GEKMS. 71 



Take the "extensive masses of dead tissue" destroyed 

 by an ulcer, by an abscess, by a burn or by gangrene, 

 where a hand or foot is destroyed in a few hours. Now 

 apply the professor's words, "Extensive masses of dead 

 tissue are removed unconsciously in the absence of 

 germs." 



Is that true ? Did any one ever know of "extensive 

 masses of dead tissue" sufficient to produce ulcer or 

 abscess to be removed without the presence of germs? 

 Did any one ever know of "extensive masses of dead 

 tissue" in moist gangrene, or in any other disease, to 

 be removed without the presence of germs? Why are 

 germs present in such cases? Because it is nature's 

 plan. They are needed to reduce dead tissue when 

 occurring in any considrable amount. 



Why are germs absent during the elimination of 

 natural waste produced in health, as mentioned by 

 the professor? Because this is nature's plan also. 

 Here they are not needed. The waste is given off in 

 the form of a watery vapor, and in such small quantities 

 that it can be readily eliminated. 



The foregoing is taken from a personal letter, and 

 the doctor here referred to is still professor in one of 

 our leading university's medical department, and is 

 authority in bacteriology. 



In the Review of Eeviews of October, 1900, page 

 483, Mr. Maurice L. Johnson asks the question: "Are 

 microbes pathogenic?" And proceeds to answer the 

 question with an emphatic denial. He quotes a paper 

 from that eminent authority, George B. Bantock, M. D., 

 F. R. C., S. E., in March of last year, in which the doctor 



