BACILLUS ANTHRACIS. 419 



rods in large numbers. Nowhere can spore-formation 

 be detected. Upon microscopic examination of sec- 

 tions of the organs which have been hardened in alco- 

 hol the capillaries are seen to be filled with the bacilli; 

 in some places closely packed together in large num- 

 bers, at other points fewer in number. Usually they 

 are present in largest numbers in those tissues having 

 the greatest capillary distribution and at those points 

 at which the circulation is slowest. They are moder- 

 ately evenly distributed through the spleen. The 

 glomeruli of the kidneys and the capillaries of the 



Anthrax bacilli in liver of mouse. X about 450 diameters. Bacilli stained 

 by Gram's method ; tissue stained with Bismarck-brown. 



lungs are frequently quite packed with them. The 

 capillaries of the liver contain them in large numbers. 

 (Fig. 91.) Hemorrhages, probably due to rupture of 

 capillaries by the mechanical pressure of the bacilli 

 which are developing within them, not uncommonly 

 occur. When this occurs in the mucous membranes 

 of the alimentary tract the blood may escape through 

 the mouth or anus; when in the kidneys, through the 

 uriniferous tubules. 



