September 18, 1885.] 



SCIENCE. 



253 



of cases of cholera nostras : we observed them both 

 directly iu the intestinal contents, and by cultivation 

 experiments, and studied their characteristics. 



3°. Both these comma bacilli are vibrios, which 

 form genuine spirilla. As well in this stage, as in the 

 variations which the form undergoes, are the two 

 vibrios similar. 



4°. The behavior under cultivation of the two or- 

 ganisms is almost identical. They vary only under 

 very limited differences of culture media and tem- 

 perature : and the differences consist not so much in 

 absolute as in relatwe variations; i.e., greater energy 

 of growth and vitality of the vibrio of cholera nos- 

 tras. 



5°. Of the physiological properties of the vibrios we 

 have especially remarked — and have clearly deter- 

 mined — their marked resistance to drying, varying 

 temperature, and ' fdiilniss.'' 



6°. We claim the possibility of a resting stage, and 

 consider it probable that this resting stage is similar 

 to that of other micro-organisms. 



7°. Both vibrios are pathogenic. 



8°. The pathogenic property of Koch's vibrio is 

 greater than that of the vibrio of Finkler and Prior. 

 There is here also merely a relatwe difference. 



9°. The pathogenic property does not exist for all 

 species of animals : much the greater number possess 

 an immunity against both vibrios; they are also path- 

 ogenic only under certain conditions. The suscepti- 

 ble animals, and the conditions for producing positive 

 results, are the same for both vibrios. 



10°. The symptoms produced in animals by these 

 vibrios have great similarity to those of cholera in 

 man ; they are not specific, however, but can also be 

 produced in guinea-pigs by other infectious materials 

 and chemical poisons. 



11°. The causal connection between the comma 

 bacillus and cholera asiatica is rendered probable by 

 its constant presence, but is not made certain by the 

 results of inoculation experiments. The causal rela- 

 tionship between the comma bacillus discovered by 

 us and cholera nostras, is rendered probable, first, by 

 the discovery of the micro-organism, and, secondly, 

 by the very great similarity between the symptoms of 

 cholera nostras and asiatica, as well as by the similar- 

 ity in biological and pathological properties of the 

 two comma bacilli. 



12°. The two vibrios can pass into the blood after 

 injection into the intestine, and can be excreted in 

 the urine. The situation of Koch's vibrio in the 

 body so increases its rapidity of development, that a 

 new point of resemblance under cultivation between 

 the two vibrios is furnished. 



These conclusions are all supported by the work 

 which is redounted in the text, and which gives evi- 

 dence of great care and much labor. As will be seen, 

 the claim of identity between the two organisms is 

 abandoned by the discoverers of the later one ; and 

 the differences are brought out as well as is possible at 

 the present time. The strong point made by Johne 

 and others of the constant difference in appearance 

 of gelatine-cultures of these two organisms of the 

 same age, is refuted by the authors, and would cer- 



tainly seem to be completely upset if the figures they 

 give be exact reproductions from nature. At least the 

 differences in appearance between colonies in gelatine 

 of the same age, cannot be taken as diagnostic, as 

 some writers upon the subject would have had us be- 

 lieve. There are a number of very fine plates which 

 accompany the book, and give beautiful representa- 

 tions of the microscopic appearances of the two 

 organisms. 



The work is very creditable to its authors in every 

 way, and is truly refreshing to read after seeing all the 

 hasty work that has been rushed into print upon 

 the same subject. It cannot be said, of course, that 

 the absolute specific nature of either of the bacilli un- 

 der consideration has been determined — the positive 

 results of the inoculation experiments were not suf- 

 ficiently numerous to permit that. It is perfectly 

 true, however, that this work has assisted materially 

 in establishing the prohahility of their specific nature ; 

 and certainly results of such excellence can but do 

 good in forcing others to attempt the same. 



THE COAST-SURVEY AND 'POLITICAL 

 SCIENTISTS.' 



The following letter from the New- York Evening 

 post of Sept. 10 is in reply to an article in the same 

 journal for Aug. 13, and reprinted in the Nation for 

 Aug. 20. We reprint it here for the interest that it 

 has to scientific men, and desire to call the attention of 

 persons connected with the government to the passage 

 which we have taken the liberty to print in italics. 



The article on ' Political scientists ' in the Evening 

 post of Aug. 13, while it contains many wholesome 

 truths concerning the management of scientific affairs 

 in Washington, reflects with unnecessary severity on 

 the administration of the coast-survey. This article, 

 so far as it concerns the survey, is based upon a re- 

 port drawn up by a committee of treasury experts, 

 who condemn alike the organization, the methods 

 and the expenditures of the coast-survey. ^Yhile 

 giving due weight to certain features of their report, 

 we cannot expect that a committee so constituted, 

 however competent to judge of business methods, 

 should know the value of the scientific work upon 

 which, from their point of view, money has been 

 squandered. 



Even when their criticism is just, the fact remains 

 that the late superintendent is in no way responsible 

 for the rules which control the general direction of 

 his bureau. He inherited from his predecessors the 

 superintendence of an old and well-trained personnel. 

 This has not been materially changed during his ad- 

 ministration. Mr. Hilgard did not enlarge the field 

 of operations, but limited himself to the carrying 

 out of plans already formed. In obtaining the appro- 

 priations necessary to this end, he relied greatly on 

 the advice of his principal assistants. 



In this connection it may be added, that the coast- 

 survey is the only scientific bureau the appropriations 

 for which are distinctly allotted to special objects. 



