BACTERIUM ANTHRACIS. 497 



bers, at other points fewer in number. Usually 

 they are present in largest numbers in those tis- 

 sues having the greatest capillary distribution and at 

 those points at which the circulation is slowest. They 

 are uniformly distributed through the spleen. The 

 glomeruli of the kidneys and the capillaries of the 



FIG. 86. 



Bacterium anthracis in liver of mouse. X about 450 diameters. Bacteria 

 stained by Gram's method ; tissue stained with Bismarck-brown. 



lungs are frequently packed with them. The capillaries 

 of the liver contain them in large numbers. (Fig. 86.) 

 Hemorrhages, probably due to rupture of capillaries 

 by the mechanical pressure of the bacteria which are 

 developing within them, not uncommonly occur. 

 When these occur in the mucous membranes of the 

 alimentary tract the blood may escape through the 

 mouth or anus ; when in the kidneys, through the uri- 

 niferous tubules. 



Cultures from the different organs or from the cedema- 

 tous fluid about the point of inoculation result in growth 

 of bacterium anthracis. 



The amphibia, dogs, and the majority of birds are 

 not susceptible to this disease. Rats are difficult to 



32 



