Extract

Oligodendroglia and its relation to classical neuroglia. (From El Instituto Cajal, Laboratorio de Histopatologia, Madrid). By Wilder Penfield MD BSc Oxon. Associate in Surgery, Columbia University, New York. Brain 1924; 47: 430–452

Whatever happened to (Santiago Ramon y) Cajal’s (1852–1934) third element? Despite much effort these small interstitial cells remained refractory to staining until the brilliant studies of Don Pio del Río-Hortega (1882–1945) largely resolved the matter. Webb Haymaker (1902–84) recalls that del Río-Hortega wrote of his subject [see The founders of neurology, 2nd edition, 1970, pages 154–9; extending the essay that appears in the 1st edition written by K. Scharenberg (nk), 1953, pages 86–9]:

‘Histology is an odd-tasting dish, repulsive as a medicament to students who must be examined in it, and little liked by physicians who consider their schooling finished. Taken in large quantities under compulsion it is not absorbed, but if tasted in little sips it finally becomes a delight to the palate and even a cause of addiction.’

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