152 PASTEUR AND HYDROPHOBIA III 



that the inquiries of the most experienced veterinarians 

 lead to the conclusion that 16 per cent of human 

 beings who are bitten by dogs which are certified to 

 be rabid by veterinary surgeons skilled in that disease, 

 develop hydrophobia and die. This estimate is a low 

 one ; by some authorities 25 per cent has been re- 

 garded as nearer the true average. Taking the lower 

 estimate, there should have died amongst Pasteur's 

 740 patients no less than 118. 



What, then, is the difference resulting (so far as 

 we can judge at present) from the application to these 

 persons of Pasteur's method of treatment ? 



Instead of 118 deaths, there have been only 4, or 

 a death-rate of one-half per cent instead of 16 per 

 cent. In less than one year, it seems, Pasteur has 

 directly saved 114 lives. When we remember what 

 a death it is from which apparently he has saved those 

 hundred and more men, women, and children, who can 

 measure the gratitude which is due to him or the 

 value of the studies which have led him to this 

 result ? 



Nevertheless, let us be cautious. It is very natural 

 that we should hasten to estimate the benefit which 

 has been conferred on mankind by this discovery ; on 

 the other hand, the method of testing its value by 

 comparative statistics is admittedly liable to error. 

 Whilst the figures so far before us justify us in enter- 

 taining the most sanguine view, a longer series of cases 

 will be needful, and minute examination of each case, 

 before a final judgment can be pronounced. We have 

 not before us at present the data for a more minute 



