540 THE TRICHINA. 
curious characteristics. It is very large, in comparison with the body, and has four deep clefts 
set opposite to each other. Some of the species have only two of these clefts, which, in the 
Greek language, are called ‘‘bothria,’’? but in all the genus either two or four of these clefts 
are to be found. The generic title literally signifies ‘‘ furrow-headed.”’ 
One species of this genus (Bothriocephalus latus) is the well-known BroaD TAPE-WworM, 
which is so injurious to man whenever it takes up its abode within a human being. This 
creature will sometimes attain a length of twenty feet; and it may always be recognized by 
the peculiarly deep and opposite furrows on the head. Like all its kind, this Tape-worm 
increases with great rapidity, multiplying its joints by division, and in that manner extending 
itself to the great length which has already been mentioned. 
The whole history of these strange creatures is very obscure, on account of the impossi- 
bility of watching them in the spots wherein they take their residence. They are all, as is 
generally the case with beings low in the scale of nature, exceedingly tenacious of life, and 
will survive treatment which would kill many beings apparently stronger and more capable of 
resistance than themselves. For example, several species of Entozoa have been found ina 
living state within meat after it has been cooked, especially in those spots where the heat had 
not penetrated sufficiently to destroy the natural ruddiness of its color. It is known that 
‘‘measly’’ pork derives its peculiar aspect from the presence of Entozoa, and that many of 
these Entozoa, or, at all events, their eggs, are swallowed by human beings, within whom they 
make their homes, and whom they condemn to infinite worry, pain, and weakness. 
Even immersion in alcohol does not seem to inflict any serious damage upon these creatures. 
Rudolphi found a specimen of an Ascaris quite lively in the throat of a cormorant that had 
been steeped in spirits of wine for nearly a fortnight. Even the severe process of being 
thoroughly dried appears to be quite as ineffectual to destroy these beings. A number of 
Ascarides that had been removed from a fish, and suffered to become quite dry, and were 
apparently nothing more than flat slips of membrane adhering to a board, began to revive as 
soon as they were wetted, and actually moved the moistened part of their bodies, while the 
remainder was still dry and adhering to the board. 
THE TRICHINA is a parasitic nematoid worm, which infects the muscular tissue of the pig, 
the rat, and some other animals, and is liable to occur in man. It is usually a quiescent 
incysted parasite, occupying in great numbers, often, the voluntary muscles. The process of 
development of Trichinze in the intestine, and the dispersal of their young throughout the 
system, produces in men and animals a severe and often fatal illness, known as ¢richinosis— 
severe intestinal irritation, with fever, are common symptoms. No remedy is found effectual 
in staying the ravages of this dreadful parasite, other than extreme cleanliness and caution. 
The use of food imperfectly cooked is the great source of trouble. The fat of pork is not 
injurious, as the Trichine never infect that portion. The muscular parts, as in sausages, 
fresh pork, ham, and the lean parts of bacon, are liable to produce the disease. The parasite 
is so small that the butcher often cannot tell whether any given piece of pork is affected or 
not. Neither pickling nor smoking, as ordinarily practised, wil! destroy the life of the pest. 
The only protection is by very thorough cooking. The Trichine are killed by a temperature 
of 160° Far. Meat that is subjected a short time to this temperature is harmless. All parts 
of the piece of meat should be carefully heated at that point, as a ham may be at 160° on the 
surface, while inside the temperature may be much lower. ‘The only safe rule is to boil until 
the meat is of a uniform color throughout. 
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