12 



MORPHOLOGY AND CULTURE OF MICROORGANISMS 



consider physical, chemical, nutritive or digestive and general physiolo- 

 gical processes along with morphological characters. When these are 

 considered there is a marked resemblance of microorganisms, even 

 molds and yeasts, to animal life. Assignment to either animal or plant 

 life is precarious and unnecessary, for in making such an attempt the 

 scientist really does nothing more than prescribe for Nature restrictions 

 rather than follow Nature as she exists. 



FIG. 2. Graphic representation of the relation of the animal and vegetable 

 kingdoms to the kingdom of Protista (Protistenrcicli}. The Protozoa are represented 

 by the portion of the triangle representing the animal kingdom which lies within 

 the circle representing the Protista. (After Minchin.} 



From the organization of microbiology by Pasteur, the technic of 

 the subject together with, in large part as well, its economic bearing 

 seems to be the applied determining factor in bounding the field. The 

 subject of microbiology is following at present the course of all scien- 

 tific branches it is undergoing division for purposes of intensification 

 demanded by practice and by the limitations of man's capacity. 



