R. S. HUIDEKOPER. 
496 
Chabert, in 1782, recognized that the anthracic diseases were 
different from the septic. In 1850 Davaine, and in 1855Pollen- 
der, saw the bacillus in anthrax, and its absence in blackleg has 
been one of the reasons for combating their theory of its being 
the cause. Austrians, Italians, English and Belgians persisted in 
not accepting two distinct diseases under the term anthrax, and 
it was only in his addition in 1883 that Williams recognized it in 
a supplement. The distinguished Koell, of Vienna, soon fol¬ 
lowed. Absolute statistics of the frequency of blackleg are not 
obtainable on account of its confusion with anthrax ; but it un¬ 
doubtedly exists in almost all countries.’ 11 
Symptoms .—Blackleg begins suddenly, but in one of two 
ways—sometimes by a tumor (essential anthrax), sometimes by a 
general fever, with all its symptoms and the later appearance of 
the tumor (symptomatic anthrax). Young cattle (over six 
months) and more rarely lambs are the animals affected. In one 
case it was seen in a colt. Fat condition seems to favor the 
development. Treatment has practically been useless. 
Lesions .—A gaseous element is always present in the tumors. 
This gas is almost completely composed of carbonic acid, but pot¬ 
ash leaves a small residue. The tissue in the tumor undergoes 
fatty degeneration. The symptoms of colic are perhaps due to 
intestinal irritation, as the spleen and liver are free from lesion, 
although filled with bacteria The biliary vesicle is always filled 
with microbes. The lungs are engorged at the base, but never 
hepatized. The blood is coagulable , as in its normal condition. 
The lymphatic glands are congested and almost universally 
affected. 
Microbes .—These are found in quantity in the region of the 
tumor, more or less in the organs, and in the blood are to be 
found in quantity a few hours preceding death. Here they 
occur in two forms: bacteria, 0.m“ to O.oe” long and O.m wide, en- 
* In vulgar literature, reporls of farmers and other non-professional persons 
to the Department of Agriculture and secular papers, blackleg was separated 
from anthrax in the United States long before it was either clinically or scientifi¬ 
cally in Europe. This was due to the fact that as both blackleg and anthrax are 
imported diseases, the germs have not come together, but as chance has brought 
one or the other to this country it has been disseminated accordingly.—R. S. H. 
