The Flora of the Human Alimentary Tract 99 



Duodenal Contents. (28 inches from lips). Number of^ or- 

 ganisms. Except in Sub. II, the numbers of viable organisms 

 and spores in the duodenal contents also are small, yet a slight 

 tendency to an increase in numbers is noticeable. In Sub. II the 

 increase is definite. The wide fluctuations in the numbers on 

 different occasions in Sub. II was not discovered. 



Varieties Isolated. There is no increase in the varieties of 

 organisms isolated from the duodenal contents, but the diversi- 

 fication of the flora in the individual subject is, as a rule, greater. 



The Gram-positive, spore-bearing bacilli are present with the 

 same constancy. Staphylococcus albus has disappeared in two 

 subjects. Streptococci have appeared in two additional subjects 

 and bacteria, commonly classified as intestinal, such as B. Coli, 

 paracolon bacillus, B. acidophilus and the enterococcus, are found 

 with greater frequency. 



Cultural Properties. Acid production is still the rule in dex- 

 trose-broth and litmus milk. Gas production, though limited in 

 quantity, is slightly more evident. Milk is coagulated and the 

 curd is digested. Loeffler's medium exhibits slight digestion. 

 Gelatin is miore frequently liquefied. 



Jejunal Contents. (34 inches to 135 inches). Number of 

 organisms. In Sub. I, the number of viable organisms, at depths 

 of 87 inches to 135 inches from the lips is strikingly small. In 

 Sub. II, at depths of 90 inches to 115 inches, a decided increase 

 in numbers has occurred, though wide fluctuations may still be 

 noted. In Sub. IV there is a progressive increase to the depth 

 of 60 inches. In Sub. VII there was no increase in numbers down 

 to 60 inches, and in Sub. Ill the increase was negligible. In only 

 two subjects, Sub. I and Sub. II, were extractions made from be- 

 low 60 inches. 



Cultural Properties. The production of acid in dextrose-broth 

 and litmus-milk is still the rule. Gas is produced more frequently 

 and in greater quantity, especially by flora from the deeper levels. 

 Litntus-milk is coagulated and the curd is digested. Loeffler's 

 medium is only rarely and partially attacked. Gelatin is partly 

 or completely liquified. 



Varieties Isolated. Fifteen varieties of organisms were iso- 

 lated from the jejunal contents, B. mucosus capsulatus and B. 

 proteus having appeared for the first time. But it may be noted 

 that the total number of examinations of jejunal contents was 



