Microbiological Methods [antikvár]

PREFACE In the last ten years there has been an increase in the number of microbiological laboratories in this country and consequently a need for more technical as well as graduate staff. Microbiology is now included in the curricula of several universities and an increasing number of technical colleges are offering whole-time or part-time tuition in the more practical aspects of this subject. At least three professional institutions conduct examinations, essentially of an applied or technical nature. It is hoped that this book will cover some of the needs of both teachers and students concerned with these courses. It is almost entirely practical in its scope and is intended to be used as a 'bench book' to supplement the more academic and theoretical textbooks which must also be studied by those practising microbiology. The methods described are restricted to bacteriological procedures in public health, medicine and food technology and to a limited amount of mycology. Complement fixation and techniques involving laboratory animals are omitted because of their specialized nature and shortage of space. Some of the technical methods may well meet with justifiable criticism from other laboratory workers. To these I plead that microbiological procedures are often a compromise between what is ideal and what is expedient or even possible. I would also like to quote one of my earliest tutors who maintained that 'Your best method is the method which gives the best results in your hands'. Certain commercial products and the names of their suppliers or agents are mentioned because this information is often of great value to the busy laboratory worker. This does not necessarily imply that I have had personal experience of all these products or that there may not be alternative materials or sources of supply. I must apologise if I have not given credit to the authors and originators of all the techniques described but some such methods may be likened to George Washington's axe in the numbers of modifications which they have received in the passage of time. I am greatly indebted to my superiors and colleagues in the Public Health Laboratory Service and my friends in the teaching profession and in industry for their help, suggestions, advice and information.