Electric Potential of Bacterial Suspensions. 153 



under the influence of ultra-violet rays. It is generally considered 

 that the coagulation of colloids is favored by the reduction of the 

 electric field between the colloid particle and the medium in 

 which it exists. As has been shown radiant energy in general 

 affects the field and very commonly reduces it, which would explain 

 the coagulation in such cases. 



In a purely tentative and speculative way, it may perhaps be 

 justifiable to raise the question as to what extent the above prin- 

 ciple may be applied to the explanation of any or all of the life 

 processes. From the physical-chemical point of view it is not 

 unreasonable to assume that all metabolic processes which take 

 place between a colloid particle and the medium in which it is 

 found are determined and regulated by the establishment of 

 certain potential differences between colloid and medium. There 

 will be in any particular case, such a potential developed as is 

 most favorable to the particular work in hand. So long as such 

 favorable conditions of potential are maintained metabolism will 

 proceed smoothly. Such influences as disturb the potential system 

 will disturb the metabolism, and such disturbance may be either 

 favorable or unfavorable. It may be going too far, but is it not 

 possible there is some suggestive value in the assumption that 

 living and dead matter are to be distinguished by the ability or 

 inability to maintain such potential systems as properly regulate 

 the metabolic processes? Certainly there would seem to be here 

 a possible explanation of the fact that the living stomach does not 

 digest itself, while the dead one does. 



It is also interesting to note that bacteria, whose metabolism 

 is essentially one of oxidation, and which are adjusted to the dark, 

 have their potentials so affected by light as to lead to destruction. 

 On the other hand, chlorophyll, whose function is that of an agent 

 in a metabolism which is essentially reducing, and which is active 

 only in the light, has its potential so affected by light as to favor 

 its type of metabolic reaction. In other words the charge on 

 bacteria is reduced by light, that on chlorophyll is increased. 



The author desires that the above be considered not as the 

 exposition of a theory, but merely as the suggestion of one. 



