(914 ) 
and the temperature of our intestines, when it has succeeded in 
this, and leaves our body with the faeces (vAN Gorkom), it will 
operate much more strongly when it enters into another man’s body 
(Wricut). In this way, I think, I can likewise explain why the 
disease seldom develops itself suddenly, and yet in other cases can 
assume such an acute form (Djambi). In such extra-ordinary cases 
it mocks all prophylactic measures, though they may be ever so 
rational (Hursnorr Por) '‘). f 
So far about the aetiology of Beri-beri. A single word more about 
the therapy. The latter can be divided into prophylactic and causal 
therapy. 
We know already very much about prophylactic therapy. We 
know that Tamil-rice and red rice usually protect against Beri-ber ; 
we know that a nourishment more in accordance with the European 
usages suppressed Beri-beri in the navies of the Dutch Indies (Van 
LEENT) and of Japan; JeBBiNK has likewise shown in his dissertation 
the great difference there is between the two methods of nourishment. 
Here | shall only emphasize the fact that the native soldier, who is 
much more subject to Beri-beri than the European soldier, receives 
in his food more substances containing amylum than the latter. 
Moreover we know already, and the investigation lying before us 
confirms it that for fighting fermentation, the way in which rice is 
prepared is of great importance. One should always try to apply a 
method by whieh the starch is washed away. Further one should 
examine, if the starchy substances can be removed before the rice 
is transported to the barn and peeled. Most likely the preparation 
has much greater influence than the age after complete decortication 
or the bringing into the barn of fully prepared rice (van DIEREN 
contra EykMAN and GRIJNs). 
Other experiments have taught that the addition of certain 
substances to the cooked rice prevent the appearance of the disease. 
LAoH mentions the side-dishes usually taken by the natives, others 
praise especially kadjang hidjoe (Hersnorr Por), Bika rice-bran, 
SCHAUMANN ferment. When cooked directly with rice these substances 
1) Consequently I do not think strange at all that Wricur could make monkeys 
suffer from Beri-beri by feeding them with rice and banana, which had been rubbed 
on the floor of sick-rooms where Beri-beri patients were nursed, whilst subcuta- 
neous injections remained unsuccessful (HUNTER, KocH). Transportation of the 
disease by ships and men to regions that had hitherto been exempt from Beri- 
beri can be explained, if it may be admitted that rice in those regions did not 
show the same fermentation phenomena, or that a specially virulent variety had 
been introduced which had become extremely active on account of its passage 
through the human body. 
