S4 



ant of milk, or for cleansing the vessels used for keeping the 

 milk. John Oyle observed that cattle using stagnant water during 

 summer, became feverish. The microscopic examination of blood 

 and milk proved, in both, the presence of large numbers of micro- 

 scopical organisms, the same as were found in the water. The 

 milk was unfit for use, and normal milk mixed with a few drops 

 of the same water would undergo the same changes. 



So may bacteria or spirilla, by reason of the use of impure water, 

 or other means, enter the milk, where they produce putrid fer- 

 mentation, which only in its latter stages is easily recognized by 

 odor and taste. These smallest organisms, variously magnified, are 

 represented in the cut given on page 33. 



2. By absorption of the infectious material from the air of 

 the stable and dairy, or by contact with sick persons. 



3. By abnormalities pre-existing in the milk, from the fact 

 that it is derived from sick animals. 



Considering that a contagion finds in milk not only the condi- 

 tions for its preservation, but also for its propagation, we must 

 admit the possibility that, by the use of infected water for rinsing 

 milk vessels, the small quantity of water adhering to the sides of 

 the vessel may well suffice as a cause of disease. The same is true 

 for infection by air. 



In England, many epidemics occurred which have been traced 

 to the milk as cause ; and, amongst these, impure water, employed 

 in the manner described, seems, in most cases, to have been the 

 originator. 



Kobinson mentions one case where milk, which was stored in 

 the sick-room of a typhus patient, caused an epidemic of typhus. 



Bell relates an epidemic of scarlatina, which was caused 

 amongst the customers of a certain dealer whose cows had been 

 milked by scarlet fever convalescents. 



A similar case is mentioned by Taylor. 



Gerlach was the first who called attention to the dangers to 

 which consumers of milk are exposed, which is derived from cows 

 sick with tuberculosis. This chronic disease attacks mainly stable- 

 fed animals, which transmit this disease to hogs, sheep, calves and 

 rabbits fed upon their milk. 



Stang mentions the case of a child which died with all symp- 

 toms of tuberculosis, and which had been infected by the use of 



