1876. | Spontaneous Generation. 731 
organic liquids contain complex chemical bodies which are capa- 
ble of organization, and form different kinds of bacteria. 
In support of these notions he recites experiments on urine 
caused to boil and screened from the influence of atmospheric 
ms. To determine the production of bacteria in this urine he 
introduced potash and oxygen, and subjected it to 122° F. He 
states that in numerous trials, urine previously rendered sterile 
and heated as just stated gave rise to bacteria. He found that 
a temperature of 122° F., though not generally considered favor- 
able to fermentation, was so to the development of bacteria in 
urine and some other organic liquids. 
In the autumn of 1875, he says, he found that urine, normal 
and acid, rendered sterile by ebullition, became fertile in two or 
three days when exactly saturated by potash, without other con- 
tamination, and after being exposed to an elevated temperature. 
He further states that he took the most minute precautions to 
avoid the influence of germs that might have been in the potash 
or on the walls of the vessels employed, as well as those which 
the air might carry. 
He also states, with regard to the influence of oxygen, that 
urine rendered sterile, neutralized by potash, and subjected to 
electric action through platinum wires, gave remarkable results, 
fermenting rapidly at 122°, and becoming filled with bacteria 1m 
| from seven to twelve hours. He considers that these aparina 
overthrow the atmospheric-germ theory, and cites Tyndall to t ; 
effect that bacteria germs are destroyed by a temperature © 
212° maintained for a minute or two, as was the case with the 
fluids he used. 
In Comptes rendus for July 17th, M. Pasteur makes a yeu 
Polite reply, tinged with a little irony, in the remark that the 
heterogenists are more fortunate than the inv 
motion, in the lengthy attention they have ae 
tific bodies. In the domain of mathematical sciences it is, 
Says, possible to demonstrate that certain propos! 
xue, but natural sciences are less Oe aa ee: 
Mathematician may disdain to cast his eye upo pen 
or perpetual motion ; 
excites public opinion, be- 
tate of science to prove 4 
f life can take place by a jump, 
Without the i i f a similar life. | 
previous existence 0 : ae 
When any observer announces that he has discovered the 
