THE TECHNIC OF EXAMINATION FOR THE PALE SPIROCHETE BY DARK-FIELD ILLUMINATION

The Spirochœta pallida in syphilis, despite the fact that it can not be cultivated on artificial media and hence does not fulfill all the requirements of the four rules of Koch as regards its etiologic connection with the disease, has become during the past two or three years an organism of relatively great importance in biologic and bacteriologic literature. The organism has been found so constantly by most observers in all stages of syphilis, from the primary to the tertiary lesion, that practically all authorities are convinced of its definite etiologic relationship. Its recognition by the ordinary methods in vogue has been a more or less difficult and time-consuming procedure. In so prevalent and protean a disease as syphilis any means of improved examination leading to early diagnosis should be welcomed by those whose duties frequently make it necessary for them to decide as to the specific or non-specific nature