372 EXPEKIMENT STATION EECORD. 



of the subtilis group, and for that reason he thinks that the determination of 

 catalase may be made of value in judging the quality of milk, especially for 

 infant feeding. 



Biological and biochemical studies of milk. VI, Colostrum, C. J. Koning 

 (Pharm. Weekbh, 1901; ahs. in Rev. Gen. Lait, 6 {1901), No. 12, pp. 282-283).— 

 According to the author's conclusions colostrum is at first very rich in catalase 

 and diastase and poor in reductase. The percentages of albumin, solids-not-fat, 

 and ash are at first high and the fat and sugar low. The colostral period for the 

 cow ought to be placed at 3 weeks. Just before the end of the lactation period 

 the milk becomes abnormal, a notable feature being an increase in the diastase, 

 catalase, and reductase. In both colostrum and fresh milk the content of cata- 

 lase and reductase is independent of the action of bacteria. 



From studies of human milk and of the colostrum and milk of goats, sheep, 

 and other animals the author concludes that it is not possible to prepare a 

 milk for infants which shall possess the biochemical properties of human milk. 



Some diastases of m.ilk, A. Monvoisin {Rev. G^n. Lait, 6 {1907), No. 12, pp. 

 265-272). — The author has studied the effect of oxygen upon the reductase in 

 milk. This enzym was found to be reduced in amount but not destroyed by 

 the treatment of milk with hydrogen peroxid for the purpose of sterilizing it. 

 The use of formaldehyde with methylene blue as a test for reductase was found 

 more delicate than the use of ethyl aldehyde or methyl aldehyde. 



The acidity of milk, its relation to coagulation by heat and alcohol, its 

 determination and its course during souring, I and II, T. Henkel {Milclno. 

 ZcitthL, 3 {1907), Nos. 8, pp. 3J,0-369; 9, pp. 378--'/0J).— The acidity of fresh 

 milk varied in 10,000 determinations from 5.5 to 9° (cubic centimeters of N/4 

 sodium hydroxid solution required to neutralize 100 cc. of milk). The varia- 

 tions in the mixed milk of a herd were between 6.8 and 7.5°. The variations 

 between the morning and evening milk were very small. The acidity of the 

 first and last portions of a milking was generally the same. Occasionally there 

 were marked differences in the acidity of the milk from the different quarters. 

 In general there was a slight decrease in the acidity of milk during the coiu'se 

 of lactation. The acidity of colostrum was very high, in one instance 23.6°. 

 The acidity was not affected by sexual heat but was by diseased conditions. 

 No marked influence could be attributed to changes in rations fed. 



Fresh milk was not coagulated in any instance by the use of 68 to 70 per cent 

 of alcohol in the ordinary amount. Samples of milk coagulating with alcohol 

 under identical conditions often showed marked differences in acidity. 



The milk and cream supply of cities, J. Moldenhaweb {fialem, N. Y.: 

 Author, [1907's, pp. SO, figs. 10). — In this little book the author discusses in a 

 popular manner a great many topics bearing upon the improvement of city milk 

 supplies and makes many suggestions based upon his own experience. The pas- 

 teurization of milk is especially urged. 



Municipal regulation of the milk supply, G. W. Goler {Jour. Amer. Med. 

 Assoc, Ji9 {1907), No. 13, pp. 1077-1079).— The author outlines what city ordi- 

 nances should require in regard to milk supplies and discusses the means of 

 enforcing them. 



Sanitary milk production {U. 8. Dept. Af/r., Bur. Anim. Indus. Giro, ll.'i, 

 pp. 38). — This is a report of a conference appointed by the Commissioners of 

 the District of Columbia to consider and report upon the local milk supply, to 

 advise what steps should be taken to improve it. and to suggest legislation to 

 that end. 



The conference recommends that 3 grades of milk be recognized by law, 

 namely, certified milk, inspected milk, and pasteurized milk. These terms are 



