Potes ow SPMlicro-Organisms. 
(WirH Four PLATEs). 
By Cuas. Geo. MartHews, F.C.S., F.1.C. 
(Read before the Microscopical Section, March 30th, 1886). 
WAS requested some four or five weeks ago to read 
a paper before our Section on some subject that I 
might choose. I felt at the time that I was not 
likely to be in a position to furnish any particularly 
new or original matter, but wishing to do something in the 
way of promoting the consideration and discussion of an 
interesting topic—than which there is none more interesting 
for scientific investigators at the present time—I ventured to 
put together extracts from the works of some of the recognised 
authorities on Micro-organisms, and lay before you a general 
sketch of the Identification, Classification Life-history, and 
Culture of these organisms ; entering into detail with some 
that are well-known, and incorporating a few notes of my own 
collected at different times. Before proceeding further I 
should like to say that I hope the reiteration of facts that 
several here are quite conversant with will meet with their 
indulgence, for in all probability others of your members 
present this evening have not made Bacteriology a_ special 
study, and may not be unwilling to further an acquaintance 
with some of the leading features of the science. I purpose 
confining myself more especially to what are generally known 
as the Schizomycetes or fission-fungi, but a digression here 
