96 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. P h y s i o l o g i c a 1 C h e m i s t r y . Influence of Bile on Pancreatic Digestion. By S. MARTIN and D. WILLIAMS (Proc. Roy. Soc., 48, 160--165).-1n a previous communication (Abstr., 1888, SlS), it has been pointed out that i n the pig the presence of bile o r bile salts hastens the action of the pancreatic juice on starch. The same holds good for these secretions iu oxen and in the human subject.. Investigations a s d e with certain constituents of the bile and related substances gave the following results :-Sodium taurocholate hastens the pancreatic digestion of starch ; glycocholic acid arrests it ; sodium glycocholate acts like the taurocholate ; glycocine has no effect ; leucine and tyrosine both hinder the digestion to a slight extent; sodium carbonate, when present in the proportion of 0.25 per cent. and over, retards the digestion of starch by pancreatic extract ; but this retardation can be, to a certain extent, neutralised by the addition of bile salts. I n another series of experiments, it was found that the power of bile to hashen pancreatic digestion is not limited to amylolytic diges- tion, bu.t that it is equally, if not more, marked i n its influence on proteolytic digestion. This property is due to the bile salts present ; the action of the sodium glycocholate was found, however, to be less effective than the bile salts as a whole. W.D. H. Action of Nicotine on the Heart and Blood-vessels. By E. COLAS (Compt. rend. Soc. Bid. [9j, 11, 31--33).-Experiments were made on dogs in which small doses of nicotine, dissolved in water, were injected into the femoral vein.Blood pressure was taken from the carotid artery. At first the pressure falls and the heart beats irregularly ; the pressure returns to the normal level, then rises above it ; the lleart beats are very small and very rapid; i t gradually slows, however, till the normal is re-est'ablished. This action is considered to be due to the action of the drug on the intracardinc nerve centres; the accelcration is, however, probably due to its action on the cardiac muscle. I t was also noted that a rise of venous pressure occurs simuitaneously with that in the arterial system. The rise of pressure is probably tlue t o the increased tonicit,y of the heart, as the drug stimulates the vaso-dilatstor nerves, producing increased redness of the organs.W. D. H. Pigments of the Aplysiae. By R. SAINT-LOUP (Compt. rend. SOC. Bid. [9], 11, 116--117).-The green pigment of the liver of thisPHY SIOLOOICAL CHEMISTRY. 97 marine mollusc can be extracted from the organ by alcohol. The extract has an intense green colour, and shows spectroscopically the bands of chlorophyll. After saponificatiori with lime, ether or chloroform dissolves out a yellow pigment, the residue being green. The origin of the pigment is believed to be the food (Algre) of the animal. The pigment is absent in young Aplysiae which had never fed, ar,d gradually diminishes in those allowed to die of starvation. W. D. H. Liquids from Hydatid Cysts. By ROESER ( J . Pharm. [5], 22, 244-249).-The contents of a cyst, examined in 1888, measured about 1100 C.C.The liquid was slightly opaline, faintly alkaline, and had a sp. gr. of 1.0075. The solid residue of 14.7 grams per litre, on calcination, yielded 9.30 grams of ash which contained-sodium chloride, 6.95 grams ; sodium phosphate, carbonate, sulphate, 0.71 gram ; calcium phosphate, sulpllate, and carbonate, 1.26 grams ; iron, magnesia, and loss, 0.38 gram. The organic matter, corresponding with 5.40 ginms per litre, consisted of-albumin, precipitated by heat and acetic acid, 1.060 gram ; glucose, 0.585 ; fatty matter, soluble in ether, 0.260 ; urea, 0.500 ; colouring matter of bile, peptone, extractives, 2.995 grams. The nature of these extlractive substances has not been clearly determined, although the liquids of cysts have been frequently investigated.Numerous authors are quoted to show that the coniposition of the liquids is ex treniely variable. J. T. Iianolin and the Detection of Cholesterin Fats in Man. By 0. LIKBREICH (Chem. Centr., 1890, ii, 149-150 ; from Arch. Physiol., 1890, 363--365).