204 THE MIcRoscopE. 
microbes (bacteria) are nothing more than vegative states of a 
common mould (penicillium). Ina similar way, but with appar- 
ently more reason, a well-known German investigator announces 
the derivation of yeast plants (allied to bacteria) from the smut 
fungi (Ustilaginez ). 
Recently a paper has appeared in our own country in which 
the author, upon theoretical grounds, concludes that bacteria owe 
their origin to the metamorphosed tissues of animals, a view pre- 
viously put forth. A sharp discussion occurred two months since in 
the French Academy of Medicine, between Pasteur and Bechamp, 
the latter holding the ground that microbes of the various genera 
and species are transformed somethings which he calls microzymas. 
These latter, according to Bechamp, are definite associations of 
chemical molecules, existing from the creation of matter, and cap- 
“able under proper conditions of becoming transformed into low 
and simple forms manifestly endowed with life and its activities. 
It is not the older ideas of spontaneous generation, for the micro- 
zymas and special organizations already possessing the power and 
potency of life, but quiescent or latent. In the open meeting Pas- 
teur combatted Bechamp’s results, the hot discussion reminding 
one of several similar ones in which it will be remembered the 
former distinguished contestant came off victorious. 
But a. commission has been appointed to examine into the 
matter of Bechamp’s microzymas and we shall before long know 
the opinion of the examiners. 
We have nothing to say against such speculation, even when 
founded upon hypothetical deductions; but must continually ask 
ourselves what is the evidence of experiment? If this seems to 
teach now this, now that, in a question of this kind let us re-ex- 
amine our methods, resting assured that error lurks somewhere. 
It is wonderful how convincing the recent methods of pure, 
uncontaminated cu!ture of the lowest and simplest organisms have 
become. One may easily aquaint himself with these processes, 
and without much apparatus besides his microscope, may soon 
form an opinion for himself, as to whether bacteria ever arise from 
anything besides pre-existing parent forms, each after his kind in 
foreordained succession as immutable as in the case of oaks or of 
horses. This, of course, does not exclude some difference in size, 
form and method of growth on account of difference in conditions. 
— oa 
deel 
