THE DIAGNOSIS OF ASIATIC CHOLERA. 389 



other forms, are present, the diagnosis of Asiatic cholera 

 is more than likely correct; and particularly is this true 

 if these organisms are arranged in irregular linear 

 groups with the long axes of all the rods pointing in 

 nearly the same direction — that is to say, somewhat as 

 minnows arrange themselves when swimming in schools 

 up stream. (Koch.) 



In 1886 Weisser and Frank"^ expressed their opinion 

 upon the value of microscopic examination in these cases 

 in the following terms: 



(a) In the majority of cases microscopic examination 

 is sufficient for the detection of the presence of the 

 comma bacillus in the intestinal evacuations of cholera 

 patients. 



(6) Even in the most acute cases, running a very rapid 

 course, the comma bacillus can always be found in the 

 evacuations. 



(c) In general, the number of cholera spirilla present 

 is greater the earlier death occurs; when death is post- 

 poned, and the disease continues for a longer period, 

 their number is diminished. 



(d) Should the patient not die of cholera, but from 

 some other disease, such as typhoid fever, that may be 

 engrafted upon it, the comma bacilli may disappear en- 

 tirely from the intestines. 



II. With another slimy flake prepare a set of gelatin 

 plates. Place them at a temperature of from 20° to 

 22° C, and at sixteen, twenty-two, and thirty-six hours 

 observe the appearance of the colonies. Usually at 

 about twenty-two hours the colonies of this organism 

 can easily be identified by one familiar with them. 



1 Zeitschrift fur Hygiene, Bd. i. p. 397. 



