1060 
layer ratber constant so that in this respect, too, the fosfor corre- 
sponds quite with the carbon and nitrogen. | 
In the second place the action of various increasing fosfate con- 
centrations on the metabolism of Aspergillus niger was studied. The 
results are found in table IL. The fosfor was added as kaliumbifos- 
fate to the nutrient liquid, whilst I ascertained by analysis that the 
rate of fostor of this compound was indeed in accordance with the 
formula KH, PO,. 
After one day already, growth was observed in all numbers, 
except in Nrs. 1 and 2. After two days it had considerably increa- 
sed in Nrs 4—18, Nrs. 1 and 2 also showing a beginning of growth. 
After three days the growth of Nrs. 1 and 2 had not increased, as 
little in Nr. 8 where, however, more mycelium had been formed. 
The growth increased in the following Nrs. and was very strong in 
Perl 
Nr. 8. This continued also after 7 and 14 days. 
The retarding of the spore formation after 2 and 3 days is con- 
vincing in those experiments where much fosfor is added. After two 
days 3—6 had rather many spores. In 7 and 8 few had appeared 
whereas in the following Nrs. hardly any spores were seen. After 
3 days 3—6 had many spores, 8 few, and the Nrs. with. much 
fosfor very few. Only in Nrs 17 and 18 the spore-formation was 
considerable and about alike to that of Nr. 8. The same IJ have 
observed for the action of potassium, as before for the carbon and 
nitrogen, so that it seems of general significance. This may be 
explained thus: If an excess of the referring element, in this case 
fosfor, is present, the cells are continually overloaded with new food 
and with the therefrom arising intermediary products, by which the 
spore-formation is retarded. When the excess becomes very great it 
is possible that the process of the metabolism is so much acceler- 
ated that also the spore-formation is quickened. Probably such is 
the case in Nrs 17 and 18, where three days after inoculation 
more spores were produced than in Nrs. 9—16. After 7 days the 
differences in spore-formation are no more observable. 
However, there are elements which in feeble concentrations counter- 
act the spore-formation ') and then the limits will be quite different. 
The quantity of mould is very small in Nrs. 1 and 2 where no 
fosfor was added, and amounts with increase of the fosfor ; herewith 
the assimilation of glucose is parallel. After 4 days the solution in 
Nrs, 9, 10 and 11, no more contained fosfate, which after the same 
1) These Proceedings, November 1912, 
