THE MICROBES OF HUMAN DISEASES. 237 



that it is readily and spontaneously self-inoculated, 

 and that boils and carbuncles rarely occur singly 

 in the same individual. Diabetic 

 patients are very subject to this 

 affection, yet the microbe does not 

 admit of culture in sugared water. 



Phlegmon. This is the name given 

 to the suppuration of the subcutaneous cellular tissue, 

 caused by contusions, wounds, and medical injections 

 of morphia or any other sub- 

 stance. Microbes are always /^i,;^!]! '$X\ 

 found associated in 8's or in '-'#- ^M.lm 

 long sinuous chains (Fig. 

 100). In all these cases there 

 has been some communica- 

 tion with the outer air, for 

 wounds which are really sub- 

 cutaneous fractures, for ex- 

 ample even when accom- 

 panied by abundant haemorr- 

 hage, heal without suppuration, and microbes are not 

 present. 



XVII. MODE OF ACTION OF MICROBES IN DISEASE. 

 PTOMAINES. 



The question how microbes act in disease has long 

 been doubtful, but the progress of science tends to 

 clear away obscurity. 



