362 
ALFRED L. LOOMIS 
until complete fission ensues. Micrococci possess no visible 
structure. They consist of a minute droplet of protoplasm 
(myco-protein), surrounded by a delicate cell-membrane; certain 
forms are embedded in a capsule. (Diameter, .0008 to. 001 
millimetre.) 
These little organisms, when observed in a fluid like blood, 
sputum, etc., are found to present very active movements, al¬ 
though provided with no organs of locomotion. This Brownian 
motion is possessed by almost every minute particle of matter, 
organic and inorganic, and is not due to any inherent power of 
the individual. 
Micrococci are almost omnipresent. They are always found 
in millions where moist organic matter is undergoing decom¬ 
position. They are associated with the processes of fermentation, 
in fact, they are essential to it. The souring of milk succeeds 
the multiplication of these germs. They abound in the air, the 
earth, the water. Certain varieties are pigmented, and you will 
observe colonies of these chromogerdc cocci multiplying in our 
laboratory upon slices of boiled potato, egg, etc., presenting all 
the colors of the rainbow. Fortunately, all of these germs are 
not associated with, or rather are not the cause of disease. Certain 
species, however (termed 'pathogenic ), are always associated with 
certain diseased conditions. 
The second plate which I present (Fig. 2), illustrates the 
microscopical appearance of the Bacterium ter mo, micro-bacteria. 
You observe that they are slightly elongated, and inasmuch as 
they multiply by division they frequently appear coupled together, 
linked in pairs, and in chains. They are generally found in 
putrifyiug liquids, especially infusions of vegetable matter. 
They possess mobility to a remarkable degree. Observing a field 
of the bacterium termo under the microscope they may be seen 
actively engaged in turning, twisting, or oscillating—a delicate 
tail-like filament, or flagellum, has been demonstrated as attached 
to one or both extremities. This is too minute to be generally 
resolved, even if it is a common appendage. 
Micro-bacteria are of various kinds, and although many are 
pathogenic, the bacterium septiccemice of Koch produces the most 
