268 



Missrcr, ThrUvSH. (Miss Nicliolson). This case presented 



pronounced con<^estion of liver and lungs. 



[I regret to say that most of the birds sent to nie during the 

 mouth could not ])e examined, owing to my having been on the 

 sick list]. W. Gko. CrksvvkIvL. 



Xettcrs to the ]6^lto^. 



TUBERCULOSIS IN BIRDS. 



Sir, — vSome time ago, in one of my own works dealing with 

 a plia.se of biology attaching to the human subject, I had 

 occasion to notice the importance of what you have done in the 

 direction of avian pathology and hygiene. I was, therefore, the 

 more glad to see Dr. Siieli's appreciative letter on the above 

 subject in the last issue of this Magazine. 



It is very clear that both inside the medical and veterinar}- 

 })rofessious, and to a still greater extent outside them, there has 

 hitherto been a lamentable confusion between avian tubercu- 

 losis and the avian septicEemia which has been so ably investi- 

 gated and brought to our notice bv Dr. R. H. Clarke and your- 

 self. 



It is equally clear, taking into consideration the existence 

 of the present widespread crusade against all possible sources 

 of tubercular infection in man, that we owe both of you gentle- 

 men a deep debt of gratitude for pointing out that the disease, 

 so common among birds of all kinds, is after all not tubercu- 

 losis, and need excite no apprehension on the part of the 

 crusaders. Whether or no this is apparent to the laity, it is 

 quite plain to such members of the two medical professions as 

 are abreast of modern biological science. 



I entirely agree with your action in challenging the medical 

 man mentioned in your Editorial on this subject iu your 

 November issue. It is the best of all arguments against reck- 

 less a.ssertions, whether they be traditional or new. 



J. Sim Wallace, D.vSc, M.D. 

 30A, Wimpole Street, W. 



vSiR, — After }-our challenge your opponent declines to (or 

 cannot) bring proof on his side of the question. This, I think, 

 should be enough to convince anyone of the correctness of your 

 views. Personallj^ I have been convinced by your articles for 

 .some time. Georgk Masticr, M.B., B.C. 



