340 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



After standing some time the colloidal solutions recover from the inhibiting effort 

 of hydrocyanic acid and some others, but from i< xlin compounds there appear? to be 

 no recovery. The action of these poisons toward the inorganic ferments is quite 

 similar to that upon ferments in general. 



The occurrence in fungi of ferments which break down amids, K. Siiihata 

 (Beitr. Chem. Physiol, u. Pathol., 5(1904), No. 7-8, pp. 384-394).— Experiments are 

 reported and discussed. 



The formation of toxic products by vegetable enzyms, ('. A. Browne, Jr. 

 (Science, n. ser., 20 (1904), No. 501, pp. 179-181). — In the course of experiments 

 with su^ar cane the author reports having frequently observed that cane which had 

 been sterilized by steaming suffered a more rapid deterioration through attacks of 

 molds and bacteria than raw cane. Further, it has been observed that juice from 

 the upper green portion of the living eane is more resistant to fermentation than 

 juice from the riper joints further down. The juice from the top of the cane under- 

 goes a rapid darkening after pressing, while that from the middle and bottom exhibits 

 such a change to a much less degree, and the juice from steamed cane exhibits no 

 change in coloration whatever. 



The change in color is attributed to the action of the oxidizing enzyms, and that 

 such bodies do occur in the sugar cane is readily shown. From the association of 

 the coloration phenomena with resistance to fermentation, it is concluded that the 

 dark-colored oxidation products produced by enzyms may have a toxic or germicidal 

 action. That they do possess this characteristic is shown by experiments which 

 are described at some length. 



The endosperm enzym of the date palm, K. H. Pond (Science, n. ser., 20 (1904), 

 No.501, [>. 181). — A preliminary report is given of studies on the enzym found in 

 the endosperm of the date-palm seed. The method of isolation and some of the 

 characteristics of the enzym are described. 



Micro-organisms of soil and human welfare, T. J. Btkrill l Science, n. ser., 

 JO (1904), No. 509, pp. 4/0-434 I. — In a presidential address read before the American 

 Microscopical Society, the author calls attention to a number of species of soil bacteria 

 which have an important bearing on the human race. Particular attention is paid 

 to the nitrifying organisms and the tubercle bacteria. 



The behavior of enzyms, especially chymosin, chymosinogen, and anti- 

 chymosin toward concentrated electric light, S. Schmidt-Nielsen (Beitr. Chem. 

 Physiol, a. Pathol., 5 (1904), No. 7-8, jij>. 355-376, figs. 6). — Experiments are reported 

 and discussed. According to the author, strong light with a constant quantity of 

 ultraviolet rays furnishes a new means for studying ferments. 



ZOOLOGY. 



Experiments with the infection method, of Loffler for combating the mouse 

 plague according to a new method of application, J. Pfreimbtner i Fuhling's 

 Landw. Ztg., 53 (1904), Nos. 16, pp. 619-627; 17, pp. 662-667). — Attention is called 

 to the great damage caused by field mice in various parts of Europe. In some years 

 enormous losses are due to the attacks of these pests. In the author's opinion the 

 infection method of Loftier will give good results in most cases when applied 

 thoroughly and conscientiously. In some instances of failure it is believed the nega- 

 tive result was due to the use of material which contained no virulent culture of the 

 organism. The contention that the organism of mouse typhus is identical with the 

 paratyphoid bacillus of man is combated. It is argued that these organisms differ 

 in biological relation and in their chemical reaction. 



Plague of field mice in France, < i. II. Jackson ( /><///. < urn. "//■/ L<il,<>r, Mb. ' bn- 

 mlar Rpts., 1904, No. 288, pp. 67, ££).— Notes are given on the depredations com- 



