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a somewhat larger number of diseased rice-birds to the 

 experiment. It will then appear all the better in how far an 

 exception to the accepted rule for investigation may be tolerated. 



In the beginning, the question was taken into considera- 

 tion, whether the fixed limit of time might or might not be 

 prolonged. The experience and the experiments with the 

 rice from kampong Kramat, of which we have previously 

 spoken, proved however distinctly that this required limit 

 must be maintained. 



The simplicity and the ease with which the proposed 

 control as to the good quality of rice may be carried out, 

 leaves nothing to be desired. Even laymen would not have 

 to complain of any difficulty in the application of this test, 

 and they need have no fear of drawing a false conclusion 

 from their observations. 



Because the basis of this manner of testing is entirely in 

 accordance with those properties of the rice which are to 

 be traced, the result can only lead to an absolute decision. 



The test is further inexpensive, especially because the 

 market value of one rice-bird is only about a penny. 



Finally, it requires little superintendence and attention 

 and takes little time. Leaving out of view the time necessary 

 for producing polyneuritic symptoms on the test-animals, two 

 days at the most are sufficient to secure the desired results. 

 The time really needed for the experiment can be limited 



The comparatively long time necessary for this preparation 

 forms in reality the only difficulty connected with this method, 

 and what makes matters worse is, that this diffienlty is 

 not even partially to be overcome. But at any rate this 

 difficulty will only be of consequence, when the investiga- 

 tions in question are held occasionally and at unexpected 

 times. Where these are made more frequently and regularly 

 this objection retires proportionably into the background. 



This physiological test is especially valuable when it is 

 necessary to decide in how far a certain kind of rice has 



LXXIV 13k * 



