66 APPLIED IMMUNOLOGY 



ing suppuration there is liberated from them a pro- 

 teolytic ferment known as proteolysin which has the 

 power of dissolving the albumin of the tissues and 

 thus breaking down the limiting wall of the abscess 

 and allowing it to extend. Theoretically, therefore, 

 much good would be accomplished if this tissue de- 

 struction could be inhibited. Normal blood-sermn con- 

 tains antiferments which neutralize the proteolysis of 

 the leucocytes, but this under most conditions of in- 

 flammation is unable in sufficient quantity to reach 

 the tissue that is being broken down. JVItiller there- 

 fore reconmiended the direct introduction of the anti- 

 ferment in large amount by injecting normal serum 

 into the inflamed area, or by packing abscess cavities, 

 after evacuation of the pus, with gauze saturated with 

 the serum. The patient's own blood-serum or ascitic 

 or hydrocele fluid is recommended for the purpose. 

 Where it is impractical to obtain these, normal horse 

 serum can be substituted. While this form of treat- 

 ment has some theoretical justification, practically it 

 has not met with any notable success. The injection 

 of acute abscesses is not unattended with danger of 

 anaphylaxis. Irrigation of abscess cavities or pack- 

 ing with gauze saturated with the fluid may in some 

 cases be a useful adjunct to the ordinary surgical 

 measures. 



