84 THE MICROSCOPE. June 



places as are exposed to infection or already infected 

 should always be examined. The results of such an- 

 alyses have often given good information with regard 

 to disinfection, and the life-history of many pathogenic 

 forms have been made known. 



In many cases, milk and other victuals will be sub- 

 jects of investigation. Experience often shows that 

 milk can transfer many infectious diseases, and that 

 many pathogenic forms of bacteria keep alive in milk. 

 Meat should be subject to constant control, as is, in fact, 

 the case in some countries". Many other articles of our 

 daily food should likewise be examined. It is not un- 

 timely precaution or falling into the " bacteria rage " of 

 our age to urge the necessity of controlling grocery 

 stores as well as meat markets. Another place where 

 bacteriological control is necessary, is in the treatment 

 of many drugs. 



The question of disinfection is based entirely upon 

 bacteriology. 



It is very evident that, though the importance of bac- 

 teriology has been and still is often over estimated, 

 it cannot be lost sight of when we know how public 

 health must depend upon its many important results. 

 Almost every day discloses new facts or theories, and 

 there is hardly any department of science in which it is 

 so difficult to follow the progress as just here. But the 

 medical bacteriologist cannot work alone if his work 

 is to bring out hygienic results ; he must work hand in 

 hand with the chemist. The combined results of the 

 chemical and the bacteriological water-analysis form the 

 complete hygienic investigation of the water. But, 

 more than this, everybody should receive such informa- 

 tion as this, and learn the necessity of disinfective 

 hygiene in public and private life. 



The methods of bacteriological work are somewhat dif- 

 ferent from the work otherwise performed by the physi- 



