The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

68 SCIENCE AND RELIGION.shown that the death point was higher in air,than in water; for Professor Tyndall extendedhis researches to air, as well as liquid.First dealing with the fluid form, he foundgerms possessed of vitality so singular thatfive or six hours of boiling did not destroythem, and in one case eight hours was insufficientfor the purpose. In this connection, hecame to tlie conclusion that some germinalorders were more easily destroyed than others.When dealing with bacteria, he found thatthey differed from other forms in this, thatthey rose to the air as if it were a requisite,whereas other germs, such as those belongingto the process of fermentation, couldexist without oxygen. This led to an additionalform of experiment, with the view ofdeciding whether bacteria could be destroyedby withdrawal of air; and if so, whether thebacteria would reappear after the existing microscopiclife had been stifled. Tyndall beganby applying the air-pump. Under this processthe bacteria were enfeebled greatly, butnot destroyed. Thereafter Sprengel pumpswere used, by means of which the air dissolvedin the infusions was withdrawn, as wellas that diffused in the spaces above. In