large
as the head of a pin and provided with four sucking ducts and a double row
of hooklets. By these hooklets and disks, the parasite attaches itself to
the mucous membrane of the small intestine in man. Below the head is a
constricted neck, which is followed by a large number of segments,
increasing in size from the neck onward. Each segment contains the
generative organs of both sexes. The parasite (worm) becomes fully grown
in three to three and one-half months. Segments then continually break off
and are discharged at stool. Each ovum (egg) contains a single embryo,
armed with six hooklets and contained in a thick shell. When swallowed by
a pig or man these shells are digested and the embryos migrate (travel) to
various parts of the body, where they change to Cysticerci or "Measles."
Each contains a scolex or tape-worm. When meat, improperly cooked and
containing "measles," is eaten, the cyst is dissolved in the human stomach
and the free scolex or head attaches itself to the intestinal mucous
membrane and grows into a tapeworm.

TAPE WORM, BEEF.--(Taenia Saginata). This is a larger and longer parasite
than the Pork Tape Worm. It is the common form found in this country. It
may grow fifteen to twenty feet or more and possesses a large head in
comparison with the Taenia Solium. It is square shaped and has four large
sucking disks, but no hooklets. The ripe segments are larger and they are
passed as in the Taemia Solium, and are eaten by cattle, in the flesh or
organs of which the eggs develop into the Cysticerci.

[ANIMAL PARASITES 49]

Symptoms.--These worms (parasites) are found at all ages. They are not
uncommon in children, and may be found in nursing children. They may cause
excessive appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain or
sometimes anemia. The knowledge of the presence of this worm may cause
great nervousness or depression. The presence of the segment in the stools
proves their presence in the bowels.

Treatment, preventive.--This is most important. Careful attention should
be given to three points: First, all tapeworm segments should be burned.
They should never be thrown into the water-closet or outside; secondly,
special inspection of all meat; and, thirdly, cooking the meat
sufficiently to kill the parasites.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Tape Worms, Pumpkin Seed Tea for.--"One pint
pumpkin seeds skinned and steeped. Add water enough to make three
tumblers. Take one tumbler every h