PUTREFACTION BACTERIA 409 



an abundant supply of oxygen, succinic, palmytic, 

 oleic and phenyl-propionic acids have been found. 



Putrefaction results in a large number of complex 

 intermediate compounds and proceeds much more 

 slowly. Many of the substances thus produced are highly 

 poisonous and most of them have a very offensive 

 odor. They may be further broken down by decay when 

 the conditions are suitable, or by a continuation of the 

 process of putrefaction. In either case, the poisonous 

 properties and the odor are removed. 



In the process of decomposition of organic matter 

 two classes of substances are produced: (1) Those 

 which have been excreted or secreted by the bacterium, 

 and therefore have passed through the metabolic 

 processes of the organism. (2) Those that have been 

 formed because of the removal of certain atoms by 

 bacteria or enzymes from compounds, thus necessi- 

 tating a readjustment of the remaining atoms and the 

 consequent formation of a new compound. 



Putrefaction is carried on by a large number of 

 forms of bacteria, the resulting product depending upon 

 the substance in process of decomposition, and upon 

 the bacteria involved. Some of the characteristic, 

 although not constant products, formed in the putre- 

 faction of albumin and proteins are albumenoses, pep- 

 tones, and amino-acids, followed by the formation 

 of cadaverin, putrescin, skatol and indol. Where an 

 abundant supply of oxygen is present, or where a 

 sufficient supply of carbohydrates exist, these sub- 

 stances are not formed. There are many other products 

 of putrefaction, including a number of gases, as carbon 



