THE MICROBES OF HUMAN DISEASES. 185 



This observer thinks that it approximates to the 

 algae of the genus Oscillaria * (Fig. 84). 



The different forms taken by this organism are 

 only the successive phases of its development, and 

 have not yet been observed by a competent botanist, 

 who alone can indicate precisely their true nature. 

 At a certain period of its existence the parasite 

 attaches itself o the red corpuscle of the blood, and 

 is nourished at its expense. The corpuscle turns pale, 

 loses its colouring matter, and disappears, leaving as 

 residue a small grain of pigment, representing the 

 hemoglobin absorbed by the parasite. Two or three 

 mobile filaments arise from the encysted parasite, 

 which resemble vibrios, and move rapidly in the blood 

 as soon as they become detached. Laveran states that 

 he has found the same organism in malaria patients 

 at Rome ; and Richard found them in the blood of 

 a sailor just returned from China, who was suffering 

 from intermittent fever. The use of the microscope 

 permits an accurate diagnosis of this disease. 



The spherical bodies, or the microbe in its encysted 

 form, announce that the attack is imminent, and no 

 time should be lost in administering sulphate of 

 quinine. Richard writes that "the multiplication of 

 these bodies must be extremely rapid. For instance, 

 in tertian fever they are not found in the intervals 

 of the attacks (apyrexia). As the attack approaches, 



* Rfcue Scientific A^nl ^'J, 1882, p. 527; Jauuar 27, 1883, 

 p 113. 



