The Microscopic Germ Theory of Disease. By II. C. Bastian. 133 
tion — however much we may differ amongst ourselves as to the 
interpretation of their presence, actual or possible. Yet this 
common ground contains an admission which is decidedly inimical 
to Mr. Lister’s theories. Following M. Pasteur, this distinguished 
surgeon would have us believe that whilst bacteria are disease germs, 
they do not naturally exist within the body. He has based his 
antiseptic system of treatment on the assumption that air, or surfaces 
which have been exposed to it, coming into contact with wounded 
portions of the body, are the means by which his assumed animated 
poisons are introduced into the system. But it is, I think, now 
well known that the whole pyaemic process may be met with occa- 
sionally, even where there is no abrasion of the surface of the body. 
And, moreover, as regards the cause of the disease in persons with 
open wounds, I may say that Pasteur never seriously attempted to 
discriminate between the respective effects of the living and the 
dead elements entering into the composition of atmospheric dust. 
Effects which were often due to the action of mere organic debris, 
he attributed to the influence of living germs,* and in this respect 
M. Pasteur has been followed by Professor Lister. 
But, as I take it, the essential practical fact which Professor 
Lister wishes to enforce is that the putrefactive processes apt to 
take place in wounds ought to he reduced to a minimum, because 
it seems certain that during such processes poisons are liable to be 
engendered whose absorption or local influence upon the system 
may be attended by the most fatal results. Such a notion, which 
is assuredly thoroughly well founded, may, however, he acted upon 
by the adoption of the antiseptic system of treatment (or by free 
exposure of wounds and frequent removal of secretion), quite inde- 
pendently of the question whether mere organic debris may act as 
ferments, and also quite independently of the further question 
whether the poisons engendered in wounds are living entities or 
complex chemical compounds not endowed with the attributes of 
living matter. 
Applicability of the germ theory to artificial tuberculosis, syphilis, 
typhoid, typhus, relapsing fever, cholera, measles, scarlet fever , 
small-pox, and other contagious fevers. 
I now pass to a consideration of the germ theory in its relation 
to another class of diseases, although I do not wish to convey the 
idea that there exists in nature a distinct boundary line, such as 
my division of the subject might indicate. It must he clearly 
understood that the local morbid processes or inflammations of a 
virulent type — which may or may not gradually entail a more 
general morbid condition — pass insensibly by means of such affec- 
* ‘ Evolution and the Origin of Life,’ pp. 103-114. 
