236 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



pox — might be as useful in preventing the spread of this disease, hog 

 cholera. A very large number of diseases are now known to be due to 

 germs, and although we do not think to rid the world of all this trouble 

 by the use of some wonderful cure, yet it may be possible to control (and 

 as a matter of fact it is) these outbreaks by adopting proper precautions. 

 The varying lengths of periods of incubation in different animals depends 

 upon the individual peculiarities or accidents that may affect the develop- 

 ment of the baccillus. Again, the varying length of time in which pigs 

 die after the primary inoculation is due to the organ affected, whether 

 vital or not; in some cases no important parts are much diseased, and 

 then the animal may live for several days. 



Detmer, V.S., in Agricultural Report, 1878, says: "Dirt and Hastiness, 

 consumption of unclean food-, and dirty water facilitate an infection, and 

 warmth and moisture, pregnant with organic substances, are undoubtedly 

 well calculated to preserve the baccillus germs and to develop the bacilli." 



It has been proved that these germs may be transmitted from pigs to 

 other animals, and although actual proof that man may become infected 

 is wanting, yet circumstances and everything point in that direction. 



It seems to me that cremation would be a much more certain method of 

 disposal of the infected carcases than the ordinary plan of burial. As a 

 matter of fact, I know certain farms in Europe where anthrax has existed, 

 and the diseased animals have been buried, the disease has remained 

 latent for a certain length of time — sometimes years — and it has broken 

 out again, and at the same particular spot, or the identical pasture, in 

 Avhich the diseased carcases were buried. Now, although scientific men 

 have to be careful not to accept anything as a fact unless clearly proved, 

 yet such evidence as the above, especially if further research were made, 

 would, methinks, lead to established facts of much importance. Again, 

 we know that under certain conditions these germs will remain in a fruitful 

 state for a great length of time, and that cold much below freezing point 

 does not affect them. To repeat, I maintain that cremation of the dis- 

 eased carcases would be an effectual method of preventing the spread of 

 the disease germs. 



In conclusion, there is no doubt that the study of comparative diseases, 

 in man and the lower animals, is much neglected. Man} 7 of the ailments 

 of man are already plainly traced to or from the consumption of diseased 

 meat. And when this matter is better understood, more diseases yet will 

 be found to have their origin in the same way. Sanitary improvements 

 and comparative pathology will do much to prevent disease. 



March 30, 1887. 



