328 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
granules derived from white blood-corpuscles were not to be con- 
founded with bacteria, nor in examining solid tissues after death 
were the bacteria of putrefaction to be mistaken for those of disease. 
The former were rod-shaped, those of disease spherical, resist- 
ing the action of alcohol, ether, or caustic potash. Prof. Heiberg, 
of Norway, found in pyzmia from wounds clots in the veins, com- 
posed of granular amorphous material, that closer observation 
showed to be formed by bacteria. In the arteries going to 
secondary deposits and in the areole around them in pyzmia, 
similar masses of bacteria had been seen. These observations Dr. 
Payne had to some extent verified himself. In the kidneys the 
tubes had been noticed plugged by the same material; this being 
the way of exit of the bacteria from the body according to Heiberg. 
In pyeemic meningitis Dr. Payne had seen bacteria in the lymphatic 
spaces, not in the vessels. 
The important and to some extent novel feature in Heiberg’s 
observations was the detection of bacteria in the solid organs at the 
actual seat of disease. This line of investigation was specially and 
urgently recommended to medical observers with the microscope. 
To examine the Bacteria, though visible with }-in. objective, 600 
diameters should be employed at least, and in dealing with the solid 
organs a softening part should be chosen; a section made at once 
with a Valentine’s knife, and the specimen be immersed in caustic 
potash and water, in which medium it is best examined, other re- 
agents being applied in the usual way. 
The President had observed in putrefying infusions first spherical 
Bacteria appear and then the oval, and thought that observers were 
apt to make too many species of these bodies. 
Hriday, January 5th. 
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. 
From the report of the Committee it appeared that the Society 
was in a flourishing condition, the number of members being 185. 
The number of papers read during the past year was 16, besides 
several minor communications, all of which were followed by brisk 
discussions. Above 100 specimens were exhibited during the year, 
and 18 were presented to the Society. 
A present was also announced of a microscope for use in the 
Exchange of specimens—a system which is found to work well and 
offers great facilities for obtaining a large collection of good prepara- 
tions. The Treasurer’s Report showed a balance of £15 10s, The 
following officers were elected :— 
President—Dr. J. F. Payne. 
Vice-Presidents—Mr. Jabez Hogg ; Mr. W. B. Kesteven ; 
Mr. H. Power and Dr. U. Pritchard. 
Treasurer—Mr. T. C. White. 
Hon. Secretaries—Mr. C. H. Golding Bird and Mr. J. W. 
Groves. : 
