160 GENERAL SYSTEMATIC BACTERIOLOGY 



The first species described (the type species) is Adinohacter poly- 

 morphum Duclaux. In milk the organism occurs as rods 2 to 3m in 

 length, each surrounded by a hyaline capsule 5 to 6/i in length. At 

 first the milk retains its normal appearance, and gradually becomes 

 gelatinous and at last viscous. The opacity is in part lost, the trans- 

 parency increases, the coagulum settles out and disappears. Finally 

 the transparent liquid shows little more viscosity than the normal milk. 

 In the later stages the organisms are 2 to 3ju long by 1^ in diameter and 

 without capsule. In Liebig's bouillon there are no capsules, the cells 

 may attain a length of 8 to IOjjl. In a glycerine medium the capsules 

 are present. The capsule does not disappear as in milk, "sans doute 

 parce que le liquide reste acide." In sucrose medium the growth and 

 appearance is much as in glycerine. Gas (carbon dioxide and hydro- 

 gen) were formed from sugar, but not from glycerine. 



Maggi (1886, p. 174) includes Adinohacter as a valid genus. It 

 appears evident from the characterization of this organism that it is 

 a member of the colon group of bacteria, probably closely related to 

 organisms of the type of Baderium ladis aerogenes. The description 

 is too indefinite however to allow of accurate diagnosis at the present 

 time. It is included by Lohnis (1911) with the Baderium pneumoniae 

 group. It is rejected as invalid by E. F. Smith (1905, p. 174). 



Enlows (1920, p. 12) characterizes the genus as follows: 



Type species (monotypy). A polymorphus. Polymorphic. Non-motile, 

 very thin small rods 2 to 3/i long, surrounded by a hyalin, oval or round, 

 gelatinous envelope 5 or 6/i long. The organism gradually passes over into very 

 short cylinders not more than Iju long, which are not capsulated. No capsule 

 ever forms in Liebig's bouillon, where the organism may reach 10/x in length. 

 Aerobic. Multiplication by transverse division. Transforms the casein of 

 milk into a water-soluble albuminoid, and milk-sugar into alcohol and acetic 

 acid. Found in milk. 



If the group of colon bacilli or colon-typhoid bacilli are to be accorded 

 generic rank the name Adinobader must be considered as one which 

 might be used in its designation. It is questionable however whether 

 the type species can ever be identified from the description, and prob- 

 ably it is unwise to use as a genus name one in which the type species 

 is so uncertain. Other bacteria have apparently not been placed in the 

 genus by other authors. It is evident therefore that without emenda- 

 tion this name can scarcely be regarded as valid. It may be listed as 

 a synonym of Baderium {q.v.). 



