TLESHWOKMS. 123 



as I have stated, is introduced into the human 

 body by the ingestion of verminiferous meat. 

 " When the parasites are taken in sufficient 

 numbers many unpleasant symptoms show them- 

 selves in the infested person. There is, first of all, 

 restlessness, loss of appetite, and more or less pros- 

 tration. This is succeeded by rheumatoid pains in 

 the limbs, with the frequent accompaniment of con- 

 siderable swelling. The pain is not situated 

 in the joints, but in the intermediate soft parts. 

 In severe cases the limbs are drawn up and 

 half bent, as in instances of severe and con- 

 tinued cramp. Sometimes the suffering is ex- 

 cruciating, and even unbearable; patients having 

 been known to request the surgeon to put an 

 end to their lives. In the worst forms of the 

 malady death rapidly ensues from diarrhrea and 

 exhaustion. 



" When once the parasite has gained admission 

 to our muscles, all hopes of destroying it are at an 

 end ; but if a person suspects himself to have 

 eaten diseased or trichinized meat he should lose no 

 time in seeking assistance. Immediate advice, fol- 

 lowed by a suitable anthelmintic, might be the 

 means of saving his life, whereas a few days' delay 

 would perhaps prove fatal. Whilst the worms are 

 in the intestinal canal we can get rid of them ; 

 but when once the trichinal brood have migrated 

 into the flesh we have no means of expelling 



