THE MICROBES OF HUMAN DISEASES. 185 
This observer thinks that it approximates to the 
algee of the genus Oscillaria * (Fig. 84). 
The different forms taken by this organism are 
only the successive phases of its development, and 
have not yet been observed by a competent botanist, 
who alone can indicate precisely their true nature. 
At a certain period of its existence the parasite 
attaches itself to the red corpuscle of the blood, and 
is nourished at its expense. The corpuscle turns pale, 
loses its colouring matter, and disappears, leaving as 
residue a small grain of pigment, representing the 
hemoglobin absorbed by the parasite. Two or three 
mobile filaments arise from the encysted parasite, 
which resemble vibrios, and move rapidly in the blood 
as soon as they become detached. Laveran states that 
he has found the same organism in malaria patients 
at Rome; and Richard found them in the blood of 
a sailor just returned from China, who was suffering 
from intermittent fever. The use of the microscope 
permits an accurate diagnosis of this disease. 
The spherical bodies, or the microbe in its encysted 
form, announce that the attack is imminent, and no 
time should be lost in administering sulphate of 
quinine. Richard writes that “the multiplication of 
these bodies must be extremely rapid. For instance, 
in tertian fever they are not found in the intervals 
of the attacks (apyrewia). As the attack approaches, 
* Revue Scientifique, April 29, 1882, p. 527; Januar, 27, 1883, 
p 3. 
