CHAPTER III. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BACTERIA 
METHODS OF MULTIPLICATION, ETC. 
Morphology is that branch of science which 
treats of the classification of bacteria with regard 
to their shape, outline, structure and their methods" 
of grouping. Placed in broth, bouillon or other 
substance they are cultivated, and much useful 
information has been gained with regard to the 
habits, etc., of these tiny specimens of vegetable 
life. 
It has been found by studying them under 
the microscope, that all bacteria of any import¬ 
ance are either “sphere,” “rod,” or “spiral” 
shaped, and so they are divided into these three 
classes. 
• 
Spheres. 
cocci, or 
Rods. 
The spherical may be perfectly 
round like a ball or marble, or they 
may be oval or egg-like; many are 
imperfect in shape. The name given 
to all bacteria of this formation is 
“micrococci.” 
The rod-shaped may be long or 
short, square or round at the ends, 
thick or thin, but all bear the com¬ 
mon name of “bacilli.” The larg¬ 
est number of disease germs are 
of this class. 
Morphology 
Defined. 
Micro-cocci. 
Bacilli. 
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