1897J MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 95 



dry 1-5 objective as under a 1-10 immersion objective 

 by staining processes. Their presence in the sputum is 

 a sure indication of tuberculosis of the lungs or larynx. 

 Quite a close approximation of the severity of the disease 

 may be made by the number of bacilli, but more closely 

 by the quantity of the !i.pores. Bacilli are often dis- 

 covered when the physical signs are still indistinct or 

 altogether wanting. Absence of the bacilli at a single 

 examination is without value. 



These slides [specimens exhibited] are stained by the 

 two methods last mentioned, and are* from the sputum 

 of a patient under treatment with Edison's aseptolin 

 since February 22, 1896. The expectoration has contin- 

 ually decreased in quantity, but there seems to be little 

 effect, if any, upon the form and number of the bacilli. — 

 Occidental Medical Times. 



EDITORIAL. 



Le Naturaliste Canadian. — The scientific publication of 

 that name, founded by I'Abbe Provencher and edited at 

 present by TAbbe V. A. Huard of Chicoutimi, Canada, 

 enters with the January number upon its 24th year. We 

 wish success to one of the oldest pioneers of learning- in a 

 country where natural science has comparatively few 

 votaries. 



Diatomaceous Earth Free. — Mr. K. M. Cunning-ham, 

 having in the month, June, 18%, discovered a new Fossil 

 Marine Diatomaceous deposit near Sug-g-sville, Clarke Co., 

 Ala., which deposit has characters closely approaching- the 

 deposits of Richmond, Va., and Monterey, Pacific Coast, 

 and further having in the month of December past, secured 

 some fifty pounds of the material for distribution to any- 

 one, makes a free offer to our subscribers who ma}" en- 

 close to us postag-e at the rate of one cent per ounce. The 

 material contains twentv-five or more "enera of Diatoms, 



