102 REPORT — 1865. 



cells might be seen in all stages of formation, originating from a coagulated mole- 

 cular exudation, unconnected with any preexisting cells whatever. In the sections 

 of pneumonic lung more especially, the tihrous tissues of the organ might be seen 

 to be quite healthy. In the coagulated exudation, on the other hand, the mole- 

 cules might be observed at first uniformly filling up the air-vesicle, then formed 

 into masses varying in size from the twenty-thousandth to the one-thousandth of 

 an inch in diameter. The latter were rounded, and were identical with pus-cells. 

 He believed that these bodies, therefore, were formed by an aggregation of smaller 

 particles or molecules, comprised originally of the coagulated exudation. It was 

 certain that in the situations referred to they did not originate in preexisting cells, 

 as no such cells could be observed. If, as might be supposed, they sprung from the 

 epithelial cells lining the chambers of the eye or the air-vesicles, such cells would 

 be seen enlarged and containing the pus bodies. But his preparations and nume- 

 rous examinations of the parts when diseased had proved to him that no such cells 

 were mingled with the exudation, or were in any way connected with the formation 

 of pus. These facts were wholly subversive of the law of cell pathology sought to 

 be established by Virchow. 



On Beef and Pork as Sources of Entozoa. By Dr. Cobbold, F.R.S. 



The paper commenced by showing that much misunderstanding prevailed, 

 even amongst eminent authorities, as to the most frequent source of human cestode 

 entozoa. The author combated the notion so commonly entertained that pork 

 was the chief source of human tapeworms, and, in proof, referred to the results of 

 his original experiments, as well as to data supplied by other means. He showed 

 that the unarmed tapeworm (T<enia mediocanellata) was more abundant in this 

 country than the hooked tapeworm {Tama solium), which latter species, however, 

 was somewhat more prevalent in Birmingham than the same species elsewhere. 

 He threw out several hints respecting the primary origin of these and other human 

 parasites, and contended that the human body was the legitimate home and terri- 

 tory of some of these parasites. They did not, and probably could not reside in any 

 other creature in their adult state. In the case of Trichina, it was by no means 

 certain that the pig constituted the primary host. The original " creative centre " 

 was possibly antecedent to the race of swine. 



Remarks on Specimens of Entozoa. By Dr. Cobbold, F.R.S. 

 The author exhibited six preparations, being part of an extensive series which he 

 recently made for the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons, London. Parti- 

 cular attention was drawn, in the first instance, to a specimen of Trichina spiralis. 

 This parasite was shown, in the encysted condition, in a portion of the great pectoral 

 muscle of a dissecting-room subject. The author had fed various animals with this 

 trichinized flesh, and had reared in them a numerous offspring. Next, in point of 

 importance, was a portion of muscle from a calf, in which animal Dr. Cobbold had 

 succeeded in rearing numerous " measles " ( Cysticcrcns bom's, T. S. C. ) by the admi- 

 nistration of the proglottides of the unarmed human tapeworm (Tania mediocanel- 

 lata). He also showed measles (Cyst, celluloses) from the pig, and several hytadids 

 furnished with Echinococcns-brood-capsules. He expressed his thanks to the As- 

 sociation for the funds which had been allotted for the purpose of carrying on these 

 experimental investigations. 



On the Effects of Scanty and Deficient Diet. By John Davy, M.D., F.R.S., <$fc. 



It seems to be now laid down as a rule or principle that the health and constitu- 

 tion of man must Buffer permanently if for any ltngth of time he has not a full 

 allowance of food, i. e. a quantity adequate to preserve him in an average state of 

 health and strength. And on this principle the formation of dietaries for the in- 

 mates of all public institutions, whether workhouses or prisons, has been more or 

 less strictly founded.'* 



Is this principle, or, as it might be called, postulate, well established and sup- 

 ported by facts ? 



