536 
GEORGE FLEMING. 
states may exist without the presence of the Actinomyces , but I 
think I may be pardoned, from the specimens forwarded from 
Gloucestershire and the cases reported, if I ascribe the majority 
of the instances which occur of disease in the tongue to this mi¬ 
crophyte. In South Germany, where interstitial glossitis or in¬ 
duration is very frequently reported, nearly all those examined 
have proved to be cases of actinomykosis. 1 have no doubt 
whatever that it is the same in this country. Take, for instance, 
the description given by Captain Russel, F.R.C.V.S., and we shall 
find actinomykosis of the tongue graphically delineated. 
He writes, when treating of induration of the tongue in the 
ox—a disease very common in his practice in Lincolnshire : u I 
have observed that the disease commences with small patches of 
a yellow color, associated with thickening of the mucous mem¬ 
brane, sometimes on the dorsal surface, sometimes on the tip, and 
at others underneath the tongue, or on one or other of its sides. 
This thickening, in the course of a short time, breaks up into a 
number of small pimple-like excrescences, which soon become 
confluent. As the disease spreads, a cheesy deposit is thrown off, 
leaving a very red and angry-looking surface. Subsequently, the 
organ becomes hard and swollen, and eventually hangs from the 
mouth perfectly useless. The animal quickly loses the power of 
prehension and deglutition, and if not destroyed, usually suc¬ 
cumbs to inanition. I do not find that either constitutional or 
local treatment is of any avail. Four years ago my attention was 
called to several cases, and this season I have seen as many as 
twenty. The progress of the malady is generally slow, the in¬ 
crease in size of the tongue being gradual; but as it progresses 
movement of the organ is diminished, and mastication is performed 
with corresponding difficulty. There are rarely any indications 
of severe inflammation noted, and this fact should differentiate 
the disease from glossitis, as should also the absence of the 
acute pain which marks the latter. Discoloration maybe present 
here and there ; indeed, this usually precedes ulceration.” 
(To be continued .) 
