566 ABSTRACTS 



A Study on the Grouping of Meningococcus Strains. Miriam P. Olm- 

 STEAD, Phoebe L. DuBois, Josephine B. Neal, and Rose Schweit- 

 zer. (Journal of Immunology, 1916, 1, 307.) 



Twenty-nine strains of meningococci were studied as to their im- 

 munity reactions by the complement fixation method. Immune sera 

 were prepared in rabbits with each of these strains, and cross fixations 

 were carried out with extracts of each strain of cocci. Fourteen strains 

 gave cross fixation and fell into one group. Eight other strains gave 

 cross fixation and so fell into a second group. Three strains gave cross 

 fixation with certain members of group 1 but not with all, and two 

 strains were entirely heterogeneous. The organisms of the second group 

 gave cross fixation with one strain of Dopter's parameningococcus but 

 not with a second representative of his organisms. — J. G. H. 



The Correlation of the Voges-Proskauer and Methyl Red Reaction in the 

 CoU-Aerogenes Group of Bacteria. Max Levine. (Jour. Infect. 

 Diseases, 1916, 18, 358-367.) 



The author studied the reactions of 167 colon-like organisms from 

 the horse, cow, pig, sheep, man, raw sewage and septic sewage. It was 

 shown that the two reactions studied were correlated; further that (1) 

 there was a better correlation between saccharose fermentation and 

 source than between saccharose-dulcite fermentation and source; (2) 

 cultures which formed acetyl-methyl-carbinol from glucose usually fer- 

 mented salicin and glycerin, but dulcite only occasionally; (3) organisms 

 that give the Voges-Proskauer reaction are rarely found in feces; (4) in 

 this test the glucose-peptone-dipotassium phosphate medium of Clark 

 and Lubs gives a more distinct test than glucose broth. Since this re- 

 action is characteristic for non-fecal strains, the author concludes that 

 it may be of considerable sanitary significance. — P. B. H. 



DAIRY BACTERIOLOGY 



Pasteurization as a Public Health Measure. C. M. Hilliard. (Jour. 



Home Economics, 1916, 8, 307-312.) 



The article gives a comprehensive statement of the principles and 

 methods of milk pasteurization, and discusses the relation of the prac- 

 tice to the public health, especially the health of infants. Bacterial 

 reductions obtained, both quantitative and qualitative, are consid- 

 ered.— C. M. H. 



Bacterial Testing Versus Dairy Inspection. C. E. North. (Amer. 



Jour, of Pub. Health, 1916, 6, 569-578.) 



The author discusses the value of intelligent cooperation of labora- 

 tory worker and inspector. The function of the laboratory is to exam- 

 ine results and to locate insanitary milk. The inspector's function is 

 to ascertain the causes and to apply the remedies. Simple laboratory 

 equipment and methods within the reach of the small village are dis- 

 cussed. — D. G. 



