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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 9, 26 August 1908, Page 14

Mathematics is called an exact science presumably to distinguish it from sciences that are inexact. At all events, science, which in the general acceptation of ths term is properly defined as an inquiry after truth, does undeniably, make mistakes now and then. Take for example the case of the widespread human ailment called malaria. Not long ago it was discovered that the germs of the malady were carried by a certain species of mosquito called Anopheles—a grey, night flying mosquito, with a remarkably deep singing voice. It was proved that this insect, by the help of the little hypodermic syringe that it bears, inoculates people with the microbq of malaria; and immediately it was assumed that all epidemics of the disease were attributable to the marauding vocalist. Recently, however, it has begun to dawn upon scientific investigators that perhaps this idea was not strictly correct; for, if it was so, how would it be possible to account for the frightful epidemics of malaria that have broken out from lime to time in districts where there were almost no mosquitoes: Investigation has shown that great epidemics invariably have been preceded by an upturning of virgin soil over wide areas for pm puses of cultivation; a fact which leads to the conclusion that the previously undisturbed earth was full of the microscopic protozoa long ago identified as the germs of malaria. Under such circumstances the dry microbes ara sot afloat in the air, and, being taken into the lungs, or swallowed with food or drink, find their way into the blood Of the victims. The result is the samd •jvhether they get into the blood in this manner or through the agency of Hie mosquito. Much digging incidental to building operations often starts small epidemics of malaria in cities in various parts of the United States, and it is notoriously a fact that tho workmen under such circumstances are frequently attacked in squads by the malady. Accordingly, it would appear that, though Anopheles is undeniably guilty, there would still be plenty of chills and fever, even though the last mosquito was driven off the earth.