PIIYSIOT,OC~TCATJ CHEMISTRY. i. 79 Physiological Chemistry. Subcutaneous Absorption of Oxygen in Mountain Climbing and Aviation. RAOUL BAYEUX (Compt. rend. 1921 173 937- 939) .-The resistance to subcutaneous injection of oxygen diminishes as the height increases in the ascent of a mountain. That this is not due to the fatigue of climbing is shown by experiments conducted in a decompression chamber. In the latter experiment the de- crease in resistance was accompanied by a slight increase in the beat of the pulse and a very slight increase in the velocity of respir- ation. The reverse process occurs as the altitude decreases or the pressure in the chamber increases. The injection of oxygen was not accompanied by formation of a gaseous turnour and the oxygen was rapidly absorbed.W. G. Influence of Temperature on the Reaction of the Blood. JOSE M. DE CORRAL (Biochem. Z. 1921,117 1-9).-The reaction of blood a t 38" is P,=0.22 lower than a t 18" in agreement with Michaelis and Davidoff's findings (A. 1912 ii 1184) provided that the blood is in equilibrium with carbon dioxide at 38" and then measured a t 18". If the blood is in equilibrium with carbon dioxide a t both temperatures then the P is independent of tem- perature as found by Hasselbalch (A. 1917 i 490). The results with serum still show discrepancies. H. K. Excretion of Sweat and the Composition of the Blood. EBERHARD WILBRAND (Biochem. Z. 1921 118 61-66).-Heavy perspiration is followed by a thickening of the blood; parallel with this there is a loss of protein and sodium chloride from the serum.The residual (non-precipitable) nitrogen of the blood and the content of fat are unaltered. Concentration of the Blood. 11. The Action of Diuretics of the Purine Group on the Exchange of Substances between the Tissues and the Blood. W. NONNENBRUCH (Arch. expt. Prrth. Pharm. 1 921 91 332-341 ) .-Theophylline theocine and H. K.i. 80 ABSTRACTS O F CHEMICAL PAPERS. euphylline cause the blood to lose water which is soon replaced. The serum proteins increase often to a very large extent not only relatively but absolutely and this stream of protein from the tissues into the serum even occurs after extirpation of the kidneys. An Effect of the Ingestion of Colostrum on the Composition of the Blood of New-born Calves. PAUL E. HOWE ( J . Bid.Chem. 1921 49 115-118).-The blood of the new-born calf does not contain euglobulin or pseudo-globulin I but after ingestion of colostrum relatively large amounts of these proteins are present. If no colostrum is given they are only formed slowly. The function of colostrum seems to be to supply them rapidly. Calcium Content of Blood Plasma and Corpuscles in the New-born. MARTHA R. JONES ( J . Biol. Chem. 1921 49 187- 192).-The whole blood contains 8.8 mg. the corpuscles 5-0 mg. the plasma 12.3 mg. of calcium per 100 C.C. The average for plasma is higher and for corpuscles and whole blood less than for older children. In the-first twelve days of life the average percentage of red cells dropped from 55 to 42%. Action of Pilocarpine on the Composition of the Blood. A.BORNSTEIN and ROBERT VOGEL (Biochem. Z. 1921,113 1-14). -Pilocarpine administered to dogs alters the distribution of water in the body the blood showing increased content of hEmoglobin corpuscles and serum proteins. This change is only partly to be attributed to excretion of water from the body. I n addition pilocarpine produces hyperglyczmia in dogs and rabbits. Extir- pation of the pancreas has no inhibiting action on these results but atropine is antagonistic to all. Biood and Metabolism Studies with Radium Emanations. J. HAUENSTEIN (&lunch. med. Woch. 1921 68 809-810; from Chem. Zentr. 1921 iii 795).-Observations were made of the effect of radium radiations on the numbers of red and white blood corpuscles and on the behaviour of the individual leucocyte forms in cases of carcinoma of the uterus.Red corpuscles disintegrate and decrease in amount under the influence of 7-rays. Leucocytes increase in number. There is a relative and absolute increase in neutrophiles and a relative although not absolute decrease in lymphocytes. No effect was observed on the large white blood cells and the mononuclear eosinophile and basophile cells. The metabolism experiments showed that the nitrogen content of the urine decreased markedly during and after treatment. Similar results were obtained for uric acid. Acetone and aceto- acetic acid were not found. The figures for iiidican were abnormal and slight albuminuria was observed. Permeability of the Red Corpuscles of Human Blood for Anions. ERNST WIECHMANN (P’iiger’s Archiv 1921 189 109- 125; from Chem.Zentr. 