THE BACTERIOLOGIC DIAGNOSIS OF TYPHOID FEVER.

Since the introduction of modern laboratory aids in the recognition of typhoid fever the problem which has presented itself to practitioners of medicine is that of more accurate.and earlier diagnosis. The demand for a scientifically accurate diagnosis is the outcome of the realization that clinical typhoid fever is. a disease which may be caused by any one of several bacteria. The physician of the present day is no longer satisfied with the old term "enteric fever." He tries, so far as possible, to supplement his clinical diagnosis by an accurate bacteriologic diagnosis. The establishment of the bacteriologic diagnosis is only to be accomplished by the isolation of the specific organism infecting the individual patient.

From a practical standpoint the question of early diagnosis is of much greater importance than that of absolutely accurate diagnosis. To the individual patient early diagnosis in typhoid means better treatment, better nursing, perhaps more adequate