ii. 48 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. Physiologiaal Chemistry. Putting into Action of the Human Machine JULEH AMAR (Compt. rend. 1910 151 892-894).-A subject set to do muscular work immediately on rising from lsleep showed a sudden temporary diminution in his respiratory quotient. This reached a minimum at 0.82 after four minutes from the commencement of the experiment j after four minutes' rest it had risen to 0.99 but at ,the end of four minutes' furthet exertion it fell to 0*86. The Question of the Oxidation of the Products'of Zgmin Fermentation during Respiration. LEONID IWANOFF (Biocltem. Zeitsch. 1910 28 347-349).-I?olemical .in reply to Kostytschew (Abstr. 1910 ii 148). The Isoelectric Constants of the Constituents of Blood. corpuscles and their Relationship to Haemolysis by Acids.' LEONOR MICHAELIS and DENGO TAKAHASTU (Biochem Zeitsch.1 9 10 29 439-452).-The methods employed were chose repeatedly used by w. 0. w. W. J. Y.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 49 Michaelis and his collaborators in the previous investigations on pro- teins namely the determinations of the hydrogen ion concentration in which coagulation most readily takes place and the method of electrical cataphoresis. They also determined the hydrogen ion con- centration in which haemolysis takes place. The coagulation optimum for the stroma substance of all the species of blood investigated was I"'] = 1.10-5. The isoelectric constant of oxyhEmoglobin is Red blood-corpuscles in isotonic solution remain intact when [H'] = 1.10-5. On further addition of acids haemolysis takes place.On the assumption that the coagulation optimum con- centration of hydrogen ions represents the isoelectric point the conclusion is drawn that bhe haemoglobin is only hsld intact in the corpuscles when they are negstively charged. He] = 1.8 x 10-7. S. B. S. Influence of Electrolytes and Non-electrolytes on the Permeability of Red-Blood Corpuscles. MIROSLAV MICULICICH (Zeatr. Physiol. 19 10 24 523-527).-The effect was ascertained of the separate addition of a number of salts and non-electrolytes on the time of complete haemolysis of defibrinated ox-blood by urethane alcohol and saponin. The substances were added in such a concentra- tion that the resulting mixtures were isotonic with 0.97% sodium chloride. By employing different salts of the same base the anions were arraaged into a comparative group for each haemolysin in order of the length of time required for hsmolysis.I n a similar manner by using different salts of the same acid the cations were arranged into a similar group. It was found that with very few exceptions the order of grouping of both anions and cations was the same for urethane and alcohol but differed markedly in the case of saponin. This is explained by the fact that saponin brings about haemolysis in a different manner from the other two. The differences in the times of haemolysis observed with the various salts is attributed to the different influence of the electrolytes on the permeability of the blood- cells to the haemolysin. Differences were also obtained in the cases of non-electrolytes.W. J. Y Permeability of Red Corpuscles in Physiological Conditions especially to Alkali and Alkali-earths. G. GRYNS (P'roc. K. Akad. Wetenscli. Amsterdam 19 10 489 -491).-Hamburger's data and conclusions (Abstr. 1910 ii 1080) on this subject are questioned. W. D. II. The Influence of Oxidation in Living Cells according to Researches on the Red Corpuscles. OTTO WARBURG (Zeitsch. piysiol. Chem. 1910 69 452-462).-Experiments on the red corpus- cles of the goose suspended in Locke's solution confirm the views of Overton and H. Meyer on the importance of the lipoid membrane in oxidation and narcosis. The general result of the action of various reagents the solubilities of which in water and oil are given is that the occurrence of a lipoid phase influences chemical changes which diminish oxidation more than the occurrence of a watery phase.VOL. C. ii. 4 W. D. H.ii. 50 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. Hemolysis 'by Ammonia Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Carbonate. OSCAR GROS (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1910 29 350-366).