228 STRONGYLUS GIGAS. 



Filaria Mcdincnsis j Syst. Nat. Gmelin, p. 5039. Rudolph. Entoz. p. 1 ; Sloant, 

 Jam. ii. p. 190, t. 233, f. 1. 



Dragoneau, Fr. ; Fadentuurm, Ger.j Naroo, Iliad. 



The Guinea-worm occurs only amongst the inhabitants of Africa 

 and the southern parts of Asia. It is of white colour, of the size 

 of a violin string, tapering a little at the tail, which is slightly curved, 

 and grows to the length of several feet. It is found only in the 

 cellular tissues below the integuments, most frequently of the lower 

 extremities, but may be also found in all the other parts of the 

 body, exciting intolerable itching in the part, swelling, pain, sup- 

 puration, and fever. It is generally coiled up circularly, and may 

 easily be felt on pressure being made with the fingers. The 

 filaria differs from Gordius, or the hair-worm, with which it ha s 

 been sometimes confounded, in its abode, and its tail not being 

 hooked. The usual remedies are stimulating liniments, the 

 internal use of mercury, bleeding, cathartics, and when sup- 

 puration has commenced, the frequent application of emollient 

 poultices and warm fomentations. When the tumour breaks, and 

 the head of the worm protrudes, it is to be laid cautiously hold of 

 and gently pulled, day after day, until the whole is extracted. 



STRONGYLUS GIGAS. 



The Large Strongyle. 

 Pl. XXIX. A. Jig. 2. 



Order Nematoidea, Rudolphi. 



Gen. Char. Body round, clastic, tapering at each 

 extremity ; mouth round or angular ; male organ of 

 generation at the end of the tail ? 



