PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. Physiological Chemistry. ii. 57 The Influence of Moderate Changes of Temperature of the Surrounding Atmosphere on the Respiratory Exchanges of Infants. ARTHUR SCHLOSSNANN and HANS MURSCHHAUSER (Biochem. Zeitsch. 191 1 37 1-22).-The methods of investigation employed were the same as those used in the earlier experiments of the authors. It was found that moderate changes of temperature exert practically no influence on the respiratory exchanges. Even in earliest years man is capable of regulating the temperature of the body so as to be more or less independent of the changes in the surrounding atmosphere. S. B. S. TheInfluence of Crying on the Respiratory Exchanges of Infants. ARTHUR SCHLOSSMANN and HANS M URSCHHAUSER (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1911 37 23-29).-The respiratory exchanges of infants in a calorimeter during periods of rest and crying were investigated.It was found that the consumption of oxygen increased 44% and the production of carbon dioxide increased 59.4% during a period of crying as compared with the period of rest in the case of the infant which was used as the subject of investigation. S. B. S.ii. 58 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. The Temperature-coefflcient of the Rate of Reproduction of Paramoecium Aurelia. LORANDE Loss WOODRUFF and GEORGE ALFRED BAITSELL (Amer. J. Physiol. 191 1 29 147-155).-The optimum temperature for the culture of Parccnaoeciunz aurelia is between 24' and 28.5'. Continued subjection to temperatures below 21.5' and over 31.5' is sooner or latar fatal. The temperature-coefficient of the average rate of reproduction is approximately 2.7 and therefore the rate of cell-division is influenced by temperature a t a velocity similar to that for a chemical reaction.W. D. H. The Effect of Organ Extracts on Blood-pressure. JOSEPH L. MILLER and E. M. MILLER (J. PhysioZ. 1911 43 24%-246).-111- trnvenous injection in dogs of saline extracts of pwathyroid thymus cerebrum cerebellum spinal cord liver kidney pancreas prostate ovary and testis always lowers arterial blood-pressure without affect- ing the heart. Saline extracts of spleen always pi oduced a rise usually followed by a fall i n pressure. Aqueous extracts of spleen always produced a fall of pressure. Alcoholic extracts redissolved in normal saline solution were without effect in the case of the liver kidney pancreas spleen parathyroid thyroid thymus prostate ovary testis and anterior lobe of the pituitary body.Alcoholic extracts of nervous tissue contained a depressor substance. Prolonged heating destroved the demessor substance in brain and anterior lobe of the pituitiry but didlnot materially affect that in the posterior lobe W. n. H. Inter-relation of the Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide of the Blood. RALPH HOPKINS and W. DENIS (J. Biol. Chem. 1911 10 407-41 5).-Asphyxiation of unfed animals by increasing the carbon dioxide of the blood causes a decrease in the ammonia present in that fluid. Artificial respiration of unfed dogs causing a decrease of the carbon dioxide leads to an increase of ammonia ; inhalation of oxygen has the same effect.Curare slightly increases the ammonia in unfed dogs ; low blood-pressure decreases oxidation and so decreases the ammonia of the blood in unfed dogs. Asphyxiation of dogs in full digestion increases the ammonia in the blood. W. D. H. The Distribution of Reducing Substances in Mammalian Blood. LEONOR MICHAELTS and PETER RONA (Bioclbem. Zeitsch. 1911 37 47-49).-The authors reply t o the criticisms of J,ytt.kens and Sandgren (Abstr. 191 1 ii 994) maintaining their previous results as to the distribution of sugar between the serum and corpuscles and quote similar resulbs by other authors in support. s. B. s. Viscometric and Cryoscopic Changes in the Blood Produced by Antipyrin Phenacetin and Antifebrin. GUIDO M. PICCININI (Chew. Zentr. 1911 ii 1468 ; from Arch fawn.speriw. 12 193-209).-All three drugs given in doses of 2-5 grams in dogs increase the viscosity and the lowering of the freezing point of the serum. This is attributed to changes in the serum proteins. The cryoscopic change may be related t o an increase of alkalinityPHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 59 which occurs. Antifebrin and phenacetin act in the same way on the defibrinated blood p-mbably because they are haemolytic. Antipyriu on the other hand diminishes the viscosity of defibrinated blood ; this is attributed to changes in the corpuscles which leads to increase of oxygen and alkali. W. D. H. The Removal of the Blood-pigment from Corpuscles Under the Influence of Carbon Monoxide. F. BUBANOVI~ (Biochem. Zeitsch. 191 1 37 139-14l).-Blood treated with coal-gas lost pigment when treated with 0.60% sodium chloride whereas the con- trol normal blood lost pigment in 0.65% saline.I n the latter case the degree of hiemolysis was greater. A weaker saline solution than required by the normal was also necessary to csuse the exit of the pigment when the blood had been treated only with air. I n b3th cases the result is ascribed to the. expulsion of carbon dioxide from hsemoglobin which is then more readily able to take up water. S. B. S. The Changes in the Blood-clotting Produced by Loss of Blood in an Animal. HEINRICH STROMBERQ (Biochem. Zeitsch. 191 1 37 218-237).-Numerous experiments were carried out on the time required for the blood to clot which had been withdrawn from animals (rabbits) after successive losses of definite quantities of blood.Although the blood was found as a rule to clot inore rapidly after loss of blood by the animal no definite relationships between the clottiug time and the toss of blood could be discovered. The results s. B. s. obtained were generally irregular. The Methods of Investigation and Characters of the Blood-clotting Process. HEINRICH STROMBERB (Biochem. Zeitsch. 191 1 37 l77-~17).-Wohlgemuth’s method of estimating the fibrin ferment which consists in determining the uuaximum amount of dilution in which i t is just possible to coagulate a definite fibrinogen solution within twenty-four hours at O” mas subjected to a critical examination and the results were compared with those obtained in a parallel investigation in which the time durations were determined in which varying dilutions of the ferment solution produced clotting.The conclusion was drawn that Wohlgemuth’s method does not; give a real quantitative estimation of the amount of tibrin ferment in blood. It was found that as a rule those sera which in undiluted form produced a clot in the shortest interval gave the largest values for the quantities of fibrin ferment by Wohlgernuth’s method. This was however by no means always the case and considerable caution must be used in drawing conclusions as to the amount of thrombin present when both the Wohlgemuth and the time methods are employed in investigations. It would seem advisable to generally employ both methods but in the present state of knowledge no very definite conclusions can be drawn from either.Numerous experiments were also carried out on the quantitative relationship between the fibrinogen and the thrombin and the relative quantities necessary t’o produce a complete clot It was found that for this purpose there is a definiteii. 