1921 iii 895).-In native human blood the chlorine ion is distributed between corpuscles and plasma in G. B. G. R . G. B. H. K. G. W. R.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. i. 81 the ratio 1 2.1. This distribution is unaltered by isotonic sodium chloride solution. In the presence of sodium sulphate solution chlorine ions pass out from the corpuscles. The partition ratio between corpuscles and suspending liquid is found to be 1 19.7 for the sulphate ion 1 9.7 for the phosphate ion and 1 3.1 for the bromine ion and the chlorine ion under similar conditions of experiment. The permeability for the phosphate ion increases with the temperature. Permeability for the bromine ion is de- creased by the presence of calcium. “ Cyanol,” “ light green- F.S,” ‘< setopalm,” and ‘< ponceau 2R ’’ were scarcely absorbed after two hours.G. W. R. Quinine Ksmolysis. ALFRED LUGER (Biochem. Z. 1921 117 145-1 52) .-When treated with quinine blood corpuscles show a diminished resistance to acids and an increased resistance to alkalis. In the presence of saline solution such corpuscles show a diminished resistance to water but an increased resistance to saponin. H. K. The Amino-acid Content of Plasma and Corpuscles accord- ing to Bang. A. COSTANTIKO (Biochem. Z. 1921 117 140- 144).-Polemical against I. Bang (cf. A 1916 i 528). Normal Sugar Content of the Blood. P. J. CAMMIDGE J. A. C. FORSYTH and H. A. HOWARD (Brit. Med. J. 1921 ii 586- 59O).-As the result of observations on the blood-sugar of man and animals the authors hold the view that the liver contains a diastatic ferment the action of which is reversible.I n the fasting state the glycogenolytic activities of this enzyme are largely inhibited by mi anti-ferment formed by the pancreas the im- permeability of the resting liver cells to sodium chloride and the reaction of the blood and liver cells. After the taking of food when acids enter the duodenum the secretion formed stimulates the liver cells to produce bile thus permitting the entrance of sodium chloride which activat’es the diastatic ferment. At the same time it causes a secretion of alkaline pancreatic juice which combines with the acid gastric contents forming acid salts and sodium chloride which pass to the liver and increase the activity of the diastatic ferment.It also interferes with the formation of the internal secretion of the pancreas thus diminishing its inhibitory effect on glycogenolysis in the liver. Carbohydrates reaching the liver from the intestine or formed from proteins in the liver are converted into glycogen by the diastatic ferment the efficiency of the process depending on the extent to which the glycogenolytic action of the enzyme is inhibited by the internal secretion of the pancreas. Unless the power of glycogen formation possessed by the liver is exceeded sugar as such or formed from starch in the intestine does not pass into the general circulation or play any direct part in the rise of blood-sugar following food. Lactic Acid in the Blood of Dogs in Exercise. A. B. HASTINGS (Proc. Xoc.Exp. Biol. Med. 1921,18 306-307).-Severe exercise of short duration increases the lactic acid but prolonged H. K. G. B.i. 82 ABSTRACTS O F CHEMIC.41 P,4PEERS. moderate exercise decreases it. The significance of lactic acid as a primary factor in physiological fatigue not carried to exhaustion seems t o be an open question (cf. similar results in man Ryflel -4. 1910 ii 325). G. B. Distribution of Uric Acid in the Blood. R. C. THEIS and S. R. BENEDICT ( J . Lab. Clin. Med. 1921 6 680-683).-Uric acid was estimated in plasma and corpuscles in 104 cases 51 of which showed equal distribution 45 showed plasma uric acid greater than corpuscle uric acid and 8 thc (miverse. This rela- tionship holds for osalazted and defibrinztcd blood and does not G. €3. Use of Frogs to Demonstrate the Anticoagulating Action of Nucleic Acids.DOYON (C'ompf. rend. 1921 173 1120- 1122).