George Smith (Author)
Third Edition Reprint 1947
This book is in perfect condition. The Dust cover is aged. The pages are all in perfect condition.
The 1938, first edition is available as an ebook from the internet archive. You will find other editions also available up to 1981
It is a truism to say that were all types of micro-organisms suddenly to die out, human and animal life as we know it to-day would be impossible. Dead vegetable and animal remains are continuously being broken down by biochemical reactions brought about by micro-organisms, until their constituent elements are returned to the economy of nature as carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrates, etc., to recommence the synthetic cycle for which the green plants are responsible. The part played by the lower fungi, or "moulds" as they are more commonly known, in this chain of degradative processes is one of paramount importance. Further, in all industries handling organic materials, e.g. those concerned with food production, leather, textiles, wood, pharmaceuticals, etc., the danger of spoilage through growth of moulds is one of which all those engaged in these industries are acutely aware. Thus the control and prevention of mould growth becomes a major problem to which, in the interests of increased efficiency, more and more attention is being given.
The harnessing of moulds for beneficial purposes, long established in some industries, as for example in the manufacture of Stilton, Gorgonzola and other types of cheese, has in recent years followed some very interesting lines. Thus citric acid, until this century obtained exclusively from the juice of citrus fruits, is now being made in thousands of tons per annum and in many different countries by growing chosen strains of the common black mould Aspergillus niger on sugar solutions, under carefully controlled conditions. The study of the biochemical changes, almost bewildering in their diversity, which can be brought about by moulds, is now a rapidly developing branch of biochemistry, and is attracting the attention of scientific workers in different parts of the world To those who are actively concerned in any of the industrial or
scientific pursuits I have mentioned and many more examples could be given if these were needed-it is scarcely necessary for me to point out the paramount importance of some knowledge of the moulds themselves, and the more detailed and accurate this know ledge is, the better. Thousands of different species of moulds have been described and their differences in response to a particular environment, their tolerance of adverse conditions, and their biochemical characteristics, are almost as varied as their numbers are great. There are in existence many admirable text-books on mycology which will probably meet the needs of the student who has had an adequate training in botany. But to those with little or no botanical knowledge, and particularly for those who are faced for the first time with an industrial problem of "mould" control, the lack of an adequate text-book setting forth in simple language the facts of the subject, is a very real lack. To these and to any others who wish to acquire a first-hand knowledge of the common "moulds" I must warmly recommend this book written by my colleague, Mr. George Smith. The subject-matter of the book forms the basis of a course of lectures and practical work given by the author as part of the course to students working in this School for the post-graduate Academic Diploma in Bacteriology of the University of London. Readers of Mr. Smith's book will, I think, find it easy to read and stimulating to study, and will, I hope and believe, particularly appreciate, as I do, the really beautiful photomicrographs which form a very important part of the book.
H. RAISTRICK
LONDON SCHOOL OF HYGIENE AND TROPICAL MEDICINE.
July 1938.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
THIS book is intended to assist those who are commencing the study of "moulds" rather than of fungi in general. There is already an extensive literature of systematic mycology, plant pathology and medical mycology, but there has been up to the present no book in English, apart from highly specialized monographs, dealing particularly with the fungi which are of importance in industry.
Sufficient general mycology is included to enable the student to follow up the subject in the standard text-books. The major portion of the book, however, consists of descriptions and illustrations of most of the genera of moulds which are of regular occurrence in industrial products, with more detailed consideration of the genera which are of greatest importance. Chapters on laboratory methods are sufficiently detailed to enable those who have had no previous biological training, and who are unable to get personal instruction, to work from the beginning along the right lines.
Many, probably the majority, of those who are called upon to undertake the solution of problems connected with moulds in industry are chemists, most of whom have had no training in botany and who find it difficult to learn the special terminology of mycological literature. Throughout the book, therefore, I have endeavored to explain all such terms and usages as are like to be unfamiliar to the non-botanical reader.
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION
In the new edition of this book no major features have been changed, but a number of minor alterations and additions have been made, which it is hoped will make for greater clarity and usefulness. During the war years many interesting problems involving the activities of moulds have arisen in various industries, but these cannot be discussed freely until normal times return.
Eleven new illustrations have been added, of which four replace plates which were considered unsatisfactory. Owing to the paper restrictions it has been necessary, as in the second edition, to print plates on both sides of the paper, and it has not always been possible to arrange illustrations to face the relevant text.
Once again I tender my thanks to many colleagues and workers other laboratories who have made suggestions for improvements.