60 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS quantitative relationship detween the interacting substances a fact which is not in accord with the conception of the -ferment-like character of the thrombin. I n this respect the author’s conclusions are in accord with those of Arthus. DAMEL DAVIS (Amer. J . Physiol. 1911 29 160-164).-1n four experiments on two dogs one rabbit and one cat the injection of thrombin into the circulation within the limits of 20 to 36 mg. per kilo. of animal did not cause intravascular coagulation ; in fact the coagulation time of the shed blood was slightly lengthened ; the effect soon passed off.The injec- tion of thrombin no doubt excites the rapid formation of antithrombin the agent which normally prevents intravascular cloiting. s. H. s. Intravenoue Injection of Thrombin. W. D. H. Preparation of Thromboplastic Extracts (Thromboplastin) from Tissues. H. L. CECIL (Amer. J. Physiol. 1911 29 156-159). -Aqueous or saline extracts of many tissues accelerate blood coagula- tion ; such extracts (thromboplastic) are best tested with ‘( peptone ” plasma. Witte’s peptone was often found to be ineffective for the purpose of obtaining peptone plasma. This is intelligible if Pick and Spiro’s view is accepted that the agent in Witte’s peptone is not peptone or proteose but the unknown substance peptozym.Instead of Witte’s peptone a crude preparation of peptozym which worked excellently was prepared by digesting fibrin with 0.4% hydrochloric acid at 38” for several days. The solution was boiled filtered and evaporated to dryness ; the residue was powdered dissolved in boiling water neutralised with sodium carbonate filtered and again evaporated to dryness on a water-bath. The residue thus obtained was used for injection ; it was dissolved by boiling in physiological saline solution ; the solution was filtered before injection and used in the proportion 0.3 gram per kilo The plasma obtained was clotted by extracts of muscle liver lung spleen thymus lymph glmd and salivary glands. Extracts from pancreas and intestine were inactive.Glycerol was found to be an excellent vehicle for dissolving out the thromboplastic substance ; such extracts keep well. The R61e of Antithrombin and Thromboplastin in the Coagulation of Blood. WILLIAM H. HOWELL (Amev. J. Physiol. 1911 29 187-209).-By the use of solutions of pure fibriuogen and thrombin it is shown that an antithrombin is present in normal mammalian plasma in birds’ plasma and in “ peptone ” plasma. This is neutralised by thromboplastin. Circulating blood contains all the necessary fibrin factors fibrinogen prothrombin and calcium. These substances are prevented from reacting and the blood remains fluid because antithrombin is also present which prevents the calcium from activating prothrombin to thrombin. In shed blood the restraining effect of antithrombin by thrombnplastin is furnished by the tissue elements.I n mammalian blood this is derived in the first place from the elements of the blood itself (blood-platelets). I n the lower vertebrates W. D. H. the supply of thromboplastin cou& from the external tissues. W D. H.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 61 Reaction of the Blood-serum of Some Mammals Studied by the Electrometric Method. G. QUAQLIARIELLO (Atti R. Accad. Lincei 1911 [v] 20 ii 418-420. Compare Abstr. 1911 ii 1114; Michaelis and Rona Abstr. 1909 ii 68O).-The values obtained for the concentrations of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in the blood-serum of the dog and rabbit are in agreement with those of previous in- vestigators. The blood-serum of the fowl has C,. 0.214 x CoH 2.98 x 10-7.I n the case of human blood-serum C,. varied from 0*096-0*171 x 10-7 Coat from 3.41-6-72 x 10-7. This degree of alkalinity is somewhat higher than that found by most other authors. A New Viscometer and Its Application to Viscosity Measurement of Blood and Serum. GEORGE F. WHITE (Bioohem. Zeitsch. 1911 3'7 482-489).-The apparatus which is figured is a modification of the viscometer of Thorpe and Rodger and is provided with a valve by means of which the volume of the liquid which is to pass through the capillary tube is kept constant. Dog-fish blood a t 0' was found to be 3.S96 times as viscous as water at the same temperature. Between 30' and 52' the time of passage of the blood through the capillary was found to be a linear function of the temperature. Above this point there is a fall in the curve owing to separation of the fibrinogen which had been kept in solution by the blood salts.The rate of coagulation can be measured by viscosity determinations at different temperatures. S. B. S. Relation of the Pancreas t o the Serum and Lymph Diastases. L. K. GOULD and ANTON J. CARLSON (Amer. J. Physiol. 19 11 29 165-1 81).-Ligature of both pancreatic ducts and of all the pancreatic tissue along the duodenum in dogs causes a great rise of diastatic power in the blood-serum within twenty-four hours. This is probably due to absorption of amylopsin from the gland; the condition returns to normal and then occurs a second rise ; later there may be a third rise. A considerable atrophy of the pancreas is not followed by a corresponding decrease in the diastatic power of the serum but a marked decrease follows removal of the atrophied pancreas.Almost complete removal of the pancreas in pigs does not cause a decline in the diastatic power of the serum until a considerable time alter the operation ; in dogs the decline is usually rapid but it may be delayed for eight days. I n pigs the depression when it does appear is slight. Serous exudations rich in leucocytes obtained by the injection of aleuronat into the pleural cavity have much less diastatic power than the serum. The pancreas or leucocytes are therefore not the main seat of the production of the blood diastases. The pancreas probably acts indirectly by its internal secretion ; the decrease in diastatic power that follows extirpation of that organ is regarded as due to a depression of all the tissue cells pFrticularly the liver cells which results in the decreased output of diastase into the body fluids.W. D. H. The R6le of the Kidneys in the Regulation of the Con- centration of the Serum Diastases. J. VAN DE ERVE (Amar. J. Physiol. 1311 ZS 182-186).