1254 Journal of Applied Microscopy 



Journal of Itis very evident that bacteriological 



A 1* J 1\yi • methods in the diagnosis of germ dis- 



/\ppilCQ IVllCr OSCOpy eases cannot reach their highest degree 



^"'' of usefulness in the prevention of epi- 



Laboratory Methods. ^^^^- ^^ ^.^ ^^ i^^i^,,^ ^^^-^ 



Edited by L. B. ELLIOTT. ^^^ general public, and even many 



medical men, are better informed as to 



Issued Monthly from the Publication Department (.1,^ a Urwtn^ " onH " «'Vnrc " /->f fVi/=cp> 



of the Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., "^"^ HOWS ana \\ nys ot tnese 

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■ teriological precautions ought to be 

 needed than is shown in a recently 

 published report* of some instances, where the evidence of the bacteriologist in 

 the diagnosis of diphtheria was taken, in spite of more or less opposition from 

 practicing physicians not thoroughly acquainted with the value of the methods, as 

 a basis for treatment and preventive measures. As a result in these instances, 

 the positive cases were promptly identified and isolated, and proper treatment 

 applied in time to check the progress of the disease; while negative cases, 

 however suspicious their appearance in ordinary clinical diagnosis, were safely 

 dismissed. The bacteriological methods recommended for the control of 

 diphtheria may be summarized with great clearness in early diagnosis, early use 

 of antitoxin, strict quarantine, release on negative cultures only, and thorough 

 disinfection. This procedure is based on the natural history of the disease, and 

 is the most logical, well defined and satisfactory course to pursue with a sus- 

 pected case. The culture methods are simple but most reliable, and their more 

 rapid introduction and universal application are retarded by neglect and igno- 

 rance on the part of physicians, boards of health, and men holding positions 

 pertaining to the public health, and prejudice, due to ignorance, on the part of 

 the laity. These difificulties must be overcome by the thorough instruction of 

 medical men in the use of the methods and the instruction of the people through 

 the public schools. The latter subject is just now receiving much attention 

 from men in charge of courses of study for pupils in high schools. 



A subject of so much importance to society as the prevention of the spread 

 of germ diseases should receive sufficient attention in all public and private 

 schools, to inform the students of the paramount necessity not only of taking 

 every precaution against contracting infectious diseases, but when once infected 

 of submitting to the methods prescribed by the physician ; the result of which 

 would ultimately produce a public opinion heartily in favor of better sanitation, 

 improved methods, and strict precautions in the preservation of the public health. 



* The Control of Diphtheria in small cities and country districts from the Bacteriological 

 Standpoint. Veranus A. Moore, M. D., Cornell University. 



