Pe AS eS ee, af maT 
x na f g 
. 
1891] Editorial. 120 
“ This effect is not exclusively produced with living tubercular 
bacilli, but is also observed with the dead bacilli, the result being 
the same whether, as I discovered by experiments at the outset, the 
bacilli are killed by a somewhat prolonged application of a low 
temperature or boiling heat, or by means of certain chemicals, 
This peculiar fact I followed up in all directions, and this further 
result was obtained—that killed pure cultivations of tubercular 
bacilli, after rinsing in water, might be injected in great quantities 
under healthy guinea-pigs’ skin without anything occurring beyond 
local suppuration. If the injections are continued at intervals of from 
one to two days, the ulcerating inoculation wound becomes small- 
er and finally scars over, which otherwise it never does; the size of 
the swollen lymphatic glands is reduced, the body becomes better 
nourished, and the mortiid process ceases, unless it has gone too 
far, in which case the animal perishes from exhaustion. By this 
means the basis of a curative process against tuberculosis was 
established.” 
We have italicized these words in order to call the reader's 
attention in connection with their identical nature with the following 
statement by Dr. Dixon, published months before: “ That by sub- 
mitting a mass of growing bacilli to different degrees of heat, etc., 
and injecting the mass into animals, he not only prevented tuber- 
culosis, but also cured the same.” 
Compare this with Koch’s just-published claim, that by inject- 
ing tubercle bacilli that had been submitted to solar light, heat, 
etc., he had produced in guinea-pigs immunity, and also cure, and 
Moreover that by this the curative process against tuberculosis 
was established, and if there is any difference between the two, 
we have not been able to detect it. 
With this last utterance of Prof. Koch the literature on the 
Subject of the cure for tuberculosis for the present ceases. 
We have endeavored to lay before our readers a succinct and 
- Chronological account of the history of this great discovery. 
_ The important question as to whom belongs the credit for it, 
and to whom should be awarded the priority, may well be left to 
m. We venture to think that the material is present here 
7 befor re them to enable them to form a correct judgment. 
