SPOTUM SEPTIOjEMIA. 319 



In the slip stained by the Gram method the same 

 groups of cocci which grow as threes and fours 

 will be seen; but the lancet-shaped diplococci now 

 present an altered appearance — they are usually sur- 

 rounded by a capsule. This capsule is very deli- 

 cate in structure, and, though a frequent accompani- 

 ment, is not constant. It can sometimes be demon- 

 strated by the ordinary methods of staining, though 

 the method of Gram is most satisfactory. (Fig. 64.) 



In the third slip, which has been stained by the 

 method given for tubercle bacilli in sputum, if decolor- 

 ization has been properly conducted and no contrast- 

 stain has been employed, the field will be colorless or 

 of only a very pale rose color. None of the numerous 

 organisms seen in the first slip can now be detected ; 

 but instead there will be seen scattered through the 

 field very delicate stained rods, which present, in 

 most instances, a conspicuous beading of their pro- 

 toplasm — that is, the staining is not homogeneous, 

 but at tolerably regular intervals along each rod are 

 seen alternating stained and unstained points. These 

 rods may be found singly, in groups of twos and threes, 

 and sometimes in clumps consisting of large numbers. 

 When in twos or threes it is not uncommon to find 

 them describing an X or a V in their mode of arrange- 

 ment, or again they may be seen lying parallel the one 

 to the other. 



If contrast-stains are used, these rods will be detected 

 and recognized by their retaining the original color 

 with which they have been stained ; whereas all other 

 bacteria in the preparation, as well as the tissue-cells 

 which are in the sputum, will take up the contrast- 

 color. (Fig. 63.) 



