The Microscope. 165 



Toscopic examination demonstrated the absence of the parasite, 

 and treatment directed to the eczema alone was followed by re- 

 covery. Other cases of a similar nature might be cited. 



. It is not always as a means of diagnosis, and consequently of 

 treatment, that the microscope is serviceable; but also as a means 

 of establishing the results of successful treatment, more especi- 

 ally in parasitic diseases. It is true that in this case the evi- 

 dence is all negative, and that a great many more exami- 

 nations are necessary to establish the fact of the absence of a 

 parasite than to show its presence. Still, a reasonable number 

 •of such examinations being made of material judiciously chosen, 

 is sufficient evidence to enable a physician to dismiss a case 

 ■without feeling that he has been derelict in his duty. 



While no attempt has been made more than the recalling to 

 mind of facts that are well known, it may not be out of place to 

 call attention to a circumstance which is by far too common, 

 and which has, in a great measure, prevented the daily use of 

 the microscope in all branches of medical practice. Students 

 are familiarized in the manipulations of the instrument while at 

 college, but as soon as they are released from the trammels of 

 their alma mater they often are prone to neglect these import- 

 ant exercises through a lack of interest, or of an instrument, or 

 ■of both. A relatively small percentage are fired with enough 

 •enthusiasm to continue their work in this direction. After being 

 engaged in active practice a certain length of time they appreci- 

 ate the need of this valuable adjunct, and then it is only with 

 increased labor that they are enabled to acquire a portion of 

 "that which would have been a comparatively simple matter had 

 they steadily pursued it. 



As the profession becomes more crowded with scientific as 

 •well as practical workers, this necessity will make itself felt 

 more and more. The day is not far distant when the micro- 

 scope will be in as constant use as other diagnostic aids, and the 

 results obtained will certainly justify the expenditure of time, 

 money and energy which microscopy exacts from the worker in 

 that field. 



