VARIOUS methods have from time to tinic been introduced for thc rapid microscopical esamination of new growths and inflammatory tissues removed a t operation, but on the whole the results have not been satisfactory, owing to the imperfect preparations obtained in the short spacc of time allowcd. Thc latc Professor S. G. Shattock, to whom English surgeons of experience rcferred for a final opinion on the microscopical examination of new growths, was strongly opposed to methods of rapid diagnosis, owing to errors dependent upon the technique and the short time available for microscopical examination. Dr. E. H. Shawl, howcver, has done much work on the perfccting of a method for the rapid diagnosis of ncw growths, and in his hands the results obtained have 1m.n Very successful.It occurred to us that as perfect preparations of intestinal parasites are obtained when films of intestinal mucus or fzeces arc fixed in the wet in Schaudinn's fluid, it might be possible to cmploy this method for the examination of new growths. Dudgeon and Jewesburyz used Schaudinn's solution for the cytological cxamination of human milk, and as a result obtained beautiful preparations of the various cells. In our hands wet films of new growths and inflammatory tissues removed a t operation have given a rapid and easily workable tcchnical method. The results of the first 200 consecutive specimens studied by this method, upon which this paper is based, have been very successful, as judged by the control examination of sections of the same tissue prepared in paraffin by the usual technique.Experience is required for this rapid method, as for all othcr laboratory methods, and it is essential to possess a sound knowledge of the microscopical study of new growths and inflammatory tissues by the usual technique. We consider that the advantages of the method arc the beautiful preparation of individual cells and fragments of tissue which are seen in the films, the simplicity of the technique, and the small amount of material required for the preparation of thc films ; all the necessary apparatus, with the exception of the microscope, can easily be carried in a portable casc 12 in. by 8 in. by 3 in. Mistakes have occurred, but they are few in number, and only 6 out of 200 cxaminations were definitely serious errors. It is possible that in course of time, and with greater knowledgc of this method, such mistakes will hc less

Those who have studied the literature ofBacillus coliinfections of the urinary tract, over a period of many years, must be fully conscious that the methods employed in such investigations have been on very similar lines. Bacilli isolated from the urine have been classified on the result of various cultural reactions of which the fermentation of cane sugar anddulcitol appears to occupy the most important position. Animals have been inoculated with various strains of urinary coli, while similar inoculation experiments have been made on animals before and after a mechanical injury to one or both kidneys had been produced.

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