184 OXYURIS-LARViE HATCHED IN THE. HUMAN STOMACH. 



To exclude Oxyuris it is only necessary to exclude its eggs. 

 Unfortunately the minuteness and abundance of these latter 

 render their complete exclusion difficult. They gain access easily 

 by means of such vehicles as air, food and drink — how easily will 

 be best inferred by glancing at the ensuing list of possibilities. 



The eggs arrive at the hands 



If directly, then from the person of the infected (hand- 

 shaking, <kc.) 

 If indirectly, then 



By handling soiled clothing. 

 By usage in common ivith the infected of the 

 same articles (honsehold and office furni- 

 ture, public conveyances, dec, <tc.). 

 The eggs arrive in the mouth 



From putting the fingers in the mouth. 

 From biting the nails. 



From putting handled articles between the lips or teeth 

 (pens, pencils, pins, money, stamps, gloves and a 

 hundred otJter tilings). 

 From washing the face and hands iu the same water. 

 From use of any of the mtmerous edibles, &c., which come 

 from the market after indiscriminate handling and 

 exposure and are then eaten uncooked. Esjjecially 

 to be mentioned are 

 Butter. 



patient and skilful person can isolate one and plant it as accurately as a 

 gardener plants a pumpkin seed. It was while making some experiments of 

 this kind that I caused a fly to walk over a glass sprinkled with mould- 

 spores and then over some freshly prepared gelatine in a dish near by. Next 

 day the fly's footprints could be read on the gelatine in visible mould. At 

 each step the little creature had deposited spores which during the night 

 had germinated. Microscopical examination revealed spores on the fly's 

 feet. 



" That the house-fly is an agent well calculated to promptly transfer the 

 dreaded fever germs to oar food and drink is only too clear. It frequents 

 for the purpose of laying its eggs the very places (water-closets, &c.) where 

 the germs are most likely to be found. That it returns promptly from 

 thence to feed upon fruit and other food in too many kitchens, in too many 

 shops, and on too many dinner-tables requires no proof." 



