



CHAPTER IX. 



the experimental proof. untenability of 



Pasteur's conclusions. 



Different results obtainable by Schwann's method of experimentation. 

 M. Pasteur's conclusions. Presence of air in flasks not essential. 

 Evolution in vacuo previously thought impossible. New method 

 of experimentation. Results with acid infusions. Abundance of 

 living organisms. Experiments with acid saline solutions. These 

 not often yielding Bacteria, but rather Torulce or Fungi, 



M. Pasteur does not adequately consider the nature of the fluid employed. 

 Thinks too exclusively about the germ -killing powers of acid or 

 alkaline fluids. Pays no attention to opposing views. Negative re- 

 sults equally capable of explanation on either hypothesis. Importance 

 of positive results. M. Pasteur not entitled to his conclusion about 

 germs in alkaline solutions. His indirect evidence negatived by 

 direct evidence. Other explanations more probable. Difference in 



1 degree of fermentability between acid and neutral states of same 

 solution. Experiments in illustration. Differences seen with 

 solutions fully exposed to air and germs. Similar in kind to those 

 quoted by M. Pasteur. Fluids most favourable for growth also 

 most favourable for evolution. Fertility of any given solution 

 often in the inverse ratio to its acidity. Effect of acidity intensified 

 by high temperatures. Improbability of M. Pasteur's explanations 

 in face of these results. 



HE 



JL the possibility of the de novo origination of living 

 things^ have been stated to be those of Schwann^ or re- 

 petitions of them by other experimenters. And yet^ as 



If 



iich had bee 

 ibed by - 

 the chan 



ften 



apu 



trefacti' 



1 



I 





rarter. Amon£ 

 live results ma 

 IteetjWymai 



m Pasteur hi 

 But, as soon 

 we undoubte 

 tons, and in 

 'fSchwaniij hi 

 Qses under a ■ 



■Dents he 



"light be 

 %ly alkal 



canie 

 encoi 



in 



[', 



^^'ann's 



"°t to be 

 acid 



an 



cone 

 met 



reacti 

 rtobe 



! 



V 



J 





.in 



w 



■Mch 



the 