-The frogs are clccapitated aiid sixty drops of their blood allowed to drop into 0.5 C.C. of a solution containing 0.0033 gram of nucleic acid 0.0025 gram of sodium carbonate aiid 0.002 gram of sodium chloride. No coagulation occurs. Other experiments Changes in the Blood after Oral Administration of Sodium Chloride. G . SAMSON (Biochem. Z. 1921 118 65-60).-0ral administration of sodium chloride is f ollo~vecl by increased sodium chloride content of the blood-serum the rnaj or portion however passing into the tissues. There is also an iiicrcase of the protein content of the blood. depend on pathological conditions. with frogs are described. IT. G . H. K. Are there Protective Enzymes against Polysaccharides ? EMIL AEDERHALDEN (Biochem. Z.1921 147 161-165).-Mainly polemical against Herzfeld and Klinger (cf. A. 1921 i 286). H. K. The Fate of some Polysaccharides in the Digestive Tract of Mammals. TOMIHIDE SHINIZU (Biochem. Z. 1921 117 227-240).-F~cal constituents are able to convert inulin lichenin and hemicellulose into acetic propionic and butyric acids. Lactic acid also appears. The agent is probably bacterial as pure cultures for example Bacillus coli B. lactis B. proleus and B. subtilis have the same power. Hydrolysis of some Polysaccharides (Inulin Eichenin and Hemicellulose) in the Digestive Tract of Mammals. TOMI- HIDE SHIMIZU (Biochem. Z . 1921 117 241-244).-Macerated gut or pancreas separately or combined failed to liquefy or produce reducing sugars from thc polysaccharides named.Cellulose Fermentation in the Paunch of the Ox and its Importance for Metabolic Experiments. W. KLEIN (Biochem. Z. 1921 117 67-68).-A criticism of Krogh and Schmit-Jensen's results ( J . Physiol. 1921 Sept. 20) on the carbon dioxide-methane ratio chiefly on t{he grounds of priority. H. K. H. K. H. K.Basal Metabolism of Underweight Children. KATHARINE BLUNT ALTA NELSON and HARRIET CURRY OLESON (J. Biol. Chem. 1921 49 247-262).-The basal metabolism tends to be (up to 40°/,) higher than in the normal child. Variations in Chloride-metabolism Due to Menstrual Processes. W. EISENRARDT and R. SCI-IAEFER (Biochem. Z . 1921 118 34-%).-As a rule immediately before or during the menstrual period there is an increased content of chloride in thc circulating blood as estimated by Bang's micro-method. Calcium and Phosphoric Acid Metabolism with Large Doses of Calcium and Sodium Phosphate.K. BLUHDORN (Z. Kinclerheilk. 29 43-55; from Chem. Zentr. 1921 iii SSS).- No harmful effects followed the administration of large quantities of calcium. A portion of ihe calcium given as chloride or lactate is probably retained but the greater part is excreted in the faxes. The phosphoric acid exchanges run parallel with the calcium exchanges. Addition of sodiizni phosphate increases the retention of calcium. When calcium chloride is adrninistercd it is appar- H. STAUB (Biochem. Z. 1921 118 93-102).-There is a diminished capacity for assimilating the first dose of dextrose in fasting persons or after a diet of fat and protein and also after hard work.I n :t fasting person the assimilation increases to a maximum after ten hours and then falls off after fifteen or more hours. To explain these and other results " equilibrating ferments " (Gleichgewichts- fermente) are postulated as produced in the blood by foodstuffs to restore to equilibrium the sudden abnormal conditions produced Influence of some Polysaccharides (Inulin Lichenin and Hemicellulose) on Protein Exchange. TonmiIDE SRIMIZU (Biochem. Z. 1921 117 245-251).-Peeding experiments on dogs show that the polysaccharides named have a protein-sparing action. H. I<. The Fate of Parenteral Administered Sulphur and its Influence on Metabolism. ROBERT MEYER-BISCH and E. BASCH (Biochein.Z . 1921 118 3949).-Intramuscular injec- tion of sulphur in oil is followed by increased protein breakdown shown by increased nitrogen and sulphur output in the urine tJhe proportion of the latter element being greater than that adminis- tered. H. K. Antiketogenesis. 111. Calculation of the Ketogenic Balance from the Respiratory Quotients. PHILIP A. SHAFFER (J. Biol. Chem. 1921 49 143-162; cf. A. 1921 i 754).