-1n dogs ligature of the renal arteries R. V. S.ii. 62 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. produces no change in the serum diastase. Diuresis caused by cutting the renal nerves has also no effect; but if the diuresis is due to ingestion of excess of salt solution the dilution of the blood so produced is accompanied by a diminution of the diastatic power of the serum. The polyuria which follows complete extirpation of the pancreas is therefore not an important factor i n the great diminution of this power which is observed after the operation.W. D. H. Physiology of Lymph. XVIII. The Relation of the Pancreas to the Lipase of the Blood and the Lymphs. C. L. VON HESS (J. Biol. Chem. 1911 10 381-398).-Extirpation of the pancreas in dogs does not alter the concentration of lipase in the serum ; irk rabbits there may be a temporary fall. The same negative results in dogs follow ligature of the pancreatic ducts. Partial atrophy of the pancreas in dogs and almost complete atrophy in rabbits produces no change in sero-lipase. Ligature of the renal arteries in dogs may sometimes cause a fall in the amouut of sero- lipase ; this result is independent of pancreatic lesions. Bile salts do not activate sero-lipase.Aleuronat injected into the pleural cavity gives a serous exudation teeming with leucocytes with a smaller lipolytic power t h a n the serum. Hyper and hypo-thyroidism has no effect. The pancreas and thyroid are thus not the main sources of the lipase of the serum. Ether anzesthesia has no effect. W. D. H. Comparative Proteolysis Experiments with Trypsin. GEORGE F. WHITE and .,WILLIAM CROZIER (J. Amer. Chem. Xoc. 19 11 33 2042-2048).-The work hitherto done on the artificial digestion of proteins with reference to their relative food value is of limited importance as the extent to which the soluble products had been hydrolysed was not ascertained. van Slyke (Abstr. 1911 ii 779) has devised a method for estimating the amino-nitrogen in proteins and their hydrolytic products and this has now been applied t o a study of the comparative digestibility by trypsin of boiled beef cod and dog-fish. The time of digestion the soluble and insoluble nitrogen and the amino-nitrogen before and after complete hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid are stated in tabular form.Cod is the most readily converted into the soluble form and its soluble proteins are shown to be more easily hydrolysed than those of beef or dog-fish as they yield more amino-nitrogen. Beef is the least easily soluble but the hydrolysis of its soluble proteins lies between that of the cod and the dog-fiab. The results agree with those of the metabolism experiments of van Slyke and White (Abstr. 1911 ii 623) in which dogs were fed with beef and cod and indicate that dog-fish would be digested slowly in the organism and would be more capable of maintaining nitrogenous equilibrium than either beef or cod. The flesh of the dog-fish contains 0.84% of carbamide (compare van Slyke and White Abstr.1911 ii 624). Dog-fish is recommended as a valuable food. E. G.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 63 The Nature of the Repair Processes in Protein Metabolism. E. V. MCCOLLUM (Amer. J. Physiol. 1911 29 215-237).-Michaud states that when a starving dog is fed on dog’s flesh in amount equiva- lent to its daily loss of nitrogen the whole of the protein so given is used for repair purposes. In the present experiments pigs were used. They were fed on different vegetable proteins in quantity equivalent to the lowest possible level of protein metabolism ; the results do not indicate a s wide differences in the nutritive values of the proteins of wheat oat and maize as mould be expected from the known chemical differences between these proteins.Zein and gelatin are for instance ‘‘ incomplete proteins.” But the pig can utiliee the nitrogen of zein very efficiently for the repair of losses due t o endogenous metabolism ; about SO% was so used. The figure for gelatin was 50-60%; but there was no evidence of the formation of additional body tissue. On the other hand feeding with casein as the only protein given resulted in increases of the body protein of 20-25%. Repair processes are of a different character from those of growth ; probably in cell kata- bolism and repair the processes do not involve the destruction and re-synthesis of a n entire protein molecule.Studies in Nutrition. 111. The Utilisation of the Proteins of Corn. LAFAYETTE B. MENDEL and MORRIS S. FINE ( J . Biol. Chem. 1911 10 345-352. Compare Abstr. 1911 ii 1109).-Tbe proteins of maize (usually culled corn in America) partly purified were somewhat less thoroughly utilised than meat. The small differ- ence may in great part be attributed to cell residues remaining in the preparation employed. W. D. H. Biological Importance of Caseinogen Phosphorus for the Growing Organism. ALEXANDER LIPSCH~TZ (Pfliiger’s Avclhiv 191 1 143 99-1 OS).-According to Bayliss and Plimmer the phosphorus of caseinogen is converted into inorganic phosphate before absorption. This opens up the question whether feeding on the milk proteins has from the phosphorus point of view any special advantage in growth. The experiments recorded are not regarded as absolutely conclusive but so f a r as tbey go they show that in pliosphorus metabolism the inorganic phosphates are equally beneficial ; and if organic phosphor- ised materials are given the phosphorus enters the blood-stream as inorganic phosphate.W. D. H. ALEXANDER LIPSCHUTZ (P’uge~*’s Archizs 191 1 143 91-9S).-Liebig’s law of minimums does not hold in animal life for iron or calcium ; on diets poor in these substances growth continues. It is now shown that this is true also for phosphorus; bony groffths show certain changes but the total iiicrease in the weight of growing animals is squally great on diets poor in phoaphorns as on those rich in that element.The meaning and possible explanations of the observed data are discussed. W. D. H. Physiology of Phosphorus Hunger in Growth. W. D. H. The Physiological Utilisation of the Phosphorus Compounds in Fodders by Ruminants. GUSTAV FINGERLING (Biochem. Zeitsch. 191 1 37,266-271).1-When various phosphorus compounds (phytb,ii. 64 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. lecithin nuclein sodium nucleate and inorganic phosphorus com- pounds) were added to certain phosphorus poor diets and fed to lambs and goats in milk the phosphorus was not utilised to much more than the extent of 50% whereas in other diets including oats sesame oil and linseed oil cakes the phosphorus was utilised to the extent of 90%. Furthermore in a certain grass the phosphorus compounds were utilised to the extent of 91% whereas in the hay made from the same grass they mere onIy utilised to the ex.tent of 53.4%.The author draws the conclusion that the differences are due to the differences in the physical characters of the fodders the cell-walls of the food material being in certain cases relatively indiff usible to the phosphorus compounds which are therefore prevented from being resorbed. S. B. S. The Protective Action of the Bran of Padi in a Diet of White Rice. L. BRI~AUDAT (J. Pharm. Chim. 1911 [vii] 4 447-45 l).