38 METHODS OF EXAMINATION. 



tion, but not so well by Gram's method, unless they have been 

 soaked for a few minutes in a strong (one per cent.) solution of 

 bichloride of mercury after they are stained with the gentian violet, 

 when extremely good results are obtained. Gram considers that 

 the bichloride of mercury acts as a mordant, or fixer of the colour, 

 in the bacilli. 



The bacillus of leprosy also requires special treatment ; it is per- 

 haps most readily stained by Koch's original tubercle stain, alkaline 



t V 





5'Ai' 













FlG. 7. — Micrococci from sputum in a case of acute pneumonia 

 during the early stage. Stained with gentian violet and eosin. 

 (x 700.) 



a. Pus corpuscles, stained by eosin. 



c. Micrococci, with delicately stained capsule. 



methyl blue, with a watery solution of vesuvin for the contrast stain. 

 Methyl blue and fuchsin are also recommended. 1 



1 Lancet, August 23, 1SS4. "The Demonstration of the Bacillus leprae. — 

 Dr. Manson gives .a most admirable method of demonstrating, for diagnostic 

 purposes, the presence of the Bacillus lepra in the infiltrated leprous patches. 

 ' A leper tubercle or infiltrated patch is selected, and the whole or part of it 

 included in the jaws of an ordinary thin-bladed pile clamp. The tightening of 



