180 THE MICROSCOPE. Bee. 



of the outlet of a sewer, and at the time the oysters were 

 collected there were two cases of typhoid fever within a 

 few feet of the creek pouring their excreta into the 

 sewer. All these facts together have demonstrated that 

 the trouble was due to these oysters. Oysters from the 

 same place went to Amherst and produced a number of 

 typhoid cases there. All our cases appeared within 

 three weeks of the initiation suppers, and none of our 

 young men suffered that did not eat these raw oysters. 

 I will not attempt however to give you all the details 

 now. They will be published later. 



Doubtless it may be a disgrace to have typhoid but in 

 this case it was a disgrace of ignorance on the part of 

 the oyster planters who had no suspicion that any evil 

 results would acrue. I think you will see that it is not 

 the fault of any one here at Middletown for it is unique 

 to find typhoid thus traced to oysters. 



We are much pleased to know that our Alma Mater 

 has so capable a bacteriologist in its employ and are es- 

 pecially gratified to know the dangers attendant upon 

 eating raw oysters. In a few years, typhoid and many 

 other zymotic diseases will have come under as complete 

 control as is small pox. Suspected oysters may now be 

 tested for typhoid germs and their presence clearly dem- 

 onstrated, but many more people should learn how to do 

 such work and become guardians of public health. 



Railroad Microscope Stage. — A simple and elegant form 

 of microscope stage has been devised by Mr. J. P. Swift, of 81 

 Tottenham Court Road, W., London, the adjustment depend- 

 ing upon the priuciple of the friction-roller, instead of that of 

 the gear-wheel, or screw. The friction -rollers, whereby the car- 

 riage is moved backwards or forwards over the table, are pro- 

 vided with milled thumb screws. Obviously the adjustment 

 is one of great precision and simplicity. — The Optician. 



