
98 THE EVOLUTION OF LIFE 
infusions, in which every possible precaution appears to have 
been taken to exclude or destroy germs. In nearly all cases, 
after the lapse of some time, the solutions became turbid, or 
exhibited a scum, and microscopic examination showed the 
existence of organic bodies in the fluids, and in some cases of 
bacteria in active motion.” 
“Now the only possible answer to be made to experiments 
such as these is that the turbidity or scum in the solutions was 
not caused by a development of organisms, but by some coagula- 
tion or similar alteration in the fluid, and that the bodies seen in 
the solutions were not living, but dead, and had been there all 
tie HG. so 
‘Considering, on the one hand, the @ fviori improbability of 
the formation of bacteria, etc., de nove, with the great weight and 
high value of the evidence already adduced against its occurrence, 
and estimating, on the other hand, the value of the evidence here 
put forth, it seems very unlikely that Dr Bastian’s results will be 
confirmed.” 
It would have been easy to add other expressions 
of opinion of a like kind from other eminent 
biologists, instigated doubtless under the influence of 
Huxley’s suggestions and the glamour of Pasteur’s 
authority ; but enough has been said to show the 
feeling existing : and as I found that this feeling was 
evidently shared by my then colleague Professor 
(afterwards Sir) J. Burdon Sanderson, I suggested 
to him in December 1872, that I should perform 
some of my experiments in his presence, on the 
understanding that he should subsequently publish 
an account of them, and of the results obtained. 
To this he assented, and the following report was 
published by him in Vature, January 8, 1873. 