-The author makes the following assumptions (not wholly justified by experiment). (1) Each molecule of fat gives 3 molecules of aceto- acetic acid and 0-5 molecule of dextrose or its equivalent anti- ketogenic derivative. (2) Protein is convertible ( a ) ' into anti- ketogenic dextrose or its equivalent to the estenl of 3.6 grams G . B. H. K. mtly retained as such at first.G. w. R. Facilitation of Intermediary Sugar Metabolism. by a high concentration of the food administered. H. K.i. 84 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. for each gram of urine nitrogen ( b ) into acetoacetic acid for each molecule of leucine phenylalanine and tyrosine it being calcu- lated that each gram of urine nitrogen corresponds with approxi- mately 10 millimols. of ketogenic substance. ( c ) Valine lysine histidine and tryptophan are neutral as to ketogenesis. (3) Carbo- hydrate exerts its antiketogenic function in the form of dextrose 1 gram of which is therefore equivalent to 1000/180=5.56 millimols. of antiketogenic substance. A method is described by which the ratio of Betogenic to anti- ketogenic molecules in the metabolic mixture can be calculated from the respiratory quotient.The molecular ratio 1 1 corre- sponding according to the calculation with a respiratory quotient of 0.76 appears to be the limit for the avoidance of acetone sub- stances. With a quotient > 0.76 the katabolism of the antiketogenic dextrose or its equivalent from protein and glycerol is great enough to remove aceto-acetic acid as fast as it is formed. G. B. The Minimum of Odour Perceptible in an Absolutely Inodorous Space (Camera Insdorata). K. KOMURO (Arch. Ne'er,?. Physiol. 1921 6 20-24).-The camera is a large glass box which can be made inodorous by means of a mercury vapour lamp and into which the head of the experimenter can be introduced. Inside this chamber the minimum necessary for perception of a number of odours is 20-25% less than outside that is the nose becomes more sensitive when all other odours are eliminated.G . B. Acid Taste. WOLFGANG OSTWALD and ALFRED KVPIN (KoZEoid Z. 1921 29 266-271).-The connexion between the acid taste and the power of producing swelling is considered. It is shown that neither quantity is strictly proportional to the free hydrogen-ion concentration nor is this quantity in any way a quantitative measure of either. The stronger the swelling action of an acid the greater the hydrogen-ion concentration must be before an acid taste is detectable. Consequently swelling action and acid taste are directly opposed to one another. Strongly swelling acids taste less acid than weakly swelling acids of the same hydrogen- ion concentration. The series of minimum hydrogen-ion concen- trations which can be detected by taste and the series of swelling constants do not run parallel for the 13 acids examined but may be connected by means of an experimental equation which contains two constants.Acid salts and buffer solutions exhibit the above- named relationship between acid taste and swelling power. Xolu- tions of these substances taste much more acid than solutions of their acids of the same hydrogen-ion concentration. This is in keeping with the colloid-chemical rule that the addition of salts reduces the swelling power of acids. A tentative hypothesis is put forward that the acid taste is qualitatively due t o the hydrogen ion but quantitatively to the simultaneous swelling action of the colloids in the region of the nerve-endings which is not determined by the hydrogen-ion concentration J.F. S.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. i . 85 Chemical Constituents of the Egg of the Common Frog (Ram temporaria) and their R6le in its Embryonic Develop- ment. E. FAUR~LFREMIET and (MLLE) Du VIVIER DE STREEL (Bull. SOC. Chim. Biol. 1921 3 476482).-The ripe egg has the following composition water 57.60y0 glycogen 3.31 yo lipoids 10*14% vitellin tablets 26.51 yo the remaining 2.44% consisting of pigment nucleus and cytoplasma. The vitellin tablets which are partly soluble in alkalis contain phosphorus nitrogen and sulphur. E. S. Constitution of the Egg of Sabellaria alzeolata L. E. FAURg-E(REMIET (Cmnpt. rend. 1921 173 1023-1026).