The Elements of Bacteriological Technique / A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27713

Title

The Elements of Bacteriological Technique / A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A definitive laboratory guide for medical, dental, and technical students, this volume details the essential techniques of bacteriology. Written by J. W. H. Eyre, it offers practical instructions on sterilization, microscopy, staining, and animal inoculation, serving as a vital resource for isolated workers and students lacking direct teacher supervision.

Summary up to 500 words

J. W. H. Eyre's *The Elements of Bacteriological Technique* serves as a definitive laboratory guide for medical, dental, and technical students, emphasizing that bacteriology is a practical discipline best learned through direct instruction. However, recognizing the needs of isolated workers and students without constant supervision, the text provides a comprehensive collection of tried and proved methods arranged in a logical sequence. The manual begins with strict laboratory regulations designed to prevent infection, detailing protocols for handling pathogenic materials, disinfecting waste, and managing animal carcasses. It further outlines the selection and care of glass apparatus, including specific dimensions for test-tubes and flasks, ensuring equipment is stored in sterile conditions. The guide offers detailed instructions on sterilization agents and the use of the microscope for examining micro-organisms. Eyre dedicates significant space to staining techniques, covering differential methods and the demonstration of bacteria within tissues using freezing and paraffin sectioning. The text systematically explains the preparation of nutrient and special media, as well as techniques for aerobic and anaerobic cultivation and organism isolation. A major focus is placed on experimental infections, covering the selection of laboratory animals, various inoculation procedures (such as intragastric and subcutaneous methods), and the observation of clinical signs like weight loss and temperature fluctuations. To aid in interpreting these changes, the book includes comparative hematology data for common laboratory animals, contrasting their blood characteristics with those of humans. Furthermore, the volume provides a structured approach to identifying bacteria through biochemical, physical, and immunological means, including the preparation of hemolytic serum. The practical applications of these techniques are illustrated through analyses of water, milk, sewage, and soil, as well as the testing of disinfectants and filters. Throughout the work, Eyre advocates for accurate observation, concise description, and the adaptation of apparatus to specific laboratory needs, aiming to supplement existing manuals with essential technical details for the modern bacteriologist.

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Categories

• Science