-Polyneuritis of fowls which is produced by an exclusive diet of white rice is prevented if the diet contains 25-30% of rice bran. This protective action is not due t o the glutinous matter fatty matter carbohydrates or inorganic salts of the bran since these sub- stances extracted from bran had no protective action either singly or together.The protective constituent may be extracted from the bran by water. This aqueous extract contains only a very small proportion of the nitrogen of the bran so its protective action is not to be attributed merely to a supplementing of the nitrogen of the rice. Water Drinking. VIII. Utilisation of Ingested Fat under the Influence of Copious and Moderate Water Drinking with Meals. H. A. MATTILL and PHILIP B. HAWK (J. Amer. Chem. SOC. 1911 33 1978-1998).-Experiments are described in which men living on a uniform diet ingested small quantities of water with their meals for a preliminary period then large quantities for a period and finally returned to small quantities.When an additional litre of water was taken with each meal the amount of fat excreted was con- siderably reduced and this diminution was usually evident for several days after the return to a normal quantity of water. A slight gain in weight accompanied the water drinking and was not subsequently lost. After several months of drinking moderate quantities with meals a marked improvement in the digestion of fat was observed the utilisation having increased from 94.3 to 96.5%. The-factors t o which the better absorption and more complete utilisation of the fats are probably due are discussed. W. J. Y. E. G. Water Drinking. IX. Distribution of Bacterial and Other Forms of Fzecal Nitrogen and the Utilisation of Ingested Protein under t h e Influence of Copious and Moderate Water Drinking with Meals.H. A. MATTILL and PHILIP B. HAWK (J. Amer. Chem. SOC. 19 1 1 33 1999 -20 19).-Experiments were carried out on the same lines as those described in the previous paper (pre- ceding abstract). The ingestion of a litre of wahr with meals resultedPHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 65 in a more complete utilisation of the proteins of the food as mas indicated by a decrease in all forms OF nitrogen in the faeces but when only 500 C.C. mere taken no significant changes could be observed. The beneficial results were more or less permanent and no indication was obtained of any detrimental effect even when more than four litres of water were drunk daily. H. G. Water Drinking. X. Faecal Output and its Carbohydrate Content under the Influence of Copious and Moderate Water Drinking with Meals.H. A. MATTILL and PHILIP B. HAWK (J. dmer. Chena. Soc. 191 1 33 2019-2033).-The experiments were conducted on t h e same lines as those already described (preceding abstracts). The ingestion of a litre of water with meals caused a decrease in the amount of faecal matter excreted as well as of the carbohydrates. The improved utilisation o€ the food lasted for some time after the water drinking had been discontinued. The ingestion of 500 C.C. of water with meals caused a similar but smaller reduction in the amount of carbohydrate excreted. The average daily amount of dry bacterial substance in the fzleces w:ts 8.27 grams. The causes of tho beneficial effect of water driuking 0x1 the utilisation of carbo- hydrates are discussed.Many desirable and no undesirable effects were obtained by the use of water with meals and in general the greater the amount of water taken the greater were the benefits. E. G. Fasting Studies. V. Studies on Water Drinking. XI. The Influence of Excessive Water Ingestion on a Dog after a Prolonged Fast. PAUL E. HOWE H. A. MATTILL and PHILIP €3. HAWK (J. Uiol. Chem. 1911 10 417-432).-The details given of the various nitrogenous substances in the urine are believed to substantiate the hypothesis that the increased nitrogen output associated with increased water ingestion is due to a true stimulation of protein katabolism rather than to a flushing of the tissnes. W. D. H. The Effect of Substances which Diesolve in Fat on the Mobility of Phagocytes and Other Cells.HAKTOG; J. HAMBURGER and J. DE HAAN (Proc. K. Akcd Wetensch. Amsterdam 1911 14 314-324).-The acceleration of phagocytosis by substances dissolving fats is attributed to a weakening of the fatty surface layer and this facilitates amaboid movement. Alcohol butyric acid propionic acid and Peruvian balsam act in this may ; this explains why Peruvian balsam has a good effect on infected wounds. The acceleration of phagocytosis is parallel to the solubility of the substances used in fat. Among animals cells which show increased mobility must be rackoned riot only phagocytes but nerve-cells eggs oE lower marine animals and ciliated epithelium. The germination of wheat grains is accelerated by chloroform 1 in 100,000 but delayed by 1 in 1000 as the latter strength paralyses the protoplasm of the cells.W. D. H. VOL. CII. ii. 5ii. 66 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. The Influence of Baees on the Development and Oxidative Processes in the Eggs of the Sea-urchin (Arbacia). JACQUES LOEB and HARDOLPH WASTENEYS (Biochem. Zeitsch. 19 11 37 4 10-42q.- The bifurcation and oxygen corisumption of recently fertilised eggs of Aybucia in solutions of sodium potassium and calcium chlorides in which the hydroxyl ion concentration was varied by means of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen chloride were invest>iga ted. It was found that change of C from 10-lO to corresponded with an increased oxygen consumption of only 20%. After t h i s the oxygen consumption rapidly increased a change of C from to 8.10-4 increasing the amount of oxygen utilised two-fold.The inhibition of bifurcation by sodium hydroxide in higher concentra- tions previously noted by Loeb and Warburg does not depend only on the increase in oxidative processes for if this increase is produced by rise of temperature only there is a quicker bifurcation rather than inhibition. The differences in tho previously observed toxicity effects produced by the3 addition of sodium hydroxide t o sodium and potassium chloride solut,ion on the one hand and sodium arid calcium chloride solution on the other cannot i t was found be ascribed to differences in the oxidation rates in the two solutions. I n view of the fact that amruoiium hydroxide produces about the same effect as sodium hydroxide in the same relative concentration the con- clusion is drawn that the action of the latter cannot be ascribed merely to the concentration of the hydroxyl ions.S. B. S. The Organic Bases in the Flesh of Wild Rabbits. KIYOHISA YOSHIMURA (Biochem. Eeitsch. 191 1 37 477-481).-The only bases which the author has succeeded in isolating from the flesh of wild rabbits were creatine hypoxanthine xanthine and carnosine. The usual methods were employed. s. B. s. The Imbibition and the Loss of Water by Resting and S t i m u l a t e d Frogs’ MuaclerJ when Immersed in Isotonic Saline Solution. CARL SCHWAHZ (Biochem. Zeitsch. 