New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-22
GATHERED HERE AND THERE.

The latest lair which scientists have traced
the merry microbe is the dooE knob The organisms
thrive on these innutrious substances, it appears
and in a round of calls may collect a variety
OF germs from the doors Of cabs. houses and ee-
yated trains. The danger may be obviated by anti
septic gloves. 1t is said. but, considering the
concern with which women now gather up the
bacteria OF the streets with their sweeping drap-
cries one does not expect them to be inordina tey
tach themselves to their fingers.
The recent discovery of liquid air has afforded a
supreme opportunity for studying the effect OF
cold upon these minute and troublesome organisms.
Ice is much warmer than liquid air that the
latter bolts on a block of CONCEALED water Just
water does over hot fire. Liquid air will freeze
mercury so hard that drive nails with it. Yet
microbes are lively as ever after having lain
a week in this astonishing fluid At the recent
Royal Society meeting in England a student OF
liquid air stated that he had subjected the germs of
typhoid diphtheria. cholera and other diseases to
seven days. during which time they also sustained
tremendous mechanical strain, but the slight
their form. These Investigations confirm previous
immense Importance. 1t is popularity believed that
germs are destroyed even by the ordinary low
temperatures of nature the idea that cold air and
pure air are synonymous terms being quite ineradi
cable with some people but the fact that cholera
germ can I'VE seven days IN liquid air may do some
thing to dispel such notions and lead to a wiser
direction Of sanitary measures. Cold may check
the growth Of the bacteria. but seldom Kills them.
Another discovery recently made in that drec-
ton IS Of the notoriety microbe. The disease has
long been prevalent among men OF a certain type.
and or late 1t has claimed women victims.
The notoriety mcrobe might be cassed with the
door knob microhe like that IT draws sustenance
from the passing crowd. and may he conveyed by
the pressure of q hand.
It's deadly presence first manifests itself by an
eagerness for popularity and a feverish longing
for the admiration OF numbers The quiet home
atmosphere becomes insuppurtahle after a time and
the victim IS plunged relentIessly into club life.
After time, single club ceases 10 satisfy its
cravings and society after society is Joined in the
effort to meet its demands. Then the unhappy SUI
ferer becomes monomanac. Social life is valued,
not for helpful Interchange of thought and the In
spirauon that lies in intellectual affinity, but for
m-crooe- Acquaintance are sought, not because Of
conSeniaty OF tastes. hut because they have votes
because tney nave influence in the clubs, and are
retained While they useful Everything that the
victim once meant 10 do for humanity IS forgotten,
and she finally feels that In climbing from office
office she Is fulfilling the highest purpose OF life
As the disease progresses the sense Of moral
spOnSihlity grows weaker Ones best friend may
microbe Of notoTiety. The spiritual vision becomes
distorted and msrepresen tation, prevaricaton
relations with other women. Inscrupulousness as
means takes the place Of a previous moral
sitiyeness. and intrigue becomes second nature.
Her mOnCmauia at last includes the deuslon iuat
she really is intent on the advancement of the
and race and not on t-aEErandizement. That IS
the last the fatal stage Thenceforth. there is no
mcrobe free
This microbe OF notorlety IS a source Of great
q menace TO all that she values In club life. To
her the club means progress, larger opportunity 10
herself. and the spread of the disease is causing
her serious concern