-The eggs of Sabellaria alveolata L. contain 70% of water; lOG3% of protein; 6.80% of fatls and lipoids; 1.27% of glycogen and 1.53% of ash.The protein fraction consists of two distinct substances one slightly acid the other neutral. The fatty substances in the eggs exist in three principal forms namely neutral fats soaps and Tetrodon Poison and some of its Chemical Characteristics. I?. ISHIHARA ( T ~ k y i i Igakukai Zasshi 1917 31 1-39).-The poison which was extracted from eggs of the globe fish is a taste- less white powder containing sulphur and an amino-group; it gives a positive ninhydrin reaction and a positive reaction for creatinine. phosphatides. w. G . Dextrose is present probably as a dextrose ester. CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS. The Chemical Composition of Brain. TOMIHIDE SHIMIZU (Biochem. Z . 1921 117 252-262).-From 35 kilos.of ox-brain fractions of a gram of most of the amino-acids were isolated together with purine and pyrimidine bases and choline. Non- nitrogenous constituentls identified were succinic acid d-lactic acid and inositol. H. K. The Calcium-Potassium Action. K. SPmo (Schweix. med. Woch. 51 457-460; from Chem. Zenir. 1921 iii 8S8-%39).- Examples are given of the antagonistic physiological action of calcium and potassium. With isolated frogs’ hearts poisoning by potassium salts was neutralised by calcium salts. The effect of certain alkaloids nzsy be influenced by the relative amounts of calcium and potassium present. Changes in the reaction of the medium influence the calcium-potassium action. Choline as Hormone for Intestinal Movement. 111. Participation of Choline in the Action of Various Organic Acids on the Intestine.IV. Effect sf Choline on Normal Gastric Movement. J. W. LE HEUX (P’iiger’s Archiv 1921,190 280-300 301-310; cf. Ann. Report 1919 16O).-III. The effect on the isolated intestines of salts of various organic acids is explained as being due to the formation from these acids of esters of choline from the choline present in the walls of the bowel with the aid of it synthetic enzyme which is also there. The activity of these esters compared with choline as estimated by the contractioa G. W. R.i. $6 ABSTRACTS OF’ CHEMlCAT PAPERS. produced is Acetic ester 1000 propionic 300 formic 100 n-butyric 40 isovaleric 15 benzoic 2 succinic 1. The sodium salts of the acids have no effect if the intestine is first freed from choline by washing; in some cases the further addition of choline or of the washings restores thc effect.Atropine antagonises the effect of these salts as it does t,hn.i of choline. The possibility that the stimulating effect of sugars on the intestine may be due to inter- mediate formation of it pyruvic ester is discussed. IV. X-Ray observations on cats showed that 4-10 mg. of choline chloride given intravenously nccelerabes the movements of the stomach and small intestine. G. €3. Benzoate Administration and Hippuric Acid Synthesis. G. D. DELm-ur and G. H. WHIPPLE ( J . Biol. Chern. 1921 49 229-846).-A severe liver injury for instance extensive necrosis due to chloroform delays but does not prevent t,he synthesis of hippuric acid. The authors attribute the synthesis in these cases to the subsidiary ttctJion of other cells of the body.The intravenous administration of benzoate always increases ammonia urea and total nitrogen of the urine. Under certain conditions benzoate injection causes a considerable breakdown of protein due probably to the acute need of glycine. The Part Played by Acid in Carbohydrate Metabolism. IV. The Relation between Acid and Alkali and Adrenaline- glycosuria. H. ELIAS and U. SAMMARTINO (Biockem. Z. 1922 117 1 0 4 0 ; c€. A. 1919 i 54).-Glycosuria induced by injection of acids into rabbits does not cause congestion of the liver sucli as occurs in piqQre or adrenaline glycosuria. There is marked acidosis produced in rabbits by subcutaneous administration of adrenaline the lactic acid content of the liver increasing threefold.The mobilisation of sugar produced by adrenaline in isolated tortoise liver is inhibited by alkali but rcstored by neutralisation. Liver Function. G. B. H. K. Energy Exchanges in Muscle. IV. Formation of Lactic Acid in Cut Muscle. OTTO MEYERHOF (E‘jliiger’s Archiz; 1921 188 114-160; from &‘hem. Zentr. 1921 iii 892; cf. A. 1921 i 76).