Discussion on recent advances in the study of enzymes and their action

The president: We meet this afternoon to discuss Enzymes and their action. So much important work has been done on that I think you will admit that the occasion is timely. The Royal Society is honoured to-day by the presence of distinguished guests from abroad. I would like to say how deeply we appreciate their Presence. It is not proposed that our discussion shall form pre-determined lines, but rather that each speaker should deal with any aspect of the subject with his present interest is concerned. It is not my duty, therefore, to attempt from the Chair any preliminary survey of the fields of discussion. In opening, I will be very brief. I wish to call your attention to certain observations made on bacteriological enzymes by my colleagues, Miss Margaret Stephenson and Dr. L. H. Stickland. They have recently shown that the enzymes ofBacillus Coil hydrogen in three different senses or modes. They can activate molecular hydrogen when present in the atmosphere to which the organisms are exposed. As a result, reduction occur in the medium which are not observed in the absence of the organism, nor when free hydrogen is absent from system. My colleagues were the first to show that this activity is possessed byB. Coli , and no less by some other common bacteria.