ISOLATION OF THE COCCUS 479 



The identification of the micrococcus is based upon the following charac- 

 teristics : 



1. Microscopically, a gram-negative, non-motile coccus. 



2. The rapidity with which a trace of an agar culture breaks up in a drop 

 of water. 



3. Absence of fermentation in sugars, non-coagulation of milk, and an 

 alkaline reaction in litmus milk. 



4. Agglutination with a specific serum. The serum reaction (vide ante) 

 will be found of much use in the diagnosis of Mediterranean fever. 



