1880.] On some Points in the Pathology of Anthrax. 557 



it was found necessary to describe, in general terms, the differences in 

 the botanical composition, in the character of development, and in 

 some points in the chemical composition of the produce also. The 

 object of the present section' is to describe and discuss, more in detail, 

 what may be called the botany of the plots ; that is, to show both the 

 normal botanical composition of the herbage, and the changes induced, 

 by the application of the different manuring agents, and by variations 

 in the climatal conditions of the different seasons ; and, as far as may 

 be, to ascertain what are the special characters of growth, above-ground 

 or under-ground, normal or induced, by virtue of which the various 

 species have dominated, or have been dominated over, in the struggle 

 which has ensued. 



The method of taking the samples, and of conducting the botanical 

 analyses and observations, is described. The characters of the seasons 

 in which complete botanical separations were niade, as well as those of 

 some of the seasons leading up to the years of separation themselves, 

 are discussed. The flora of the collective plots is described ; and the 

 organization by means of whieh the constituent plants may maintain 

 themselves, or succumb in the competition, is considered. The charac- 

 teristics of the individual dominant plants are pointed out ; and, 

 finally, the botany of each of the twenty-two plots is fully detailed, 

 and the changes induced, by season or manuring, are discussed. 



IX. " Preliminary Note on some Points in the Pathology of An- 

 thrax, with especial reference to the Modification of the 

 properties of the Bacillus anthracis by Cultivation, and to 

 the Protective Influence of Inoculation with a Modified 

 Virus." By W. S. Greenfield, M.D., F.R.C.P., Professor 

 Superintendent of the Brown Institution. Communicated 

 by Professor Burdon-Sanderson, F.R.S. Received June 

 17, 1880. 



In the course of some experimental investigations into the pathology 

 of anthrax at the Brown Institution, made during the past twelve 

 months, two series of phenomena have been the subject of study, and 

 in each some results which I believe to be novel have been attained. 

 These results have not only a considerable practical importance, if 

 verified by other observers, but their interest in relation to the patho- 

 logy of anthrax and other diseases appears to me sufficient to warrant 

 their communication to the Royal Society in the form of a preliminary 

 note, leaving the full detail of the experiments for a future occasion. 



The practical purpose of these investigations was to ascertain (1) 

 by what means the virus of splenic fever may be so modified as to be 

 capable of inoculation without fatal result, and (2) whether a modified 



