MEAT INSPECTION. 
497 
the invasion of and multiplication in the animal body of these 
actinomyces or ray fungi. Under the definition we have pro¬ 
posed for contagion, these two factors render this disease con¬ 
tagious. 
3d. It it generally, if not universally, admitted that actin- 
Dmycosis originates in animals through the lodgment and 
nultiplication of actinomyces in wounds or abrasions of the 
I skin or mucous membranes, probably in some cases by the in¬ 
flation and lodgment of the fungi in the air cells. This 
act rests upon abundant and authentic clinical records. 
Observations of the disease in man, where the history is 
raceable, makes it evident in every case that the disease was 
lue to infection through external wounds. Dr. Bodamer 
•elates a case in a miner where the infection was evidently 
lue to the introduction of actinomyces into a wound. Dr. 
5chiemer records a case in man referable to wound infection, 
nd also Ponfick. 
Other recorded cases in man are strongly suggestive of 
noculation during mastication of actinomyces-containing food, 
T means of abrasions of the gums and about the teeth. 
Compare cases recorded by Dr. Murphy, N. Y. Medical 
ournal, 1885, p. U; Dr. Ochoner, Journal American Medi¬ 
al Association, 1886, p. 608; Israel, in Virchow’s Archives, 
Y>1. LXXIV; Ponfick, De Aktinomykose des Menschen, 
Jerlin, 1882; Rosenback, Centralblatt fur Chimyie, 1880. 
Were the history of inception of actinomycosis of the 
iternal organs of man available, they, too, would doubtless 
xhibit distinct evidence of inoculation through a wounded, 
braded or extremely delicate membrane, after ingestion or 
lhalation of actinomyces. 
Clinical observations of veterinarians in connection with 
le origin of actinomycosis in animals indicate clearly and 
eyond contradiction that the disease is due to the trans- 
lantation of the ray fungus from some other organism to a 
ounded, abraded or extremely delicate surface. 
Once the micro-organisms have invaded a wound and have 
mnd suitable ground for their growth and multiplication, it 
s admitted by all scientists that new crops, without known 
