184 THE SALMON DISEASE. 
fish in the section instrument, and by this means I got some capital 
sections of fungus, scales, skin, and muscle. I preserved one 
of these sections, which is a very fine one, showing the forms of 
bacteria still in and around the muscle. After examining a 
number of fish, and finding the conditions alike in each, I then 
began to speculate a little as to the nature of the disease, and the 
idea at once suggested itself, after what I had seen, that the 
disease was located in the muscle of the fish; and I also have 
some idea that when it is really known it will be found to com- 
mence in the blood, caused either by the food they eat or by 
some deleterious solution in the water which passes through the 
gills, and that the unhealthy, decaying fluid or matter, which will 
naturally pass off from these bacteria, and exude through the 
pores of the skin, forms a healthy and proper nidus for the 
germination of the zoospores of the fungus, which must be in those 
affected rivers in myriads.’’ 
In view of this old record he (Mr Arnott) wrote to Sir Herbert 
Maxwell drawing his attention to it, and Sir Herbert wrote in 
reply on 10th inst., saying:—“ Mr J. Rutherford evidently had 
touched the secret of the salmon disease long before Mr Hume 
Paterson isolated and classified the specific bacillus. It is a great 
pity that he did not persevere a little further, for the date of his 
discovery corresponds with the period when Professor Huxley was 
investigating that very subject, and missed the key to it.”’ 
Continuing, Mr Arnott went on to say that Mr Rutherford 
had discussions with Professor Huxley and Mr J. Stirling, and 
that his paper further pointed out that “unless there is a predis- 
posing cause, fish will not contract the fungoid part of the disease. 
I am rather inclined to believe that salt water is not very 
favourable to the growth of ‘salmon ferax,’ but, as far as the 
bacteria in the muscles are concerned, no washing by any solution 
will affect them.’’ 
This matter was of special interest to the society, as showing 
that one of their members was the original investigator who hit 
upon what was really at the root of the disease which has caused 
so much trouble before its discovery. 
Dr Ross, who presided, said it might be recalled that this was 
not the only instance when Professor Huxley, great scientist as he 
was, went off the rails, but he was a thoroughly honest scientist 
when he saw himself at any time in error. It was of interest that 
