3ACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES Sf/ 
teria, of which Plectridium foetidum is a most frequent repre- 
sentative, see “Blown Evaporated Milk,” Chapter XXIII. This type 
of micro-organisms requires strictly anaerobie cultural conditions 
Under limited laboratory facilities the anaerobic conditions are 
best produced by the use of oxvgen-absorbing chemicals, such as 
pyrogallol to which potassium hydroxide is added. Use dry 
commercial pyrogallol and potassium hydroxide sticks, in pro- 
pertion of 1 gram pyrogallol to .7 gram potassium hydroxide 
dissolved in about 2 c.c. of water. 
Place 50 grams of pyrogallol into the bottom part of a large 
size desiccator. Have the rim of the desiccator and the cor- 
responding rim of the cover covered with a mixture of half 
parafine and half bee’s wax. Pour into the pyrogallol i the 
desiccator 100 ce. of water and then throw in 35 grams of 
potassium hydroxide. Quickly insert culture tubes, or plates, 
and close the desiccator with the cover, turning the cover sa as 
to secure a perfect seal. Apply three permanent screw clamps. 
Anaerobic germs of the type of Plectridinm foetidum erow 
best in freshly sterilized milk. In the case of Pleetridium foeti- 
dum the milk first curdles, then digests, forming a clear yellow 
liquid. “The digestion begins at the surface and proceeds down- 
ward. These cultures develop a most penetrating foul odor, 
resembiing that of spoiled eggs.' 
The technique and methods for determining the bacteri- 
ological flora with reference to cultural and «morphological 
characteristics of individual species of microbes present. are 
identical to those used in the bacteriological study of milk and 
other similar products, and which are fully described in standard 
manuals on bacteriology. 
1 For further details on the technique of Anaerobic Cultures see Hunziker 
Review of Existing Methods for Cultivating Anaerobic Bacteria. Journal of 
Applied Microscopy and Laboratory Methods, Vol. V, Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6. 