-1n studying the question of the presence of cholesterin and similar fats in the animal epidermis, the author has applied Lieberrnann’s cholestol reaction with acetic anhydride and concentrated sulphuric acid, and aIso the pzpoperty which cholesterin fats have of emulsifying with water to the extent of 200 per ceut. I n this way, cholesterin fats were found on human skin and hair, the feathers and beaks of birds, and the hoofs of horses. In addition t o the Lieberrnann’s test already mentioned, the author has used a modification in which chloroform is used, and which is a, much more delicate test.Fnrther, a separation of the cholesterin fats has been effected by the author, by treating them with hot ethyl acetoacetate or ethyl ethylacetoacetat’e, which dissolve cholesterin much more freely than lanolin. Lanolin was found in human vernix caseosa. J. W. L. Compositjon of the Milk of Cows during Early and Late Periods of Lactation. By M. K ~ H N (Bied. Csntr., 19, 622-628; from Mibhzeit., 18, 922-926).-Experiments were made with cows in early and late periods of lactation, in order to determine the difference in the amount and quality of the milk with cows of the same kind, and of about the same weight, under the same conditions as t o feeding.The resnlts show that considerably more milk is pro- duced in early than in late periods, but that the milk of the latter contains rather more dry matter, €at and protei‘n, than that of the former. The amount of ash and lactic acid is about the same in both Y’QL. IrX. F.98 ABSTRACTS O F CHEMICAL PAPERS. ------- Water. ................ Total solids.. ............ Fat .................... Solids not fat ............ Case'in .................. Sugar .................. Mineral matter .......... cases. I n the late period, the amount of dry substance, milk-sugar, and fat, varies more than in the cnrly period, when the reverse was observed, but in less degree, regarding the other constituents. N. H. J. M. Elephant's Milk. By C. A. DOREMUS (Chern.Cerztr., 1890, ii, 209 ; from Meierei. Tidninq. Milchztg., 1890, 227) .-The following April 5t1h, morning. 67 -567 32 -433 17 -546 14 -887 14 -236" 14 -236 0 -651 analyses have been made :- April 9th, midday. 69 *286 30 '713 19.095 11 -619 3 -694 7 -267 0 -658 -- April loth, morning. 66 *697 33 303 22 '080 11 -233 2 *212 '7 -392 0 '629 The milk has a pleasant Oaste and smell, and resembles that of the cow ; no unpleasant odour is produced on warming it. J . W. L. The Passage of Naphthol into the Urine. By E. DESESQUELLE (Compt. rend. h'oc. BioZ. [ 3 ] , 11, 101--104).-Naphthol is sometimes employed as an inunction in cases of psoriasis. After its use it can b e detected as such in the urine. The residue of the ethereal extract of urine, dissolved in chloroform, treded with soda and then with sulphuric acid, gives the green coloration described by Gautrelet (Trait4 d'analyse urologique, 1889) as characteristic of naphthol.Its extreme insolubility renders its absorption slow as a, rule, and this property also justifies Bouchard's selection of the drug in cases where it is necessary to keep up prolonged antisepsis. W. D. H. Uro-phosphates and Hippuro-phosphates. By GAUBE ( Compt. rend. Soc. Biol. [9], 11, 404--405).-The salts of uric and hippuric acids in the urinc are considered to be double salts composed of two iLCidS united t o the same base, and thus so-called uro-phosphates and hiypuro-phosphates of sodium, potassium, calcium, $c.; argdescribed. W. D. H. Colouring Matter of Yellow Silk and its Relation to Vege- table Carrotene.By R. DUBOIS (Compt. rend., 111, 482-483).- Yellow silk contains several colouring matters, those actually isolated being (1) a golden-yellow compound, soluble in potassium carbonate solution, from which it is precipitated in very brilliant plates; (2) macled crystals, reddish-yellow by bransmitted light, and browii- red by reflected light; ( 3 ) a lemon-yellow, amorphous substance, which separates in rounded granules when its alcoholic solution evaporates spontaneously ; (4) lemon-yellow, octahedral crystals, resembling those * Xvidently the wrong figure has been given here.PEYSIOLOGICATI CHEMISTRY. 99 of sulphur ; and ( 5 ) a deep greenish-blue pigment, which is probably crystallistzble, but which is present only in very small quantity.The substances 2, 3, and 4 agree in many respects with vegetable carrotene ; they are yellowish-red and crystallisable, dissolve in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and benzene, giving golden-yellow so lu- tions, and in carbon bisulphide giviq; a brownish-red solution ; they alter when exposed to air and light, give a continuous absorption spectrum, and dissolve in sulphuric acid with production of a blue coloration which changes to green, and disappears on addition of water. Yellow silk owes part, at any rate, of its colour to a substance show- ing very close analogies to the colouring matter recently extracted from Dictptomus denticornis by R. Blanchard, who regards it. as carrotene of animal origin. C. H. B. Poisoning by Hydrocyanic Acid applied to the Surface of the Eye.By N. GR~HANT (Cornpt. rewd. Hoc. Biol. 191, 11,64-65) .