Micro-Organisms and Disease

Abstract

THERE can be no doubt of the value and excellence of this little book. Dr. Klein is one of the very few men in this country who are continually working and experimenting with Bacteria and similar forms. His instructions and advice as to methods of study are invaluable, and his opinions on the numerous debatable questions connected with micro-organisms entitled to the highest respect. Dr. Klein has descended, as it were, from his position of experimentalist and observer, in order to place before the scientific public in a compact form a résumé of what is known at this moment concerning disease-producing micro-organisms. He classifies these organisms as Micrococci, Bacteria, Bacilli, Vibriones, Spirobacteria, Yeast-fungi, and Mould-fungi, and gives seriatim under each head, accompanied by numerous figures, often original, an account of such forms as have been found in association with disease. He refers the reader to the original writings in which this or that organism has been described, and whilst he sometimes judiciously throws doubt on a claim to pathogenic powers, he is entirely relieved from the responsibility of a critic in all cases by the disclaimer in his preface and by the fact that he obviously intends to leave the question in most cases to further inquiry. As an illustrated catalogue of reputed pathogenic Schizophytes, with references to original authorities, the work is invaluable.

Micro-Organisms and Disease.

By E. Klein (London: Macmillan and Co., 1884.)