PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. P h y s i o l o g i c a1 C h e m i s t r y . 305 Influence of Sleep on the Activity of Respiratory Combus- tion. By L. DE SAINT-MARTIN (Compt: rend., 105, 1124-1128).- Experiments with doves show that, independently of the effect pro- duced by fasting, natural sleep reduces the quantity of carbonic anhydride exhaled by about one-fifth, and reduces the quantity of oxygen absorbed by about one-tenth. Experiments with dogs show that during sleep produced by mor- phine the proportion of carbonic anhydride exhaled falls to one-half the normal amount ; during sleep produced by chloral or chloroform it falls to one-third the normal proportion. When anmthesia by chloroform is sufficiently long continued the blood becomes impoverished in oxygen and is charged with an amount of carbonic anhydride very considerably in excess of the normal propor- tion.In the early stage of insensibility, there is a diminution in the proportion of carbonic anhydride in the blood, but this is due to secondary causes. C. H. B. Coagulation of Fibrin and Intravt#xular Clotting. By F. KRGGER (Zeit. Biol .24, 189--225).-Wooldpidge has shown that the phenomenon of coagulation is brought about by a substance which he calls A fibrinogen, obtainable from peptone plasma by simply cooling, and that the cellular elements which were hitherto considered essen- tial, although they may assist coagulation, are nevertheless of second- ary import. In his Croonian lecture he described coagulation as essentially similar to crystallisation. In plmmai there are three con- stituents concerned in coagulation-A, B, and C fibrinogen.A and B fibrinogen are compounds of lecithin and proteid, and fibrin results from the transference of the lecithin from A Gbrinogen to B fibrino- gen. From this point of view the ferment is of secondary import- ance. Wooldridge further found that a compound of lecithin and prote’id closely allied to the A fibrinogen, which he considers probably the306 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. precursor of A fibrinogen, exists in the testis and thymus gland of the calf, in the fluid of the lymph glands and the stromata of red blood- corpuscles. This compound is capable of causing widespread intra- vascular clotting in the entire absence of any cellular elements. It is with reference t o this last statement that the author joins issue, A large number of experiments have led him to the opposite conclusion, namely, that the corpuscular elements play the chief part in the coagulation, both within and without the body.He corrobo- rates Wooldridge's statement, however, that the stromata of red blood corpuscles produce intravascular clotting. The leucocytes obtained by centrifugalising the fluid of the lymph glands produce intravascular clotting, but the supernatant liquid, the author states, is inert, o r almost so. He considers that any slight action of the fluid may be accounted for by the presence of some leuco- cytes, for he found it impossible to remove them completely, even by centrifugal action. J. P. L. Influence of Calcium Sulphate on the Coagulation of the Blood.By J. R. GREEN (J. PhysioZ., 8, 354--371).-A saline extract of washed blood clot contains fibrin ferment (Bnchanan). Henting.such an extract nearly to the boiling point delays the action of the ferment but does mot destroy it ; the ash was found to contain n definite and fairly constant amount of calcium sulphate. A saturated solution of calcinrn sulyhate was prepared, and on adding 1 C.C. of this to 10 c c. of diluted magnesium sulphate plasma, coagulation set in with great rapidity; a very small amount of the salt (0.001 per cent.) has considerable clotting power ; this increases with the quantity of calcium sulphate used, but not proportionately. In other experiments with peptone or leech extract, in which coagulation was reiarded by cold, the addition of calcium sulphate caused it to take place in some cases very rapidly, in others more slowly. Calcium sulphate cannd be regarded as the fibrin ferment however ; addition of that salt to pericardial fluid or t o a sodium chloride solu- tion of fibrinogen causes no coagulation in those fluids ; but when the ferment is present, addition of salt accelerates the coagulation.The next point investigated was whether it is possible to have coagulation in the absence of calcium sulphate ; peptone-plasma was dialysed for three days into a 0.6 per cent. solution of sodium chloride ; if water had been used outside fhe membrane, the globulins of the plasma would have been precipitated. Dilution of the plasma with saline solutions then caused no clotting, nor did the passing of R stream of carbonic anhydride through the plasma coagulate it as i t does ordinary peptone-plasma,. But on adding a little calcium sulphate to fhe diluted plasma coagulation rapidly set in.In plasma prevented from coagulating by cold, or by admixture with magnesium sulphate, similar experiments were performed, dialysis being carried out at the temperature of 1". After a week's dialysis, dilution caused no coagulation, but after adding calcium sulphate clotting set in, though slowly. It was suggested that the fibrin ferment exists as a zymogen in plasma, and is converted into ferment by the action of calcium snlphate. Horse's blood kept fromPHY SIOLOQICAL OHENISTRY. 