PHYSIOLOGY OF THE BACTERIA. 189 
principal means by which these inferior organisms 
are disseminated. 
7. As to their réle in fermentations, in putrefac- 
tions, in contagious diseases, and in surgical le- 
sions, notwithstanding the considerable number 
of labors of which the bacteria have been the 
object in these different points of view, it is not 
yet possible to define it in a certain manner.’ 
1 The candid statement made in the last paragraph by a savant who 
has shown himself so familiar with the whole subject, and by a French- 
man who evidently has a high regard for his distinguished countryman, 
Pasteur, shows us that there is still much to be done in the way of care- 
ful and conscientious work in the study of the life-histories and physi- 
ological functions of the micro-organisms known under the general name 
of bacteria. — G. M. S. 