- The relationship between the concentration OF the ammonia and carbonate and the time necessary for complete hydrolysis can be represented by the equation cm.t = k (where c = concentration t = time k = constant) in which the exponent m varies between 0.65 and 0.71. The ammonia or carbonate appears to be adsorbed by the corpuscle and the amount adsorbed regulates the rate of hydrolysis. This relation- ship only holds so long as the amount of ammonia present is large compared with that used in hzmolysis or by-reactions.When small quantities of ammonia are employed so that the time necessary for complete bsmolysis is large nearly all the ammonia is adsorbed and the rate of hsmolysis is proportional to the amount of ammonia and inversely proportional t o the concentration of blood-corpuscles. I n the case of sodium hydroxide the reaction equation is C13. t = k. It was only possible to investigate t h i s reaction in low concentrations. S. B. S. A Proof of the Presence of Toxic Substances in the Blood of Animals after Thyroidectomy. PAUL TRENDELENBURG (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1910 29 396-407).-1t has been shown by Reid Hunt (Abstr. 1905 ii 847) that mice which have been fed on thyroid gland or on blood from cases of Basedow's disease (exophthalmic goitre) are able to withstand injections of acetonitrile many times as large as the amount required to kill normal mice.A similar resistance is now obtained by feeding mice on the blood of cats from which the thyroid gland has been removed. The conclusion is drawn that this is due to the presence of toxic subatances in the blood of the cats and thus adds support to the hypothesis that the thyroid gland functions as a remover of these poisons. The Behaviour of Chlorine in Serum. W. J. Y. PETER RONA (Biochem. Zeitsch. 1910 29 501-508).-The author has employed the method originally used by him for investigating the state of sugar in the blood. H e has placed serum in dialysing membranes and surrounded them with salt solutions of varying concentrations and thereby found a con- centration which does not alter on dialysis.This concentration corresponds with the amount of free sodium chloride in the serum. From the results the conclusion is drawn that the whole of the chloride in serum is free and not united to the protein. Nevertheless the chlorine in the serum directly determined was less than t h a t found by the dialysis method. The difference although small was appreciable and the author ascribes i t to tho fact that the real concentration of chloride in the serum is greater than the apparent owing to the fact that the proteins occupy a definite volume in the serum. S . B. S. The Origin of the Hydrochloric Acid in the Gastric Tubules. MABEL P. FITZGERALD (Prpc. Roy. Xoc. 1910 B 83 56-93).-An historical account is given of the various micro-chemical tests which have been employed by many workers in order to locate the seat of formation of the hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY.ii. 51 Although evidence connects this origin with the parietal cells of the gastric tubules hitherto no certainty of this has been attained neither has it been proved that hydrochloric acid exists in a demonstrable form in the secretion of the glands before this reaches the free surfaceof the Solutions containing potassium ferrocyanide 1 -5% and ammonium ferric citrate 2.25% were injected into rabbits and guinea-pigs and the animals killed from three to thirty hours after the first injection. 'l'his mixture readily formed Prussian blue with hydrochloric acid of a much less concentration than that contained in the gastric juice but gave no reaction with sodium phosphate or carbon dioxide.Micro- scopical sections from the stomach showed the presenca of Prussian blue in the lumina of the gland tubules and in the canaliculi in the parietal cells. Hydrochloric acid was thus shown to be already in the free state in the secretion as it appears in the canaliculi. No definite evidence was obtained of the occurrence of free hydrochloric acid in the cytoplasm of the parietal cells although a faint blue coloration occasionally observed in them seemed to indicate its presence. The source of the hydrochloric acid in the parietal cells is attributed to the chlorides which mere shown to be present in greater abundance than in the chief cells or the adjacent tissue elements.nlUC0SL. W. J. Y. Oxalic Acid Metabolism. JULIUS POHL (Zeitsch. exp. Path. 1910 '8 308-311).-The contention of Tomaszewski (Abstr. 