307 clotting by cold was precipitated by a large excess of alcohol ; after remaining for some weeks under the spirit, the precipitate was collected, dried, and extracted with a 0.6 per cent.sodium chloride solution ; this was warmed with calcium sulphate for an hour, and then that salt removed by dialysis ; but on diluting plasma or pericardial fluid with this there was no hastening of the coagulation ; that is, there was no evidence of zymogen conversion. Calcium sulphate helps the working of the ferment, but it is not concerned with its liberation. Quantitative experiments on the rela- tion of the amount of fibrin formed to the amount of calcium sulphate added negative the idea that fibrin is a union of fibrin with that salt. Hammarsten (Maly's Jahrsbericht, 4, 135) has shown that cslcirim phosphate is necessary for the proper activity of the rennet ferment.Secretion of the Gall Bladder. By B. BIRCH and H. SPONG (J. PhzpioE., 8, 378--383).-The fluid was obtained from two women in which a fistula remained in each case after the operation of chole- cystotomy had been performed. A celluloid cannula was found to be the best to use, as it did not set up the irritation consequent on the use of metallic ones. About 20 C.C. in the day was collected, but it is supposed that a third or more of the fluid was lost. In both cases the bile channels were completely closed off from the gall bladder, and no biliary constituents were present. The fluid was therefore the secretion of the mucous membrane of the gall bladder, and in both cases i t had identical composition and properties, Both pa,tients were also in excellent health.The fluid was sometimes clear, sometimes fainfly opalescent; it was viscid; its specific gravity varied from 1.011 to 1.012 at 12.5". On microscopic exaniinntion, it was found to contain a few leucocytes. It was always distinctly alkaline, which reaction must be attributed to alkaline sodium phosphate. The following is the approximate quantitative analysis in parts per 1000 :- W. D. H. Water and gases .............. 979.7 Solids ........................ 20.3 A. Organic- ........................ } 12.09 Mucin Protei'd matter, a trace. ......... B. Inorganic- Chlorine. ..................... 3.84 Carbonic anhydride ............ 0.29 Sodium (combined with Cl) ..... 2-50 Soda (combined wit'h GO,) ...... 0.41 Potassium salts and phosphates by difference ..................1.1 7 20.30 The fluid has distinct diastatic properties, which were destroyed by boiling ; the fermentation agent was not definitely separated ; the308 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. Dry substance. 2G.6 18.3 1'7.4 24.6 36-4 21-8 alcoholic precipitate, however, was found to contain it, whilst none remained in the filtrate ; the ferment was also non-diffusible. Some was filtered through a porous cell; the filtrate was inoperative on st'arch, whilst the residue, which evidently represented the mucin that could not get through the filter, was still active. The fluid had no curdling action on milk, and no emuIsion was formed when it was mixed with cod-liver oil. The secretion, moreover, does not readily putrefy, although it was demonstrated by means of experiments with sterilised peptone infusion that it has no active power in restraining putrefac- tion; its apparent immunity from change being due to its poverty in nourishing material.The secretion cannot be regarded as playing any important part in digestion, the small diastatic action it possesses being shared by many fluids in the economy on which it does not confer any special digestive value. Its use is no doubt confined to lubricating the walls of the gall bladder, and it adventitiously adds some mucus to the bile which comes to repose in it. W. D. H. Albu- mino'id. 18.3 16.8 15.8 18.4 21.6 17% Analyses of American Fishes. By W. 0. ATWATER (Amer. Chern. J., 9, 421452).-52 species of American fishes were ex- amined. The methods of analysis are described, and tables are given containing proportion of edible portion and the amounts of nitrogen, proteids, ether extract, and ash of this portion of the fish.The com- position varies very considerably, thus- 7.1 0.25 0.4 5 - 2 13-4 2 . 8 Water. 1 . 3 1.2 1'2 1-1 1.4 1 . 2 Mackerel ................... Haddock ................... Cod ........................ Halibut .................... Salmon ..................... Spent salmon, female ......... 73 -4 81 -7 82.6 75 *4 63 *6 78 - 2 Fat. 1 Ash. I- H. H. Ferments in Normal Urine. By E. STADELMANN (Zeit. Biol., 24, 226--260).-Very divergent opinions have from time to time been expressed with reference to the presence of ferments in normal urine. It may be safely said that all observers are agreed on the constant occurrence of pepsin in normal urine, but the most conflicting evidence is forthcoming as to the presence of trypsin.Griitzner and his pupils, Sahli, Gehrig, and Holortschiner state that trypsin is a constant concomitant of normal urine, and that it is present in regular quantity. Mya and Belfanti state that both pepsin and trypsin are present in normal' and pathological urine, except in cases of acute and chronic nephritis. In opposition to this, Leo denies the occurrence of trypsin in all cases, but admits the presence of pepsin in normal and in most patho- logical cases. In cancer of the stomach and typhoid fever, pepflin, is however, absent.PHTSIOLOGICAI 1 CHEMI STRT. ? 09 In the presmt investigation, a complete survey of the whole subject has beeu undertaken. The occurrence of pepsin is further corrobo- raked, but in no instance has trypsin been found.The author, there- fore, considers with Leo that the apparent digestion of raw fibrin in alkaline urine, in Griitzner’s and other ObEerverS’ experiments, was due to the presence of sepsis which had not been sufficiently guarded against. Raw fibrin does disintegrate in alkaline urine even in the presence of thymol, owing no doubt to the presence of bacteria in the raw fibrin, but in no instance did any digestion or disintegration take place when boiled fibrin was used. As the direct experiments with urine were negative, a large quantity was evaporated nearly to dryness a t 40°, the residue thoroughly exti*acted, and washed with alcohol. The residue, which would contain any trypsin that might be present, was then dissolved in a small quantity of water and tested with regard to its digestive power, but the solution was found to be entirely inert.When proper precautions are taken to enswe the absence of any putrefactive change, the results are always negative. Certain inorganic salts-potassium, sodium, and ammonium siil- phates, and potassium and sodium phosphates-hinder tryptic diges- tion in a marked degree. This is especially the case with the potassium phosphates. J. P. L. Physiological Action of Ethyl Lactate. By P. PEZLACAX’I and G. BERTONI (Chew. Cent?.., 1E87, 1149 ; from Arch. ItaZ. Bid., 7, 201-- 208).