628 Journal of Applied Microscopy. 



The Bacteria in the Stomach of the Cat. 



Julius Weiss. 



I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



In his work entitled " Diseases of the Stomach," Hemmeter (1) calls attention 

 to the need of a more thorough knowledge of the bacteria present in the ali- 

 mentary canal. The serious diseases that are caused in the stomach alone by 

 the action of ordinary invading bacteria, and the close relation that the diseased 

 stomach bears to the heart, blood, lungs, and nervous system, are sufficient 

 reasons to warrant earnest endeavors to elucidate this problem. The fact also 

 that certain species of bacteria, after a sojourn in the stomach for a longer or 

 shorter period, can escape into the intestines, and there, through metabolic 

 activities, set up irritations, or produce toxines that are detrimental to health or 

 even life, most emphatically indicates the necessity of investigating this special 

 department of bacteriology. 



Another factor entering here, which must be viewed seriously, is that men- 

 tioned by Moore (2), with reference to the Streptococci that may be found on 

 the intestinal mucosa, in larger or smaller numbers, and their capability of pene- 

 trating into the various organs of their host, when favorable conditions are 

 present. 



Then there is still another point to be considered, which, though it may have 

 for the main part a purely scientific interest, is, nevertheless, very practical. 

 I refer to the probable rule played by bacteria during digestion. This also is at 

 present an unsolved problem. But, as Professor Howell (3), of Johns Hopkins 

 University, indicates, the knowledge of the digestive processes will not be com- 

 plete until it is definitely known what part bacteria play in digestion. 



Though the subject, in its various phases, has, from time to time, received 

 the attention of a number of investigators, the work accomplished is by no means 

 complete, and a great deal still remains to be done. Investigations, therefore, in 

 which the aims are to help along towards the solution of the problems vaguely 

 indicated above, are at present justifiable and necessary. 



Having these considerations in view, I have undertaken a series of experi- 

 ments at the bacteriological laboratory of the New York State Veterinary College, 

 Cornell University, with the following objects : 



I. To isolate the bacteria present on the gastric mucosa of the healthy cat, — 

 during digestion, and after twenty-four hours fasting. 



II. To find the variations in the number of bacteria at different acidities 

 during digestion. 



III. To determine, as far as time would allow, the rule that bacteria play 

 during digestion. 



From the nature of the investigation recourse had to be had to animal experi- 

 mentation. In selecting the animal to be used in this research, cognizance was 



