The record-union., 1894-09-03

third vaccination, however, later In life
Is advisable, particularly among those
who are exposed TO smallpox.
SMALLPOX UNCOMMON IN GERMANY.
In Germany, where revaccination is
compulsory, smallpox is almost un-
known.
The question naturally arises how and
IN what manner does the lymph taken
from cowpoX yesicle protect a human
being against smallpox? L. would be out
OF place and probably uninteresting in
non-medical article TO discuss this sub
Ject, but at the present day it appears TO
be fairly settled among careful investi-
gators that cowpox Is simply smallpox
contracted by the cow.
This theory has received the support of
eX perimental research, which would seem
to be conclusive. Accepting this as true,
one fact Is certain, that tile virus OF small
poX IN passing through the COW loses its
power of reproducing the disease in man
or animal, while il retains the power of
protection against smallpox.
We do not to-day depend on cowpoX
Ior the vaccine matter which we need.
This was the origin of the supply. put
from that time on the virus used has been
collected from cows and children, which
have been vaccinated one from the other.
and the supply may now be said TO be in
exhaustible.
TWO KINDS OF VIRUS.
Vaccine virus is divided into two kinds,
hunanizcd and bovine.
Humanized virus Is lymph taken from
the peafly ring which surrounds the
veslcle OF successful primary Vaccina-
ton. This ring is distended and at its
highest state oil per .ection between l4i
ahd los hours after the vaccination has
been performed; ut this time punctures
are lnade and The lymph allowed 10 OK
ude.
Ii "arm-to-arm'' vaccination, as prac-
tlsed IN England, is 10 be performed. the
eXuded lymph is Immediately applied to
the scariiication on the arms OF children
who have been presented for vaccination.
Ii the lymph is needed for future use II Is
collected Oh ivory points or quills, and
preserved in the manner to be described
subsequently,. Lymph sufficient for fifty
to seventy vaccinations is generally col
lected from one yescle.
In England, where vaccination is COM
pulsory before the third month, human
lied virus il largely depended upon. This
work Is performed principally by Gov-
ernment inspectors, who are assigned To
certain districts throughout the country,
ana vaccination is done with great regu-
larlty and uniformity.
PROPAGATION OF VIRUS.
In this country, however, where vacci-
IdIlOA 10 anu lTIS0
performed, and generally during the pre-
valence OF smallpox, large quantities are
needed at short notice; consequently the
demand Tor humaniZed lymph could not
be adequately met. There also exists an
undeserved prejudice against this form OF
vaccine matter, and for these reasons bow
inc lymph is almost exclusively used in
this country. This is furnished by sew
eral propagators. who vieiwith each other
IN their efforts to supply the very best
form OF vaccine matter. Their labora-
tories and stables are kept scrupulously
clean and in a good sanitary condition,
and the propagation of virus is under the
direction of scientific men.
The propagation of vaccine matter by
the Health Department OF this city is un-
der the supervision of DR.. +. l.. Pardee.
who has occupied this position for Pc
riod OF about twenty years. The method
mployed is as follows:
Carefully selected cows, from two TO
four years old, which have been pro-
nounced healthy by the veterinary sur
geon, are transferred TO the vaccine de-
partment. They are then made ready for
| the operation by being carefully led and
cleaned for a certain period. When these
preliminaries have been attended 10 the
animal is prepared for the operation, and
| is placed in a stall arranged for the pur-
pose, the rear of which is closed by heavy
bars; bar is also placed close to either
side of the animal, who thus penned in
is capable of only limited motion.
A space about ten or twelve inches
square on either side OF the back and
about two or three inches from the tail is
then carefully shaved and scrubbed. On
each surface thus prepared two scarifica-
tionS about TWO inches in diameter are
then made, and to these abraded surfaces
the vaccine matter, which has been pre-
viously collected from other COWS, is now
applied. For this purpose very large
ivory points known as spades are used,
and, as would be supposed very large
amount of virus is necessary.
COLLECTING THE LYMPH.
The cow is now kept under close OBJ
servation, and after a period ranging be-
tween IA and 16S hours the numerous
vesicles which have formed are now
distended with lymph ready for collec-
ton. 1t is the long experience in this
work which teaches one the exact time
that the lymph should be removed.
The lymph is preserved on ivory
points and quilts and in capillary glass
tubes. After the points and quills have
been properly charged they are placed in
glass jars, tightly covered, and placed in
a cool, dry place, having a uniform
! temperature of about 600. The capillary
tubes are also placed in the same
temperature. The latter are generally
| uSeu Wnere IL IS necessary to send vac
cine matter to far distant places.
| The quilts and ivory points, and also
the lymph in capillary tubes should be
used as early as possible. If kept too
| long they become worthless and produce
no result.
Vaccination is an operation of great
| importance. 1t is performed to protect
life. 1t requires proper knowledge OF
| the subject III question, the manner in
which the operation should be performed,
the selection of the virus and the care Of
the patient during the different stages of
| the process, and decision at the proper
] time as to the success or failure of the
vaccination. This is entirely within the
| province OF the physician and | cannot
| too strongly condemn the practice among
! laymen of vaccinating themselves aud
their families.
| In conclusion l wish to say that n vac
cination, properly performed and cared
/ Tor, need cause no apprehension as to
| the result. Unfortunately this operation
| is sometimes done while child is de-
veloping disease, such as scarlatina
| diphtheria, ETC., and the additional irri-
! tation OF the vaccination may add to the
severity OF the symptoms, as would any
| local irritation. These complications oc-
cur not unfrequently, and the vaccina-
lion is often held responsible for what
ously wrong and brings vaccination into
discredit.-A. III. Doty, NJ. d., in the
New York Heratd.
a Particular Fayorite.