It is not the object of these remarks to even give a resume of the status praesens of bacteriology, but simply to stimulate thought in that direction.  The claims of some of the ultra-bacteriologists may never be realized, but enough has been accomplished to revolutionize the treatment of certain diseases, and the observing student will do well to keep his eye on the microbe, as it seems from the latest investigations that its star is in the ascendant.  And who can prognosticate but that in the next decade an entire revolution in the aetiology and treatment of many diseases may take place?

Detroit, Mich.

* * * * *

THE COMPOSITION OF KOCH’S LYMPH.

WHAT PROFESSOR KOCH SAYS IT IS, AND WHAT IT CAN DO.

(By Cable to the Medical Record.)

BERLIN, January 15, 1891.

The curiosity to know the composition of the famous lymph has been gratified by the publication to-day of an article by Professor Koch on the subject.  In the following, as will be seen, he reaffirms his original convictions and acknowledges the valuable assistance he has received from those who have used his fluid, and thus helped him in the accumulation of experience.

Professor Koch says:  Two months ago I published the results of my experiments with the new remedy for tuberculosis, since which time many physicians who received the preparation have been enabled to become acquainted with its properties through their own experiments.  So far as I have been able to review the statements published and the communications received by letter, my predictions have been fully and completely confirmed.  The general consensus of opinion is that the remedy has a specific action upon tubercular tissues, and is, therefore, applicable as a very delicate and sure reagent for discovering latent and diagnosing doubtful tuberculous processes.  Regarding the curative effects of the remedy, most reports agree that, despite the comparatively short duration of its application, many patients have shown more or less pronounced improvement.  It has been affirmed that in not a few cases even a cure has been established.  Standing quite by itself is the assertion that the remedy may not only be dangerous in cases which have advanced too far—­a fact which may forthwith be conceded—­but also that it actually promotes the tuberculous process, being therefore injurious.

During the past six weeks I myself have had opportunity to bring together further experiences touching the curative effects and diagnostic application of the remedy in the cases of about one hundred and fifty sufferers from tuberculosis of the most varied types in this city and in the Moabit Hospital.