446 BACTERIA IN SURGICAL LESIONS. 



tion results in the formation of pus only when 

 this micrococcus is present, and because of its 

 presence. On the other hand, it has been claimed 

 that it is simply present because it finds in pus a 

 suitable culture-medium, and that its presence in 

 this fluid is without significance. Cheyne is in- 

 clined to look upon this micrococcus as compara- 

 tively harmless; and without doubt it may be 

 present in the pus secreted by wounds which are 

 healing in a most satisfactory manner. Cheyne 

 says : 



"It is certain that they do not cause putrefaction, 

 but they always cause a sort of sour, sweaty smell in 

 fluids, a smell which can be recognized in whatever 

 fluid they grow : in other words, they are associated 

 with a peculiar fermentation. Now, the products of 

 this fermentation are but little irritating. They have 

 no acrid taste, nor do they feel pungent when applied 

 to a cut surface. Hence, probably, it is that we find 

 wounds in which these organisms exist, even in large 

 numbers, appear often unaffected by their presence. 



" Nevertheless, they can hardly, under any circum- 

 stances, be indifferent, and I think I have observed that 

 in some cases, after they have got in, the wounds do 

 not behave quite as typically as usual ; i. e., there may 

 be a trace of suppuration, or a sinus takes longer to 

 heal than one had any reason to expect." 



To test the possible local pathogenic action of 

 the micrococcus of pus the writer made the follow- 

 ing experiment : 



" Exp. No. 12. August 4. An incised wound was 

 made with scissors, removing a fragment of skin upon 



