
TYNDALL’S EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE 215 
waste of space for me now to dwell further upon this 
part of the subject. 
It must be obvious that what was needed’ was all 
the definite evidence that could be obtained as to 
the thermal death-point, and as to the powers of 
resistance under different conditions, of ferment- 
organisms and their germs. This it was that induced 
me, then and later, to undertake long investigations 
bearing directly or indirectly upon this section of 
the problem. 
Twelve months later we find Professor Tyndall ? 
announcing that he was then able to obtain the 
previously denied results. The behaviour of his 
recent infusions had completely stultified his previous 
position. He was no longer at issue with me and 
others in regard to the fact. The difference between 
us was now one of interpretation only. In spite of 
his previously much-vaunted 500 negative results, 
and the good evidence which they supplied as to 
the death-point of Bacteria and their germs, Pro- 
fessor Tyndall now endeavoured, as best he could, 
to cover his previous unfortunate position. The 
result was a complete change of front. 
During all his earlier experiments, though operat- 
ing in the midst of London in an air which he had 
himself not lightly stigmatised, and in many trials with 
all sorts of fluids, he had not come across a single 
germ which could survive the influence of boiling 
water for a few minutes. Desiccation of germs, 
according to Professor Tyndall’s experience at this 
1 Brit, Med. Journ., January 27, 1877, p. 95. 
