116 The Microscope. 



what the method of its formation is is not known, though it is 

 probably formed from the matter of the periphery of the cell, which 

 is cast off as the cell grows. 



EDITORIAL. 



ORIGINAL RESEARCH IN AMERICA. 



I HE present age in medicine is preeminently one of experi- 

 -*- mental research. Thousands of busy hands are working in 

 the laboratories, and to guide and interpret their work thousands of 

 trained eyes are peering through lenses. It is impossible at this 

 early date to fully estimate the results which have accrued to 

 practical medicine and surgery, but they may be partially told in 

 the wondrous tale of alleviation of suffering and preservation of life 

 that have followed the introduction of antiseptic surgery. Oiu' 

 present methods may be proven faulty, and what we think now to be 

 established facts, may be shown by more accui'ate experiment to be 

 untrue. We may rest assured that the grand principles upon which 

 we are working are correct. The experimental method, the 

 founding of our medical structure upon demonstrated and repeatedly 

 verified facts, is a step far in advance of the speculative methods of 

 the past. 



In this experimental research, which is becoming the foundation 

 of modern medicine, Germany has the acknowledged lead. Of the 

 other principal countries of Europe, France and Italy hold high 

 places. England has been far behind, and her work in this direction 

 has been insignificant. Her intense opposition to everything 

 German has tended to prevent the introduction of German thought 

 and methods. The English medical mind, moreover, following its 

 great leaders in other departments of science, is given to ponderous 

 philosophical thought — -the building up of theories of etiology and 

 systems of treatment — rather than to original experimental research. 

 Until within a short time, America has been almost hopelessly in the 

 rear, and it is not difficult to see the reasons^for it. 



Ten years ago a thorough education in practical pathology 

 could not be obtained in the United States. Only the fortunate few 

 who could spend a year or two in Europe, could have this knowl- 

 edge. Of these few, necessarily accustomed to the luxiu'ies of 

 life, how many would be willing to tura aside from remunerative 

 practical medicine to the precarious existence of the experimental 

 pathologist ? 



