CHAPTER V. 



BACTERIOLOGICAL APPARATUS. 



Apparatus used in the study of bacteria. In the study 

 of bacteria, apparatus by which certain conditions may be 

 secured is necessary. In different laboratories and in dif- 

 ferent lines of bacteriological work considerable variation is 

 found in the equipment. It is important to recognize that 

 much of the apparatus has been especially designed for par- 

 ticular use and convenience, but that much of the essential 

 work in the practical application of bacteriological knowl- 

 edge can be done without many of the special appliances 

 usually employed in the laboratory. The apparatus, equip- 

 ment and material for the study of bacteria fall into four 

 groups, according to the purpose for which it is to be used, 

 namely: for (1) studying the morphology of bacteria; (2) 

 making culture media, isolating and cultivating bacteria; 

 (3) special determinations and analyses; and (4) making 

 toxins, antitoxins, vaccines, etc. The equipment that is most 

 commonly used and which is essential for these purposes is 

 briefly described below. In equipping a laboratory, how- 

 ever, it is important to keep clearly in mind the purpose of 

 the apparatus and to recognize the principle involved in its 

 use. In the application of bacteriology in the practice of 

 medicine and surgery it is the principle that must be heeded 

 rather than any particular form of equipment. The practi- 

 tioner, for example, frequently wishes to do certain things 

 in the field of bacteriology but finds himself wanting in the 

 particular appliances wit'h which he may be familiar and 

 which are usually employed. If he has clearly in mind the 

 principle involved in the task at hand it is often possible to 

 substitute some ordinary kitchen utensil for the more speci- 

 fically designed equipment and to obtain satisfactorily the 

 desired results. 



