490 Second European Journey 



identified by Dr. Charles Thorn, of the Storrs Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Station as P. stoloniferum Thorn." 



The antibiotic, penicillic acid, was derived from Penicillium 

 puberulmn Bainier. This was proved to be capable of inhibiting 

 to some extent the growth of yeast and quite effectively to inhibit 

 the growth of Bacillus coli.*^ It seems a fair inference to say that 

 Dr. Smith participated in this research which brought forth the 

 announcement of what has been described as " the world's second 

 recognized antibiotic." *' He himself claimed no credit for the 

 discovery, at least if he did this author has never found that he 

 placed such a claim in writing. Alsberg and Black in their intro- 

 duction stated the purpose of the research: "Whether molds or 

 the products of their growth have an injurious effect on animals 

 is a question which has not been conclusively settled," and in their 

 summary their results were announced: " Of six species of Peni- 

 cillium from maize examined, only two elaborated substances toxic 

 to mice. Two of these species, one toxic, the other non-toxic, 

 were studied in detail." Penicillium stoloniferum Thom was the 

 organism found to be nontoxic. 



The following was said under " General Considerations ": 



Since it has been definitely shown in the present paper that a distinct 

 species of Penicillium produces a substance of moderate toxicity, the ques- 

 tion very naturally arises, has it any pathological significance? At present 

 it can only be said that it is too early to answer this question. . . . [R}esults 

 of this investigation of PeniciU'uim puhenihnn indicate the possibility of 

 acute intoxication by moldy food. As already stated, the different species 

 of Penicillium differ radically in their biochemical behavior. If there is so 

 much difference in the ordinary products of metabolism, it is altogether 

 likely that a series of toxic substances may be produced by different species. 

 Some of these substances might very well be far more toxic than penicillic 

 acid.48 



Penicillic acid, albeit, was found " not sufficiently toxic " to 

 strengthen materially the " maize theory of the etiology of pel- 

 lagra." Investigations were planned to extend to other species of 

 Penicillium; and the " finding of penicillic acid indicate[d] that 



*" Samuel Epstein and Beryl Williams, Miracles from jnicrobes, op. cit., 69. Also, 

 Bull. 270, Bur. PI. Indus., U. S. Dep't of Agric, 26-27, 1913. 



*■' S. Epstein and B. Williams, op. cit., 69. See also, A. L. Baron, Handbook of 

 antibiotics, 182-183, N. Y., Reinhold Publ. Corp., 1950. 



** Bull. 270, op. cit., 7, 40, 47. Penicillium puberulum Bainier, it was said, was 

 originally isolated by F. D. Heald. 



