Substances in dilutions greater than 10−24

Abstract

Summary1 A review of the experimental literature since 1881 revealed 25 investigations into the action of various substances at dilutions greater than 10−24 (microdilutions).2 W. Boyd, H. Junker and J. Paterson investigated the effect of microdilutions on the growth of paramecia and the alteration of the Schick test.3 W. Boyd and W. Persson investigated the effects of microdilutions on various enzyme systems.4 P. Jousset, L. Kolisko, P. Narodetzki and J. Roy investigated the effect of microdilutions on the rate of growth of Aspergillus niger and Sterigmotocystis nigra mycelium, and on the rate of germination of barley and wheat germ.5 J. Boiron, A. Gay, P. Loch and L. Wurmser demonstrated the effect of microdilutions on light of a fixed wave-length, and that microdilutions have capacitances which vary from the diluting medium. Boericke and Tafel took photographs with microdilutions of radium bromide.6 B. Fincke and G. Jaeger investigated the effect of microdilutions on the speed of nerve impulses and on the electric field of human beings.7 G. Henshaw demonstrated the effect of microdilutions on the degree of flocculation of the blood of rabbits; K. König and V. Vondracek on the growth of tadpoles; N. Krawkow on the venous flow from the isolated ears of rabbits and on the skin pigmentation and the blood of frogs; J. Roy on the development of tetanus and tuberculosis in guinea-pigs and G. Stearns and M. Stark on the degree of inheritance of genetically determined tumors of the fruit fly.8 We hope that this survey will stimulate further laboratory investigations into the actions of microdilutions.