XLV.—The Rate of Multiplication of Micro-organisms: A Mathematical Study

1. The rate of multiplication of fast-growing micro-organisms is proportional to the number of organisms, and to the concentration of foodstuff. 2. The initial rate of multiplication affords a factor of comparison both of efficiency for media and of reproductive properties of organisms. 3. Vaccines may be prepared in large quantities on the basis that a maximum number of organisms is attained to, this maximum being dependent on the concentration of nutriment, and independent of the amount of culture inoculated.