214 . FUNGI. 



Hallier, but when it was shown that no such fungus was found 

 on rice, this phase of the theory collapsed. Special and compe- 

 tent experts were sent from this country to examine the prepara- 

 tions and hear the explanations of Dr. Hallier on his theory of 

 cholera contagion, hut they were neither convinced nor satisfied. 



As long ago as 1853, Dr. Lander Lindsay examined and 

 reported on cholera evacuations, and in 1856 he declared — " It 

 will be evident tbat I can see no satisfactory groundwork for 

 the fungus theory of cholera, which I am not a little surprised 

 to find still possesses powerful advocates." * And of the exam- 

 inations undertaken by him he writes : — " The mycelium and 

 sporules of various species of fungi, constituting various forms 

 of vegetable mould, were found in the scum of the vomit, as 

 well as of the stools, but only at some stage of decomposition. 

 They are found, however, under similar circumstances, in the 

 vomit and stools of other diseases, and, indeed, in all decom- 

 posing animal fluids, and they are therefore far from peculiar to 

 cholera." 



Some writers have held that the atmosphere is often highly 

 charged with fungi spores, others have denied the presence of 

 organic bodies to any extent in the air. The experiments con- 

 ducted in India by Dr. Cunningham t have been convincing 

 enough on this point. This report states that spores and similar 

 cells were of constant occurrence, and were generally present in 

 considerable numbers. That the majority of the cells were living 

 and ready to undergo development on meeting with suitable 

 conditions was very manifest, as in those cases in which prepa- 

 rations were retained under observation for any length of time, 

 germination rapidly took place in many of the cells ; indeed, 

 many spores already germinating were deposited on the slides. 

 In few instances did any development take place beyond the 



* Dr. Lauder Lindsay, ' ' On Microscopical and Clinical Characters of Cholera 

 Evacuations," reprinted from "Edinburgh Medical Journal," February ind 

 March, 1856 ; also " Clinical Notes on Cholera," by W. Lander Lindsay, M.D., 

 F.L.S., in "Association MedicalJournal " for April 14, 1854. 



■)• " Microscopic Examinations of Air,'' from the " Ninth Annual Report of the 

 Sanitary Commissioner," Calcutta, 1872. 