1910 ii 425) that oxalic acid is oxidised by the animal organism is denied. Oxalic acid which was injected into dogs was recovered unchanged from the urine whilst oxalic acid was not destroyed by incubation with a paste made by grinding the liver of a rabbit. Parabanic acid was injected into a dog and was subsequently found in the urine partly unchanged and partly changed into oxalic acid. The two acids were estimated as follows a portion of the urine was boiled with ammonia to convert the parabanic acid into oxalic acid and the totdl amount of the latter determined as calcium salt. Another portion was precipitated with normal lead acetate to remove the oxalic acid and the parabanic acid in the filtrate converted into oxalic acid with ammonia and determined as such.It is suggested that parabanic acid is possibly a source of the oxalic acid normally found in the animal organism and that at an inter- mediate stage oxaluric acid is formed. W. J. Y. Protein M e t a b A s m of the Dog and the Effect of Feeding with Protein and Protein Cleavage P r o d u c t s on the Secretion of Bile with Special Reference to Time Relationships. ADAM LOEB (Zeitsch. B~ol. 1910 55 167-235).-The quantity of bile depends on the quantity and kind of protein administered; casein and gliadin are less effective than flesh. It therefore appears that i t is not formation of urea but its work in dealing with the nitrogen- free residue that causes in the liver the increase of bile formatioa.Peptone increases bile formation. The excretion of sulphur in the bile is in the first four hours after a meal about twice as great as in the next four hours The excretion of ammouia in the urine falls 4-2ii. 58 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS after a meal and is at the maximum in the night. This depends on changes in the alkalinity of the body which accompany the secre- tion of digestive juices. I n the period of digestion also relatively more acid equivalents in the form of sulphates and phosphates are excreted than in the period of rest. The fixed alkali behaves in the same way. The flow of bile somewhat elevates excretion of ammonia; in abundant protein feeding ammonia is excreted in absolutely higher but relatively lower amount.After feeding there is a decrease in the excretion of phosphates. On a protein-rich diet a greater amount of the nitrogen is excreted in the first third of the day than on a protein-poor diet ; the same is true for protein cleavage products. I n a dog with a biliary fistula nitrogenous equilibrium and even retention can be maintained on abiuretic protein products provided the nitrogen given is above the protein minimum. The excretion of “neutral sulphur” in such a dog is higher during the digestive period than during rest but the relationship of this to the sulphur in the food mils not determined. The output of sulphates on a protein-rich diet is most marked during the digestive period and this increase appears more rapidly than that of nitrogen excretion.W. D. H. Digestion and Absorption of Nucleic Acid in the Alimen- tary Canal. E. S. LONDON and ALFRED SCHITTENHELM (Zeitsch. physiol. Chem. 1910 70 10-18).-Previous work on this question has mainly consisted of investigations in vitro. The present experi- ments were carried out in vivo in dogs with fistulae. Nucleic acid is neither altered nor absorbed in the stomach but chemical changes occur in the intestine; a small amount of purine bases is liberated but the greater part of the nucleic acid is split into dialysable compounds which contain organically-united purine substances. Following Levene’s work these are nucleosides or nucleotides but they were not identified more closely The absorption of such com- pounds occurs in the lower jejunum and ileum The digestive juices contain no purine bases on a purine-free diet. W.D H. The Inhibition by Cholesterol of the Irritating Action of Oleic Acid. F. W. LAMB (J. Path. Bact. 1910 15 129).-In a study of the absorption of triolein and oleic acid in the frog’s intestine the investigation was complicated by the irritating effect of these substances; this may be obviated by mixing oleic acid with a n equimolecular amount of cholesterol. Powell White obtained similar results on subcutaneous injection of the same substances. W. D. H. The Action of Drugs on the Cerebral Vessels. WALTER E. DIXON and WILLIAN D. HALLIBURTON (Quart. J. exp. Physiol. 1910 3 316-318).-The experiments were performed on the carefully isolated brains of dogs; these were perfused with Ringer’s solution at constant pressure and the rate of outflow noted by a drop record. The cerebral blood vessels respond towards drugs in the manner similar to the pulmonary and coronnry vessels.Adrenaline,PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 53 pilocarpine and muscarine drugs well recognised as acting on uerve- endings cause some dilatation although they always produce marked constxiction of systemic vessels. It is probable that the dilator action is confined to the larger blood vessels and it is suggested that the action is due to an effect on vaso-dilator nerves Barium lead veratrine and pituitary extract cause some constriction the inference being that these drugs here as elsewhere act directly on muscle. The constriction with pituitary extract is slight and transient and is followed by dilatation.W. D. H. The Synthetic Formation of Amino-acids in the Liver. GUSTAV EMBDEN and ERNST SCHMITZ (Biochern. Zeitsch. 