OCR Text |
Show Bacteria In Coal. I Mr. C. Potter has recently shown ' I beforo tho Royal society In London f that in certain conditions of exposure ,- i to the air charcoal, coal, peat nnd oth- M or amorphous forms of enrbon under- 4 go a slow process of oxidation pro- J duccd by bacteria. It is suggested that A this fact may account for the deter!- tf oration of Btorcd coal, Its gradual loss ; J of weight, and its occasional sponta- ' j ncous heating in ships' bunkers. It tho ' j bacteria aro not tho solo causa of theso things thoy may Induce them, chemical . I oxidation accompanying nnd contlnu- B lng that begun by tho organic agents. .y -" Tlio carbonization ot vegetable coals, ', HE says a French wrltor, Is duo to tho In- terventlon of microbes at tho begin- f S ning of their fosslllzatlon. When tho -Jnj coal reaches tho air again, other buc- ' . Tsj torlr. tako up tho work of fermentation ' IE that was interrupted millions of years rilJB ago. Youth's Companion. ' fj |