=Treatment.=--This should consist of extensive incision to permit escape of fluids and gases and relieve tension; of such antiseptic applications as can be made available; of immersion of the affected part in a hot antiseptic bath; and of such vigorous stimulation by the most powerful measures--strychnine, alcohol, etc.--in order to support the patient through the period of profound depression characteristic of the disease. [Illustration: PLATE V Actinomycosis. Ray Fungus in Man. (Gaylord.)] ACTINOMYCOSIS. This also is a _subacute_ but always _destructive infection by a specific microörganism, though not a bacterium_. Known always as _actinomycosis_ in man, the disease, which is most common in cattle, is called _lumpy jaw_ or _swelled head_, and years ago was usually regarded as cancer or as a malignant affection. Many museum specimens labelled as cancer of the tongue, jaw, etc., have been shown to be instances of actinomycosis of these parts. It is occasionally met with in man, so that there are at least four hundred cases on record in this country and in Europe. The organism was recognized a half-century ago by Langenbeck and Lebert, but was not scientifically described until many years later. The names of Bollinger, Israel, and Ponfick will always be connected with these researches. The organism belongs among the _ray fungi_, is known as the _actinomycis_, and occupies an uncertain place in classification. It is large enough, when entire, to be perceived by the naked eye, has ordinarily a yellowish tint, a tallowy consistence, and may be seen under the microscope to consist of a cluster of branching prolongations, club-shaped at the end, radiating from a common centre. They give it a sunflower appearance. It is stained with difficulty, the best stain being a combination of picrocarmine and an aniline dye. In tissue sections the Gram stain is the best. It is cultivated with difficulty, but can be grown upon solid media and may be inoculated. (See Plate V.) As met with in tissue or in pus these fungi constitute small granulations, giving usually a gritty sensation to the finger, which is due to the presence of calcium salts. The recognition of this calcareous material is of importance, since it may enable a diagnosis to be made offhand, in a case which otherwise might puzzle one.