l888.] NEW-YORK MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 105 



initial life-processes. The surcharged nectary of a flower may 

 appear in a place approachable to a pollen-grain. Should the 

 granule alight upon that viscid spot, out would pop the pollen- 

 tube, with the usual effort to pierce the epidermis of the 

 flower, but in vain. Indeed we can easily deceive the pollen- 

 grain, by dropping it upon moistened sugar, and even witness 

 this out-put of the tubule. 



The point I would now make is this — that a similar pseudo-in- 

 stinct prevails with the pollen-grain, when it is inhaled, and falls 

 upon the moist and tender tissues of the inflamed linings of the 

 respiratory passages. All the favoring conditions are there — 

 moisture, softness and warmth. Hence results an instinctive 

 protrusion of the pollen-tube into the puffy, inflamed and ex- 

 quisitely sensitive tissues. I think this parasitical action has to 

 do with that acute stinging sensation in the nostrils so frequent 

 in ^stivis. 



Thus have been instanced four possible modes of action for 

 pollen in Hay-Fever. 



1. — Its suffocating effect as an impurity of the atmosphere, 

 thus exciting asthma. 



2. — As a mechanical irritant begetting inflammation, even to 

 excoriation of the mucous membrane. 



3. — As a toxic agent, poisoning the tissues. 



4. — As a pseudo-parasite, penetrating the soft and sensitive 

 parts. 



It should be added that these activities are here supposed to 

 operate upon the system while in an abnormal state. In a word 

 behind all there is a Hay-Fever neurosis. As the nasal ducts 

 are the first to show suffering in Hay-Fever, and the malady 

 thence extends to all the respiratory organs, as well as other 

 parts of the system, I think it bodes good that in addition to the 

 long-known " Laryngological Association," the medical fra- 

 ternity have effected a new organization under the name 

 " Rhinological." This new society is to concern itself with the 

 ailments of the nose hypothecating the fact that diseases of the 

 throat and larynx almost always have their origin in the nasal 

 region. 