1910 29 423-428).-0n perfusion of a glycogen-poor liver with p-hydroxy- phenylpyruvic acid tyrosine could be isolated in the form of t,he dinaphthalenesulphonyl derivative and after perfusion of p-phenyl- pyruvic acid phenylalanine could be isolated in the form of a carbamic acid. Leucic acid on perfusion gave rise apparently to leucine- carbamic acid. Furthermore by simple perfusion of a glycogen-rich liver part of the glycogen appears to give rise to alanine ; lactic acid and pyruvic acid being apparently formed as intermediate products. 8. B. S. A Synthesis with Acetic Acid in the Artificially Perfused Liver.OTTO NEUBAUER and OTTO WM~BUIW (Zeitd. physiol. Chem. 1910 70 l-g).-In the artificially perfused dog’s liver if the liquid contains dLaininophenylacetic acid there is formed d-acetylarnino- phenylacetic acid [n adhition to phenylglyoxylic and I-mandeli; acids. W. D. H. Probable Function of Cholesterol in the Production of Uric Acid in the Animal Organism. F. TRAETTA-MOSCA and F. APOLLONI (Gacxoetta 1910 40 ii 368-377. Compare following abstract).-When a mixture of calf’s liver and cholesterol or phyto- sterol to which a little ammonia has been added is incubated in presence of toluene for two days uric acid is formed. Neither the liver done nor cholesterol nor putrefying liver yields any uric acid in these circumstances. When the liver has been boiled no production of uric acid from the mixture can be observed.The authors suppose that by oxidation of the cholesterol a-hydroxyisobutyric ‘acid is formed and that this combines with 2 molecules of urea to produce uric acid. The reaction is effected by ferments contained in the liver. R. V. S. Importance of a-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid in the Form- ation of Uric Acid from Cholesterol by means of Calf’s Liver. F. TRAETTA- MOSCA and GOLDA MIZZENMACHER (Gccxxettcc 1910 40 ii 378-388. Compare preceding abstract).-In confirma- tion of the hypothesis that a-hydroxyisobutyric acid is formed as an intermediate product when uric acid is producted from cholesterol and calf’s liver in presence of ammonia the authors find that when a-hydroxyisobutyric acid is mixed with calf’s liver physiological salineii.54 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. solution and ammonia and the mixture incubated for two days in presence of toluene and chloroform uric acid is produced. The reaction proceeds better in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide than in air. When no hydroxyisobutyric acid is added smaller quantities of uric acid are formed. Urea added to the mixture does not increase the amount of uric acid produced. The ammonia seems to play a lending part in the reaction. When the liver has been previously boiled no uric acid is formed. The addition of glycerol sodium butyrate or fermentation lactic acid instead of hydroxyisobutyric acid does not lead to an increased formation of uric acid. The estimations of uric acid were effected by the Ludwig-Salkowski method.R. V. S. Differentiation of the Tryptic and Proteolytic (Autolytic) Actions of the Liver. FRIEDRICH SIMON (Zeitsch. physiol. Chem. 1910,70 65-84).-The course of digestion of various proteins under the influence of trypsin and the autolytic enzyme of the liver are compared; the points to which special attention is paid are the amounts of coagulable nitrogen uncoagulable nitrogen and ammonia a t various stages. The two enzymes manifest differences the principal one being that the digestion of the insoluble protein goes on longer in autolytic than in pancreatic digestion and there is also perhaps a temporary activity of synthetic processes noticeable in the former case. W. D. H. The Influence by Salt Ions of Autolysis. LEO BRULL (Biochem. Zeitsch.19 10 29 408-41 3)-In concentrations of N/ 1 0 the chlorides of the alkaline earths increase the autolysis more than do the salts of the alkalis in the same relative concentration. The action of calcium chloride is more marked than that of the other chlorides of the alkaline earths. Loeb's solution does not increase the rate of action. S. B. S. The Stimulating Action of Lipoids on the Action of Liver Diastase. EuaENro CENTANNI ( Biochem. Zeitsch. 1 91 0 29 389-394).