104 PHARMACEUTICAL BACTERIOLOGY 



tions. The present generic terms, "bacillus " and " micrococcus, " include 

 too many species. We have a confusing and almost incomprehensible 

 array of synonyms, of which those applied to Rhizobium mutabile may serve 

 as an example. The different names that have been given to this organism 

 may be arranged as follows : 



Pasteuraceae, Laurent. 

 Bacteria, Woronin, 1866. 

 Bakteroiden, Brunchorst and Frank, 1885. 

 Microsymbiont, Atkinson, 1893. 

 Spores or gemmules, Ward and Ericksson. 

 Bacillus radicicola, Beyerinck, 1888. 

 Cladochytrium leguminosarum, Vuellemin. 

 Phytomyxa leguminosarum, Schroeter. 

 Schinzia leguminosarum, Woronin. 

 Rhizobium leguminosarum, Frank, 1890 

 Rhizobium Frankii, (in part) Schneider, 1892. 

 Rhizobium mutabile, Schneider, 1902. 

 Pseudomonas radicicola, Moore, 1905. 

 Rhizobium leguminosarum. The Com. 1917. 



The above synonomy is also interesting because it indicates a most 

 remarkable difference of opinion regarding the nature and identity of this 

 root-nodule organism. Further, as the result of the wholly inadequate 

 group delimitations we have such name-monstrosities as Granulobacillus 

 saccharobutyricus mobilis nonliquifaciens , and M icrococcus acidi paralactic i 

 liquifaciens Halensi. Reform in nomenclature is very desirable, and it 

 must come through a careful definition of generic groups based on 

 physiological characters, rather than upon largely morphological 

 characters, as is done now. 



It is advised that the pharmacist refrain from experimenting with 

 pathogenic organisms, excepting in so far as he may act in cooperation with 

 practicing physician or health officers. When experimenting with patho- 

 genic organisms the greatest caution is necessary to guard against autoin- 

 oculation and the spreading of disease. It should be made a rule to treat 

 every microbe studied as though it were virulently pathogenic, capable 

 of spreading an epidemic. Never expose a colony (plate culture, tube 

 culture, etc.) in such a way as to peimit the escape of the organisms into 

 the air. Pour a disinfecting solution (5 per cent, carbolic acid) into cul- 

 tures that are to be discontinued and then boil container and all, for thirty 

 minutes, before washing and cleaning the glassware. Never forget to steri- 

 lize the platinum needle before and after making an inoculation or a culture 

 transfer. 



