Ergotism. 
273 
glanders eruption in which the bacilli will finally acquire a 
constancy of mitigated virulence, or whether such a proce¬ 
dure is followed by entire loss of virulence. Both of these 
questions can be tested upon male guinea pigs, in which we 
have specific lesions. If such a procedure in dogs causes 
entire loss of virulence on the part of the bacilli, then we 
must take them from the dog at an intermediate period, and 
by using the guinea pig endeavor to find whether this stand¬ 
ard of virulence is retained in that animal, or whether it 
augments by being passed through many. In the latter case 
we must have recourse to another animal, possibly the rabbit. 
If such a standard of mild virulence can be obtained then we 
must have recourse to the horse, and after having produced a 
mild cutaneous disease which heals of itself, and is non-conta¬ 
gious, then we must expose such animals to general infection, 
and if no evil results follow the problem is solved. While 
this question is open to a much more detailed discussion, it 
would seem that enough has been said to introduce its impor¬ 
tance to our experiment stations. 
Lincoln, Neb., April 8, 1889. 
ERGOTISM. 
By Dr. H. A. Spencer. 
A Paper read before the California State Veterinary Medical Association. 
Mr. President and Gentlemen : 
Those members who were present at the last meeting will 
undoubtedly remember that I made a few remarks bearing 
upon the disease known as “ Ergotism,” Our President evi¬ 
dently deemed the subject of interest and requested that I 
introduce it at our next meeting, and while it affords me great 
pleasure to comply with his request, I sincerely wish it had 
fallen into abler hands. Any failure on my part I trust you 
will attribute rather to the lack of ability than to want of 
inclination, or opportunity to acquire the information. 
The term “ Ergotism ” has been applied to the poisonous 
effects of ergot of rye. 