-Lipoids of egg-yo1 k blood intestine etc. increaw the rate of action of the natural liver diastase from which lipoids had been removed by ether. The lipoids of the liver itself also increased the action. The activating action is not due to the reaction or to dialysable constituents and tbe activating substance is not destroyed by prolonged boiling.The dialysable lipoid substances are however also capable of reactivating the diastase of the parenchyma which had been extracted with ether. The lipoids of yeast exerted no action. S. B. S. Glycolysis. The Oxidative Destruction of Sugar by the Action of Organic Preparations. WALTHER LOB and GEORCI PULVERMACHER (Biochem. Zeitsch. 19 10 29 3 16-346).-The organic preparation which stimulated the oxidative destruction of sugar either by hydrogen peroxide or oxygen was prepared by precipitating the alcoholic extract of pancreas with iron salts (ferric or ~~W-QUF),PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 55 It was thought from the experiments of Minkowski and Cohnheim that the secretion by the pancreas was an active agent in stimulating the peroxydase of the iron containing blood-pigment ; hence the employment of the preparation mentioned.Its action was studied i n some detail under varying conditions. Pepsin and pancreatin digestion do not destroy the oxidative properties. It is not entirely stable to heat although different preparations vary in this respect. Amongst the sugar products isolated were formaldehyde (very small quantities) small amounts of carbon dioxide and also formic acid and poly b ydroxy-acids. Pentose mas also found in relatively large quantities. I t has not yet been determined whether similar prepara- tions other than those derived from the pancreas exert a like action. s. B. s. Physiology of Glands. ” XVI. The Internal Secretion of the Thyroid and its Formation under the Influence of Nerve-Stimulation.LEON ASHER and MARTIN FLACK (Zeitsch. Biol. 1910 55 83-166).-The internal secretion of the thyroid increases the excitability of the depressor nerve and the activity of adrenaline in raising arterial pressure. The secretory nerves of the thyroid are contained in the laryngeal (especially the superior) nerve. If these nerves are stimulated the depressor nerve action and the action of adrenaline are increased Removal of the thyroid abolishes tbe effect. Injection of iodothyrin does not produce these results but injection of thyroid extract does ; thyroid extract contains other active substances. The great elevation of blood pressure produced by a combination of an excitation of the thyroid’s secretory nerves and an injection of adrenaline does not occur when the depressor nerves are cut.The secretion of the thyroid and injection of thyroid extract have in themselves no effect on pulse or blood-pressure The bearing of these observations on Basdow’s disease is discussed. w. D. H. The Inhibition of the Action of Chemical Muscle-stimuli by Non-electrolytes. VELYEN E. HENDERSON (Zentr. Physiol. 19 10 24 5 19-523).-Non-electrolytes such as dextrose sucrose and mannitol in the presence of sodium salts were found to inhibit the exciting action of guanidine and oxalic acid on muscle. Moreover the convulsions of the muscle produced in it mixture of the stimulant and sodium chloride ceased on the addition of the non-electrolytes. The ssme results were obtained when Ringer’s solution was employed in place of sodium chloride.The action is attributed to an exosmosis of the active ions in the presence of the non-electrolyte. W. J. Y. The Inhibitory Influence of Magnesium on the Direct Excitability of Frog’s Muscle and the Antagonistic Effects of Sodium and Calcium on this Influence. DON R. JOSEPH and SAMUELJ. M E L T Z E R ( C ~ ~ ~ Zentr. 191o,ii,237; fromzent?.. Physiol. 1910 24 7-S).-Solutions of magnesium sulphate diminish the direct and indirect excitability of frog’s muscles to induction shocks. Sodium restores the direct and calcium after or together with sodium restoresii. 56 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. the indirect excitability. If the magnesium salt is injected into the lymph sac the sodium of tho lymph prevents thelinhibition of the direct excitability and the simultaneous injection of calcium chloride restores the indirect excitability.The Influence of Different Substances on the Gaseous Exchange of the Surviving Muscular Tissue of Frog’s. 1V.-IX. TORSTEN THUNBERG (Shnd. Arch. PhysioZ. 191 0 24 23-61 62-71 72-74 75-79 80-85 86-89. Compare Abstr. 1910 ii 54 523).