diff --git a/Cantera/python/Cantera/ctml_writer.py b/Cantera/python/Cantera/ctml_writer.py
index 2abe48c7c..b602f18f2 100644
--- a/Cantera/python/Cantera/ctml_writer.py
+++ b/Cantera/python/Cantera/ctml_writer.py
@@ -780,7 +780,12 @@ class phase(writer):
         self._el = elements
         self._sp = []
         self._rx = []
-        self._options = options
+        
+        if type(options) == types.StringType:
+            self._options = [options]
+        else:
+            self._options = options        
+
         self.debug = 0
         if 'debug' in options:
             self.debug = 1
@@ -947,7 +952,6 @@ class ideal_gas(phase):
                  initial_state = None,
                  options = []):
 
-        print 'ig options = ',options
         phase.__init__(self, name, 3, elements, species, reactions,
                        initial_state, options)
         self._pure = 0
@@ -1204,7 +1208,10 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
 # $Revision$
 # $Date$
 # $Log$
-# Revision 1.23  2003-11-12 18:58:15  dggoodwin
+# Revision 1.24  2003-11-13 12:29:45  dggoodwin
+# *** empty log message ***
+#
+# Revision 1.23  2003/11/12 18:58:15  dggoodwin
 # *** empty log message ***
 #
 # Revision 1.22  2003/11/01 04:48:20  dggoodwin