-The ethyl salt of fermentation lactic acid, when taken by the mouth in concentrated solutions, causes great irrit.ation of the throat and the first p r t s of the alimentary tract.When subcutaneously injected i t causes no local irritation. A 10 to 15 per cent. solution does not coagulate albumin. It is a liquid, and soluble in all propor- tions in water, alcohol, and ether. Its hypnotic properties are weak, and its physiological action is compared with that of chloral and iodal. When given in doses sufficient to cause deep anmthesia, it causes death by iuterference with the respiration. w. I). 13;. Physiological Action of Trimethylethyloxyarnmonium aT: d Trimethylvinylammonium Hydroxides. By V. CERVELLO (Chem. Centr., 1887, 1150; from Arch. ItaZ. BioZ., 7, 232-233).-0°.01 gram of the hydrochloride of the first base causes in the frog, dilatation of the pupil and increased frequency of respiration; after about two hours the animal returns to its normal condition.To cause complete paralysis, at least 0-05 gram must be given: death then occurs in about three hours. In a rabbit weighing 850 grams, 0-5 gram caused increased secretion of tears, running from the nose, and enlargement of the pupil. Paralysis, which ensues aft,er large doses, is produced like that caused by cumre. Aqneous solutions of trimethylvinylammonium hydroxide (neurine), came the same symptoms, but its action is more powerful. The antagonism between this base and atropine holds only with regard to the heart and glandular system. Atropine will not prevent death after the administration of lethal doses of neurine. Neurine thus The pulse is but little affected.310 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. resembles curare in its physiological action, and muscarin in its antagonism to atropine.W. D. H. Physiological Action of ((Saccharin." By V. ADUCCO and U. Moss0 (Chein. Centr., 1887, 1148-1149 ; from Arch. Ital. Biol., 7, 158-171 ; and 8,22-36).-" Saccharin " (Fahlberg) is but little solu- ble in cold water, but dissolves more easily in hot, and very easily in boiling water. The solution so obtained is strongly acid. On cooling the hot, concentrated aqueous solution, the substance separates in monoclinic (2) needles melting at about 200". It is more easily soluble in ether, and still more so in alcohol: it dissolves easily in water if its solution be continuously and carefully neutralised, but is reprecipitated on addition of hydrochloric acid.Even in large doses, it is harmless to the animal organism. After its administration, the uriiie has a well-marked, sweet taste, and decomposes with much more di6culty ; it contains unaltered saccharin. It causes no alteration in nutrition or metabolism, with the exception that the chlorides of the urine are increased in amount. Saccharin is not excreted by the saliva nor by the milk. Half an hour after its administration by the mouth, +,he urine acquires a very sweet taste, which after doses of 5 grams disappears in 24 hours. 0.16 gram of saccharin weakens the alcoholic fermention of dextrose, as well at 30" as a t 16". A mixture of urine with an equal volume of a 0.32 per cent. solution of Mac- charin does not undergo the ammoniacal fermentation for over seven days, whilst urine mixed with a corresponding amount of salicylic acid ferments in less than that time.Saccharin also prevents putre- faction during pancreatic digestion. A percentage of 0.16 to 0.32 of saccharin hinders but does not prevent gastric digestmion. A per- centage of 0.0064 has no such effect. Benzoic acid in similar amounts has the same effect; salicylic acid a stronger effect. Saccharin hinders the amylol y tic action of saliva, especially in a neutral solution, but not so much as does salicylic acid; benzoic acid, on the other hand, is not so active. As the sweetness of saccharin is 280 times greater than that of cane-sugar, it can be, substituted for the latter in common use. The taste is pleasanter on neutralising and diluting.It can also be used to prevent fermentative changes in the stomach, in the urinary bladder, and for disinfection generally. W. D. H. Physiological Action of Santonin and its Derivatives. By F. COPPOLA (Chem. Centr., 1887, 1206, 1208-1209, 1301-1302 ; from Rend. R. Acc. Lincei [4], 3, 513-521, 573-578).-0ne per cent. solutions of santonin, of photosantonin, and of isophotosantonin in olive oil, at. 38", do not kill the ascarides lumbricoidi of the pig. Whilst, however, the two first-named substances increase the move- ments of the animal and cause convulsions, with isophotosantonin the reverse is the case. The other santonin-derivatives examined re- semble the two first in their action on the worms. It was also found that doses of 1.25 grams of santonin daily administered to the pigdid not kill the worms.The action of santonin 011 worms resembles its action on vertebrate animals. In order to lessen the toxic effects ofPHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. 