BACTERIOLOGICAL TECHNIC 103 



The Muir method is perhaps the best for capsule staining. It is as 

 follows : 



1. Stain in carbol-fuchsin for one-half minute, with gentle heat. 



2. Wash lightly in alcohol (95 per cent.)- 



3. Wash well in water. 



4. Flood with mordant of 



Sat. Aq. Sol. Mercuric Chlor., 2 cc. 



Tannic Acid (20 per cent. Aq. Sol.), 2 cc. 



Sat. Aq. Sol. Potassium Alum, 5 cc. 



5. Wash in water. 



6. Wash in 95 per cent, alcohol, one minute. 



7. Wash in water. 



8. Stain with methylene blue for one-half minute. 



9. Decolorize somewhat and let dry. 



10. Clear in xylene, and mount in Canada balsam. 



There are numerous other special stains and special staining methods, 

 which need not be mentioned here. Should the pharmacist be called upon 

 to prepare any of these, he will find full particulars in any standard work 

 on medical bacteriology. 



9. Studying Bacteria 



The complete study of any one species of microbe with a view to deter- 

 mining its identity is a long and tedious process. It involves a study of the 

 organism in its natural element and in artificial culture media, and its 

 behavior in animal inoculation tests, etc. Special apparatus, experimental 

 animals (as rats, mice, guinea-pigs, dogs, etc.), and technical experience 

 and skill are necessary. Just what kind of observations are involved in 

 such study is indicated in the complete method as outlined by the Society 

 of American Bacteriologists (Jan., 1908), which is hereby submitted for 

 the benefit of those who may wish to acquaint themselves with such details. 

 The glossary of terms should be carefully considered first of all. The deci- 

 mal system for indicating groups relationships of microbes (Table I) is most 

 unique and is very convenient for active workers. Those interested will 

 find the desired explanations of the methods and reagents mentioned, in any 

 of the larger works on medical bacteriology and on bacteriological tech- 

 nology. It is not at all likely that the pharmacist will ever have occasion 

 to make use of the special methods cited. He should nevertheless acquaint 

 himself with them sufficiently to comprehend their application in the study 

 of pathogenic bacteria. 



Our bacteria nomenclature is in some confusion, and unless the methods 

 of naming bacteria are corrected, the confusion is certain to become much 

 greater. The trouble lies in the failure to define group or generic delimita- 