- It was demonstrated that the statement of the older writers that an animal may be poisoned by hydrocyanic acid absorbed through the mucous membrme of the eye is quite correct. Dogs or rabbits are killed in this way in the course of a few minutes. The animals were tracheotornised, and care taken that no poisoning took place from fumes of the drug entering the respiratory cavity. Physiological Action of Potassium Ferroeyanide. By CON- 3EMALE and DUBIQUET (Compt. rend. BOG. Biol. [9], 11, 169-172).--- Potassium ferrocyanide is not t’oxic even when given to animals in doses of 2 grams per kilo. of body weight. In those animals which do not vomit (for instance, the cobaye), there is a diuretic action even after small doses, three hours after its administration.In dogs this is not the case. Repeated doses of the salt, however, cause in- testinal troubles in the dog, vomiting being produced if the amount given exceeds 80 centigrams per kilo. of body weight. In its passage through the system, the ferrocyanide is changed into the ferricyanide, which is eliminated in the urine. Its dinre tic action appears to be connected with this transformation, and the simulta- neous forniation of diuretic potassium salts. Physiological Action of the Soluble Salts of Strontium. By J. V. LABORDIG (Compt. rend. SOC. Biol. [9], 11, 453-459).- Strontium appears to be quite innocuous. In the dog, the only notice- able feature after the administration of the chloride is slight diuresis It thus differs from barium salts, which are very toxic, producing cessation of respiration. Soluble salts of potassium, especially the chloride, lactate, and snlphate, are also poisonous, producing emesis and diarrhoea, and in larger doses slowing of the heart and death from asphyxia.Calcium salts, like those of strontium, are apparenf’ly harmless . W. D. H. W. D. H. W. D. H- Physiological Action of Guaiacol. By P. MARFORI (Ohem. Centr., 1890, ii, 155-156; from Ann. chim. farm., 11, 304--327).-TEe 8 2f 00 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. physiological value of guaiacol was pointed out by Seidel in 1880, since then one difficulty met with in using it has been the absence of distinctive tests of its purity. The author finds that one part of guaiacol should dissolve in (i0 parts of water, the presence of im- piirities rendering it more soluble.Its boiling point is 200--202". One drop of pure guaiacol mixpd with a few drops of concentrated sulphnric acid gives a beautiful permanent purple-red coloration, which is interfered with by even a trace of impurity. The general action of guaiacol consists in first exciting and then paralysing the nerve centres. The paralytic effects are the feebler the higher the animal subjected to its influence. In small doses, gaaiacol does not affect the pulse, in larger doses i t is quickened. The temperature is reduced. After death from the effects of guaiacol, the anthor has observed, in the case of dogs, that the heart is not affected by electric stimulus, although the other muscles are.Its action is similar to that of phenol or catechol, and it is ejected from the system in a similar condition ; i t is, however, not so poisonous as these. J. W. L. Substances which Favour Infection. By G. H. ROGER (Compt. rend. SOC. Riol. [9), 11, 307--310).---There are certain materials, such as lactic acid, which, when introduced simultaneously with microbes into an animal, favour the development of the bacteria. The bacillus of symptomatic anthrax is innocuous to the rabbit,, but is fatal when there is a simultaneous injection of the materials formed by the activity of certain other micro-organisms (B. prodigiosus, 8iaplylococcu.s aureus, &c.). The substance in the cultures that acts thus is soluble i n glycerol but inpoluble in alcohol, and therefore resembles the soluble ferments ; it is, however, not the same substance which liquefies the gelatin in the culture tubes, as it is not destroyed by a temperature of even 130".Similar interactions between other bactvesia are de- scribed; and the fact is thought worthy of note, as it may furnish bad eriologists with a means of re-establishing the virulence of micro- organisms which have become attenuated by prolonged cultivation through the bodies of a long series of animals ; and also that it may help to explain why some vegetable poisons like yapayn and jequirity, which are free from microbes, yet produce a condition of the body in which it Swarms with numerous bacteria which normally are harmless, or only harmful to a slight, degree. W. D. H.96 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS.P h y s i o l o g i c a 1 C h e m i s t r y .Influence of Bile on Pancreatic Digestion.By S. MARTINand D. WILLIAMS (Proc. Roy. Soc., 48, 160--165).