311 the drug on the animal to which it is given i t is advisable to use santoninoxime (Cannizzaro, Rend. B. Acc. Lincei, 1885, 703) which is insoluble in water, easily soluble in oils and fats, but not in crganic acids, nor is it acted on by the gastric juice. The increased activity of the worms leads to increased peristaltic action of the intestine, which thus voids them. In the urine, santoninoxime passes out slowly as santonin ; it is less poisonous than santonin, b u t is equally effica- cious in its action on the pmasites. Experiments were also performed in order to see whether the photo- santonin-derivatives differed in their action from that of santonin, and also to discover if any relation existed between physiological action and the power of solutions of these compounds to rotate the plane of polarised light.Photosantonic acid, C15H2a05, has a narcotic action 011 frogs, doses of 0.02 to 0.03 gram abolishing first voluutary move- ment, then the movements of respiration ; the heart and reflexes are but little affected : doses of 0.04-0*06 gram first diminish, a,nd then abolish reflexes, and stop the heart in diastole. I n vertebrate animals the action is similar, except that the reflexes are not affected. Photo- santonin, C,7H2101, acts in the same way, but on account of its smaller solubiiity the effects are not so marked. Snntonin, CuH,,03, itself, and sodium santonate cause as their chief symptoms convulsions ; it seems then that the action of light is to modify the physiological action of these cornpounds on the nervous system ; the action on the respiratory and circulatory systems is, however, the same.Santonic acid, C15H2004, in doses of 0.03 gram, causes no effect in frogs ; 0.04 to 0.05 gram produces narcosis, abolishes respiratory movements, but does not lessen reflexes. Larger doses affect the reflexes and kill the animal ; if the dose is not lethal, the animal experiences clonic con- vulsions like those produced by santonin, as the narcosis passes off. In a rabbit of 1 kilo. body-weight, doses of 1 to 1.5 gram applied hypodermically have no effect: 2 to 3 grams caused sleep in 4 to 1 hour, and, like santonin, epileptic convulsions.There is no action on the circulation, except with lethal doses, which stop the heart in dia- stoie : atropine does not antagonise this action ; this acid thus pro- duces the effect of santonin combined with that of the photo-com- pounds, both narcosis and convulsions. Santonic and isosantonic acids act like photosantonic acid. Isophotosantonin, C17H2101, is no hypnotic, but easily causes strong convulsions. Isophotosantonic acid, C15H22[4]05, acts similarly, but is weaker. The derivatives of santonin that cause convulsions do so by their action on the medulla, not on the spinal cord. The photo-derivatives contain, like santonin, a closed naphthalene nucleus, and the differences on their constitution are to be found in the side-chains.There was found to be no connec- tion between physiological action and the direction or amount of rota- tion of the plane of polarised light. Physiological Action of Thallin. By G. PrsENfrr (f%em. Centr., 1887, 1149-1150 ; from Amh. ItaZ. Bid., 7, 134--141).-Jaksch (Zeit. KZirL. bled., 8 ) states that thallin is a strong febrifuge, but one which has no influence on the course of the disease. I n the present research i t was found that small doses (0.025-0*075 gram) lower the W. D. H.312 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. temperature of fever patients directly a d considerably, but only for a short time : and as Jaksch states, there is no alteration in the cmrse of the malady which causes the high temperature. The salt used was the sulphate.This salt hinders putrefaction, lowers the blood pres- sure considerably, and leaves the body by the liver and kidneys. Subcutaneous injection is not dangerous. Action of Brucine and Strychnine. By T. J. MAYS (J. Ph?ysiot., 8, 391--403).-1t was found that in the frog the physiological effects of poisoning by strychnine and brucine respectively differ as fol- lows :-(1.) Brucine pi-imarilp affects tho posterior, whilst, strychnine affects the anterior extremities. (2.) Convulsions appear very early in strychnine, and not at all or very late in brucine poisoning. (!.) Convulsions invariably develop before death occurs in strychnine poisoning, whilst death often occurs in brucine poisoning without a trace of spasm. (4.) Rrucine diminishes sensibility when locally applied, whilst strychnine does not,.(5.) The local anaesthetic effect of brucine appears to bear a direct relationship t o its degree of freedom from strychnine. W. D. H. W. D. H. Physiological Action of Caffeine. By F. COPPOLA (Chem. Centr., 1887, 1209-1210 ; from Ann. Chim. IFarm., 8, 10-38).- From the result of numerous experiments on both cold- and warm- blooded animals the following conclusions are drawn :-Gaff e'ine does not belong to the same pharmacological group as digitalin, because it acbs on the heart and the nerve-centres, whilst digitalin and the glucosides derived from i t are characterised by their exclusive action on the heart. Both strengthen the heart's action by stimulation of the muscular tissue of that organ, but they act differently on the frequency of t6he beat. The chief difference is, however, that caffe'ine causes dilatation and digitalin contraction of the blood-vessels.In many cases of cardiac degeneration where digitalis is useless caffeine does much good. The dilatation of the vessels produced by caffei'ne renders it a, valuable drug in cases of cerebral anmmia and consequent headache due to contraction of the cerebral vessels ; though whether this drug would be useful in migraine it is impossible at present. to say. I W. D. H. Physiological Action of CocaYne. By C. SIGHICELLI (Chem. Centr., 1887, 1150 ; from Arch. Itat. Biol., 7, 128-133) .