FERMENTATION BACTERIOLOGY. 339 



In studying the efficiency of waters in removing bacteria when efficiency is deter- 

 mined by the counts of different media, there was found to be a wide variation 

 between the media used. With gelatin and Lawrence agar the ratio was less variable 

 than between different lots of other media. 



The writers are convinced that a uniform system of nomenclature should be adopted 

 and the names applied to the various media should convey definite information as to 

 their composition, method of preparation, etc. 



The activity of bacteria in the soil, 0. Bail (Sitzber. Deut. Naturw. Med. Ver. 

 Bohmen, n. ser., 23 (1903), pp. 296-298). — A popular account is given of the action of 

 bacteria in soils, especial attention being given to the nitrogen-assimilating organisms. 



The differential diagnosis of some pathogenic bacteria, Omyelyanski (Arch. 

 Biol. Sci.; abs. in Zhur. Opuitn. Agron. [Jour. Expt. Landw.~\, 5 (1904), Xo. J, pp. 288, 

 289). — The author proposes the utilization of the increased alkalinity of the medium 

 when bacteria are grown in it as a means of the differential diagnosis of species. 



He introduces into the medium sodium formate and phenolphthalein. In the 

 decomposition of the sodium formate, sodium carbonate is produced and the medium 

 becomes more and more alkaline with the increased growth of the bacteria. Cul- 

 tures of different species of bacteria display different rates and intensity of coloration, 

 and it is believed that this may serve as a convenient method of recognizing species. — 



P. FIREMAN. 



The nitrifying organisms in sewage niters, Scholtz-Schultzenstein (Tech. 

 Quart., 17 (1904), Xo. 2, pp. 186-203). — The results of a bacteriological study at the 

 sewage-disposal works at Berlin are given. The organisms were isolated by the 

 methods suggested by Winogradsky and their action studied, comparisons being 

 made with the nitrifying organisms present in the soils of cultivated fields. 



Nitrifying organisms were found present, and for their isolation the silica-jelly 

 media of Winogradsky is strongly recommended. The organisms were introduced 

 by the sewage into the filters, and they were also found present in Berlin spring 

 water and tap water. No other nitrifying organisms than those described by Wino- 

 gradsky were found on the coke of the biological filters. The action of the organ- 

 isms on the sewage is described at length and notes given on some of their biological 

 characteristics. 



Notes on Saccharomyces anomalus, K. Saito (Jour. Col. Sci. Imp. Univ. Tokyo, 

 19 (1904), Art. 18, pp. 14, .figs. 4)- — The author reports having isolated from sake 

 mash the fungus Saccharomyces anomalus. The morphology and physiology of the 

 yeast are described, its fermentation products and temperature relations being noted. 



Notes on some ferments of diseased wines, P. Maze and P. Pacottet (Ann. 

 Inst. Pasteur, IS (1904), Xo. 4, pp. 245-263, pi. 1).— The results of a study of the 

 ferments of spoiled wines begun in 1900 are given. About 20 species of bacteria were 

 isolated and studied. These caused bitter wines, turned wines, broken wines, etc. 

 The methods of isolation, cultivation, and the physiological characteristics of the 

 different ferments are described. The causes of the presence of these organisms and 

 the manner in which they bring about changes in wines are discussed. 



The effect of certain poisons on inorganic ferments, C. Jones ( Chem. Xews, 

 1908, pp. 184-187; abs. in Bot. Centbl., 95 (1904), Xo. 22, pp. 582, 583).— A review is 

 given of the work of Bredig and von Berneck on the so-called inorganic ferments, 

 which consist of finely divided metals, such as platinum, silver, gold, etc. 



These form the so-called colloidal solutions which have the power of accelerating 

 the oxidation of alcohol, decomposition of calcium formate, carbon dioxid, and 

 hydrogen in the same manner as certain bacteria. They also cause the inversion of 

 cane sugar and split up hydrogen peroxid into water and oxygen like certain fer- 

 ments. Hydrocyanic acid, sulphuretted hydrogen, carbon monoxid, phosphorus, 

 mercuric chlorid, etc., when supplied to colloidal solutions retard or prevent their 

 action. 



