TUBERCULOSIS. 327 



by gradually increased doses of sterilized, attenuated, and 

 virulent cultures of the bacillus of avian tuberculosis. 

 Curative results were observed in fowls thus treated, and 

 in mammals similarly treated, and the inference drawn 

 is that men treated in the same manner can be similarly 

 benefited. The dose recommended is 2 c.cin. 



The theory depends upon the supposed identity or near 

 relationship of the bacilli of avian and mammalian tu- 

 berculosis. 



Klebs has claimed much advantage from the treatment 

 of tuberculosis by antiphthisin. According to the ex- 

 perimental studies of Trudeau and Baldwin, however, 

 antiphthisin is only much diluted tuberculin, and exerts 

 no demonstrable influence upon the tubercle bacillus in 

 vitro, does not cure tuberculosis in guinea-pigs, and 

 probably inhibits the growth of the tubercle bacillus 

 upon culture-media to which it has been added, only by 

 its acid reaction. 



On the other hand, Ambler has used antiphthisin with 

 excellent results in the treatment of human tubercu- 

 losis. 



Numerous experimenters, prominent among whom are 

 Tizzoni, Cattani, Bernheim, and Paquin, have experi- 

 mented with the tubercle bacillus and tuberculin, hoping 

 that the principles of serum-therapy might be applicable 

 to the disease. Nothing positive has, however, been 

 achieved. The first-named observers claim to have im- 

 munized guinea-pigs, in whose blood an antitoxin formed; 

 the last-named thinks the serum of immunized horses 

 a specific for tuberculosis. The field of experimentation 

 is an inviting one, though the chronic course of the dis- 

 ease lessens the certainty with which the results can be 

 estimated. 



Maragliano's antitubercle serum is prepared in an 

 uncertain manner, the tubercle-toxin with which the 

 animals are immunized not being clearly described. It 

 has been used in a very large number of cases in human 

 medicine, and many cures as well as improvements are 