-The investigations were conducted on the lines of the author’s previous work. Thirty-eight organic acids were in- vestigated; although many lessen the gaseous exchange none act in the specific way namely by lessening the output of carbon dioxide which was previously found to be the result of oxalic malonic and succinic acids. Succinic acid produces the most marked effect. Various narcotics and antiseptics lessen the gaseous exchange in varying degrees without altering the respiratory quotient ; among the antiseptics phenol has the greatest and boric acid the least effect.Fumaric malic and citric acids in very small concentrations increase the amount of anoxybiotic carbon dioxide products ; the question arises whether specific enzymes are responsible for their production Potassium fluoride lessens the gaseous exchange,. and like the organic acids specially affects the substances that yield carbon dioxide ; potassium chloride bromide and iodide are indifferent substances in this relation. Potassium chlorate has no effect but the bromate and especially the iodate are toxic to muscle. The bromine compounds of succinic fumaric and maleic acids act like the dicarboxylic acids in raising the respiratory quotient ; in the metabolism of muscle these acids probably enter the muscle substance.The Chemical Conditions Neceesary for the Maintenance of the Normal Cell Structure. I. and 11. ERIK MATTEO PROCHET WIDNARK (Skand. Archiu. PhysioZ. 1910 23 421-429 ; 24 13 22). -1. Weighed portions of muscular tissue from frogs finely minced were allowed to soak in isotonic saline solutions t o which varying quantities of solutions of calcium strontium barium and magnesium chlorides were added. The loss of weight undergone by the tissue owing to this treatment was estimated. I n the case of calcium chloride the tissue undergoes its maximal loss of weight (37%) when the caIcium chloride attains the concentration of 15 millimols. per litre. Similar results were obtained with barium and strontium chlorides but the action of magnesium chloride is very much less marked.11. To account for shrinking of the cell after treatment with calcium salts it is suggested that the calcium precipitates the phosphates in the interior of the cell. No evidence of this hypothesis could however be obtained experimentally as muscular tissue from which the greater part of the phosphorus had been removed by washing with isotonic saline solution also showed loss of weight on treatment with calcium salts. Furthermore if citrates are added in addition to the calcium salts to prevent precipitation of phosphate loss of weight also took place. W. D. H. W. D. H. S. B. S.PHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 57 The Reducing Action of the Tissues. WALTER STRASSNER (Biochm.Zeitsch. 1910,29,295-310).-The author has measured the reducing action of tissues on methylene-blue using the method of Knecht and Hibbert (titanium chloride method) for estimating the dye. The author draws the conclusion that the reducing action is due to the sulphhydryl group in the tissues in spite of the facts that heating autolysis and hydrocyanic acid diminish the reducing action. He shows however that hydrocyanic acid also diminishes the reducing action of thiolacetic acid and suggests that autoxidation or heat- ing may destroy the sulphhydryl group. Starvation phosphorus poisoning and other actions which produce fatky tissues diminish the reducing capacity of the tissues which is unaffected however by poisoning with mercuric chloride chloral hydrate and other drugs.S. B. S. The Staining of Fat by Nile-blue Sulphate. J. LORRAIN SMITH (J. Path. Bact 1910 15 53-55).-When the fat in the human tissues is neutral Nile-blue sulphate colours it red ; but if the f a t contains much fatty acid the globules take a colour compounded of blue and red in variable proportions. The blue staining of the fatty acid is due to the union of the colour base (oxazine) with the acid in the form of a soap-like compound. As a rule lipoids contain fat in a neutral form but hydrolysis readily occurs and so blue staining may be obtained. The red substance as Thorpe showed (Trans. 1907 93 324) is not present in the Nile-blue sulphate in dry powder but it appears in aqueous solutions of the dye because the oxazine base spontaneously oxidises into oxazone; in the same way it imparts a red colour to liquid neutral fat.Some confusion has arisen in the work of recent investigators as they have regarded the oxazine base and the oxazone as the same thing and in accordance with this assumption they have applied to the double staining of fat the theory of metachromatism by the base set free in aqueous solution by hydrolytic dissociation. Such conclusions are unwarranted. W. D. H. The Resorption of Choleaterol and Cholesteryl Esters. H. A. KLEIN and ADOLF MACKUS-LEVY (Biockem. Zeitsch. 