SCIENCE FOR THE PEOPLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 391, 27 June 1928, Page 1

SCIENCE FOR THE PEOPLE

FIRST LECTURE GIVEN “DUST AND DISEASE” Appreciation of the first of the series of free lectures on science was shown by the large attendance at the Auckland University College last evening. Professor Sperrin-Johnson, professor of biology at the college, gave his first lecture on “Dust and Disease.” He began with a description of wound treatment in the 17th and 18th centuries, and dealt with the discovery and gradual improvement of the microscope. Dust itself, he said, was not considered until the 19th century. Tyndall’s experiment with dust by which he found it had certain effects on organic foods, were illustrated by the professor. A Dutchman, van Leeuwenhoek, had discovered bacteria in the 17 th century. By observation with the microscope of the various cultures, began the modern bacteriology. With the help of lantern slides, the professor showed the kinds of bacteria and their effects on certain foods. In the next lectures he intends to continue his experiments and show modern bacteriological application. He will continue the study of organic particles in dust and show how Pasteur took up the subject, leading up to wound treatment and surgical technique of to-day.