PHYSIOLOGY OP THE BACTERIA. 189 



principal means by which these inferior organisms 

 are disseminated. 



7. As to their role in fermentations, in putrefac- 

 tions, in contagious diseases, and in surgical le- 

 sions, notwithstanding the considerable number 

 of labors of which the bacteria have been the 

 object in these different points of view, it is not 

 yet possible to define it in a certain manner. 1 



1 The candid statement made in the last paragraph by a savant who 

 has shown himself so familiar with the whole subject, and by a French- 

 man who evidently has a high regard for his distinguished countryman, 

 Pasteur, shows us that there is still much to be done in the way of care- 

 ful and conscientious work in the study of the life-histories and physi- 

 ological functions of the micro-organisms known under the general name 

 of bacteria. — 6. M. S. 



