The document describes methods for isolating and identifying microbes from various samples. It discusses taking soil, water, food, slag and other samples and performing serial dilutions to isolate colonies. It explains how to perform sub-culturing to achieve pure cultures and then use gram staining and biochemical tests to identify the bacterial species. Specific tests are described to identify Staphylococcus aureus, including the mannitol salt agar test and coagulase test.