-1n a previouscommunication (Abstr., 1888, SlS), it has been pointed out that i nthe pig the presence of bile o r bile salts hastens the action of thepancreatic juice on starch. The same holds good for these secretionsiu oxen and in the human subject.. Investigations a s d e with certainconstituents of the bile and related substances gave the followingresults :-Sodium taurocholate hastens the pancreatic digestion ofstarch ; glycocholic acid arrests it ; sodium glycocholate acts like thetaurocholate ; glycocine has no effect ; leucine and tyrosine bothhinder the digestion to a slight extent; sodium carbonate, whenpresent in the proportion of 0.25 per cent.and over, retards thedigestion of starch by pancreatic extract ; but this retardation canbe, to a certain extent, neutralised by the addition of bile salts.I n another series of experiments, it was found that the power ofbile to hashen pancreatic digestion is not limited to amylolytic diges-tion, bu.t that it is equally, if not more, marked i n its influence onproteolytic digestion. This property is due to the bile salts present ;the action of the sodium glycocholate was found, however, to be lesseffective than the bile salts as a whole. W. D. H.Action of Nicotine on the Heart and Blood-vessels. By E.COLAS (Compt. rend. Soc. Bid. [9j, 11, 31--33).-Experiments weremade on dogs in which small doses of nicotine, dissolved in water,were injected into the femoral vein.Blood pressure was taken fromthe carotid artery. At first the pressure falls and the heart beatsirregularly ; the pressure returns to the normal level, then rises aboveit ; the lleart beats are very small and very rapid; i t gradually slows,however, till the normal is re-est'ablished. This action is consideredto be due to the action of the drug on the intracardinc nerve centres;the accelcration is, however, probably due to its action on the cardiacmuscle. I t was also noted that a rise of venous pressure occurssimuitaneously with that in the arterial system. The rise of pressureis probably tlue t o the increased tonicit,y of the heart, as the drugstimulates the vaso-dilatstor nerves, producing increased redness ofthe organs.W. D. H.Pigments of the Aplysiae. By R. SAINT-LOUP (Compt. rend. SOC.Bid. [9], 11, 116--117).-The green pigment of the liver of thiPHY SIOLOOICAL CHEMISTRY. 97marine mollusc can be extracted from the organ by alcohol. Theextract has an intense green colour, and shows spectroscopically thebands of chlorophyll. After saponificatiori with lime, ether orchloroform dissolves out a yellow pigment, the residue being green.The origin of the pigment is believed to be the food (Algre) of theanimal. The pigment is absent in young Aplysiae which had neverfed, ar,d gradually diminishes in those allowed to die of starvation.W. D. H.Liquids from Hydatid Cysts.By ROESER ( J . Pharm. [5], 22,244-249).-The contents of a cyst, examined in 1888, measuredabout 1100 C.C. The liquid was slightly opaline, faintly alkaline, andhad a sp. gr. of 1.0075. The solid residue of 14.7 grams per litre,on calcination, yielded 9.30 grams of ash which contained-sodiumchloride, 6.95 grams ; sodium phosphate, carbonate, sulphate, 0.71gram ; calcium phosphate, sulpllate, and carbonate, 1.26 grams ; iron,magnesia, and loss, 0.38 gram. The organic matter, corresponding with5.40 ginms per litre, consisted of-albumin, precipitated by heat andacetic acid, 1.060 gram ; glucose, 0.585 ; fatty matter, soluble in ether,0.260 ; urea, 0.500 ; colouring matter of bile, peptone, extractives,2.995 grams. The nature of these extlractive substances has notbeen clearly determined, although the liquids of cysts have beenfrequently investigated.Numerous authors are quoted to show thatthe coniposition of the liquids is ex treniely variable. J. T.Iianolin and the Detection of Cholesterin Fats in Man. By0. LIKBREICH (Chem. Centr., 1890, ii, 149-150 ; from Arch. Physiol.,1890, 363--365).