- . WJ 108 Nerve- . Nerve' . tlsctaatif..) log Flajc . m Jfuscle \\\ -U2 Nerve Place*. iij jiS M.6 Nerve*. Nerve. Nerve/. /Retina. I fMedul.Sulist.,Crrthr.l !Cort.Sul>sthrii>r) Nerve/. fSpuv.Ou>r3.) the Objects are* magmfie'd 600 Duunrtn.* The honxontai tines are d&scribed at liu*foot of flaJ' /'hue*. ? Ad l.'ar.&LMaran Forty ** 1*5 Very ytnaig Fasdeufo of Fasciculi of Muscle . fappws. 12J from' tha common/ ' J$/te ^mmf zt8 Cryst . Zens , Hair of Nettie. /o._B ct> Diameter.) _ v i \ Cr t ys't.I*en*s' . - \ . Ai^_ Cryst . -^; ;X \ '>. ci ' ^j^ Cartilage of Cartilage/ of Zone, . >"ih, ' V ^ r a Scar of Caterpillar . J4O From, a. Gnat's f) r vy . From, a -Butter/ty s Wing j%? Spiders Wit. jld Hat. M Martin Bony t/, f l>l,,,;-is are magnifitd. 600 The horizontal lines are describtd at thr foot of Plats \ J.Banrtj Pfdi 244 tycd Muscular Fibril tSketrhtd. by J.A.Sasto/3f.j 146 FitrH Corpuscles of -the flood, containing Filaments . Section of a Tooth . ^x_^sA_>^ vtoi*./ fSketxheJi 6y J.-i.S attack.) ffrvmErHrsft./ 147* * Jferw (from, J)' 'Made,. / * * M ' ' v , , jSo from, -the. loods-clot of 1ke< Frog and, Neu-t . /'mm, tiie SlootL-oUft of the. Sheep . From, the, BlooiL-clot of ihe, ' / ), fa Hair of til* Fcrtnl Sheep . 266 Voluntary Jdiurde- of the Shn/nf) . ; ' \'' 7 It Volufitary Muscle, of the Lobster . the/ Objects eaxept ///.. /// ///< H/,/HT l- nr, ///.////(///,,/ A'oo Diameters. The hvrizontai ti/ies are de,tcribefj -it . Mortise orru . J. Bajir* to . DR. MARTIN BARRY ON FIBRE. 135 enlarged blood-corpuscle, the nucleus of which was undergoing division, for the purpose of producing young corpuscles. Fig. 155. Sketch of the hair-bulb in a foetal sheep ; which contained nuclei, unwind- ing into filaments, the filaments interlacing, a. Structure of the fila- ment, as seen on its flat surface. (3. Edge of the filament (par. 123). Fig. 156. Shrimp. . Sketch of a fasciculus of voluntary muscle, presenting inter- laced spirals ; some of which are seen pendent at the lower part. |3. One of these spirals, the windings of which were distinctly followed. Fig. 15". Lobster. Sketch of a fasciculus of voluntary muscle: at the lower part broken off' short; at the middle part notched (pars. 118 122). a, /3. Displaced extremities of the ruptured spirals, y. Structure of the spirals. f ) o ^3 sm m ^>Wi 1