96 A Microscopic Examination preter ice Hic 
about in it, like monads. Some remained on the walls of the 
mouth; when the smoke is breathed (by novices), more globules 
are retained in the lungs, and nausea and illness supervene. 
These globules, if found in the air, distributed by a cigar smoker, 
might be taken for germs, as they would resist the iodine-test for 
amyloids. 
In order to arrive at the cause of the ill-health of “ tea- 
tasters,” their special atmosphere was examined. In pursuing their 
avocation (selecting teas), they have to take a sip with quick inha- 
lation, and thus a small shower of fine tea-drops enters their lungs. 
On examination of such tea-drops, a considerable quantity of fibro- 
vascular and cellular tissue, from the leaves, was found, which might 
aid to tease the lungs. But the real agents of mischief were 
numerous droplets of essential oil, very plentiful in Assam tea, 
which was particularly severe on the tea-tasters. Nausea, dis- 
arrangement of the nerves, and sometimes syncope afflicted them. 
The remedy would be to prevent the tea from entering the lungs; 
or, if they must take it, as at present, let them fill their lungs with 
pure air first, and breathe out immediately after tasting, to blow 
forth the globules. 
As a result of numerous observations recorded in my paper, I 
consider myself justified in drawing the following conclusions :-— 
Ist. That stomach signs—irritability, nausea, dyspepsia—are 
frequently symptomatic of interference with the lungs; so that to 
treat the stomach, in such cases, may obscure the symptoms, but 
will not cure the disease. The indication would rather seem to be 
to cleanse the lungs by inducing a mucous discharge. 
2nd. That the lungs have a power, not hitherto suspected, of 
absorbing or assimilating even solid matter. It is clear, from what 
was stated in my previous paper, of Pouchet’s anatomical investi- 
gations, as well as from Professor Tyndall’s recent experiments, 
that a considerable quantity of matter frequently and generally 
remains in the lungs. The investigation into the health of iron- 
workers showed that the dust remained without causing injury. 
Unless the finer air-pipes are to be filled up by the daily deposit, 
this must somehow be disposed of by absorption. Old lungs are 
erey from the dust they take up. It may be remarked that car- 
bonic dioxide acts as a solvent in many cases, and that we have 
in the lungs carbonic dioxide, oxygen, and moisture, all which 
favour the dissolving act. 
3rd. That the theory of the panspermists seems unfounded on 
fact—that there are no hosts of germs always floating about in the 
atmosphere, invisible and maleficent as genii of Eastern stories. 
Air is not much better, but not generally worse than water. Pro- 
fessor T'yndali has set the sunbeam prominently before us; but I 
have come upon atmospheres, several times, where a sunbeam could 