-In the estimation of lactic acid in frog’s muscle the material is extracted directly with 967& ethyl alcohol. The extract is evaporated to dryness and the residue ground and washed with saturated sodium sulphate solution. The lactic acid maximum observed in cut muscle is attributed to inhibition of its production owing to increase of acidity. By varying the conditions the whole of the glycogen map be changed into lactic acid.Addition of dextrose hexosephosphoric acid or glycogen to muscle sus- pended in a phosphate solution does not increase the rate of for- mation of lactic acid if the addition takes place in the f i s t hour. Disappearance of lactic acid runs parallel with oxidation. Whilst under anaerobic conditions there is an equivalence between the disappearance of carbohydrate and the formation of lactic acid the equivalence of the reverse process does not hold for cut muscle.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEPtiISTRY. i. 87 A correlation exists between respiration intensity and lactic acid formation. In cut muscle respiration intensity is nearly equal to the maximal respiration intensity for uncut muscle. The Oxidative Degradation of Dextrose in the Animal Body. JULIUS HIRSCH (Biochem.Z. 1921 117 113-116).-By use of dimethylhydroresorcinol (dimedon) as a fixative for acetaldehyde the presence of acetaldehyde in 900 grams of frog's muscle was detected by isolation of 0.3 gram of condensation product (aldomedon). H. K. Fixation of Lime by Animal Tissues. 111. E. PREUDEN- BERG and P. GYORGY (Biochem. z. 1921 118 50-54; cf. A. 1921 i 382).-Cartilage which has absorbed the alkaline-earth metals has also the power of fixing phosphate. The colloids of the cartilage are assumed to play a part in khis chemical combination. G. W. R. H. K. Zinc in the Human and Animal Organism. E. ROST (Med. Klin. 1921,17,123-124).-1n the human body zinc is to be found in almost all organs and tissues particularly in the liver and in the muscles.I n the liver of infants there is 39-82 mg. per kilo. of tissue in adults 52-145 mg. per kilo. Zinc is present in the secretions (milk urine faxes) and in epidermal structures such as hair. Human milk contains 1.3-1.4 mg. per litre; goat milk 2.3 mg.; cow milk 3.9 mg. I n the urine 0.6-1.6 mg. and in the feces 3-19 mg. are eliminated daily. Hair contains 9 mg. per kilo. The zinc is derived largely from the meat eaten but some is taken in as vegetable matter. In the tissues the zinc exists in a more or less firm union with protein. The Measurement of the Influence of Heat and Light on the Activity of Reduction of Animal Tissues and Applica- tions to Heliotherapy. S. VALLOT (Compl. rend. 1921 173 1196-1 198).-The rate of reduction of inethylene-blue by animal tissues is markedly increased by rise in temperature or by an increase in the intensity of the iIIumination and the beneficial therapeutic effects of solar radiation are attributed to tlhis increased activity of reduction.W7. G. GUSTAV I I ~ A R D and ROBERT FILLON (Compt. rend. 1921 173 935-937).-The oil extracted from fresh starfish has d15 0-9372; n22 +47" (Amagat and Jean); brismer index 48"; iodine value (Wijs) 132.7; saponi- Inorganic Constituents of Milk. I. Chlorides in Human Milk. W. R. SISSON and W. DENIS (Amer. J . Dis. Children 1921 21 389).-The average chloride content of all specimens examined was 58.2 mg. C1 per 100 C.C. It is higher in the first weeks of lactation and after the second week the average is 52.6 mg. C1 per 100 C.C.CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS. The Chemical Composition of Starfish. fieation value 159.1 ; unsaponifiable matter 38.94%. w. G. G. B.i. 88 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. The Alkaline Tide ” after Meals. I. CYRUS H. FISKE ( J . Biol. Chem. 1921 49 163-170).-The author lays stress on the P of the urine rather than on titration values. The influence of the food taken renders the interpretation of small variations of PH uncertain but after a full meal an undoubted increase in alkalin- ity occurs quite suddenly in the second or third hour. Inorganic Phosphate and Acid Excretion in the Post- absorptive Period. CYRUS €1. FISKE ( J . Biol. Chem. 1921 49 171-181).