SEPTIC^MIA IN MICE. 351 



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The resources of modern science have not yet 

 been fairly brought to bear for the elucidation of 

 the etiology of this pestilential disease, which in 

 all countries contributes so large a share to the 

 mortality among young children; and it is to be 

 hoped that some government, more liberal in this 

 direction than is that of the United States, may 

 undertake a thorough experimental investigation, 

 in the interests of its citizens, if the advancement 

 of science per se is not a sufficient motive. The 

 unsatisfactory results heretofore attained are doubt- 

 less to be ascribed to the fact that the difficulties 

 connected with the solution of the problem are 

 too great to be met by individual enterprise, and 

 also to the fact that no amount of enthusiasm can 

 take the place of skill and experience in investiga- 

 tions of this nature. Enough has been done to 

 show that the persistent efforts of trained experts, 

 supported by liberal government patronage, will 

 be required for the settlement of the more difficult 

 problems in etiology. 



SEPTICAEMIA IN MICE, Koch. Koch at first 

 failed to produce an infectious disease in mice by 

 the subcutaneous injection of putrid fluids, blood, 

 meat infusion, etc., although the injection of a 

 sufficient quantity of these fluids produced death 

 in a few hours. Thus five drops of putrid blood 

 caused the death of a mouse in four to eight hours, 

 and the symptoms of poisoning were developed 

 immediately. But no bacteria were found in blood 



