398 
G. A. JOHNSON. 
I contend that the affection is transmissible from one species 
to another, or the others, under favorable conditions. In order 
to more fully substantiate this view, let us briefly consider this 
germ : 
From whatever animal the tubercular bacilli are derived 
they present ’analogous if not identical points as follows : ist, 
morphology; 2d, staining peculiarities ; 3d, vitability and 
destructability ; 4th, the lesions produced ; 5th, the tendency to 
a slow evolution of the morbid process ; 6th, the character of 
artificial cultures ; 7th, the character of the chemical com¬ 
pound, tuberculin, formed by the germs in their evolution ; 8th, 
the ability to adapt itself to its environments ; 9th, the result of 
inoculation. 
At one time it was contended that there was an essential 
difference between the tubercular bacilli found in the avainand 
bovine species, but recent experiments have demonstrated this 
to be erroneous. 
This apparent difference beautifully illustrates the ability 
of this organism to adapt itself to its environments. One of the 
principal differences in this case, so far as this organism is con¬ 
cerned, is the normal temperatures of the bovine species, about 
ioi° F., and of the avain species, about 107° F. 
It is a well established fact that the tubercular bacillus has 
marked powers of resistance, under various conditions as to heat 
and cold, dryness and moisture, and as shown by its resistance 
to chemicals, and the wide range of species that fall victims to 
its ravages. 
From this standpoint it might at first sight appear very un¬ 
reasonable to advocate the idea of eradicating or even control¬ 
ling such a widespread malady. But from a practical stand¬ 
point it does not assume such a magnitude. 
While it is a fact that none of the higher animals are abso¬ 
lutely immune, the majority of species are so rarely affected 
that in attempting to devise ways and means of controlling or 
eradicating the disease, we need pay but little attention except 
to the two species, man and cattle. 
