498 
SUMMARY OF CURRENT RESEARCHES RELATING TO 
which is to demonstrate the proposition that these organisms are 
nucleated bodies. The ultimate structure of these minute bodies is 
divided into two parts, an outer harder layer and an inner softer part, 
the central body. The former is further distinguished from the central 
body by being less stainable with the ordinary pigments. In both a 
reticulated appearance is discoverable with high magnifying powers, 
and on section this reticulation or network imparts a honeycombed 
appearance to the object. At the points of intersection of the network 
are frequently seen red globules of variable size. These red globules, 
which are very frequent in the sulphur bacteria, are supposed to consist 
of sulphur in some viscid condition. Their exact significance seems 
doubtful. One point on which the author expresses himself confidently 
is that when a flagellum is present it is continuous with the outer layer. 
The central or chromatic part of the micro-organism is to be regarded 
as the nucleus. 
Micrococcus versatilis.* — This micro-organism, which Dr. C. Del- 
gado and Dr. C. Finlay presume to have some direct connection with 
the appearance of yellow fever, has been obtained by the usual methods, 
not only by these authors, but also by Dr. Sternberg and others from the 
j uices and tissues of persons affected with or dead of yellow fever. The 
authors have obtained it from the serum of artificial blisters, and Stern- 
berg from the skin of healthy but unwashed persons living in places where 
the fever is endemic. The name originally given to this micrococcus by 
Delgado and Finlay was “ Tetragenus febris flavae,” but they now 
accept the new name proposed by Sternberg. 
The best procedure for obtaining M. versatilis is to inoculate pepto- 
nized gelatin and keep it in the incubator at a temperature of 30°-32°. 
When a deposit forms at the bottom of the gelatin, gelose in Esmarch’s 
tubes is inoculated therewith, and the tubes kept at a temperature of 
30°-32°. Colonies began to appear in from two to six days, according 
to the season of the year and the activity of the germs cultivated. The * 
colonies are round, with smooth edges, transparent, of a straw-yellow 
colour, but become opaque as they grow older. The colonies below the 
surface are more fusiform and deeper coloured. 
The name versatilis was suggested by the different appearances 
presented by the colonies, their variable colour, and the diverse sizes 
of the micrococcus, which is chromogenous, and developes in true tetrads. 
Bacillus of the Olive Tubercle.! — Dr. L. Savastano, who in 1887 
announced that this disease of olive trees was due to a specific bacillus, 
now communicates some further characteristics of the micro-organism. 
Successful cultivations are made from commencing tumours ; when these 
are older it is necessary to take the internal parts near the regeneration 
area. The bacillus is of medium size, and three or four times longer than 
broad. It is usually single, but may be in pairs. The ends are slightly 
rounded. The colonies are variable in shape, but usually round to oval. 
The cultivations succeeded well on the usual media, and slowly liquefied 
gelatin in May and June, but not from January to April. Spore- 
* Journ. Anat. et Physiol., xxv. (1889) pp. 223-4. 
t Atti Rcale Accad. Lincei — Rend., v. (1889) pp. 92-4. Cf. this Journal, 1887, 
p. 286 . 