1910 29 465-471).-The authors investigated the amount of cholesterol in the faeces of a dog on a fixed diet to which were added cholesterol and cholesteryl oleate. It was found that a somewhat larger proportion of the former was resorbed than of the latter.Various data are given as to the amount of cholesterol in eggs butter brain and other substances and the suggestion is made that the synthesis of cholesterol in the animal body can be investigated by estimating the amount formed in fowl's eggs when the birds are kept on diets containing varying amounts of cholesterol. The Occurrence of Deoxycholic Acid in Gall Stones. WILLIAM K~STER (Zeitsch. physiol. C'hem. 1910 69 463-465)- The occurrence of deoxycholic acid in the gall stones of oxen was regarded as probable seeing that it is so easily derived from cholic acid by reduc- tion. Evidence is adduced to show that this is the case. S. B. S. W. D. H.ii. 58 ARSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. The Alteration in the Excretion of Amino-acids or Sub- stances Titratable with Formaldehyde as a Cause of the Increase in the Gal.N Ratio after Great Loss of Blood. DIONYS FUCHS (Zeitsch. physiol. Chern. 1910 69 482-490).-The amount of amino-acid nitrogen in the urine (dog and rabbit) is increased by great loss of blood both absolutely and relatively to the total nitrogen. The condition does not again become normal until three weeks later. A second bleeding produces a still more marked effect. There is no special effect on ammonia excretion. The increase in the Cal. N ratio (energy quotient) is in part at least due to the rise of amino-acid excretion. W. D. H. The Influence of Prolonged Inanition on the Excretion of Amino-acids or Substances Titratable with Formaldehyde. DIONPS FUCHS (Zeilsch.physiol. Chem. 19 10 69 491-495).-1n the later stages of inanition the amount of amino-acid nitrogen in the urine rises absolutely but not relatively to the total nitrogen; the ante-mortem rise of total nitrogen is therefore not to be attributed to the increased excretion of amino-acids. Lactic acid and other fatty acids increase a t this stage and ammonia usually falls. A Yellow Substance in the Urine. L. DE JAGER (Zeitsch. physiol. Chem. 191 0 70 60-64j.-A yellow precipitate is produced in the urine by the addition of hydrochloric acid and formaldehyde. It contains neither urobilin nor urochrome but appears to be a compound of urea. The Detection and Formation of Aromatic Substances in the Body. 11. The Behaviour of Indole and Scatole in Rabbits. FERDINAND BLUMENTHAL and ERNST JACOBY (Biochem.Zeitsch. 1910 29 472-487).-To account for the presence of indole in the urine of starving rabbits which has been assigned amongst other causes to haemorrhage to delay of faeces in the intestine during starvation and consequeot putrefaction etc. the authors have tested the contents of the intestines of rabbits when fed and during starvation. They find that the tests with ether or benzol extracts of fsces are untrustworthy probably owing to extraction of urobilinogen and other causes but that satisfactory results are obtained with the Ehrlich vanillin and heliotropin read ions with the aqueous distillates from faeces. I n the case of fasting animals the contents of the large but not of the small intestine contain indole and in the case of fed animals the latter also sometimes contains phenol.After injection of indole and scatole indole substances are found in the contents of the alimentary tract. I n view of Jaffe's investigations on the supposed indole-3-carboxylic acid in normal urines the urines of fed and starving rabbits were also investigated and indole-yielding substances (obtained on distillation of the urine) were found in the urine of both but more especially in those urines in which the indican reaction was positive. S. B. S. W. D. H. W. D. H. The Oxydase Reaction in Myeloid Tissues. JOHN SHAW DUNN (J. Puth. Bnct. 1910 15 20-30).