191 1 37 34-46).- von Fiirth and Lenk (Abstr. 1911 ii 750) have shown that the muscies in isotonic saline solution firfit of all take up water until a maximum is reached and then lose water. The first stage is an imbibi- tion process which is accelerated by the presence of lactic acid.The ioss of water is due to a gradual coagulation of the muscle proteins. The action of isotonic saline on resting and stimulated muscles is similar but the btage of maximum imbibition and subsequent loss of water is reached sooner in the case of the stimulated than in that of the resting muscles. This result can be readily explained by the presence of larger quantities of lactic acid in the stimulated muscles. I n the case of the resting muscles the lactic acid is only formed slowly post-mortem. The results confirm generally therefore the theories of von Fiirth and Lenk. The rate of imbibition and loss of water in slightly hyper- and hypo-tonic solutions was also investigated and the results obtained were those which would from the theory of osmosis be expected.S. B. S.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 67 The Potassium Sodium and Chlorine Content of Plain and Striated Muscles from Various Animals. A. COSTANTINO (Biochenz. Zeitsch 1511 37 52-77).-A large number of analyses made by a met-ashing method of different kinds of muscular tissue from various mammals fowls and turkeys mere made and are tabulated by the author. No very definite generalisations as to the distribution of potassium sodium or chlorine in the various materials examined can be drawn from the results. S. B. S. The Alleged Formation of Lactic Acid in Muscle during Autolysis and in Pos t-survival Periods. W. M. FLETCHER (J. Physiol. 1911 43 286-312).-The production of lactic acid in excised mammalian and amphibian muscle is accelerated by mechanical injury.The rate of production varies with the tempera- ture and a t body temperature reaches its maximum within an hour. If the muscle is destroyed by heating production of lactic acid ceases. After the msximnm is once reached no further production of lactic acid occurs during autolysis. No glycolytic enzyme leading to the prodiictiou of lactic acid from added dextrose is present. If bacterial infection occurs the result depends on the specific action of the bacteria ; tho d-lactic acid is commonly diminished. W. D. H. The Innervation of the Coronary Vessels. THOMAS GREGO~~ BRODIE and WINIFRED C. CULLIS (J. P?ysioZ. 1911 43 313-324).- Adrenaline in great dilution causes a temporary contraction of the vessels which supply the heart.This is followed by dilatation. This is considered to prove the existence of both vxso-constrictor and vaso-dilator nerves in the coronary vessels but a secondary cause of the dilatation is the action of metabolites particularly carbou dioxide. Earlier observers have failed to detect the primary constric- tion because the solutions of adrenaline used have been too strong so that the first effect is masked by the second. W. D. H. The Action of Homologous Alcohols and Aldehydes on the Tortoise Heart. HORACE 3'1. VERNON (J. Yhysiol. 1911 43 325-348).-When the tortoise heart is perfused with oxygenated Ringer's solution containing alcohol the beats are depressed to a definite level. On washing out with fresh Ringer's solution the heart completely and rapidly recov~rs.The toxicity of the alcohols increases with their moledular weights the order being the same as t h a t f o u i d by Overton for the narcotieation of tadpoles. It also corresponds with their capacity for laking red corpuscles. Aldehydes also depress cardiac action to a constant level b u t recovery with fresh Ringer's solution is not so complete as with the alcohols. These relative toxicities are propaldehyde 1 -0 acetaldehyde 1.2 formaldehyde 40 that is there is no relationship to molecular weights. W. D. H. Comparative Histological and Chemical Investigations of the Fat Contents of Organs. NAQAMICHI SHIBATA and SHIGEKIYO ENDO (Bioclbern. Zeitsch. 191 1 37 399-409).-The organs (liver and 5-2ii.68 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. kidneys) from individuals who had died from various diseases were examined histologically with the use of the ordinary fat-staining reagents and chemically by the Kumagawa-Suto method. It was found that with few exceptions those organs which appeared to be histologically rich in fats did actually contain relative large amounts as determined by the chemical procoss. Fatty Infiltration [into the Liver] a f t e r Phosphorus Poison- ing and the Origin of Fat in the Animal Body. NAQAMICHI SRIBATA (Biochem. Zeitsch. 191 1 37 345-398).-The experiments were carried out on mice and frogs and the fat and nitrogen distribu- tion between the liver and the remainder of the body in normal and poisoned animals was determined and compared the Kumagawa-Suto method being employed for the estimation of the fat.The main conclusion drawn is that there is no evidence of the synthesis of f a t from proteins. Phosphorus poisoning causes a marked diminution in hhe amount of total body fat but an increase in the fat of the liver. The fat diminution is however less after phosphorus poisoning in starving animals than it is in normal starving mice. Whereas in bhe normal starving animals the diminution of fat amounted to 50% in phosphorus- poisoned starving animals it mas from 50 to 65% of the iiornial value when the poisoned and control animals had been deprived of food for the same period. The results were somewhat similar but not so defiuite in the case of frogs. I n the case of both mice and frogs there mas loss of nitrogen which mas not however as great as that which occurs during fasting.The fat in the livers of the animals poisoned by phosphorus is derived from the subcutaneous fat depbts. This fact was determined by injection of foreign fats and the estimation of the iodine-numbers of the liver fat. Very marked mas the fat diminu- tion after phosphorus poisoning when the mice were fed with a bread diet. Whereas after simple fasting phosphorus poisoning caused a fat diminution of SO% after feeding with bread under otherwise similar conditions the fat sank to 84% of the normal. The f a t content of the liver had sunk from 15 to 30%. The energy consumed both by the normal and phosphorus-poisoned animals on a bread diet was the same (about 33 cal. per kilo. body-weight per hour).It appears according to the author that the administration of glycogen-forming substances causes a n oxidation of the infiltered fat in the liver of phosphorus-poisoned animals and that therefore on a carbohydrate- rich diet there is no fatty liver but even the fat is less than normal. The results leave according to the author no donbt as to the fact that the f a t in the livers of phosphorus-poisoned animals is due to infiltration and is not derived from proteins. Kumagawa’s theory as to the action of phosphorus on the liver cells aud the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates in the liver is given in brief outline. S. B. S. Inhibition of Post-mortem Production of Sugar in the Liver and of Certain Forms of Glycosuria by the Intravenous Injection of Dilute Solutions of Sodium Carbonate.FREDERICK W. PAVY and WILLIAM GODDEN (Proc. Physiol. SOC. 1911 vii-x; J. Physiol. 