Originally published in 1954, this book contains a series of thirteen articles, forming the basis of lectures delivered at the Fourth Symposium of the Society for General Microbiology during that year. The articles investigate the nature of autotrophic micro-organisms and their importance for processes such as maintaining soil fertility. Discussion of micro-organisms which possess a mixture of autotrophic and heterotrophic characteristics is also provided. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in microbiology, biochemistry and the history of science.