-Coca'ine causes complete paralysis of the muscles of the eyeball, and indeed of all small striped muscles. On dropping about 1 c c. of a 2 per cent.solution of the hydrochloride into the eye, the above takes place in about 10 minutes. It causes widening of the pupil and paralysis of the iris. It has the same action on the smooth muscles of the intes- tine. W. D. H.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY.P h y s i o l o g i c a1 C h e m i s t r y .305Influence of Sleep on the Activity of Respiratory Combus-tion. By L. DE SAINT-MARTIN (Compt: rend., 105, 1124-1128).-Experiments with doves show that, independently of the effect pro-duced by fasting, natural sleep reduces the quantity of carbonicanhydride exhaled by about one-fifth, and reduces the quantity ofoxygen absorbed by about one-tenth.Experiments with dogs show that during sleep produced by mor-phine the proportion of carbonic anhydride exhaled falls to one-halfthe normal amount ; during sleep produced by chloral or chloroformit falls to one-third the normal proportion.When anmthesia by chloroform is sufficiently long continued theblood becomes impoverished in oxygen and is charged with an amount ofcarbonic anhydride very considerably in excess of the normal propor-tion. In the early stage of insensibility, there is a diminution in theproportion of carbonic anhydride in the blood, but this is due tosecondary causes.C. H. B.Coagulation of Fibrin and Intravt#xular Clotting. By F.KRGGER (Zeit. Biol .24, 189--225).-Wooldpidge has shown that thephenomenon of coagulation is brought about by a substance which hecalls A fibrinogen, obtainable from peptone plasma by simply cooling,and that the cellular elements which were hitherto considered essen-tial, although they may assist coagulation, are nevertheless of second-ary import.In his Croonian lecture he described coagulation asessentially similar to crystallisation. In plmmai there are three con-stituents concerned in coagulation-A, B, and C fibrinogen. A and Bfibrinogen are compounds of lecithin and proteid, and fibrin resultsfrom the transference of the lecithin from A Gbrinogen to B fibrino-gen. From this point of view the ferment is of secondary import-ance.Wooldridge further found that a compound of lecithin and prote’idclosely allied to the A fibrinogen, which he considers probably th306 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS.precursor of A fibrinogen, exists in the testis and thymus gland of thecalf, in the fluid of the lymph glands and the stromata of red blood-corpuscles.This compound is capable of causing widespread intra-vascular clotting in the entire absence of any cellular elements.It is with reference t o this last statement that the author joinsissue, A large number of experiments have led him to the oppositeconclusion, namely, that the corpuscular elements play the chief partin the coagulation, both within and without the body. He corrobo-rates Wooldridge's statement, however, that the stromata of redblood corpuscles produce intravascular clotting.The leucocytes obtained by centrifugalising the fluid of the lymphglands produce intravascular clotting, but the supernatant liquid, theauthor states, is inert, o r almost so.He considers that any slightaction of the fluid may be accounted for by the presence of some leuco-cytes, for he found it impossible to remove them completely, even bycentrifugal action. J. P. L.Influence of Calcium Sulphate on the Coagulation of theBlood. By J. R. GREEN (J. PhysioZ., 8, 354--371).-A salineextract of washed blood clot contains fibrin ferment (Bnchanan).Henting.such an extract nearly to the boiling point delays the actionof the ferment but does mot destroy it ; the ash was found to contain ndefinite and fairly constant amount of calcium sulphate. A saturatedsolution of calcinrn sulyhate was prepared, and on adding 1 C.C. of thisto 10 c c. of diluted magnesium sulphate plasma, coagulation set inwith great rapidity; a very small amount of the salt (0.001 per cent.)has considerable clotting power ; this increases with the quantity ofcalcium sulphate used, but not proportionately.In other experimentswith peptone or leech extract, in which coagulation was reiarded bycold, the addition of calcium sulphate caused it to take place in somecases very rapidly, in others more slowly.Calcium sulphate cannd be regarded as the fibrin ferment however ;addition of that salt to pericardial fluid or t o a sodium chloride solu-tion of fibrinogen causes no coagulation in those fluids ; but when theferment is present, addition of salt accelerates the coagulation.The next point investigated was whether it is possible to havecoagulation in the absence of calcium sulphate ; peptone-plasma wasdialysed for three days into a 0.6 per cent.solution of sodiumchloride ; if water had been used outside fhe membrane, the globulinsof the plasma would have been precipitated. Dilution of the plasmawith saline solutions then caused no clotting, nor did the passing of Rstream of carbonic anhydride through the plasma coagulate it as i tdoes ordinary peptone-plasma,. But on adding a little calciumsulphate to fhe diluted plasma coagulation rapidly set in.In plasma prevented from coagulating by cold, or by admixturewith magnesium sulphate, similar experiments were performed,dialysis being carried out at the temperature of 1". After a week'sdialysis, dilution caused no coagulation, but after adding calciumsulphate clotting set in, though slowly.It was suggested that thefibrin ferment exists as a zymogen in plasma, and is converted intoferment by the action of calcium snlphate. Horse's blood kept froPHY SIOLOQICAL OHENISTRY. 