Natural History, 8fc. 187 



body, as the liver, intestines, &c. The substance obtained at the 

 negative pole besides alkali, contained much albumen and coagu- 

 lated by heat ; the fluid at the positive pole also contained a highly 

 uzotated substance. 



These experiments M. Matteucd considers as supporting the 

 opinion advanced above ; and considering the secreting viscera in 

 different feeble electric states, it is easy to conceive the production 

 of acid and alkaline substances characterizing the secretions, and 

 to understand the formation of new substances by the combination 

 of the nascent elements. The electric state of the organ secreting 

 particular fluids may also be deduced ; and still further it might 

 be expected, that alkaline secretions would contain substances 

 in which hydrogen and carbon formed the principal part ; whilst 

 acid secretions would contain bodies abounding more in oxygeu and 

 azote. A brief consideration of the analysis of those substances 

 which are found in the urine, milk, bile, saliva, &c., will shew 

 generally the truth of this deduction *. 



5. ON THE DISORDERS ARISING FROM THE LONG-CONTINUED 

 USE OF IODINE. (Dr. Jahn.) 



The following is the account which Dr. Jahn gives of that diseased 

 state of the system, which results from along continued or excessive 

 use of iodine, and which it will be found differs much, as do also 

 the explanations of the effects, from the descriptions of MM. 

 Coindet, Gardiner, Sceter, &c. 



When introduced into the organic fluids, iodine acts firstly and 

 principally upon the process of nutrition. The first evident effect 

 is an absorption of the fat, so that a gradual leanness is remarked. 

 At the same time, we may observe with a little attention, an aug- 

 mentation of all the excretions. The skin, in consequence of 

 an increased deposition of carbon upon it, appears dull and of 

 a livid hue ; there is great and clammy perspiration ; respira* 

 tion is obstructed, the urine is increased in quantity, and the 

 surface of it is often covered with an oily pellicle. The alvine 

 evacuations are increased, and the faeces are loaded with bili- 

 ous matter and contain but little mucus ; the seminal secretion 

 is increased, and also the menstrual discharge. * It is clear/ says 

 M. Jahn, ' that in this state the vitality of the veins and lymphatic 

 vessels is exalted, and the predominance of venous excitement is 

 shewn, by the swollen state of the superficial veins, and the blue 

 colour of the lips. The blood, it-may be inferred from the diminished 

 redness of the skin, and the feebleness of the arterial pulsations, has 

 acquired a more serous character, and is more liquefied, so that the 

 quantity of serum is greater in proportion to the cruor and fibrine. 

 The energy of the irritable tissues is comparatively diminished. 

 Hence the patient is more easily fatigued than before; digestion is 



* Arm. de^Chimie, xliii. 259. 