-During the night the rate of excretion of inorganic phosphorus in the urine is greater ( l g times to twice) than during the day.This the author attributes to retention of phosphorus in the morning. The rate of phosphate excretion is to some extent parallel to the hydrogen-ion concentration but does not wholly account for the variatlions in the latter (cf. preceding abstract). G. B. G. B. The Iodine Number of Urine. OSKAE WELTMAEN (Wiener Arch. inn. Ned. 1921 2 107’-120).-The affinity of urines for iodine normally varies directly with the density and inversely with the amount of the urine. The amount of iodine with which 100 C.C. of urine combines is termed the “percentage iodine number,” and the corresponding amount for twenty-four hours the “ absolute iodine number.” When the iodine number and the density show wide variation a relatively high iodine number indicates extra-renal factors and a relatively low iodine number a severe injury to the kidney.High iodine numbers have been noted in certain diseases of the liver acute febrile conditions and certain rapidly progressing malignant neoplasms. CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS. Amino-nitrogen in the Urine by the Formol Method. C. CIACCIO (Arch. Sci. med. 1920 43 177-181).-This nitrogen is considered to be present not as amino-acids but as polypeptides. This conclusion is based on a comparison of results by the Henriquez method and those obtained by a preliminary treatment with mercuric acetate or by tannin and lead acetate. Quantitative Measurement of the Transient Excretion of Caffeine in Man by a New Biological Method. EDUARD FRIEDBERG (Biochem. Z. 1921 118 ICi4--284).-The method depends on the observation that there is a sharp contraction of the transversely striped musculature of the frog a t a concentration of caffeine of 1 in 3,600. The caffeine in urine is isolated from the dried residue by extraction with chloroform.In man diuresis is not solely dependent on the dose of caffeine but partly on the water content of the tissues. The cessation of excretion of caffeine is early possibly due to degradation of the caffeine to a methyl- xanthine. The smallest proportion of caffeine taken by the mouth and recognisable in the urine is 10 mg. A Red Colouring Matter Produced by the Action of p-Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde on Normal Urine. PAT~L HBRI (Biochem. Z. 1921 117 41-64).-When p-dimethylamino- G. B. H. K.PHYSIOLOaICAL CHEMISTRY. i. 89 benzaldehyde is added to a hot concentrated urine which has previously been treated with lead acetate a dark red coloration is produced.On cooling and careful addition of ammonia the colouring matter is precipitated and may be purified by crystal- lization from dilute alcohol. Ten to 12 litres of fresh urine yield 0.02 to 0.06 gram of pure substance m. p. about 220". The spectral behaviour of the substance has been examined and its extinction coefficient used as a measure of purity. Its tinctorial power is very great. The substance is apparently not identical with the colouring matter of Ehrlich's reaction on pathological urine. H. K. Origin and Destiny of Cholesterol in the Animal Organism. XII. The Excretion of Sterols in Man. JOHN ADDYMAN GARDNER and FRANCIS WILLIAM Fox (Proc.Roy. SOC. 1921 [B] 92 358-36'7) .-The present paper revises earlier results (Ellis and Gardncr A. 1913 i 222). It is now shown that in man the amount of sterols excreted in the faeces is in excess of that taken in with the food. The intake however of unsaponifiable matter not precipitated by digitonin (cf. A. 1921 i 639) is larger than the output. It is concluded from the results that the human organism is capable of synthesising cholesterol. Experimental Toxic Haematoporphysia. PIETRO BIKDA (Arch. Farm. sperim. Sci. a#. 1921 31 181-l91).-The results of the author's experiments with rabbits indicate that chronic sulphonal poisoning does not determine elimination of hzmato- porphyrin by the kidneys that animals poisoned by sulphonal keep their power of retaining and elaborating injected hzemato- porphyrin and that in the organs of animals billed by chronic sulphonal poisoning the original property of reducing haemato- porphyrin in vitro is preserved.N. R. BLATHERWICK ( J . Biol. Chern. 1921 49 193-199).-Cases of mild and moderate diabetes can utilise satisfactorily large amounts of fat as indicated by the blood f a t level and the absence of acetone substances from the urine. E. S. T. H. P. Blood Fat in Diabetes. G . B. Lipaemia. W. R. B ~ o o ~ t ( J . Biol. Chern. 