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BACTERIOLOGY. 



Genus V. Ascococcus. 



SPECIES. 



' UNASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE :- 

 Ascococcus Billrothii 



Zymogenic Saprophyte. 



Ascococcus Billrothii. Small globular cocci, 

 united into characteristic colonies. They form on 

 the surface of nourishing fluids a cream-like skin, 

 divisible into an enormous number of globular or 

 oval families. Each family is surrounded by a 

 thick capsule of cartilaginous consistency. In a 



FIG. 75. Ascococcus BILLROTHII [after Cohn]. 



solution containing acid tartrate of ammonia the 

 fungi generate butyric acid, and change the origi- 

 nally acid fluid into an alkaline one. They were 

 first observed on putrid broth, and later on or- 

 dinary nourishing solutions ; they also readily 

 develop upon damp slices of boiled roots, carrots, 

 beetroots, etc. 



