1894 THE MICROSCOPE. 43 



most varied kind including natural animal liquids and 

 the flesh of domestic animals, game, fish and vegetables. 

 More than 50 chambers, each with its series of infusions, 

 were tested, many of them repeatedly. The results were 

 conclusive. In every instance he had perfect sweetness 

 within the chamber which in some cases lasted more than 

 a year. Without the chamber, with like infusions there 

 was putrefaction and decay. 



The conclusion here is : that an infusion deprived by 

 heat of its inherent life and placed in contact with air 

 cleansed of its visibly suspended matter has no power to 

 generate life. But a further test was applied which 

 clinched the argument. The tubes had remained in the 

 chambers from 3 months to a year perfectly <?lear. The 

 doors of the chambers were thrown open and the dusty 

 air allowed to enter and in a few days the infusions were 

 swarming with life. The liquids were therefore proved 

 ready for putrefaction when the contaminating agent was 

 present. 



These experiments were so conclusive and so compre- 

 hensive that they gave a quietus to the doctrine of spon- 

 taneous generation. 



The value of these results is seen from the immense 

 practical benefit which has already accrued to science. 

 Prof. Lister applied the principle to surgery with the 

 result that operations, which 50 years ago involved ele- 

 ments of great danger and uncertainty can be to-day 

 performed with perfect safety. Pasteur saved the silk 

 industry of France through this principle and it is being 

 applied to diseases with the prospect of furnishing an 

 insight into the causes and of suggesting remedies for 

 the most malignant diseases. 



BIOLOGICAI. LABORATORy OF HAM^INE UNIVERSITY. 



The British Association meeting for 1894 will be held in 

 August at Oxford, England and Lord Salisbury will preside. 

 A large attendance may be looked for, 



