a special poisoD, and that it is received into the
mouth during the acts of inspiration and degluti-
tion. This cell is undoubtedly the product of
decomposition, which is favoured by damp, heat,
and defective sanitary arrangements. It is well
known that poisoned atmospheric air teems with
minute living organisms of extreme tenuity.
There can be no doubt that the germs which
produce thjs disease require a peculiar soil, and
that they are propagated under certain conditions
that favour their development. Oertal believes
in the parasitic theory. He says that micrococci
are invariably associated with diphtheria.
Implantation.
Trousseau proves that diphtheria may be pro-
duced by direct implantation ; both Valieix and
Henri Blanch received the disease in this manner,
and died from its effects.
Inoculation.
Professor Oertal and others have produced diph-
theria in rabbits by the process of inoculation.
The experiments made upon themselves by
Trousseau and Duchamp, to produce diphtheria by
inoculating with false membrane, failed.
9



Consideration of the chances of Recovery.
The chances of the recovery of a person
Attacked by diphtheria depends upon a variety of
circumstances ; viz., the age, constitution, amount
of prostration, the malignancy of the poison to
which the patient has been exposed, to the
rapidity with which the false membrane spreads,
its direction and extent, to the locality of the
invasion, to the treatment, to the pecuniary con-
dition (in so much as regards the supply of diet
and stimulants), and to the complications which
may arise during the attack.
