784 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOED. [Vol.35 



On certain reactions of the tubercle bacillus to sperm oil and its constitu- 

 ents, A. H. Miller (Jour. Path, and Bad., 20 (1916), No. 4, pp. 395-^07, pl.l).— 

 The work reported confirms the earlier observation that the tubercle bacillus 

 grown on sperm-oil media is converted into " banded " and " beaded " forms. 

 The same conversion is also shown in its first stages of growth on an olive-oil 

 medium. Such forms are not observed in bacilli grown on glycerin-egg, glycerin- 

 agar, cetyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate, and palmitic acid media. 



It is deemed probable that the " banding " and " beading " is due, " in part 

 at least, to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids in the form of esters." 

 Notes on the chemistry of sperm oil, by A. R. Smith, are included. 

 Tubercular antibodies and their role in the defense of the organism 

 against tubercular infection, A. Calmette and L. Massol (Bui. Inst. Pasteur, 

 U (1916), Nos. 2, pp. 33-40; S, pp. 65-14; 4, pp. &7-i04).— This is a general 

 review of the subject, together with some experimental observations made by 

 the authors, and is treated under the following topics : Preparation of a serum 

 for research and the titration of the antibodies; choice and preparation of the 

 antigen and determination of its value ; antigenic properties of the organs, exu- 

 dates, pus, and glandular excretions of tubercular subjects; researches on the 

 titration of antibodies in the serum of tubercular patients ; procuring a serum 

 rich in antibodies; the inhibiting reaction of certain sera of hypervaccinated 

 tubercular animals on the complement-fixation reaction ; researches on the anti- 

 bodies in the organ extracts and exudates of tubercular subjects; hereditary 

 transmission of tubercular antibodies; the diagnostic and prognostic impor- 

 tance of the titration of the antibodies in tubercular infections ; and the func- 

 tion of the antibodies in the defense of the organism against tubercular infection. 

 Protective inoculation of live stock in India, A. W. Shilston (Agr. Jour. 

 India, 11 (1916), No. 2, pp. 112-133).— This article gives a short account of the 

 initiation of prophylactic measures against animal diseases in India, and dis- 

 cusses the prevalence and treatment of rinderpest, hemorrhagic septicemia, true 

 anthrax, black quarter of cattle and sheep, and tetanus. 



Infectious abortion in cattle, W. Giltneb and E. T. Hallman (Michigan 

 Sta. Circ. 29 (1916), pp. 13). — A summary of the present status of the knowledge 

 of this disease of cattle and of control measures, prepared in response to a de- 

 mand for information by dairymen of the State. The plan for control suggested 

 by the authors is that of local treatment of the affected cow, disinfection, and 

 sanitation. 



The immunization of Egyptian cattle against rinderpest by simultaneous 

 treatment with sertun and virulent blood. Duration of immunity, PioT 

 (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, SO (1916), No. 4, pp. iS7-i9^).— The author reports success- 

 ful results of immunization tests with Egyptian cattle and recommends a system- 

 atic vaccination of cattle in all the Provinces of Egypt. 



The procedure used in the simultaneous treatment and the clinical manifesta- 

 tions after the treatment are described in detail. 



The immunity conferred in most cases was absolute, with a mortality In 

 treated animals of less than 1 per cent. 



The antigenic value of Spirochasta hyos in complement-fixation tests on 

 hog-cholera sera. Studies on hog cholera, W. E. King and R. H. Dkake 

 (Jour. Infect. Diseases, 19 (1916), No. 1, pp. 46-62, figs. 5). — "Antigen prepared 

 from S. hyos grown in pure culture possesses well-marked specific complement- 

 binding properties. This antigen, when brought into contact with the sera of 

 experimentally infected cholera hogs, produces initial complement fixation at a 

 period coincident with completion of the incubation period as observed in clini- 

 cal conditions and thermal reactions. The specific properties of the antigen are 

 shown to be present until death of the animal, or until active immunity is fully 



