188 Transactions of the Society. 



if properly looked for, in both the periodontal membrane and deep 

 parts of the pockets. 



In fact, the case from which we obtained the greatest number 

 of amcebai was one of the mildest cases seen. Besides amoebse, 

 Trichomonas was found in 10 p.c. of the cases. In cases showing 

 Trichomonas, primary examination frequently failed to detect them, 

 and it was noted that if the paraffin-sealed slide was allowed to 

 stand for several hours, and then examined, that the Trichomonas 

 could frequently be found attached to the masses of Leptothrix 

 filaments from the centre of which they had emerged. 



General Microscopic Picture in Pyorrhcea 

 (PI. XIV.). 



The picture obtained by microscopic examination of pyorrhoea 

 material is almost invariably the same, and may be summarized as 

 follows : — 



Amoebse are found in larger or smaller numbers, and these 

 bear no relation to the severity of the case. 



Trichomonas has been noted in about 10 p.c. of the cases, these 

 cases being usually the more advanced. Leptothrix is invariably 

 present, forming tangled masses frequently containing amoebae in 

 their midst. 



Perhaps the most striking feature, however, in such cases is 

 the immense number of Spirochaetes and Treponemata present, at 

 least six species being found, viz. : Spiroehxta huccalis, S. vincenti, 

 S. refringens, Tre'ponema macrodentium, T. microdeniium and 

 T. mucosum. It should be noted that our definition of the term 

 spirochsete is an elongated sinuous organism, possessing no flagella, 

 but provided with an undulating membrane which may be quite 

 rudimentary. The term treponema we have reserved for similar 

 forms which do not possess an undulating membrane, but which 

 are provided with terminal flagella. We are in agreement with 

 J. G. and D. Thompson (^) that S. huccalis can readily be 

 distinguished from S. vincenti, especially if films are prepared by 

 Benian's Congo-red method. With such films the S. huccalis 

 shows distinct traces of an undulating membrane, and never in 

 any circumstances possesses flagella. S. vincenti, on the other 

 hand, is invariably thinner, and the coils are very much more 

 irregular, probably owing to the greater flexibility of the body. 

 The S. huccalis appears to be very uniform in size, and the coils 

 are extremely regular. The 8. vincenti, however, often shows 

 great irregularity, and may show all kinds of looping and incurva- 

 tion. In addition to these differences we find that in properly 

 made preparations the S. vincenti shows two fine terminal flagella 

 and should, therefore, be classified as a treponema. It has been 



