690 
E. P. NILES. 
to occa.siona.lly destroy a healthy animal than to let one that is 
diseased escape, even though we expect to repeat the test in six 
months time. 
The following conclusions may be drawn from the various 
reports on the use of tuberculin : 
First .—That tuberculin is of no value as a curative agent; 
since in both man and beast, whether injected hypodermically or 
taken into the system with tuberculous milk and meat, it con¬ 
verts latent into acute tuberculosis. 
Second .—That as a diagnostic agent in the lower animals it 
is exceedingly delicate and almost mvaiiably accurate in the 
hands of experts. 
Third .—That the method of its use as published by the 
Bureau of Animal Industry is more accurate than any other 
method yet in use. 
Fourth .—That the system acquires a certain tolerance to -the 
action of tuberculin after the first injection ; thereby making 
a second test unreliable without the intervention of several 
months. 
The laws necessary to control the disease in the lower ani¬ 
mals and lessen the mortality in man may be briefly stated as 
follows : 
First. _The most important of all, the establishment of a 
state board of health, one member of which shall be a qualified 
veterinarian. 
Second .—The appointment of a qualified state veterinarian, 
who shall be an ex-officio member of the state board of health, 
and work under its direction. 
Third .—A liberal appropriation placed at the disposal of 
these officers in order that they may effectually carry out their 
work. 
Fourth .—The establishment of public abattoirs, and compel¬ 
ling the slaughter of all animals for meat at these places. 
Fifth. _Providing for veterinary inspection of all animals 
slaughtered for meat. Also veterinary inspection of all public 
dairies. 
