CHAPTER III 

 CULTIVATION OF BACTERIA 



Inoculating Medium Tubes. 



Having chosen our culture medium upon which we desire 

 to obtain a bacterial growth, either with the idea of 

 assisting or confirming our microscopical diagnosis or of 

 obtaining a bacterial emulsion with the view of making a 

 vaccine, we sow our germ-laden material in the following 

 manner : 



Take a platinum loop (this consists of a piece of glass 

 tubing, the end of which has been previously softened by 



I 



I . ^=S - 



m- 



B- 



Fig. 10. — Platinum Needles. 



heat, and while in the flame a piece of platinum wire is 

 forced into the soft glass) ; pass it through the flame of a 

 spirit lamp to sterilize it. Hold in the left hand between 

 first and second fingers a medium tube, remove the cotton 

 plug and place it between the ring and little fingers of the 

 same hand, taking care at the same time to hold the tube 

 (if solid medium) mouth downwards to prevent ingress of 

 dust, germs, etc. Dip the needle into the morbid material 

 and take up a small loopful; pass it carefully down 



the tube until it reaches the bottom, letting it rest gently 



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