640 
temperature, is to be considered as the initial indication of a germi- 
nating process, not only on the basis of mieroscopic observation, 
but also because of the fact, that there is no decrease, when ger- 
mination is arrested, for instance by adding to the broth */, °/, phenol, 
or by raising its temperature to 50°. 
We’s and FiscuorpEr’s numerical data do not practically point 
to an orderly progress of the germination, which was indeed evidenced 
by our experiments. 
Fig. 9, where logarithms of numbers are plotted against time, 
illustrates graphically the decrease of the thermostable spores in 
broth. The logarithmic curves, represented by straight lines, prove 
that germination proceeds in accordance with the formula for uni- 
molecular reactions. 
When germination does not take place at the temperature optimum, 
in consequence of which the process will be slower, again a period 
of induction is distinctly noticeable. At 50° there was not any 
decrease of the resistance, throughout the whole experiment. 
F5 
3-00 > 
_ 2.75 
wm 
= 
° 
5 2.50 
Ci 
=) ° 
rn 20.3 
@ 2.25 
= 
= 
5 
2s 2.00 
le, 
E 
= 1.75 
Ee 
oS 
on | 
© | | 
ED) | | 
| o | 
ca a a | | 
125 | Ae ss 
© Or OMO TON Or TO 10 0 ie) 
Eme Oy Oe a fOr ona 
_ rt re land ~ = | md 
Minutes 
Fig. 9. Large spores in broth at 20.3° 
31.59, 37.3°, 46° and 50°. 
The results of one experiment are tabulated in Table IV. Before 
plating the samples were heated for about five minutes up to 78°, 
