A STUDY OF THE BACTERICIDAL ACTION OF ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT

Abstract

In this first paper of a series on the bactericidal action of ultra violet light the methods of isolating and measuring monochromatic radiations, of preparing and exposing the bacteria, and of estimating the effects of exposure, are given in detail. At all the different wave lengths studied the reactions of S. aureus followed similar curves, but occurred, at each wave length, at a different energy level. The general similarity of these curves to those for monomolecular reactions provokes a discussion of their signifiance, and emphasis is laid upon variations in susceptibility of individual organisms, due especially to age and metabolic activity, so that the typical curve seems to be best interpreted as one of probability.