307clotting by cold was precipitated by a large excess of alcohol ; afterremaining for some weeks under the spirit, the precipitate was collected,dried, and extracted with a 0.6 per cent. sodium chloride solution ; thiswas warmed with calcium sulphate for an hour, and then that saltremoved by dialysis ; but on diluting plasma or pericardial fluid withthis there was no hastening of the coagulation ; that is, there was noevidence of zymogen conversion.Calcium sulphate helps the working of the ferment, but it is notconcerned with its liberation.Quantitative experiments on the rela-tion of the amount of fibrin formed to the amount of calcium sulphateadded negative the idea that fibrin is a union of fibrin with that salt.Hammarsten (Maly's Jahrsbericht, 4, 135) has shown that cslcirimphosphate is necessary for the proper activity of the rennet ferment.Secretion of the Gall Bladder. By B. BIRCH and H. SPONG(J. PhzpioE., 8, 378--383).-The fluid was obtained from two womenin which a fistula remained in each case after the operation of chole-cystotomy had been performed. A celluloid cannula was found to bethe best to use, as it did not set up the irritation consequent on theuse of metallic ones. About 20 C.C. in the day was collected, but it issupposed that a third or more of the fluid was lost.In both cases thebile channels were completely closed off from the gall bladder, and nobiliary constituents were present. The fluid was therefore thesecretion of the mucous membrane of the gall bladder, and in bothcases i t had identical composition and properties, Both pa,tients werealso in excellent health. The fluid was sometimes clear, sometimesfainfly opalescent; it was viscid; its specific gravity varied from1.011 to 1.012 at 12.5". On microscopic exaniinntion, it was found tocontain a few leucocytes. It was always distinctly alkaline, whichreaction must be attributed to alkaline sodium phosphate. Thefollowing is the approximate quantitative analysis in parts per1000 :-W. D. H.Water and gases ..............979.7Solids ........................ 20.3A. Organic-........................ } 12.09 MucinProtei'd matter, a trace. .........B. Inorganic-Chlorine. ..................... 3.84Carbonic anhydride ............ 0.29Sodium (combined with Cl) ..... 2-50Soda (combined wit'h GO,) ...... 0.41Potassium salts and phosphates bydifference .................. 1.1 720.30The fluid has distinct diastatic properties, which were destroyed byboiling ; the fermentation agent was not definitely separated ; th308 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS.Drysubstance.2G.618.31'7.424.636-421-8alcoholic precipitate, however, was found to contain it, whilst noneremained in the filtrate ; the ferment was also non-diffusible. Somewas filtered through a porous cell; the filtrate was inoperative onst'arch, whilst the residue, which evidently represented the mucin thatcould not get through the filter, was still active.The fluid had nocurdling action on milk, and no emuIsion was formed when it was mixedwith cod-liver oil. The secretion, moreover, does not readily putrefy,although it was demonstrated by means of experiments with sterilisedpeptone infusion that it has no active power in restraining putrefac-tion; its apparent immunity from change being due to its povertyin nourishing material. The secretion cannot be regarded as playingany important part in digestion, the small diastatic action it possessesbeing shared by many fluids in the economy on which it does notconfer any special digestive value.Its use is no doubt confined tolubricating the walls of the gall bladder, and it adventitiously addssome mucus to the bile which comes to repose in it. W. D. H.Albu-mino'id.18.316.815.818.421.617%Analyses of American Fishes. By W. 0. ATWATER (Amer.Chern. J., 9, 421452).-52 species of American fishes were ex-amined. The methods of analysis are described, and tables are givencontaining proportion of edible portion and the amounts of nitrogen,proteids, ether extract, and ash of this portion of the fish. The com-position varies very considerably, thus-7.10.250.45 - 213-42 . 8Water.1 . 31.21'21-11.41 . 2Mackerel ...................Haddock ...................Cod ........................Halibut ....................Salmon .....................Spent salmon, female .........73 -481 -782.675 *463 *678 - 2Fat.1 Ash.I-H. H.Ferments in Normal Urine. By E. STADELMANN (Zeit. Biol., 24,226--260).-Very divergent opinions have from time to time beenexpressed with reference to the presence of ferments in normal urine.It may be safely said that all observers are agreed on the constantoccurrence of pepsin in normal urine, but the most conflictingevidence is forthcoming as to the presence of trypsin.Griitzner and his pupils, Sahli, Gehrig, and Holortschiner state thattrypsin is a constant concomitant of normal urine, and that it ispresent in regular quantity. Mya and Belfanti state that both pepsinand trypsin are present in normal' and pathological urine, except incases of acute and chronic nephritis.In opposition to this, Leo denies the occurrence of trypsin in allcases, but admits the presence of pepsin in normal and in most patho-logical cases.In cancer of the stomach and typhoid fever, pepflin, ishowever, absentPHTSIOLOGICAI 1 CHEMI STRT. ? 09In the presmt investigation, a complete survey of the whole subjecthas beeu undertaken. The occurrence of pepsin is further corrobo-raked, but in no instance has trypsin been found. The author, there-fore, considers with Leo that the apparent digestion of raw fibrin inalkaline urine, in Griitzner’s and other ObEerverS’ experiments, wasdue to the presence of sepsis which had not been sufficiently guardedagainst.Raw fibrin does disintegrate in alkaline urine even in thepresence of thymol, owing no doubt to the presence of bacteria in theraw fibrin, but in no instance did any digestion or disintegration takeplace when boiled fibrin was used. As the direct experiments withurine were negative, a large quantity was evaporated nearly to drynessa t 40°, the residue thoroughly exti*acted, and washed with alcohol.The residue, which would contain any trypsin that might be present,was then dissolved in a small quantity of water and tested withregard to its digestive power, but the solution was found to be entirelyinert. When proper precautions are taken to enswe the absence ofany putrefactive change, the results are always negative.Certain inorganic salts-potassium, sodium, and ammonium siil-phates, and potassium and sodium phosphates-hinder tryptic diges-tion in a marked degree.This is especially the case with thepotassium phosphates. J. P. L.Physiological Action of Ethyl Lactate. By P. PEZLACAX’I andG. BERTONI (Chew. Cent?.., 1E87, 1149 ; from Arch. ItaZ. Bid., 7, 201--208).