43)-Pavy and Bywaters (Abstr. 1910 ii 1098) have S. B. S.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 69 previously shown that acids activate inverting and diastatic enzymes. In the case of liver-diastase the post-mortem production of sugar can be inhibited by previous injection of a 2% solution of sodium carbonate. Some forms of glycosuria are dependent on sugar being thrown into the circulation by the liver ; this occurs €or instance in the glycosuria produced by chloroform inhalation; this in the cat can be reduced and even completely inhibited by injection of sodium carbonate ; the injection of normal saline or Ringer’s solution has no such effect W.D. H. The Influence of Iodine on Autolysis LEON KEPINOW (Biochem. Zeitsch. 191 1 3’7 338-248).-‘The addition of iodine accelerates the autolysis of the liver whereas that of potassium iodide does not. The injection of Lugol’s solution also increases the liver autolysis when the organ is removed from the animal within six t o twenty-four hours after the injection. The injection OF potassium iodide produces a similar effect. Long-continued injections of the iodide produce a still more marked effect. The serum of animals which had been subjected t o a long-continued treatment also produced an accelerating effect. Iodine did not accelerate the action of pancreatin on heated liver tissue. The injection of both iodine and potassium iodide increased the anti-tryptic index. S.B. S. Ingestion of Acids by a Dog after Partial Extirpation of the Pancreas. HENRI LABBE and L. VIOLLE (Compt. Yend. 1911 153 1085-1087).-A dog from which six-sevenths of the pancreas had been removed was given a considerable amount of hydrochloric acid with its food. Contrary to expectation the operation did not dimiuish the capacity of the organism to prevent intoxication by an increased out- put of nitrogenous bases. Nevertheless the effort necessary to resist the action of the acid was apparent from the animal’s loss in weight and by a fall in the coetticient of nitrogenous equilibrium. No such changes were produced by the acid in healthy animals neither was the proportion of amino-nitrogen in the urine altered. Removal of the pancreas appears to lead t o an increased destruction of amino-acids.w. 0. w The Enzymes of the Spleen. TAMIO TANAKA (Biochem Xeitsch. 1911 3’7 249-261).-The dried powder of pig’s spleen contains the following enzymes catalase oxydase starch aud glycogen-splitting diastase inulase invertase lipase urease and enzymes of the type of pepsin trypsin and erepsin. The following enzymes were absent lactase deamidase and glycolytic enzymes. S. B. S. The Vesicular Fluid of the Hedgehog. F. GOWLAXD HOPKINS (J. PI~ysioZ. 1911 43 259-260).-The secretion of the vesiculze seminales is a glairy milky slightly alkaline fluid which contains a crystalloid substance in suspension that can be removed by the centrifuge. The crystals look like ill-formed crystals of edestin ; it gives the protein colour tests and contains phosphorus.Prolonged boiling with water and prolonged action of alcohol do not affect theii. 70 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. form or transparency of the crystals. It differs also from other phospho-proteins in its comparative resistance t o the solvent action of alkalis. Its solution in sodium hydroxide gives an amorphous pre- cipitate on acidifying and evolution of hydrogen sulphide. The crystals are soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid and this solution reduces Fehling's solution. I n the clear residual fluid obtained by removing the crystals small quantities of albumin and globulin are present. W. D. H. The Enzymes of Bull's Testes. SHINJI MIHARA (Zeitsch. physiol. Chm. 191 1 '75 443-455).-An enzyme was found which is capable of fiplitting arginine into ornithine and urea.The intensity of action of the deamidase contained in the extract of the testes varies largely according to tho amino-compounds employed. Asparagine is readily decomposed into ammonia whilst glycine is only slightly attacked and urea remains unchanged. It is not clear from the present stage of the investigations whether or not specific enzymes are required for the decomposition of various amino-compounds. Nuclease is present and also an enzyme acting on salicin but not on amygdalin. The Relation between the Corpus Luteum and the Growth of the Mammary Gland. CHARLES H. O'DONOGHUE (Proc. physiol. Soc. 192 1 xvi-xvii ; J. Physiol. 43).-Experiments and observa- tions are adduced which shorn that in the marsupial Dusyur2c8 the corpus luteum of the ovary is a ductless gland which produces an internal secretion which is the inciting cause of the growth of the mammary glands.W. D. H. Formation of Glycine in the Body. I. ALBERT A. EPSTEIN and SAMUEL BOOKMAN (J. Biol. Chem. 1911 10 353-371).-The production of glycine in the body is progressive depending t o a certain extent on the amount of benzoic acid present in the circulation ; no reserve store of glycine exists. Benzoic acid does not cause a massive decomposition of protein but its action is selective ; it combines with glycine or with other groups which can be changed into glycine. This occurs independently of the rest of protein metabolism. Cooking and Composition of Some English Fish. KATHEBINE I. WILLIAMS (Chem. News 1911 104 271-274.Compare Trans. 1897 71 649).-Results of analyses are given showing the quantities of water ash protein fat reducing gubstances (as dextrose) etc. yielded by some twenty-five different kinds of fish after these had been cooked by boiling. The loss in weight of the fish during the cooking is recorded and attention is drawn to the phosphorus-content of fish ; the quantities of phosphoric anhydride found on tho analysis of the mineral constituents of the different kinds of fish show that as a rule fish does not contain a larger quantity of phosphorus compounds than The Effects of Asphyxia Hyperpnoea and Sensory Stimula- tion on Adrenal Secretion. WALTER B. CANNON and R. G. HOSKINS (Anzer. J. Physiol. 1911,!2@ 27$-279).-The method used for testing H. B. M. W. D. H.is present in the flesh of animals. w. P. s.PHYSLOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. i I for adrenaline in blood was Hoskins' namely a strip of intestine is placed in oxygenated Ringer's solution and then transferred t o the blood; the amount of inhibition of the contractions indicates the amount of adrenaline in the blood. Cats were used. Asphyxia was found to result in increased secretion from the adrenal bodies. H y p e r p e a does not lead to this result. Stimulation of large sensory nerves (and probably therefore surgical shock) causes increased adrenal secretion ; adrenal fatigue may therefore be a factor in shock. W. D. H. Isolation of Choleic Acid Stearic Acid and Cholesterol from Ox Gall-atones. HANS FISCHER and P. MEYER (Zeitsch. phpsiol. Cheni. 