Our reasons for presenting the results of our bacteriologic studies of material obtained from the maxillary sinus are as follows: 1. The studies have been continued over a period of twelve years; this time factor has given us opportunity to compare the results of repeated bacteriologic tests in many cases and also to compare the bacteriologic and clinical findings. 2. The results of the studies stress the importance of assuming the presence of definite pathologic changes in antrums the irrigation returns of which are characteristically clear and of albuminous-like consistency. 3. The observations demonstrate the value of a direct microscopic examination of the exudate for comparison with the growth obtained in culture.
We have done all of our own laboratory work; the services of a technician have not been used for any part of the studies. The facilities of the National Institute of Health, Washington, D. C., were