ABSTRACT
In pursuing the histological investigations which form the subject of the present communication I have endeavoured to discard from my mind every kind of theoretical bias, and to record only what was actually experienced as the results of purely practical observation. The drawings are not intended to illustrate any interpretation of what was observed, but are faithful representations of the objects seen, and served for the following descriptions, which will be as concise as the nature of the subject will permit. The tissues obtained for examination w’ere used in a perfectly fresh state, and with the addition only of water or dilute glycerine. I shall begin with the muscular fibre of the bird.
See “Notes and Memoranda.”
The edges of the bodies, however, at their lines of junction, have been intentionally made a little sharper and more distinct than they were seen to be in the preparation.
At any given period of incubation there is generally, as the result of accidental circumstances, some little difference in the degree of development in eggs hatched under different hens. This I found to be the case with regard to the three hens employed for the purposes of this inquiry.
When the muscular tissue is subjected to the action of even a weak solution of chromic acid, these appearances are very common. The fibres become connected by a kind of network, which seems to be caused by the action of the acid on the blastema, and must be looked upon with caution.
