164 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [Jun 



undertaken by the pharmacist; but unless the bacteriolo- 

 gi(!al character of the water is also ascertained, such an 

 investipjation is of little ralue. The phases of microscopy 

 that have been exhibited here are just those which should 

 commend themselves to the pharmacist who is willing, 

 without any extra training or any increase in laboratory 

 equipment, to turn to account the reserves of his scien- 

 tific knowledjire. — Phar?nace>(tical Journal. 



Bacteriological Diagnosis in the City of Kalamazoo, 



DR A. W. CRANE. 



In this city,we are agreed to recognize as diphtheria all 

 inflammations of mucous membranes caused by the Klebs- 

 Loffler bacillus whether or not there is a visible mem- 

 brane and to recognize as diphtheroid (Osier) all inflam- 

 mations and tonsillitis simulating diphtheria but not 

 caused by the Klebs-Loffler bacillus. Not only cases of 

 diphtheria but all cases which clinically would be diagnos- 

 ticated as diphtheria, especially laryngeal cases, whether 

 or not diphtheria-bacilli are found, are placarded, until 

 further bacteriological examinations can make clear the 

 diagnosis. 



No bacteriological examination is thoroughly reliable 

 if made from a swab used within six hours of the appli- 

 cation of antiseptics to tlie throat. The bacilli are pres- 

 ent in the mouth and throat when the membrane is form- 

 ing and when it is breaking down. But during the course 

 of the disease while the mouth and throat are kept clean 

 by washes, gargles and swabbing, the specific germs may 

 be found only in the deeper portions of the membrane. 

 The bacteriologic examination is not without certain quali- 

 fications. It must be done properly, and the conditions of 

 the patient are almost as important as the conditions of 

 the culture tube and incubator. 



Any physician may obtain a sterile swab and culture 

 tube free of charge at the Health Office laboratory, or a 