-1n studying the question of the presence ofcholesterin and similar fats in the animal epidermis, the author hasapplied Lieberrnann’s cholestol reaction with acetic anhydride andconcentrated sulphuric acid, and aIso the pzpoperty which cholesterinfats have of emulsifying with water to the extent of 200 per ceut.I n this way, cholesterin fats were found on human skin and hair, thefeathers and beaks of birds, and the hoofs of horses.In addition t o the Lieberrnann’s test already mentioned, the authorhas used a modification in which chloroform is used, and which is a,much more delicate test.Fnrther, a separation of the cholesterin fats has been effected bythe author, by treating them with hot ethyl acetoacetate or ethylethylacetoacetat’e, which dissolve cholesterin much more freely thanlanolin.Lanolin was found in human vernix caseosa.J. W. L.Compositjon of the Milk of Cows during Early and LatePeriods of Lactation. By M. K ~ H N (Bied. Csntr., 19, 622-628;from Mibhzeit., 18, 922-926).-Experiments were made with cowsin early and late periods of lactation, in order to determine thedifference in the amount and quality of the milk with cows of thesame kind, and of about the same weight, under the same conditionsas t o feeding.The resnlts show that considerably more milk is pro-duced in early than in late periods, but that the milk of the lattercontains rather more dry matter, €at and protei‘n, than that of theformer. The amount of ash and lactic acid is about the same in bothY’QL. IrX. F98 ABSTRACTS O F CHEMICAL PAPERS.-------Water. ................Total solids.. ............Fat ....................Solids not fat ............Case'in ..................Sugar ..................Mineral matter ..........cases. I n the late period, the amount of dry substance, milk-sugar,and fat, varies more than in the cnrly period, when the reverse wasobserved, but in less degree, regarding the other constituents.N.H. J. M.Elephant's Milk. By C. A. DOREMUS (Chern. Cerztr., 1890, ii,209 ; from Meierei. Tidninq. Milchztg., 1890, 227) .-The followingApril 5t1h,morning.67 -56732 -43317 -54614 -88714 -236"14 -2360 -651analyses have been made :-April 9th,midday.69 *28630 '71319.09511 -6193 -6947 -2670 -658--April loth,morning.66 *69733 30322 '08011 -2332 *212'7 -3920 '629The milk has a pleasant Oaste and smell, and resembles that of thecow ; no unpleasant odour is produced on warming it.J . W. L.The Passage of Naphthol into the Urine. By E. DESESQUELLE(Compt. rend. h'oc. BioZ. [ 3 ] , 11, 101--104).-Naphthol is sometimesemployed as an inunction in cases of psoriasis.After its use it canb e detected as such in the urine. The residue of the ethereal extractof urine, dissolved in chloroform, treded with soda and then withsulphuric acid, gives the green coloration described by Gautrelet(Trait4 d'analyse urologique, 1889) as characteristic of naphthol. Itsextreme insolubility renders its absorption slow as a, rule, and thisproperty also justifies Bouchard's selection of the drug in cases whereit is necessary to keep up prolonged antisepsis. W. D. H.Uro-phosphates and Hippuro-phosphates. By GAUBE ( Compt.rend. Soc. Biol. [9], 11, 404--405).-The salts of uric and hippuricacids in the urinc are considered to be double salts composed of twoiLCidS united t o the same base, and thus so-called uro-phosphates andhiypuro-phosphates of sodium, potassium, calcium, $c.; argdescribed.W.D. H.Colouring Matter of Yellow Silk and its Relation to Vege-table Carrotene. By R. DUBOIS (Compt. rend., 111, 482-483).-Yellow silk contains several colouring matters, those actually isolatedbeing (1) a golden-yellow compound, soluble in potassium carbonatesolution, from which it is precipitated in very brilliant plates;(2) macled crystals, reddish-yellow by bransmitted light, and browii-red by reflected light; ( 3 ) a lemon-yellow, amorphous substance, whichseparates in rounded granules when its alcoholic solution evaporatesspontaneously ; (4) lemon-yellow, octahedral crystals, resembling those* Xvidently the wrong figure has been given herePEYSIOLOGICATI CHEMISTRY.99of sulphur ; and ( 5 ) a deep greenish-blue pigment, which is probablycrystallistzble, but which is present only in very small quantity.The substances 2, 3, and 4 agree in many respects with vegetablecarrotene ; they are yellowish-red and crystallisable, dissolve inalcohol, ether, chloroform, and benzene, giving golden-yellow so lu-tions, and in carbon bisulphide giviq; a brownish-red solution ; theyalter when exposed to air and light, give a continuous absorptionspectrum, and dissolve in sulphuric acid with production of a bluecoloration which changes to green, and disappears on addition ofwater.Yellow silk owes part, at any rate, of its colour to a substance show-ing very close analogies to the colouring matter recently extractedfrom Dictptomus denticornis by R.Blanchard, who regards it. ascarrotene of animal origin. C. H. B.Poisoning by Hydrocyanic Acid applied to the Surface ofthe Eye. By N. GR~HANT (Cornpt. rewd. Hoc. Biol. 191, 11,64-65) .