TETANUS AS 1 HAVE FOUND IT IN CHESTER COUNTY, PA. 
107 
given. If there should be any disposition towards atony of the 
pelvic or lumbar muscles, it is necessary to use only a stimulat¬ 
ing embrocation and massage. The diet should be restricted 
for a few days to something of a very nutritious character and 
easily digested, with, perhaps, a gentle laxative, and if there is 
a general tendency towards weakness after a few days admin¬ 
ister tonics. When convalesence begins moderate daily exer¬ 
cise is very essential. There is nothing that shon|d fill the 
heart of every veterinarian with more pride than a very 
thorough and careful study of these cases and an abundant 
knowledge of the best methods of giving relief to the different 
species of man’s most faithful friend. 
TETANUS AS I HAVE FOUND IT IN CHESTER 
COUNTY, PA. 
By W. P. Phipps, V. M. D., Kirkwood, Pa. 
A Paper read before the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania State V. M. Association, 
at Philadelphia, March, 1898. 
Tetanus is a spasmodic and continuous contraction of mus¬ 
cles, producing rigidity of the parts they supply, caused by the 
absorption of the products of a specific germ called the “ tetanus 
bacillus.” This organism is found in many soils, preferring 
those rich in potash, and multiplying only out of contact with 
the air, being anaerobic ; and growing best at temperatures of 
95° F. to 100° F. It is a rod-shaped bacillus, thickened at one 
end and containing a spore. The spores are very resisting, re¬ 
quiring moist heat at 212° F. for five minutes to destroy them. 
The germ when in contact with an abraded surface, and the air 
^ becoming excluded, produces its tetaiiizing toxine. 
Bruger has isolated four toxic ptomaine substances from 
cultivations of the so-called tetanus bacilli, (i) Tetanin, pro¬ 
ducing symptoms of tetanus ; (2) tetatoxin, causing tumors, 
paralysis and convulsions; (3) muriate of toxine, producing 
tetanus and salivation; (4) spasmotoxin, prostrates quickly 
with chlonic and tonic spasms. 
The bacilli do not enter the blood, but remain in the tissue 