1'31 1 76 95-98).-Pomdered ox gall-stones when extracted with ether yield to the extract choleic and stearic acids and cholesterol.The choleic*acid obtained m. p. 185-18So [a]. + 4S*2' was t'asteless. E. F. A. The Influence of Colloids on Diuresis. FRANK P. KNOWLTON (J. Phys'iol. 191 1 43 219-231).-Colloids which possess an osmotic pressure such us gelatin and gum acacir inhibit in rabbits the diriresis produced by normal saline solution or by hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride but are largely ineffective on the diuresis caused by sodium salphate. The diriresis produced by the latter salt is accorn- panied by an increased oxygen-consumption by the kidney ; that produced by sodium chloride is apparently mechanical or a t leilst is not accompanied by detectable increase of metabolic activity.The colloids given cause no alteration in the blood-flow through the kidney and do not affect its gaseous metabolism. Change in the coucentrution and therefore in the osmotic pressure of the blood colloids is thus a factor in the production of urine in the glomeruli. Colloids possessing no osmotic pressure have no such action. W. D. H. The Influence of Hydrocyanic Acid on the Excretion of Sulphur in the Urine. R. MAQNANIMI (Chem. Zentr. 1911 ii 1467-1468 ; from Arch. farm. sperrirn. 12 210-216).-Sub-lethal doses depress oxidative chamges in the body and as would be expected therefore cause an increase in the " neutral sulphur " of the urine. I n rabbits the effect is a lessened secretion of uiirie and a percentage increase of sulphnr. The total sulphur is slightly raised but the increase is not in the neutral sulphur.This shows that other factors than mere oxidation have to be reckoned with. W. D. H. Influence of Phloridzin on the Distribution of Nitrogen in the Urine of S t a r v e d Rabbits. JUNZI YOSHIKAWA (Zeitach. physiol. Chem. 191 1 75 475-487).-Following the injection of phloridzin into starved sabbite there is an immediate marked increase in the output of amino-acids capable of being titrated by t h e form- aldehyde method which more than keeps pace proportionally with the total output of nitrogen. The absolute amount of carbamide excreted is parallel t o the total nitrogen. A remarkable absolute and relative increase in the excretion of ammonia takes place shortly before death,ii. 72 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS.The increased protein decomposition under the influence of the poison is confirmed. I n parallel cases of exposure to extreme hunger without the administration of phloridzin the separation of total nitrogen carbamide and ammonia slowly increased their relative proportions being the same as in the phloridzin experiments. An increased excretion of amino-acids mas only observed just before death. Phloridzin accordingly exerts a specific action in causing the excretion of amino- acids. E. F. A. The Occurrence of Lysine in the Urine in Cystinuria. DANRWART ACKERMANN and FRIEDRICH KUTSCHEK (ZeitscA. Biol. 1911 5’7 355-359).-In cystinuria t,here is a met’abolic condition in which the breakdown of amino-acids is inhibited. I n numerous cases leucine tyrosine as well as cadaverine and putrescine have been found in the urine.To this list it is now necessary to add 1 ysine. W. D. H. The Action of Alanine on the Excretion of Acetone. GUNNAR FORSSNER (Chern. Zentr. 191 1 ii 7 049-1050 ; from Xkund. Arch. Physiol. 1911 25 338-342).-On a customary diet and muscular work a slight acetonuria occurs lasting about tweIve hours (0.06 gram per hour). The addition of alanine diminishes t h i s considerably. The “anti-ketogenic” action of alanine is thus considered to be proved. W. D. H. Creatinine Excretion of the Pig. E. V. MCCOLLUM (Amer. J. Physiol. 1911 29 210-214).-Most pigs will take a sufficient amount of starch solution containing the necessary salts t o meet all the energy requirements day after day with no evidence of anorexia and no appreciable loss of weight.Under such conditions exogenous protein metabolism mould vanish and the .ratio of crestinine-nitrogen t o total nitrogen should be constantl. I n six animals i t averaged 18.5. No creatine was present To determine endogenous protein metabolism in the pig i t is necessary to determine the creatinine-nitrogen in the About 60% of the total nitrogen was in the form of urea. urine whsn the diet is ii-ee from nitrogen and multiply by 5.5. W. D. €1. Action of Certain Lipoids in Producing Caseation. H. GAEHLINGER and A. TILMANT (Compt. rend. 1911 153 982-983).- Animals treated with subcutaneous injections of hepatic lipoids develop tumours consibting of a fibrous envelope enclosing a casein-like magma. Similar results have been obtained by Lefebvre (Th2ssis Lille 19 1 1 ) using a meconium culture and by Auclair who emplojed a toxin from tubercle bacilli These three ninterials all .contain a considerable amount of cholesterol with fatty acids and these are supposed to be the active agents in producing the substance resembling casein. w.0. w. Emotional Glycosuria. WALTER B. CANNON A. T. SHOHL and W. G. WRIGHT (Amer. J. Physiol. 1911 29 280-287).-Pright or rage in a cat leads to glycosuria. Thia does not occur after removal ofPEYSIOLOGIICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. ’13 the adrenals. Emotional glycosuria is possibly useful ; fear and anger in wild life are likely to be followed by muscular struggles and a mobilisation of sugar in the blood may be of service t o the labouring muscles.W. D. H. The Action of Phosphoryl Chloride on the Body of Man and of Animals. ROBERT MULLER (ClLeni. Zentr. 1911 ii 41-42 ; from Zeitsch. exp. Pnth. Ther. 1911 9 103-125).-Clinical experiences obtained on the human subject in cases of phosphorus poisoning and poisoning after chloroforiii narcosis are discussed and amplified by direct experiments on rats. Inhalation experiments on the latter in a Dreser inhalation apparatus with solutions of phosphoryl chloride in benzene were carried out. The effects of tho benzene could be readily distinguished from those of the phosphoryl chloride. The effects of the latter were found to depend far more on the concentra- tion in the inhaled air and the time of action than on the absolute quantities in the animal organism.In an atmosphere of phosphoryl chloride containing 0*05-0*2 vol. % of the gas the animals die within a few hours with serious lesions whereas they can withstand several inha-lations and live for a long time when it is only 0.0123 vol. %. The histopathological effects were also investigated. By oral ingestion of the aqueous solution intense local irritant action was observed. The coefficient of division of phosphoryl chloride between water and benzene was found to be 0.764 0.736. s. B. s. [Phyeiological Action ofJ Electrically Prepared Colloidal Rhodium. ANDRE LANCIEN (C0772pt. rend. 191 1 153 1088-1090. Compare Gutbier Abstr. 