MICROCOCCUS INTRACELLULARIS MENINGITIDIS 93 



and the cotton or what not used should be burned or soaked 

 in carbolic acid solution. The nose and throat of those in 

 attendance should be sprayed with an antiseptic, those con- 

 taining thymol being excellent for the purpose. It is also 

 well for attendants and necessary visitors to wear gauze 

 masks. After death the body should be encased in a cloth 

 wetted with carbolic acid solution. 



FIG. 29. Meningococcus in spinal fluid. (Hiss and Zinsser.) 



In the diagnosis of this disease from a bacteriological 

 stand-point the most important procedure is the lumbar 

 puncture. This is the introduction of a needle into the 

 meningeal space by entering between the vertebrae of the 

 lumbar region. Its purpose is the withdrawal of fluid. This 

 fluid is usually thin, turbid pus containing flakes of fibrin. 



