4 22 RH1NOSCLEROMA. 



tions show that like Friedlander's organism they lose the 

 stain. 



From the affected tissues this bacillus can be easily 

 cultivated by the ordinary methods. In the characters of 

 its growth in the various culture-media it presents a close 

 similarity to that of the pneumobacillus, as it also does in 

 its fermentative action in milk and sugar-containing fluids. 

 The nail-like appearance of the growth on gelatine is said 

 to be less distinct, and the growth on potatoes is more 

 transparent and may show small bubbles of gas ; otherwise 

 it resembles the pneumobacillus. It is doubtful whether 

 any distinct line of difference can be drawn between the 

 two organisms so far as their microscopical and cultural 

 characters are concerned. 



The evidence that the organisms described are the cause 

 of this disease consists in their constant presence and their 

 special relation to the affected tissues, as already described. 

 From these facts alone it is highly probable that they are 

 the active agents in the production of the lesions. Experi- 

 mental inoculation has thrown little light on the subject, 

 though one observer has described the production of 

 nodules on the conjunctivae of guinea-pigs. The relation 

 of the rhinoscleroma organism to that of Friedlander is, 

 however, still a matter of doubt, and the matter has been 

 further complicated by the fact that a bacillus possessing 

 closely similar characters has been found to be very fre- 

 quently present in ozoena, and is often known as the 

 bacillus ozcence. The last- mentioned organism is said to 

 have more active fermentative powers. From what has 

 been stated it will be seen that a number of organisms 

 closely allied in their morphological characters, have been 

 found in the nasal cavity in healthy or diseased conditions. 

 From what we know, however, of other diseases, it is not 

 improbable that though presenting these close resemblances, 

 they may be distinct species, and may cause distinct patho- 

 logical conditions in man. The subject is one on which 

 more light is still required. 



