PLASSOMYXINEAE 107 



only residual, the flagellum becoming free as a spirochaete 

 or spirillum. 



This state of reproduction I regard as the acme of vitality 

 in the parasite, the streaming state with budding coming 

 next. 



Reaction to Iodine-Sulphuric Acid Mixture. -In a water- 

 culture of some molluscum lesions with which Dr. Ernest 

 Dore kindly supplied me last year I tested for cellulose 

 some of the bodies in which a framework had formed, by 

 adding a few drops of a mixture of one part of iodine solution 

 to two parts of sulphuric acid. Parts of the previously 

 colourless framework changed to a greenish blue colour: as 

 much reaction as I have ever found in moulds, mildews, &c. 

 With the same reagent the previously unchanged molluscum 

 bodies became a deep purple, which lasted a few days ; the 

 epithelial cells became pale yellow and swelled to oval form. 

 Some Synchytrium taraxaci was treated in the same way, 

 and I found its capsules were not stained at all ; the 

 sporangial contents became dark green. For the S. taraxaci 

 I am indebted to Mr. J. Ramsbottom. 



Not a Coccidium. Many have tried to identify the 

 molluscum body with the familiar genus Coccidium. That 

 attempt has failed and worse than failed ; it has delayed the 

 recognition of the real nature of the parasite. 



Only by purely objective study can we know the charac- 

 teristics of an organism, and having ascertained them with 

 minute care we must, if necessary, make a new group in 



