544
that other observers will enquire carefully into the subject from the points of view of symptomatology, bateriology and the general factors involved in the question of infection. In the plague bacillus, we have before us an organisin which pro- duces pronounced lesions in the body, and these are of a very definite character. These are of the nature of congestions, ademas, hæmorrhagic extravasations and the like, into the various organs and tissues of man and animals. Its action may
be aptly compared to that of other micro-organisms producing similar diseases in oxen, sheep, swine, etc.
My researches lead me to conclude, in agreement with BITTER, that the B. pestis is an organism belonging to the septiconic group of bacteria, the chief powers of which lie in their multiplication in the blood stream, and by so doing, they call forth degenerative changes in the organs and tissues, leading to the occurrence of“ widespread simple ecchymoses or large blood extravasations.
WILLIAM HUNTER.
The Relations existing between the Different Types of Plague.
The percentage comparison of the frequency of the different types of plague during the epidemics of 1902 and 1903 is the following:
Type.
Septicamic,
Bubonic,
Pneumonic,
1902.
.45%.
...53%.
2%.
1903.
37%.
.58%.
5%.
The relative frequency of the different types of plague at different times during the epidemic may be expressed as follows:
-
Septicamic.
1902.
Bubonic.
1903.
Pucumonic.
Septicemic.
Bubonic.
Pueumonic.
January,
2
February,
16
12
1
March,
1
63
34
4
+
April,
3
13
4
74
119
11
May,
20
95
9
102
243
12
June.
74
91
1
39
100
10
July.
70
39
2
22
14
August. 31
9
9
3
September.
4
October.
1
4
1
November, December.
1
4
3
1
1
+
204
252
17
339
529
49
From the course of the 1902 epidemic, the following conclusions are drawn:-
(1.) The epidemic started with septicaemic plague.
(2.) The epidemic finished with septicemie plague.
(3.) The bubonic variety of the disease was prevalent only during the
height of the epidemic.
(4.) The pneumonic variety of plague was most frequent during the
middle of the epidemic.
From this table, it is evident that septicemic plague was most pronounced throughout the whole epidemic. It was only after the establishment of the disease that complications, such as bubonic swellings and secondary lung manifestations. became pronounced. Few, if any, cases of primary pneumonic plague were found. The conclusions to be drawn from the epidemic of 1903, are the following:-
(1.) The epidemic started with septicamic plague.
(2.) Bubonic plague was also present in equal numbers at the com-
mencement of the epidemic.