-The ethyl salt of fermentation lactic acid, when taken by themouth in concentrated solutions, causes great irrit.ation of the throatand the first p r t s of the alimentary tract. When subcutaneouslyinjected i t causes no local irritation. A 10 to 15 per cent. solutiondoes not coagulate albumin. It is a liquid, and soluble in all propor-tions in water, alcohol, and ether. Its hypnotic properties are weak,and its physiological action is compared with that of chloral and iodal.When given in doses sufficient to cause deep anmthesia, it causesdeath by iuterference with the respiration.w. I). 13;.Physiological Action of Trimethylethyloxyarnmonium aT: dTrimethylvinylammonium Hydroxides. By V. CERVELLO (Chem.Centr., 1887, 1150; from Arch. ItaZ. BioZ., 7, 232-233).-0°.01 gramof the hydrochloride of the first base causes in the frog, dilatation ofthe pupil and increased frequency of respiration; after about twohours the animal returns to its normal condition. To cause completeparalysis, at least 0-05 gram must be given: death then occurs inabout three hours. In a rabbitweighing 850 grams, 0-5 gram caused increased secretion of tears,running from the nose, and enlargement of the pupil.Paralysis,which ensues aft,er large doses, is produced like that caused by cumre.Aqneous solutions of trimethylvinylammonium hydroxide (neurine),came the same symptoms, but its action is more powerful. Theantagonism between this base and atropine holds only with regard tothe heart and glandular system. Atropine will not prevent deathafter the administration of lethal doses of neurine. Neurine thusThe pulse is but little affected310 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS.resembles curare in its physiological action, and muscarin in itsantagonism to atropine. W. D. H.Physiological Action of ((Saccharin." By V. ADUCCO and U.Moss0 (Chein. Centr., 1887, 1148-1149 ; from Arch. Ital. Biol., 7,158-171 ; and 8,22-36).-" Saccharin " (Fahlberg) is but little solu-ble in cold water, but dissolves more easily in hot, and very easily inboiling water.The solution so obtained is strongly acid. On coolingthe hot, concentrated aqueous solution, the substance separates inmonoclinic (2) needles melting at about 200". It is more easilysoluble in ether, and still more so in alcohol: it dissolves easily inwater if its solution be continuously and carefully neutralised, but isreprecipitated on addition of hydrochloric acid. Even in large doses,it is harmless to the animal organism. After its administration, theuriiie has a well-marked, sweet taste, and decomposes with much moredi6culty ; it contains unaltered saccharin. It causes no alteration innutrition or metabolism, with the exception that the chlorides of theurine are increased in amount.Saccharin is not excreted by thesaliva nor by the milk. Half an hour after its administration by themouth, +,he urine acquires a very sweet taste, which after doses of5 grams disappears in 24 hours. 0.16 gram of saccharin weakens thealcoholic fermention of dextrose, as well at 30" as a t 16". A mixtureof urine with an equal volume of a 0.32 per cent. solution of Mac-charin does not undergo the ammoniacal fermentation for over sevendays, whilst urine mixed with a corresponding amount of salicylicacid ferments in less than that time. Saccharin also prevents putre-faction during pancreatic digestion. A percentage of 0.16 to 0.32 ofsaccharin hinders but does not prevent gastric digestmion.A per-centage of 0.0064 has no such effect. Benzoic acid in similar amountshas the same effect; salicylic acid a stronger effect. Saccharinhinders the amylol y tic action of saliva, especially in a neutral solution,but not so much as does salicylic acid; benzoic acid, on the otherhand, is not so active. As the sweetness of saccharin is 280 timesgreater than that of cane-sugar, it can be, substituted for the latter incommon use. The taste is pleasanter on neutralising and diluting.It can also be used to prevent fermentative changes in the stomach,in the urinary bladder, and for disinfection generally.W. D. H.Physiological Action of Santonin and its Derivatives. ByF. COPPOLA (Chem. Centr., 1887, 1206, 1208-1209, 1301-1302 ; fromRend.R. Acc. Lincei [4], 3, 513-521, 573-578).-0ne per cent.solutions of santonin, of photosantonin, and of isophotosantonin inolive oil, at. 38", do not kill the ascarides lumbricoidi of the pig.Whilst, however, the two first-named substances increase the move-ments of the animal and cause convulsions, with isophotosantonin thereverse is the case. The other santonin-derivatives examined re-semble the two first in their action on the worms. It was also foundthat doses of 1.25 grams of santonin daily administered to the pigdidnot kill the worms. The action of santonin 011 worms resembles itsaction on vertebrate animals. In order to lessen the toxic effects oPHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. 