The investigators of cholera seem to be coming upon ground
which may furnish a theory of the disorder; since it turns upon a specialty of the disease that has been detected in a tangible form. Dr. Brittan enjoys at present the chief merit of substan- tiating the discovery so far as it goes. He and Mr. J. G. Swayne, of Bristol, detected in effusions of the choleraic disease the pre- sence of a microscopic fungoid cellule; and, pursuing the investi- gation more closely, Dr. Brittan found, not only that the same annular body was discernible in the effusions of none but cholera patients, but that it was also found in tainted atmosphere and in morbific water. Dr. Charles Cowdell, Physician to the Dorset County Hospital, has detected a microscopic protophyte in the exudations on the skin of cholera patients. Dr. Budd, of Bristol, has detected Dr. Brittan's "annular bodies" in tainted water, and cannot refrain from hastening to more positive conclu-
sions; he assumes that this protophyte is only 4eyeloped wi the human body, and that the treatment of cholera must be directed to the ektirpation of the fungoid in all quarters. Dr. Britten, however, with-the temperate self-possession proper to the highest order of the scientific mind, is careful to point out that his experiments have necessarily been limited ; he invites more extended observation of the "annular bodies"; and he withholds such conclusions as have occurred to himself, lest they ehould di tract attention from the simple facts.
.1•ellate al fact-.is reported thi.i Martin, Harbourmaster of Ramsgate, relates how certain teen went to
• lvo- iCon the Goodwin Sands ; how fogicloud approached across the sea, enveloped them, passed on, and left them affected with nausea and cramps. It will he observed how far these facts accord with the antici- patory conjectures of Mr. Snow, that some morbific body present in cholera patients and surrounding them,, though viewless and inodorous, must be guarded against in every possible way ; with the general opinion that the visitation is primarily atmospheric ; and with the description of the " pest-cloud" by Mr. Farr.
Two important points are still undetermined—or rather un- indicated, for all is undetermined : is the fungoid the "cause " of the disease, or only an effect of the true cause, an accompaniment of the human malady ? is the treatment merely to repel the fun- goid the true remedy for the morbid action which is set up in the vital organs of the body ? Indeed, nothing has been settled ; but the observations of Mr. Brittan appear to have given aim and coherency to the ex- plorations of medical men.
