In my previous report on the intimate pathology of contagion, microzymes were defined as living particles which in their earliest state are spheroids, and do not exceed of an inch in diameter, but subsequently elongate into rods. As regards the conditions of their development, their existence was said to be associated with the commencement of putrefactive decomposition of nitrogenous compounds. The question of their origin and destiny was left unanswered. It was left undecided whether on the one hand “they constitute a race of more or less similar individuals, each of which springs from and reproduces its like,” or, on the other, are “germs in which a specific form is wrapped up,” capable of developing to the higher organisms from which they spring.

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The most remarkable peculiarity of such liquids is that they contain masses of apparently semi-fluid material resembling oil drops. These masses are of a distinctly yellow colour, and vary indefinitely in size. They are found in superheated liquids immediately after they are prepared.

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As to the existence of visible microzymes in the liquids of persons affected with contagious diseases, I had already satisfied myself that I could not accept Hallier’s observations; for on examining the blood of patients affected with scarlatina (in which, according to Hallier’s statement, micrococcus is constantly observed and very abundant) at all stages of the disease, I had found that no such bodies existed in it. It does not, however, follow from this that organisms are not present potentially, i.e. in the form of germinal particles not distinguishable by the microscope.

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The Report bears date March 31st, 1871. The passages in brackets were added during the first week of April.

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This important experiment could not be repeated, for an attendant who entered the laboratory in my absence carelessly destroyed all the tubes excepting the one which had been already used. The single result was so satisfactory that I myself entertained no doubt of its significance.

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