A UTOPSY. 97 



cial rectal thermometer kept for that purpose. The normal 

 temperature-standard of the animal should be ascertained 

 before the experiment is begun. The animal should receive 

 the same care as is given to a patient after operation. Blood 

 for experimental purposes is taken from any vein ; or from the 

 carotid artery of the smaller animals. 



The animal itself may be used as culture-medium and incu- 

 bator combined. A collodion capsule containing the inoculated 

 bouillon is suspended in the peritoneal cavity of the animal. 

 The body-juices pass through the walls of this capsule, sup- 

 plying the culture with ideal nourishment, and the germs are 

 not subject to destruction by phagocytosis. The animal 

 remains free from infection. Such cultures grow rapidly and 

 luxuriantly. 



Autopsy : Many important data can be collected from 

 autopsies held on animals that succumb to inoculation. The 

 animal is washed thoroughly with a 1 : 1000 bichloride solu- 

 tion and laid on its back on a small autopsy board. In the 

 sides of this board are a number of small nails, to which the 

 legs of the animal can be tied. The scalpel is held in the flame 

 for a few minutes, and the thorax and abdomen are opened 

 after the surface of the skin has been seared with the heated 

 knife. Every precaution should be taken to avoid infection 

 and contamination. Bouillon cultures are made from the 

 body-juices and from the internal organs. The surface is 

 seared, incised with a sterile knife, and a particle of the organ 

 removed with the platinum loop. 



When the animal is killed for the purpose of studying the 

 results of the infection, smear-preparations are made of the 

 heart's blood or blood obtained from any vessel. Pieces of tis- 

 sue of suitable size are fixed and hardened in 95 per cent, alcohol. 



At the completion of the autopsy both the animal and the 

 board are placed in a 1 : 1000 bichloride solution for one hour 

 and then destroyed by burning. All the instruments, etc., 

 used in the conduction of the autopsy are sterilized by live 

 steam. The bacteriologist should take every precaution to 

 protect himself from infection. All wounds of any kind on 

 the hands should be protected with collodion ; or rubber 

 gloves worn. 



7 Bact. 