-It was demonstrated that the statement of the older writers that ananimal may be poisoned by hydrocyanic acid absorbed through themucous membrme of the eye is quite correct. Dogs or rabbits arekilled in this way in the course of a few minutes. The animals weretracheotornised, and care taken that no poisoning took place fromfumes of the drug entering the respiratory cavity.Physiological Action of Potassium Ferroeyanide. By CON-3EMALE and DUBIQUET (Compt. rend. BOG. Biol. [9], 11, 169-172).---Potassium ferrocyanide is not t’oxic even when given to animals indoses of 2 grams per kilo.of body weight. In those animals whichdo not vomit (for instance, the cobaye), there is a diuretic action evenafter small doses, three hours after its administration. In dogs thisis not the case. Repeated doses of the salt, however, cause in-testinal troubles in the dog, vomiting being produced if the amountgiven exceeds 80 centigrams per kilo. of body weight.In its passage through the system, the ferrocyanide is changed intothe ferricyanide, which is eliminated in the urine. Its dinre tic actionappears to be connected with this transformation, and the simulta-neous forniation of diuretic potassium salts.Physiological Action of the Soluble Salts of Strontium.By J. V. LABORDIG (Compt.rend. SOC. Biol. [9], 11, 453-459).-Strontium appears to be quite innocuous. In the dog, the only notice-able feature after the administration of the chloride is slight diuresisIt thus differs from barium salts, which are very toxic, producingcessation of respiration. Soluble salts of potassium, especially thechloride, lactate, and snlphate, are also poisonous, producing emesisand diarrhoea, and in larger doses slowing of the heart and deathfrom asphyxia. Calcium salts, like those of strontium, are apparenf’lyharmless . W. D. H.W. D. H.W. D. H-Physiological Action of Guaiacol. By P. MARFORI (Ohem. Centr.,1890, ii, 155-156; from Ann. chim. farm., 11, 304--327).-TEe8 f 00 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS.physiological value of guaiacol was pointed out by Seidel in 1880,since then one difficulty met with in using it has been the absence ofdistinctive tests of its purity. The author finds that one part ofguaiacol should dissolve in (i0 parts of water, the presence of im-piirities rendering it more soluble.Its boiling point is 200--202".One drop of pure guaiacol mixpd with a few drops of concentratedsulphnric acid gives a beautiful permanent purple-red coloration,which is interfered with by even a trace of impurity.The general action of guaiacol consists in first exciting and thenparalysing the nerve centres. The paralytic effects are the feeblerthe higher the animal subjected to its influence. In small doses,gaaiacol does not affect the pulse, in larger doses i t is quickened.The temperature is reduced. After death from the effects ofguaiacol, the anthor has observed, in the case of dogs, that the heartis not affected by electric stimulus, although the other muscles are.Its action is similar to that of phenol or catechol, and it is ejected fromthe system in a similar condition ; i t is, however, not so poisonous asthese. J. W. L.Substances which Favour Infection. By G. H. ROGER (Compt.rend. SOC. Riol. [9), 11, 307--310).---There are certain materials, suchas lactic acid, which, when introduced simultaneously with microbesinto an animal, favour the development of the bacteria. The bacillusof symptomatic anthrax is innocuous to the rabbit,, but is fatal whenthere is a simultaneous injection of the materials formed by theactivity of certain other micro-organisms (B. prodigiosus, 8iaplylococcu.saureus, &c.). The substance in the cultures that acts thus is solublei n glycerol but inpoluble in alcohol, and therefore resembles the solubleferments ; it is, however, not the same substance which liquefies thegelatin in the culture tubes, as it is not destroyed by a temperatureof even 130". Similar interactions between other bactvesia are de-scribed; and the fact is thought worthy of note, as it may furnishbad eriologists with a means of re-establishing the virulence of micro-organisms which have become attenuated by prolonged cultivationthrough the bodies of a long series of animals ; and also that it mayhelp to explain why some vegetable poisons like yapayn and jequirity,which are free from microbes, yet produce a condition of the bodyin which it Swarms with numerous bacteria which normally areharmless, or only harmful to a slight, degree. W. D. H