1198 
In my opinion, therefore, there is no question of a segmental 
arrangement of the sympathetic ganglia in the sympathetic trunk. 
It was a matter of no small surprise to me that I was able to 
demonstrate so few ganglion cells in the rami communicantes, for 
they have pointed the way to the original cells for their shifting ; 
in a human embryo of 7 m.m. in length, they are still very rich. 
in cells. (KerpeL and Marr). 
Microbiology. — “Formation of pyruvic acid from malic acid by 
microbes”. By Professor M. W. Brtsnrinck and Dr. T. FOrLPMERS. 
(Communicated in the meeting of January 29, 1916). 
Of the organic acids malic acid seems the most easily decomposed 
by microbes. Then chinic acid might follow in the readiness of 
this decomposition, whereas the other acids are more difficult to 
split up. 
The decomposition can take place by fermentation at exclusion 
of air, or by oxidation. Here oxidation will only be discussed. 
As to the malates their oxidation is commonly a complete con- 
version into water, carbonate, vand carbonic acid; it can be caused 
by a number of microbes. But among the bacteria numerous species 
occur which at the same time produce a less complete oxidation of 
the malates, whereby especially pyruvic acid is of importance. 
The reaction evidently is: 
C,H,O, +0 = C,H,O, + CO, + H,O 
Malic acid Pyruvie acid 
or, as to caleiummalate : 
2C,H,CaO, + 0, = C,H,CaO, + CaCO, + CO, + H‚O. 
With potassiummalate the reaction has the same course. As a reagent 
on the pyruvie acid a ferric salt is used, such as ferric chlorid or 
ferric citrate, giving an intensive and characteristic orange yellow 
colour, which by the action of dilute hydrochloric acid first passes 
into red, then disappears. 
The following experiment is simple and convincing. 
Ordinary agar is diluted with once or twice its volume of pure 
2°/, agar dissolved in water; to this mixture is added 1 or 2°/, 
calciummalate, which does not quite dissolve, and a little ferric 
citrate or ferric chlorid as an indicator. 
After pouring out and solidification a plate is obtained, still turbid 
by the not quite dissolved malate. 