311the drug on the animal to which it is given i t is advisable to usesantoninoxime (Cannizzaro, Rend.B. Acc. Lincei, 1885, 703) which isinsoluble in water, easily soluble in oils and fats, but not in crganicacids, nor is it acted on by the gastric juice. The increased activityof the worms leads to increased peristaltic action of the intestine,which thus voids them. In the urine, santoninoxime passes out slowlyas santonin ; it is less poisonous than santonin, b u t is equally effica-cious in its action on the pmasites.Experiments were also performed in order to see whether the photo-santonin-derivatives differed in their action from that of santonin, andalso to discover if any relation existed between physiological actionand the power of solutions of these compounds to rotate the plane ofpolarised light.Photosantonic acid, C15H2a05, has a narcotic action 011frogs, doses of 0.02 to 0.03 gram abolishing first voluutary move-ment, then the movements of respiration ; the heart and reflexes arebut little affected : doses of 0.04-0*06 gram first diminish, a,nd thenabolish reflexes, and stop the heart in diastole. I n vertebrate animalsthe action is similar, except that the reflexes are not affected. Photo-santonin, C,7H2101, acts in the same way, but on account of its smallersolubiiity the effects are not so marked. Snntonin, CuH,,03, itself,and sodium santonate cause as their chief symptoms convulsions ; itseems then that the action of light is to modify the physiologicalaction of these cornpounds on the nervous system ; the action on therespiratory and circulatory systems is, however, the same.Santonicacid, C15H2004, in doses of 0.03 gram, causes no effect in frogs ; 0.04 to0.05 gram produces narcosis, abolishes respiratory movements, butdoes not lessen reflexes. Larger doses affect the reflexes and kill theanimal ; if the dose is not lethal, the animal experiences clonic con-vulsions like those produced by santonin, as the narcosis passes off.In a rabbit of 1 kilo. body-weight, doses of 1 to 1.5 gram appliedhypodermically have no effect: 2 to 3 grams caused sleep in 4 to 1hour, and, like santonin, epileptic convulsions. There is no action onthe circulation, except with lethal doses, which stop the heart in dia-stoie : atropine does not antagonise this action ; this acid thus pro-duces the effect of santonin combined with that of the photo-com-pounds, both narcosis and convulsions.Santonic and isosantonicacids act like photosantonic acid. Isophotosantonin, C17H2101, isno hypnotic, but easily causes strong convulsions. Isophotosantonicacid, C15H22[4]05, acts similarly, but is weaker. The derivatives ofsantonin that cause convulsions do so by their action on the medulla,not on the spinal cord. The photo-derivatives contain, like santonin,a closed naphthalene nucleus, and the differences on their constitutionare to be found in the side-chains. There was found to be no connec-tion between physiological action and the direction or amount of rota-tion of the plane of polarised light.Physiological Action of Thallin.By G. PrsENfrr (f%em. Centr.,1887, 1149-1150 ; from Amh. ItaZ. Bid., 7, 134--141).-Jaksch(Zeit. KZirL. bled., 8 ) states that thallin is a strong febrifuge, but onewhich has no influence on the course of the disease. I n the presentresearch i t was found that small doses (0.025-0*075 gram) lower theW. D. H312 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS.temperature of fever patients directly a d considerably, but only fora short time : and as Jaksch states, there is no alteration in the cmrseof the malady which causes the high temperature. The salt used wasthe sulphate. This salt hinders putrefaction, lowers the blood pres-sure considerably, and leaves the body by the liver and kidneys.Subcutaneous injection is not dangerous.Action of Brucine and Strychnine. By T. J. MAYS (J. Ph?ysiot.,8, 391--403).-1t was found that in the frog the physiological effectsof poisoning by strychnine and brucine respectively differ as fol-lows :-(1.) Brucine pi-imarilp affects tho posterior, whilst, strychnineaffects the anterior extremities. (2.) Convulsions appear very earlyin strychnine, and not at all or very late in brucine poisoning. (!.)Convulsions invariably develop before death occurs in strychninepoisoning, whilst death often occurs in brucine poisoning without atrace of spasm. (4.) Rrucine diminishes sensibility when locallyapplied, whilst strychnine does not,. (5.) The local anaesthetic effectof brucine appears to bear a direct relationship t o its degree offreedom from strychnine.W. D. H.W. D. H.Physiological Action of Caffeine. By F. COPPOLA (Chem.Centr., 1887, 1209-1210 ; from Ann. Chim. IFarm., 8, 10-38).-From the result of numerous experiments on both cold- and warm-blooded animals the following conclusions are drawn :-Gaff e'ine doesnot belong to the same pharmacological group as digitalin, becauseit acbs on the heart and the nerve-centres, whilst digitalin and theglucosides derived from i t are characterised by their exclusive actionon the heart. Both strengthen the heart's action by stimulation ofthe muscular tissue of that organ, but they act differently on thefrequency of t6he beat. The chief difference is, however, that caffe'inecauses dilatation and digitalin contraction of the blood-vessels. Inmany cases of cardiac degeneration where digitalis is useless caffeinedoes much good.The dilatation of the vessels produced by caffei'ne renders it a,valuable drug in cases of cerebral anmmia and consequent headachedue to contraction of the cerebral vessels ; though whether this drugwould be useful in migraine it is impossible at present. to say. IW. D. H.Physiological Action of CocaYne. By C. SIGHICELLI (Chem.Centr., 1887, 1150 ; from Arch. Itat. Biol., 7, 128-133) .-Coca'inecauses complete paralysis of the muscles of the eyeball, and indeed ofall small striped muscles. On dropping about 1 c c. of a 2 per cent.solution of the hydrochloride into the eye, the above takes place inabout 10 minutes. It causes widening of the pupil and paralysis ofthe iris. It has the same action on the smooth muscles of the intes-tine. W. D. H