ANTHRAX. 65 



situation they may appear to have a capsule and pre- 

 sent a resemblance to pneumococci, from which, how- 

 ever, they may be distinguished by their small size, 

 and by the fact that they do not stain by Gram's 

 method (Plate II., fig. 3). 



Now examine the Gram specimen. The bacilli are 

 not seen, though other bacteria (pneumococci, strepto- 

 cocci, staphylococci, &c.) may be visible. 



INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS. 



If minute bacilli having the above characters are 

 found in large numbers in sputum taken in the manner 

 described, the diagnosis of influenza may be made with 

 certainty. 



If none are apparent and you are sure of your 

 technique (and also of the fact that the sputum came 

 from the lungs) the diagnosis of influenza is highly 

 improbable. 



If the pulmonary symptoms in a case of influenza do 

 not clear up speedily the sputum should be examined 

 for the tubercle bacillus and the examination repeated 

 at intervals. 



ANTHRAX. 



Anthrax occurs in man in three forms. The most 

 common is cutaneous anthrax, or, as it is sometimes 

 called, malignant pustule. Pulmonavy anthrax or wool- 

 sorter's disease is much rarer, and intestinal anthrax 

 rarer still. The practitioner will find the greatest 



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