36 



Scientific Proceedings (47). 



starch-like body inulin and the alcohol mannit come next and 

 the trisaccharide raffinose is least available of all. This order 

 corresponds to the size of the molecule, whereas in the B. coli 

 group, the configuration of the molecule is the main thing, the 

 aldehydic sugars being acted upon very readily, and the ketonic 

 sugars less readily. The bacillus of the colon group which can 

 utilize the ketonic disaccharide can almost always utilize the 

 ketonic trisaccharide raffinose as well. 



25 (634) 



The comparative resistance of spores and vegetative cells of 

 bacteria towards calcium hypochlorite. 

 By C. M. HILLIARD. 



[From the College of the City 0} New York.] 



At least three distinct grades of resistance to the disinfectant 

 action of calcium hypochlorite may be recognized among the 

 bacteria. They are respectively ordinary vegetative cells, acid- 

 fast organisms, having a fatty composition, and the true spore 

 cells. The present study is concerned only with the vegetative 

 cell and the spore. Subsequent work will be done with the 

 tubercle bacillus as representing the acid-fast group. 



Pure cultures of B. coli, B. prodigiosus, B. subtilis (spore 

 former) and B. anthracis (spore former) were grown in broth for a 

 time sufficient for spores to appear in large numbers in the two 

 latter cultures. A few drops were then transferred to dilution 

 bottles, the initial number present was determined, and the 

 calcium hypochlorite of known strength was added in carefully 

 weighed amount. Agar plates were made at intervals and 

 the reduction determined. 



The results of the work to date may be summarized as follows : 



1. The sterilizing action of calcium hypochlorite in water is 

 very rapid at first, the maximum reduction being nearly complete 

 in three hours. 



2. Of the organisms studied, B. subtilis is most resistant, 

 followed by B. anthracis, and then by the non-spore formers 

 B. coli and B. prodigiosus. 



3. At least 1.5 parts of available chlorin to 1,000,000 parts 



