Parasites. 281 



invading our bodies, and attacking the living protoplasm 

 by which the work of life is carried on in our tissues 

 — they are constantly present to us, constantly mixing 

 up their life with ours. But the same may be said of 

 all parasites. They are constantly present with us ; 

 and although the subje6t may be extremely uninviting, it 

 is nevertheless of great interest and importance, and we 

 cannot wisely remain in ignorance of the nature of para- 

 sites on account of the direct and immediate bearing of 

 their origin and existence on pra6lical questions in 

 Pathology and Hygiene" — (AlTKEN.) 



Extremely interesting and necessary as is their study 

 from a Pathological point of view, it will be beside the 

 obje6l of this paper to discuss in any but a very brief 

 manner the Pathological bearings of Parasites ; but 

 almost, (if not quite as much) interest may be derived 

 from viewing the Hygienic side of the subje6l, and there 

 can be no doubt that it should be the aim and obje6t of 

 all scientists so to study the life-history and habits of the 

 various kinds of Parasites affe6ling the human frame, 

 that they may be in a better position to indicate the 

 manner in which to effeftually eradicate the scourges 

 wrought by these pests. 



I will endeavour therefore to give a short account of 

 some of the more common Parasites known to affeft in- 

 habitants of British Guiana with the diseases liable to 

 be produced by such Parasites, and the rules of health 

 that should be observed by such as would wish to keep 

 their bodies as free as possible from playing the part of 

 host to these unwelcome but very persistent guests. 



Commencing with the sub-division Entozoa of the 

 great class Zoo-parasites or Animal Parasites, British 



