3*M 
Analyses of Books. 
[June, 
The author, after his historical sketch and certain definitions, 
proceeds to the biological study of micro-organisms, fiist y 
general, and secondly the biology of pathogenic or spec fic 
microphytes. He then treats of microphyte malad '= s ' f . * h .° 
forms and culture of the tubercular bacillus and of tubercle in 
its forms, evolution, and nature. The various causes and c 
ditions of tubercular disease are next taken into consideration. 
Here we find an account of the atmospheric causes producing 
phthisis. There are some interesting farts pven concerning 
the occurrence of micro-organisms in general. ) . • 
cribed as having their maximum in summer and their mmimu 
spring, though great and prolonged heat diminishes the ; numbe . 
The quantity of organisms in the air increases dirert } 
atmospheric pressure. Dry weather favours them, and s ) does 
ozone in small quantities. Above the level of 2000 metres none 
have been found. The experimental respiration of air, charged 
with pulverised materials from cavernous expertoration, has in- 
variably conveyed the disease. . . ,-r 
Among the conditions favourable to phthisis ranks town-life, 
especially in over-crowded barracks, shops (e.g., those of t ie 
monopolist drapers), schools, prisons, &c. Chmate is pro- 
nounced to have but a secondary influence. Phi lad elphia, 
Marseille, Paris, have a greater proportion of deaths 
phthisis than has London. ....... . , , • f _ r_ lir 
In the clinical portion of the work phthisis is divided i into fou 
categories : the latent, the distinrt, the masked, and the doubtfu 
° r T he; 11 c h a p t e r on hygiene is very important. It is urged that 
as far as inoculability is concerned, phthisis presents a P ei e 
analogy with small-pox or syphilis. The contagion is efferted 
in two ways : by the digestive trart through the agency of food, 
andby the respiratory organs. Both the flesh and the milk of 
susperted animals should be avoided. Phthisis is veiy common 
among oxen and cows, less so among pigs and poultry but it 
does Sot attack sheep. Hence, from this point of view, mutton 
is the safest animal food. The use of meat raw^in the centre of 
the joint is dangerous. A temperature of 140 , 150 F., m no 
way destroys its virulent properties. f ^ re tL T ame 
every portion of the meat has been raised to 212 T. I he same 
temperature deprives the milk of inferted animals of its dangeious 
Pr Ttmosp'heric contagion is efferted by air vitiated by phthisical 
patients, especially by the dust from articles upon which such 
patients have expertorated. The great cause of phthisis is 
therefore urban life : the immigration from the open country into 
the cities. This is an evil which in innumerable ways is 
degrading the human race, and which, though the physician 
can merely point out, ought to be attacked from every possible 
point. Any and everything which tends to promote this e\il 
should be sacrificed without hesitation. 
