LUMBRICOID, from Latin lumbrieus, intestinal worm, and the Greek eidel form. One of the nematodes or round worms, which are classed in four families: (1) as carides, (2) strongylides, (3) trichotrachelides and (4) filariz. In the first is the ascaris lum bricoides, known at least 2,000 years; Aristotle naming them, but the Linnman name being used at this day. Their appearance resembles an ordinary earth worm, the males being from four to six inches long and the females from 10 to 14, even reaching 18 inches. The mouth is three-lobed and both ends are pointed, the tail of the male having a double speculum or penis. The female may contain 60,000,000 eggs according to some estimates. Development, it is believed, takes place after leaving the faeces, and they endure adverse temperatures and con ditions well. The mode of development is as yet not clear, nor its manner of entering the human system. Drinking water is generally supposed to be the source whence it finds its way to the intestine. It develops rapidly in the human intestine, but whether from embryo or after its escape from the egg is unknown. The
middle part of the small intestine is where it locates, several together; sometimes in great numbers, even up to 1,000. It infests also the pig and beef ; it is found in every country, but thrives best in warm climates, dryness not affecting its destruction. A year is supposed to be the limit of the existence of the Ascaris lumbricoides. Cobbold developed the egg to embryo stage in fresh water and sustained life three months. Eggs fed to animals had nega tive effect. The presence of a few ground worms in the intestines probably create no symptoms, but when numerous they bring about itching of the nose, colic of the umbilicus, dis tention of the epigastrium, lack of appetite, mucous or bloody evacuations and other symp toms.
Round worms find their way at times into the nose, larynx or eustachian tubes, and in subcutaneous tissue are discoverable in °worm abscesses." Santonin and its compounds are the most successful remedy.