1905 ii 396 533).-Colloidal rhodium has been obtained by Bredig’s method in the form of an unstable solution containing 0.002 gram per litre.This solution is toxic towards patho- genic organisms but is without poisonous action on fish frogs and dogs unless employed in very large doses. When rendered isotonic to blood by means of sodium chloride and stable by the addition of a trace of sodium glycocholate it was found to have a very beneficial effect in cases of pneumonia typhoid peritonitis enteritis post- operative septiczemia and in tuberculosis during febrile periods. The injections were painless arid in fever reduced the temperature to normal. The patient’s urine showed an increase in chlorine and uric acid but a marked diminution in urobilin and in scntole and indole The Influence of Guaiacol Derivatives on the Excretion of Glycuronic Acid. TH. KNAPP (Cheni. Zentv. 1911 ii 41 ; from SC~LWG~Z.Wocl.. Chem. Yhwm. 1911 40 229-231).-The amounts of guaiacol derivatives excreted after ingestion in combination with glycuronic and sulphuric acids were estimated. The glycuronic acid was estimated by Tollens’ method. After ingestion of potassium guaiacolsulphonate the glyciironic acid increased above the normal only after large doses ( 3 grams). The increase of conjugated acids after administration of guaiacol glycerol ether is due not only to the preaence of paired acids with guaiacol but also to conjugated acids of a non-volatile derivative. derivatives. Leucocytosis was increased. w. 0. w. S. B. S.ii. 74 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. The Action of Choline and Neurine. J. PAL (Chin. Zentr. 191 1 ii 1253-1254; from Zeitsch. exp. Path. Ther. 1911 9 191-206).- Synthetically prepared choline when intravenously injected acts either as a depressor or pressor substance and the effect is largely deter- mined by the state of narcosis.After protracted ether narcosis or the use of some kinds of curare the pressor effect comes out. Sub- cntaneously injected it has but little toxic action. The effect of neiirine hydrochloride is much more powerful and very minute doses raise the blood pressure; it produces the same effect when given hypodermically. The effect of choline on the heart is incoustant but there is usually a primary weakening of its action followed by an increase. W. D. H. The Behaviour of Betaine Trigonelline and 1-Methyl- pyridinium Hydroxide in the Animal Organism. ARNT KOHLRAUSCH (Zeitsch,. Biol. 191 1 57 273-308).-1f betaine is given to an animal much of i t passes unchanged into the urine; the amount 80 unaffected in its passage through the body is greater in herbivora than in carnivora.This occurs whether it is given by the mouth or injected hypodermically. Some is broken down to trimethylarnine. Trigonelline and methylpyridinium hydroxide are excreted completely as such. In mm during abstinence from nicotine and caffeine no pyridine derivatives occur in the urine. Betaine chloride acts on the isolated heart and en blood pressure as Waller Plimmer and Miss Sowton stated Trigonelline acts in a similar way. Methyl- pyridinium hydroxide however increases the arterial pressure and diminishes pulmonary ventilation. Strychnine Reversal. A. G. W. OWEN and CHARLES S.SHERRINQTON (J. Physiol. 191 1 43 232-.241).-Under the influence of strychnine certain inhibitory reflex phenomena i n skeletal muscles are converted into excitatory reflex effects. The possible explanations are discussed but no definite decision arrived at. Some Iodine Compounds and Preparations in Common Therapeutic Use. EDUARDO FILIPPI (AYcIL. Farm. sper. Sci. 19 1 l? 12. Reprint 22 pp.).-The catalases of the blood and of the liver readily absorb iodine for instance from an alcoholic iodine solution. The product obtained may contain lO-ZO% of adsorbed iodine and when the iodocatalase is administered to an animal the elimination of the iodine is very slow. The iodocatalases do not affect the progress of peptic digestion and their own catalytic activity is not sensibly less than that of the non-iodised catalases.The author discusses t h e probable mode of attachment of the iodine in several preparations intcnded for use as drugs. Some are adsorption products others true iodine compounds in which the iodine is linked either to carbon or oxygen ; mauy so-called organic iodiue compounds are really derivatives of hydriodic acid. The Physiological Action of Extracts of the Pineal Body. €3. E. JORDAN and J. A. E. EYSTER (Amer. J. Physiol. 1911 29 115-123).-The effect of injecting extracts of the pineal body W. D. H. W. D. H. R. V. S.VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE. ii. 7 5 intravascularly in cats is small and unimportant as stated hy Dixon and Halliburton; in dogs the fall of blood-pressure is more marked and is associated with vaso-dilatation in the intestinal area. The beat of the isolated cat’s heart is slightly improved by the addition of the extract ; transitory diriresis associated with glycosuria occurred in about 80% of the cases. Physiological Action of At ox yl (p-Aminophenylarsin ic Acid). MAXIMILIAN NIERENSTEIN (Ber. 1.91 1 44 3563).-A claim for priority. Bertheim (Abstr. 191 1 i 1055) has attributed to Ehrlich the suggestion that the amino-group in atoxyl plays the same r81e as the chromogenic group in a dye. It was made previously by Breinl and Nierenstein (Abstr. 1909 ii 509). Bio-chemical Investigations of Aromatic Mercury Com- pounds. WALTHER SCH HAUTH and WALTER SCHOELLER (Biochem. Xeitsch. 191 1 3’7 51 0-511).-Further reply to Blumenthal (Abstr. 1911 ii 1017). Narcosis and Want of Oxygen. IV. ELISABETH HAMBURGER (P’iiger’s Archiv 19 1 1 143 186-1 88).-Various narcotics of the f a t t y series dissolved in olive oil diminish its capacity to absorb oxygen. Sulphonal and t.riona1 act most and tetronal among the narcotics tested least strongly. W. D. H. E. F. A. 8. B. S. W. D. H. Action of an Oxazine (3 5 9-Triaminophenoxazoaium Chloride) and of Acridine on Trypanosomes. A. LAVERAN and D. ROUDSKY (Conzpt. rend. 1911 153 916-919. Compare Abstr. 1911 ii 91 I).-When the centrosomes of trypanosowes (Tr. czwnnsi) from tbe blood of mice have been caused to disappear by administra- tion of a n oxazine as described in a n earlier communication i t is possible t o produce a similar condition in untreated mice by inoculating them with such modified trypanosomes. Acridine has a similar action on the centrosomes. The action is attributed to autoxidation eince snbstanceP such as alkaloids or potassium cyanide which diminish oxidation also prevent absorption of the dyes by the centrosomes. w. 0. w.