AND ITS APPLICATION 



in later, than in the dialysation process. We remove 

 part of the decomposition from the influence of the 

 ferment, when we convert albumen into peptone in the 

 test-tube. It must be our aim to maintain the peptone 

 mixture in as high a molecular state as is possible, 

 as experience has shown, that decomposites of too low 

 molecularity are not attacked by some kinds of serum, 

 which decompose more highly molecular peptones. 

 It is very clearly shown, in this connection, that the 

 conception of the unity of the proteolytic ferments 

 does not correspond at all with the reality. There is 

 not the slightest doubt, that different ferments exist 

 for different stages of decomposition. The principal 

 problem, in the application of the optical method to 

 biological questions, was the elaboration of a method 

 of dealing with highly molecular peptones, which are 

 very closely related to the albumens. 



The Application of the Optical Method.- -This 

 is very simple, i c.c. of serum, absolutely free from 

 haemoglobin, is placed in a test-tube. It must not 

 contain any form-elements, and must be sterile. 

 To this is added i c.c. of a 5 to 10 per cent, solution 

 of peptone, prepared from the organ in question. 

 Of course, peptones may also be prepared from bacilli, 

 or else from certain proteins. The serum is mixed 

 with the peptone solution and poured into a polar- 

 ization tube, of a capacity of 2 c.c., and the 

 angle of rotation of the mixture, at a temperature of 