-The oxidisiag property sfPHYSIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. ii. 59 leucocytes was first pointed out by Vitali in 1887 when he showed that pus added to tincture of guaiacum produces a blue reaction without the addition of hydrogen peroxide ; this property is destroyed by heat.The precipitate obtained by adding alcohol to a chloro- form extract of pus has the same power so also have organs rich in granular leucocytes such as bone-marrow but not purely lymphocytic organs like lymph glands or thymus (Brandenburg). The blood in myelogenous leucaemia has the same property and as it belongs only to granular leucocytes the reaction may be used in diagnosis (E. Meyer). I n the present research i t is shown that the synthesis of indophenol from a-naphthol and p-phenylenedimethyldiamine is produced with great rapidity as shown by the microscopic examination of blood films by the polynuclear and eosinophile leucocytes fairly rapidly by hyaline leucocytes and by the myelocytes of marrow and in IeucEmic blood.It is produced less readily by basophile leucocytes but not by lymphocytes red corpuscles or by normal tissue elements with the exception of parotid and lachrymal gland epithelium. The occurrence of the reaction in large hyaline leucocytes confirms Ehrlich's view that they originate in bone-marrow. The oxidising substance exhibits considerable resistance to heat and its effects can therefore be observed in most cases in tissues submitted to the paraffin method of imbedding but i t is desirable in the investigation of the more embryonic forms of myeloid cells that unfixel films or sections should be examined also. W. D. H. The Wassermann Reaction in Rabbits Infected with the Trypanosomes of Nagana and the Effect of Treatment with Arsenophenylglycine (Ehrlich).CARL H. BROWNING and I. MCKENZIE (J. Path. Bact. 1910 15 127-128).-No safe conclusion as to the action of pathogenic protozoa can be based on the Wasser- mann reaction in t h e case of rabbits; for instance normal rabbits may give a positive reaction. This and other irregularities are fairly common in the lower animals. Arsenophenplglycine is a therapeutic agent of high efficiency in trypanosome infections in rabbits. W. D. H. The Behaviour of p-Hydroxyphenyl-lactic Acid and p-Hydroxyphenylpyruvic Acid in the Animal Body. YASHIRO KOTAKE (Zeitsch. physiol. Chem. 1910 69 409-419).-1- and dl-p- Hydroxyphenyl-lactic acids are almost completely unchanged in the body and are excreted unchanged in the urine ; p-hydroxyphenyl- pyruvic acid is almost completely destroyed.This agrees well with Neubauer's work and views on alcaptonuria. W. D. H. The Phyeiological Action of an Ergot base and of 4-p- Aminoethylglyoxaline. FRIEDRICH KUTSCHER (C'hem. Zentr. 19 10 ii 327-328 ; from Zentr. Physiol. 1910 24 163-165).-The bases precipitable by silver nitrate from extract of ergot are separable into two fractions one precipitable by ammonia and silver nitrate the other precipitable by silver nitrate and barium hydroxide. From the first fraction the picrolonate and the chloride (as hygroscopic crystals) were . *ii. 60 ABSTRACTS OF CHEMICAL PAPERS. prepared; this base gives Pauly’s diazo-reaction but not the biuret reaction. It causes lowering of the blood-pressure in rabbits heart slowing and stoppage OF respiration ; a few milligrams are fatal.I n this it differs from histidine which is physiologically inactive and from 4-/?-aminoethylglyoxaline which causes a rise of blood-pressure and is much less toxic. W. D. H. [Poisonoua Action of Sodium Chloride on Sea Urchin’s Eggs.] OTTO WARBURG (Zeitsch. physiol. Chem. 1910 60 496-497; Biochem. Zeitsch. 1910 29 414-415).-Polemical in regard to the work of Jacques Loeb and Wasteneys (Abstr. 1910 ii 1096). W. D. H. The Behaviour of Lead Compounds in the Human Stomach. THOMASON (Chent. Zentr. 1910 ii 328-329 ; from Xprecilsaccl 1910 43 325-327).-The effect of dilute (0.15 to 0.25%) hydrochloric acid on white lead and lead glaze at body temperature in the presence and absence of foods and pepsin was investigated. The percentage solubility of white lead in the stomach increases with a lessening of the food present; the solubility of lead is inversely proportional to the amount of protein and directly proportional to the amount of hydrochloric acid present. Toxicity of Some Inorganic rand Organic Arsenic Com- pounds and Tolerance to these Poisons. L. LAUNOY (Compt. rend. 1910 151 897-899).-The percentage of arsenic mas deter- mined in a number of compoundsof the element and the toxic dose for guinea-pigs found when the substances were administered by injection through the peritoneum. The following list shows the weight of arsenic in grams per kilogram of body-weight required to kill the animal in one to ten days sodium arsenate 0.006-0*012 ; sodium thioarsenate 0.00875 ; sodium thiotrioxyarsenate 0.0099 1 ; sodium cacodylate 0.091 25 ; sodium thiocacodylttte 0.07131 ; sodium methyl- arsinate 0.0254 ; sodium thiomethylarsinate 0.0256 ; atoxyl 0.0418 ; thioatoxyl 0*0221 ; acetylatoxyl 0*0481 ; acetylthioatoxyl 0.0266 ; colloidal arsenic 0.0083. It was not fonnd possible to establish tolerance to arsenic by W. D. H. prolonged administration of atoxyl in small doses. w. 0. w.