346 Latham : Stimulation of Sterigmatocystis 



That chloroform cannot furnish carbon was settled by sowing 

 spores on a solution of the necessary salts, but omitting sugar, and 

 then placing in optimum chloroform conditions. Not a sign of a 

 germ tube appeared even after two weeks' time. 



Although there are no direct data on this point at present, still 

 it is very evident to the worker that a given amount of chloroform 

 is more efficacious at a higher than at a lower temperature, that the 

 optimum point recedes as the temperature rises. It was impossi- 

 ble to keep the temperature of the room in which the cultures 

 were grown constant for any considerable period, but the truth of 

 the statement was many times manifest at various stages in the 

 development. In one or two instances when the crop ripened at 

 from 32-34° C, the optimum was pushed back from |^— V to -^^ 

 or even ^ c.c. per litre. 



The facts indicated are, that : 



1. When present in small quantities CHCl^ vapor acts as a 

 characteristic stimulant to the growth of Sterigmatocystis nigra 

 and Penicilliiim glaiicum. 



2. Larger quantities are inimical or fatal. 



3. Increased growth is attended by relatively less acid forma- 

 tion and less sugar consumption indicating greater economy in 

 metabolism. 



4. The time of greatest sensitiveness is at the germination of 

 the spores. 



5. CHCI3 acts as a stimulant purely since it cannot be a 

 source of carbon. 



6. The effect of a given amount of the anaesthetic is greater as 

 the temperature rises. 



Barnard College, Columiua University, 

 April, 1905. 



