NOTES AND EXHIBITS. 181 



life history of this most dangerous organism may help towards 

 its eradication, the theories and observations of others may appro- 

 priately be referred to, but in every such case the authority must 

 be correctly cited. The chief points to be ascertained in this 

 branch of the subject are — 1. How, and under what conditions, 

 does the organism get access to the human body 1 2. How can its 

 growth be impeded, or its vitality destroyed in the human body 

 without serious injury to the individual affected 1 3. How can it 

 be eradicated or rendered innocuous in wells, water-holes, drains, 

 &c." 



The President remarked that the present seemed to be a very 

 opportune time to bring this matter forward, as the subject was 

 now engaging the serious attention of medical men, owing to the 

 prevalence of typhoid fevei*. He had been given to understand 

 that Australia offered exceptional opportunities for the investiga- 

 tion of the Bacteria, as the climate was favourable for their 

 growth during the greater part of the year. He expected, how- 

 ever, that essays would be received also from other parts of the 

 world, especially from Europe ; and he felt sure that the informa- 

 tion which would be obtained would be of great value in regard to 

 the treatment of typhoid fever and other diseases caused by the 

 different forms of Bacteria. It is owing to the unostentatious 

 liberality of the donor of the prize that this Society is afforded 

 the happy prospect of doing such great good ; for it is in deference 

 to the wishes of the member who has made this munificent gift 

 that his name should not be published in connection with it, but 

 tbat the prize should be offered by the Society. 



