862 
PERFORMANCE OF VIVISECTION. 
differ remarkably in the facility with which they are propa- 
gated, or spread from person to person. All exhibit the 
same appearances, though they differ remarkably in power. 
The capacity for resisting death, due to some inherent power 
and not to their chemical composition, varies much, some 
being capable of living for weeks or months away from the 
fluids of the body, while others die within a very short time 
after their removal from the seat of growth. 
[In this paper a number of remarkable forms of contagious 
matter or virus have been referred to. These resemble one 
another in general appearance. Neither by its form, chemical 
composition, or other demonstrable properties, could the 
vaccine germ be distinguished from the small-pox germ, or 
the pus germ from either. All resemble the minute particles 
of bioplasm of the blood from which they have probably 
been derived, but from which they differ so remarkably in 
power. Concerning the conditions under which these germs 
are produced, and of the manner in which the rapidly- 
multiplying matter acquires its new and marvellous specific 
powers, we have much to learn, but with vegetable organisms 
the germs have nothing to do. They have originated in 
man's organism. Man himself has imposed the conditions 
favorable to their development. Man alone is responsible 
for their origin. Human intelligence, energy, and self-sacrifice 
may succeed in extirpating them, and may discover the 
means of preventing the origin of new forms not now in 
existence .] — Monthly Microscopical Journal. 
PERFORMANCE OF VIVISECTION. 
Two papers of considerable importance were read at the 
British Association by Dr. Brown-Sequard ; but they were 
the more so because they led to the following remarks from 
Professor Huxley, who is especially and very properly desir- 
ous of removing experiment from unnecessary bans: 
Professor Huxley said, the great theoretical problem they 
had now to determine was what effect artificial modifications 
and conditions had upon living organisms — whether they pro- 
duced changes which, being transmitted hereditarily, became 
the basis of new races. Referring to a resolution which had 
been brought forward at a former meeting, which endea- 
voured to pledge the association to abstain from making 
grants of money to persons engaged in experiments which 
involved vivisection, he said they had before them that day 
one of the most experienced physiologists and vivisectors of 
