THE BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF 
RIVER WATER.* 
Wa.TerR C. G. Kirouner, A.B., M.D. 
It was while employed as assistant Bacteriologist in the 
Health Department of St. Louis, engaged in the examination 
of the water of the Mississippi, the Missouri and the Illinois 
rivers, and of the Chicago Drainage Canal, that opportunity 
was offered for making certain observations which form the 
basis for this paper. With few interruptions I was engaged 
in this bacteriological work for a period of about two years 
extending from September, 1899, to December, 1901. 
The bacteriological investigation of these streams was 
undertaken under the supervision of Dr. Amand Ravold, 
formerly City Bacteriologist, and, besides myself, there were 
also engaged in the work Mr. George A. Johnson, Dr. C. 
A. Snodgras and Dr. Wm. H. Rush. 
In dealing with this subject the object of the writer is not 
so much to present data which are absolutely new, but rather 
to show to those not familiar with the subject what is implied 
by a bacteriological water examination and to point out cer- 
tain difficulties which are encountered not only in making 
bacteriological tests, but also in the interpretation of the 
results of such analyses. The public, as a rule, is very slow 
in giving proper consideration to a municipal water supply, 
and is mostly interested in the results or effects of the water 
on the community, while scientists, more particularly chem- 
ists, bacteriologists, and sanitarians who have to deal with 
these problems, are interested not only in the results, but also 
in the causes which contribute to make the water bad or 
wholesome. ‘The public merely wishes to know if the water 
is good. The scientist, moreover, is expected to determine 
why the water is good or bad, and if bad, he is urged to 
recommend measures so that the proper remedy be applied. 
In certain cases the examination may be a very simple mat- 
* Read before The Academy of Science, December 19, 1904. 
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