1921,49,201-227).- In most cases a sequence in the appearance and disappearance of fat lecithin and cholesterol is perceptible fat being the first to increase and to disappear. I n most cases the ratio lecithin/cholesterol is distinctly below normal its the cholesterol is increased in greater proportion than the lecithin.The increase in fat is generally in still greater proportion. G. B. Action of certain Bismuth Derivatives on Syphilis. R. SAZERAC and C. LEVADITI (Compt. rend. 1921 173 1201- 1204).-It is shown that ammoniacal bismuth citrate bismuth lactate bismuth subgallate and bismuth oxyiodogallate are all active against syphilis but vary in their toxic power. For humani. 90 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. therapeutics sodium or potassium bismuthotartrate are the best bismuth preparations to use. The Action of Polished Metals on Toxins. F. ERDSTEIN and L. FORTH (Biochem. Z. 1921,118,256-258).-A confirmation of Luger and Baumgarten’s results (Wien. klin. Woch. 1912 1222) that copper and to a very slight extent silver have a harmful effect on toxins.An actual destruction of the toxin takes place in the sense that a complex metal-toxin compound is formed. Toxicity of Methyl Alcohol. ASTRID CLEVE VON ErJLER (h’ve?asE. Kem. Tidskr. 1921 33 114-119 ; from Chem. Zentr. 1921 iii 740).-Methyl alcohol is considered by the author to be less poisonous in large doses than ethyl alcohol. Cases of poisoning by methyl alcohol arc to be attributed to accompanying poisonous impurities. G. W. R. The Action of Organic Kations on the Vascular System and its Modification by Inorganic Ions. WERNER TESCHEX- DORF (Biochem. Z . 1921 118 267-285).-The action of a number of salts of strong organic bases was examined on the frog’s vascular system. Acetylcholine had the most powerful constricting action.Nitrosocholine was much less active and guanidine still less so. In the homologous series of quaternary ammonium bases tetra- methylammonium chloride was intermediate between acetylcholine and nitrosocholine the tetraethyl derivative resembled guanidine whilst the tetrapropyl derivative depressed the vascular tonus. The action of the above organic kations was inhibited by the bivalent inorganic kations in the order Mg Ca Sr Ba. Degradation of Fatty Acids in the Animal Organism. P. WORINGER (BUZZ. Xoc. Chim. BioZ. 1921 3,311-450).-A review on much the same lines as Dakin’s monograph. Here and there the author puts forward independent views. Thus he argues against Dakin’s conception of the breakdown of tyrosine and phenylalanine and considers that the fundamental condition necessary for the combustion of an aromatic substance is its capacity of being transformed into homogentisic acid.He thus accepts Abderhalden’s view (A. 1912 ii 585) that this acid is produced in the normal tyrosine metabolism. The title of the review scarcely represents its full scope as it also deals with hydroxy- keto- and amino-acids. A special feature is a tabulation of the transformations of acids hitherto observed in the animal with a statement of the method employed and a literature reference. W. G. 13. K. H. K. There is also a full bibliography. G. B. A New Antianaphylactic Substance Sodium Formalde- hydesulphoxylate. P. BROPIN and P. HUCHET (Compt. rend. 1921 173 865-867; cf. ibid. 1919 168 369; 169 9).-Sodium formaldehydesulphoxylate CH,(OH)*SO,Na can be injected into dogs or rabbits to the extent of 1 gram per kilo. of live weight without any ill-effect and like sodium chloride it has an immunising action against an anaphylactic injection. W. G.VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY AND AQRICULTURE. i. 91 The Behaviour of Pyrrole in the Animal Body. TOMIHIDE SHIMIZU (Biochem. Z. 1921 117 26&-268).-Injection of an aqueous suspension of pyrrole into dogs is followed by its elimination in the urine as methylpyridine. H. K. Behaviour of Phrenosine in the Animal Body. TOMIHIDE SHIMIZU (Biochem. Z. 1921 117 263-265) .-Phrenosine ad- ministered to a dog appeared in the urine as sphingosine; the latter when given either by the mouth or subcutaneously to dogs or rabbits appeared unchanged. H. K.