4 
the product for the market. In like manner advantage is taken, as far 
as it is practicable, of the material in hospitals and other institutions 
situated in the city of Washington. 
It will be noticed that the course apparently deals more with the 
subject of bacteriology than that of pathology. The latter, however, is 
not neglected. Owing to circumstances, it is not possible at present to 
treat j)athologic-histology in the same systematic manner as bacteriology. 
The pathologic-histology of all the infectious processes studied in the 
laboratory are thoroughly worked. Tumors and the special pathology 
of the organs are taken up from time to time as the specimens are 
received. Experience has taught that this is better than to attempt to 
give a systematic course in general and special pathology, in which 
branches the student- ofhcer usually comes to the laboratory with a good 
foundation. 
It will also be noticed that considerable importance is given to the 
subject of disinfections and disinfectants. This arises from the fact that 
ofdcers of the Service are required not only in their hospital work, but 
more especially in their quarantine and public health duties, to thor- 
oughly understand the theory and practice of this important subject. 
Each student-officer is required to master the theory and mechanics of 
all the imj)ortant disinfecting apparatus and to make actual tests upon 
the efficiency and practical value of each one. 
The scientific workers in the laboratory meet one evening in each 
week in order to review the work of the week and to discuss the cur- 
rent literature. The journals that are received are assigned to each 
student-officer, audit is his duty to present a critical review of important 
articles which he reads. We have found this an admirable plan for 
keeping thoroughly abreast with the large amount of literature con- 
stantly appearing, as well as a stimulus to thought and work. 
After the student-officer has been in the laboratory several months 
and has thoroughly acquainted himself with the necessary technique, 
opportunity is given him to assist with the work of the laboratory, and 
every encouragement is offered to work out original problems of his own. 
The classes have been small in number, thus allowing for the indi- 
vidual equation of each student- officer, as well as a maximum of i3er- 
sonal attention. 
The bacteriologic nomenclature adopted in this bulletin is based upon 
Migula’s recent System der Bakterien, 1900, and I am indebted to Dr. 
Ch. W ardell Stiles for valuable assistance in determining many points 
in this difficult and much- neglected subject. 
Eespectfully, M. J. Eosexau. 
Fajised Assistant tiurgeon and Director Sygienic Lahoratory. 
The Suegeox-Gexeeal. 
