The Microscope. 23 



examined were, at some period during life, the subjects of localized 

 tuberculosis. " On the other hand, the constant absence of tubei'cle 

 bacilli fi'om the sputa, may be regarded as a certain sign that the 

 destructive processes of tubercular phthisis are not then going on in 

 the lungs." (Friedlander.) For the diagnosis of non-sjiecific de- 

 structive conditions, as the formation of abscesses, the disintegration 

 of tumors, etc., this negative sign is of the greatest importance. 



Localized tuberculosis in tissues other than the lungs can in 

 the same manner be diagnosticated ; and the importance of the 

 recognition of the infectious nature of a cheesy scrofulous gland, a 

 discharging sinus, or a chronic joint inflammation is apparent. 



The country has thus far escaped the invasion of the cholera 

 epidemic which has decimated so many districts of Europe dm-ing 

 the last few years. At any moment, however, the disease may be 

 imported into our midst, and the responsibility of a prompt and 

 correct diagnosis may fall to the lot of some practitioner remote from 

 the great commercial centers. The responsibility which will be thus 

 thrown upon the physician is a fearful one. Upon the promptness 

 and accuracy with which he recognizes the disease will hang the lives 

 of hundreds of our citizens. Whether the disease shall be checked 

 in its incipiency or be allowed to spread until almost beyond control 

 will depend upon his knowledge and judgment. 



Many cases of cholera morbus resemble cholera so closely in 

 their symtomatology that a certain diagnosis from the symptoms 

 alone is impossible. In the dejecta of cholera, however, there is an 

 organism, the comma bacillus of Koch, that is characteristic of that 

 afPection, and, when found and identified, establishes the diagnosis 

 beyond all possibility of doubt. The physician, or officer of the 

 health, who neglects to utilize this positive knowledge is taking a 

 fearful risk. 



A poETEAiT and sketch of Prof. Wm. A. Rogers, A. M., F. E. M. 



S., President of the American Society of Microscopists, which should 

 have appeared in this number of The Mickoscope, was unavoidably 

 delayed in printing, and will, therefore, appear in the February 

 issue. It will be furnished only to subscribers. 



As Premiums to Subsceibers we are sending out some choice 

 slides, many of which can hardly be duplicated. We have some 

 good specimens of Bacillus Tuberculosis, which are in great de- 

 mand. Subscribers desiring slides of the above will please state 

 this when sending in their subscriptions. 



