106 THE EVOLUTION OF LIFE 
(a) Neutral turntp infusion with cheese tn calcined — 
retort, borled ten minutes.—The retort having been 
tested in the way previously described was opened 
on the 31st. The liquid was very foetid, had an 
acid reaction, and contained much scum. It was 
found to be full of Bacteria, whilst Leptothrix existed 
in abundance in portions of the scum, together with 
granules of various sizes which refracted light 
strongly. 
(6) The same borled five minutes.—The state of the 
liquid was the same as that just described. 
(c) Neutral imfusion without cheese, borled ten 
minutes—retort not calccued.—In this liquid the rods 
and filaments were much less numerous. In other 
respects its characters were the same. 
In each case before opening the retort it was again 
observed that a portion of its neck became drawn 
in when exposed to the blow-pipe flame. 
As regards the results of the foregoing expert- 
ments, it is unnecessary for me to say anything as 
to their bearing on the question of heterogenesis. 
The subject has already been frequently discussed 
in your columns. 
The accuracy of Dr Bastian’s statements of fact, 
with reference to the particular experiments now 
under consideration, has been publicly questioned. 
I myself doubted it, and expressed my doubts, if 
not publicly, at least in conversation. I am content 
to have established—at all events to my own satis- 
faction—that, by following Dr Bastian’s directions, 
infusions can be prepared which are not deprived, 

