A mi:thod for the cultivation of an^verobes» 



L. n. HUSIINELL 

 Kanxns Agrividlural Experiment Slalion 



Reccivcil fur pulilioiition September 11, 1921 



In tlio course of a studj^ of the bacteria causing spoilage in 

 canned foods it became necessary to place large numbers of 

 cultures under anaerobic conditions, and to devise anaerobic 

 methods which would care for them with a minimum of ex- 

 pense of time and material. 



A review of the literature showed that the most commonly 

 recommended methods, which would be suitable for these pur- 

 poses, were absorjitioii of oxygen liy alkaline pyrogallate and 

 the rei)laccment of air by an inert gas, usually hydrogen, or a com- 

 bination of the two. 



The chief objections to these methods are that they are difficult 

 to apply, requiring complicated apparatus, are expensive and 

 time consuming. We have encountered still another difficulty 

 in that even the most carefully made containers are likely to 

 leak air. In case of a leak, the pyrogallate solution is soon 

 exhausted, or the hydrogen passes out very rapidly and is re- 

 placed by air. ^^'e have found that even the all-glass Novy jar 

 would not maintain anaerobic conditions for twenty-four hours 

 in many cases. These jars are also of rather limited capacity 

 and very expensive. The number of methods suggested would 

 lead one to doubt the complete suitableness of any one for all 

 occasions, and experience with their use merely establishes the 

 correctness of this impression. 



Several years ago Dr. Wolbach suggested the method of 

 Sellards which he had used successfullj' in his work on anaerobes. 



' Contribution Number 30 from the I3;ictoriological Laboratories of the Kansas 

 ARncultural Experiment Station. 



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