convalescence need not be considered, as practically all cases of plague pneumonia die. Other material from the patient than sputum does not seem to be a source of danger in the spread of plague, so that there is no need for the disinfection of urine and feces. There has recently been an outbreak of septicaemic plague in Ceylon in which there was an absence of plague in the rats. The infection was possibly transferred directly through bedbugs or human fleas. As a matter of experience the transference of plague from place to place generally occurs from infected rats or infected fleas which have been transported by ships. A case of bubonic plague in a ward with other patients would not be a source of danger provided there was freedom from fleas and a lack of development of secondary pneumonias. It is very doubtful as to infection ever taking place by way of the alimentary canal, although there is some evidence that rarely the tonsil may be primarily involved. Monkeys are very susceptible to plague and the possibility of an epizootic among them should be thought of during plague epidemics. PATHOLOGY It is rare that one finds the primary vesicle marking the site of entrance of the plague material. Thus in 13 cases where plague was contracted by direct cutaneous inoculation of those performing autopsies on plague victims only two showed evidences of local reaction as shown by the formation of a primary vesicle. The chief points noted in a plague autopsy are: (1) The marked involvement of the lymphatic system as shown by intense congestion and haemorrhagic oedema of the lymphatic glands. Not only are the glands tributary to the site of inoculation involved, thus forming the primary bubo, but there is secondarily more or less inflammatory change in all the lymphatic glands of the body. There is also a marked periglandular oedema, with haemorrhagic extravasations of the connective tissue surrounding the primary bubo, this mass being made up of a group of glands matted together by this periglandular exudate. (2) The destructive effect of a toxic product of the plague bacillus, which may be designated an endotheliolysin, upon the endothelial cell lining of blood vessels as well as lymphatic ones. This causes the extensive blood extravasations so characteristic of plague as shown by petechial spots, not only of the skin but of the serous and mucous membranes as well. There is a general congestion of all organs of the body. The meninges of the brain are deeply congested and there may be haemorrhagic extravasations in the brain substance itself. Crowell has reported two cases of plague meningitis in which plague bacilli were found in the ventricular pus. The spleen is generally markedly congested and enlarged to 2 or 3 times its normal size.