ABSTRACT
To get started on the experimental study of microbial aggregation, one has to simply observe an organism that exhibits the phenomenon or to look for it in an organism in which it has not been observed before, or, as in certain cases, to stumble upon it while looking for other things. A number of microbial aggregation systems are old phenomena. Far too many reports concerning microbial aggregation have relied upon subjective judgment by eye. Yet the description of any phenomenon must eventually become quantitative, if its study is to achieve a reasonable rate of progress. Quantization of systems that concern only a few cells is straightforward. An aggregated culture is left undisturbed for a short period of time in a graduated centrifuge tube. The volume occupied by the aggregates at the bottom of the tube is noted. This method may be used in the course of applying the hemocytometric method.
