19191 VETERINARY MEDICINE. 681 



A 10 per cent concentration of the substrate proved to be the best for hydro- 

 lysis. At this concentration the substances required by the organism appeared 

 to be formed during the early stages of hydrolysis. With crushed soy beans as 

 a substrate, it was found possible to prolong the hydrolysis beyond its optimum 

 nutritive value, showing further that prolonged hydrolysis is unnecessary. 



The action of varying concentrations of enzyra on the course of hydrolysis 

 showed that an optimum amount is soon reached, after which further Increase 

 appears to have little effect. The temperature of sterilization appeared to in- 

 fluence the nutritive value of the medium, a high temperature being more detri- 

 mental than a low one. The temperature at which liydrolysis was effected did 

 not, within limits, Influence greatly the nutritive power of the medium. All 

 hydrolyses which gave a small yield of amino acids gave poor growths of 

 bacteria, but a large yield of amino acids did not necessarily indicate a nutritive 

 medium. 



A comparison of various media showed that good results could be obtained 

 using a purely vegetable basis, although none of these equalled the results 

 obtained with fresh pancreatic extract and casein. The hydrolysis products of 

 maize did not furnish an efficient medium, which is considered of interest Inas- 

 much as zein on hydrolysis does not yield glycocoll, tryptophan, or lysin. 



Peptic digestion did not yield the substances necessary for the growth of 

 B. typhosus under the conditions tried, which furnishes a further proof that 

 amino acids are necessary for bacterial growth. 



The suppression of anaphylactic shock, W. Kopaczevski and A. Vahbam 

 (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. IParis], 169 {1919), No. 5, pp. 250-252).— The authors 

 have been able to suppress anaphylactic shock in guinea pigs by the intravenous 

 Injection of small doses of sodium oleate, saponin, and sodium taurocholate and 

 glycocholate. The action Is thought to be due to a lowering of the surface 

 tension of the blood, and the possibility is suggested of utilizing similar sub- 

 stances to prevent anaphylactic accidents in man. 



Experiments on the bactericidal action of sunlight, M. de Laboquette 

 (Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 82 (.1918), No. 4, PP- 110-192, figs. S).— Experiments to de- 

 termine the bactericidal action of solar rays of various wave-lengths and of 

 white light upon different organisms In solid and liquid media are reported. 



The general conclusion is that, from a practical point of view, in hygiene and 

 therapy the direct bactericidal action of sunlight is of only limited value, 

 particularly In temperate regions. In heliotherapy the bactericidal action of 

 Ught is important only in the treatment of superficial wounds, burns, and skin 

 affections. The indirect action of luminous rays upon living tissues, as evidenced 

 by increased circulatory activity and functional activity of the organs, is con- 

 sidered to be due to a reinforcement of natural means of defense. 



A study of many strains of streptococci with special reference to the strep- 

 tococci isolated from bovine mastitis, L. R. Jones (Michigan Sta. Rpt. 1918, 

 pp. 238-252). — A report of investigations by the author, presented in large part 

 in tabular form, which is summarized as follows : 



" From the diseased udders of cows, hemolyzing and nonhemolyzing strep- 

 tococci have been isolated. These organisms through their fermentative activi- 

 ties are to be classified as pyogenes and mitis. None are to be considered as 

 belonging to the anglnosus group, which is considered as the etiologic factor of 

 sore throat. Future research is necessary to demonstrate the correlation 

 between exaltation in virulence, as by animal passage, and that of fermentative 

 properties together with hemolytic determinations." 



The relation of forage poisoning to botulism (Jour. Amer. Med. Assoc, 73 

 (1919), No. 8, pp. 611, 612). — An editorial review of the more recent work on 



