The worms are said, when first taken from the body, to present a translucent appearance; the larger specimens, however, frequently exhibit an aggregation of granules towards the junction of the lower and middle half. Occasionally a bright spot, suggestive of a mouth, is seen at the thicker extremity. It is stated that they continue active from six to thirty hours. Mr Lewis does not believe they are able to perforate the tissues.
“These parasites,” says Mr Lewis, “are so persistently ubiquitous, as to be obtained day after day by simply pricking any portion of the body, even to the tips of the fingers and toes of both hands and both feet of one and the same person, with a finely pointed needle. On one occasion six excellent specimens were obtained in a single drop of blood by merely pricking the lobule of the ear.”
Dr Lewis estimates, from the number of the Filaria found in one drop of the blood of one patient, that his body must have contained more than 140,000. The presence of these creatures in the blood is believed to be the cause of chylous urine, which is a very common disease in the East. It seems probable they gain admission into the body from being present in drinking water.
FIL′BERT. Syn. Filberd. The fruit of the cultivated hazel or nut-tree (Corylus Avellana). Filberts are distinguished from common nuts by their lengthened figure and larger size. The best are imported from Spain.
FILES. The manufactures of these articles do not come within the limits of this work. It may, however, be useful to mention that FILES, FLOATS, and RASPS, which “cut dull” from age, dirt, or being much worn, are greatly improved by being kept wet, immersed in water for some hours, or even for a day or two.
Mr Ernest Spon recommends the following method for renovating files:—The file to be first cleansed from all foreign matter, and then dipped in a solution of one part of nitric acid, three parts of sulphuric acid, and seven parts of water; the time of immersion will be according to the extent the file has been worn, and the fineness of the teeth, varying from five seconds to five minutes. On taking it out of the mixture, wash in water, then dip in milk of lime, wash off the lime, dry by a gentle heat, rub over equal parts of olive oil and turpentine, and finally brush over with powdered coke.
FIL′TER. Syn. Filtrum, L. An instrument or apparatus for straining or filtering liquids.
FIL′TERING POWDERS. Prep. 1. Fuller’s earth washed, dried without heat, and reduced to coarse powder.
2. Pipe clay or potter’s clay, as the last. Both the above are used to filter and bleach oils.
3. Clay or fuller’s earth, 1 part; fine siliceous sand, 2 parts; the two are separately washed, after which they are drained, and mixed together, and dried as before. Used for GLUTINOUS OILS.