132 ANIMAL PARASITES. 



growth and quick increase of the disorder is remarked, which, in 

 the course of a few months or years, may come to a stand-still or 

 end perhaps in convalescence. The diagnosis of the parasites is 

 generally impossible during life, and we can only speak of a 

 probable diagnosis in those cases in •which, simultaneously with 

 cerebral symptoms, Cysticerci occur in other and superficial parts 

 of the body, and the presence of Teenia solium, at the same time 

 or at an earlier period of life of the patient, can be ascertained. 



The general prognosis of this cystic worm varies according to 

 its position. Favorable when the worm is situated in the general 

 envelopes of the body, or in any of its superficial parts, it becomes 

 more doubtful in proportion to the depth at which the cestode is 

 seated in an important organ, the number of Cysticerci present, and 

 the size of the individual cysts. The prognosis is, therefore, 

 favorable in the anterior chamber of the eve, but becomes un- 

 favorable in the retina and in the brain. With the lapse of 

 time the Cysticercus is certainly destroyed, becomes calcified 

 aud shrivelled, which of itself may produce an alleviation of the 

 symptoms caused by it. 



Treatment of Cysticercus cellulosce. — There is no prophylaxis 

 for the prevention of the production of this parasite, the embryos 

 being too small to be seen and recognised, unless we place in this 

 category the destruction of the proglottides of Teenia solium by 

 fire, desiccation, or spirits. If the brood have once got into the 

 stomach, we do not yet possess any means of destroying their 

 power of development and killing the brood in the stomach. All 

 my attempts at feeding rabbits or sheep with powder of Filix mas, 

 pomegranate-root pills, turpentine pills, oil of rosemary pills, and 

 an old secret remedy of the shepherds, before, simultaneously 

 with, or some time after the administration of eggs of T. serrata 

 or T. Ccenurus, in order to prevent the exclusion of the brood, gave 

 no results. Even pills of insect-powder {Pyrethrum roseum) did 

 not entirely protect them, although the number of Cysticerci 

 found appeared to be less than is usually the case after adminis- 

 trations. The indications of treatment are essentially easy with 

 regard to this cystic worm. 



1. If it can be reached by the knife, it may be removed. 



2. If this be impossible, the means of killing the worm, in 

 imitation of nature, must be practised. 



3. And further, we must endeavour to expel Tania solium as 



