i6 + THOMPSON YATES LABORATORIES REPORT 
An examination of the table of reactions of Division I leads to the conclusion 
that certain organisms, which have been described as distinct from each other, are in 
reality very closely allied, or identical. Thus, Nos. i, 2, and 3 are practically alike. 
It has been said that No. 2, B. acidi lactici (Hueppe), is stained by Gram's method. 
It is true that a faint coloration may be observed after this method of staining, but 
we consider that this amount of colour does not warrant the statement that it 'stains 
by Gram.' We think that the result of Gram's method should be considered 
positive only when the organism is of the well known blue-black colour. 
Even though Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 7 differ from the preceding in their fermentative 
action on cane sugar, we do not think that this justifies separation into a special 
group. No. 15 must also be put in the same category. 
No. 1 6 seems to be closely allied to the above organisms, but slowly liquefies 
gelatine. 
The same remarks apply to No. 17. Throughout the whole of our numerous 
experiments we have never yet met with this micro-coccus ; therefore, though it is 
said to occur in the air, it is improbable that it will invalidate our proposed test for 
faecal contamination. As regards No. 14, the culture with which we have 
experimented differs from the usual description of this organism, in that it does not 
ferment lactose or glycerine. The usual description would lead to its inclusion in 
the coli group. 
The remaining organisms, Nos. 8 to 13, may be classed together, as forming 
the 'Gaertner' or 'para-colon' group. 
Passing on to Division II, No. 18, B. typhi abdominalis appears to stand out 
by itself. 
No. 19, B. pyogenes foetidus, though incapable of fermenting sugars, 
resembles so closely the B.C.C. group in the appearance of its colonies on taurocholate 
lactose agar, that we are inclined to consider it an attenuated member of that group ; 
more especially as we have isolated organisms which have lost their power of gas 
production after prolonged cultivation. 
It is peculiar that though Nos. 25 to 30 resemble each other in almost every 
respect, we were unable to obtain any growth upon taurocholate lactose agar plates 
from Nos. 28, 29, and 30. 
The colonies of No. 31, B. rhinoscleroma, and No. 48, B. Zopfi, upon 
taurocolate lactose agar, are indistinguishable from each other. 
The remaining organisms call for no further remark. 
Now it is obvious, from a consideration of the tables given above, that of all 
the organisms with which we have worked there are only seventeen which give the 
complete reaction in taurocholate broth ; and of these thirteen are distinctly intestinal. 
