POST-MOBTEM EXAMINATION OF ANIMALS. 231 



or glass handle, preferably the former. It can readily 

 be thrust into the densest of the soft tissues, and by 

 twisting it about after its introduction particles of the 

 tissue sufficient for examination are withdrawn in the 

 eye of the spear-head. 



Fig. 53. 



Nuttall's platinum spear for use at autopsies. 



The cultures from the blood are usually made from 

 one of the cavities of the heart, which is always entered 

 through a surface which has been burned in the way 

 given. 



In addition to cultures, cover-slips from the site of 

 inoculation, from each organ, and from any exudates 

 that may exist, must be made. These, however, are 

 prepared after the materials for the cultures have been 

 obtained. 



They need not be examined immediately, but may be 

 placed aside, under cover, on bits of paper upon which 

 the name of the organ from which they were prepared 

 is written. 



When the autopsy is complete and the gross appear- 

 ances have been carefully noted, small portions of each 

 organ are to be preserved in 95 per cent, alcohol for 

 subsequent examination. Throughout the entire au- 

 topsy it must be borne in mind that all cultures, 

 cover-slips, and tissues must be carefully labelled, 

 not only with the name of the organ from which 

 they originate, but with the date, designation of the 

 animal, etc., so that an account of their condition 



