INTRODUCTION xv 



other, is to be preferred for the purposes of description. Many sub- 

 divisions are therefore made according to the organisms present, as, 

 for example, that of the conjunctival infections. 



The bacteriological view of the other sections is retained by 

 Dr. Ruprecht's carefully-arranged index, showing the occurrence of 

 the organisms in their various positions, and by the cross-references 

 in the individual chapters to the other localities. 



An account of the biology of the most important bacteria in this 

 book is given where they first come under our notice, or in the place 

 which is most important for the individual bacterium. The tables at 

 the end also assist in the determination of the findings. 



I hope that the order taken is valid ; a purely bacteriological point 

 of view is undesirable in clinical use; we must make the bacterio- 

 logical amplify clinical experience. 



In this I have been guided by my teaching experience. These 

 principles have been used in the courses of ophthalmo-bacteriology 

 which have been held from time to time in the Freiburg Hospital. 



May this book spread in ever wider circles the view that bacterio- 

 logical examination is not merely scientifically useful, but is necessary 

 for our daily clinical use. Those who do not freely examine for bacteria 

 in their practice will not assist their patients in many of the ways which 

 arc possible. 



TH. AXENFELD. 



FRIEBUEG i. BE., 

 January, 1908 



