Abstract
For the detection of carcinogenic activity various short-term tests are being described which are based on particular characteristics of known carcinogenic substances. Thus microscopic cellular changes are observed in tissue cultures, mutations of microorganisms can be produced, and under certain conditions carcinogenic substances inhibit existing malignant growth. In the paramecium test positive results are brought about by the fluorescing power of some carcinogens, early changes of the skin can be observed in the sebaceous gland and the newt test. It is shown that all known short-term tests for determining carcinogenic activity of chemical compounds are not specific. They are mostly based on one quality out of the entire spectrum of particular characteristics. The sebaceous gland and the newt tests, however, are of special interest. Numerous questions regarding formal genesis and applicability in practice require further examinations