NATURE OF INFECTION 



oculated by itself into perfectly normal tissues, while the simultaneous 

 introduction of pyogenic organisms renders its growth and multi- I 

 plication possible. In the case of the gonococcus and the diphtheria 

 bacillus similar considerations may apply. It must be admitted, 

 however, that mechanical injury is of paramount importance, for 

 we see that the tetanus bacillus, while unable to grow and multiply 

 in structures that are intact, can do so when these have been pre- 

 viously or simultaneously bruised or lacerated. For the reason that 

 the diphtheria and tetanus bacilli can only exist to advantage in 

 damaged structures, Bail not inappropriately speaks of them as 

 necroparasites (necros dead). 



BIBLIOGRAPHY. 



Vaughan, V. C. Die Phanomena d. Infektion. Ergeb. d. Immunitatsforsch., 

 1914, i, 372. 



