At present the question is under discussion whether the amyloid degeneration may affect cells of the most varied character, or whether it is limited to those of connective tissues. Eberth[35] maintains that in all cases the amyloid disturbance is seated in the connective tissue. Kyber,[36] the latest investigator, in opposition to this view maintains that this affection is not limited to the connective tissue, but may also be seated in the parenchymatous cells of organs. Whether the one of these views is to exclude the other, or whether both are not correct, remains for future investigation to decide. [Footnote 35: _Virchow's Archiv_, 1880, lxxx. 138; 1881, lxxxiv.] [Footnote 36: _Ibid._, 1880, lxxxi. 7, 111.] Wherever the amyloid material may be situated, the result is a transformation of the cells into a homogeneous, glistening, colorless material, which occupies more space than the original cell, and, when abundant, is accompanied with a loss of the primitive details of the cell-structure. This material is recognized by the color it presents when acted upon by iodine alone, by iodine and sulphuric acid, or by methyl-aniline. The first produces a reddish-brown color, the second a blue, and the last a violet or purple color. These reactions are all characteristic, and the first is of special value in the macroscopic recognition of the process, while the last two are of special importance in the microscopic recognition of the earlier stages of the affection. With the advance of the degeneration and its dissemination, the organ affected presents, in the diseased portions, pale-gray, glistening, translucent patches, and becomes increased in size and density in proportion to the quantity of amyloid material present. The change appears primarily in the vessel wall or outside the same, and there results a diminution in the calibre of the vessels, with a lessened quantity of blood in the organ. From the homogeneous and translucent appearance of the surface and the increased density of the tissues the resemblance to bacon or wax is suggested, and the terms lardaceous, bacony, or waxy degeneration have been applied. Notable differences in degree and seat occur in connection with the organs diseased. In the spleen, for example, the change may be limited to the arteries of the Malpighian bodies and their immediate surroundings. To this condition the term sago spleen is applied, the enlarged, rounded, translucent, and projecting bodies suggesting granules of boiled sago. The appearances of the diseased part are further affected by the association of other conditions, as the presence of fat or pigment. When fat is present, it is often to be regarded as a result of the gradual and progressive increase in the obstruction to the circulation of blood in the organ.