286 Fische/s Theory of Edema [Dec. 



We learn from Araki and Zillessen's observations that the produc- 

 tion of lactic acid occurs in animals no matter how the condition of 

 lack of oxygen is induced. In their experiments they used all kinds 

 of methods to induce ä lack of oxygen, varying from those which act 

 through direct interference with the oxygen siipply to the animal (com- 

 pression of trachea) to those which we know owe their efifect to an 

 action upon the oxidizing ferments of the tissues themselves (hydro- 

 cyanic acid). It is of much interest, therefore, that A. Jolles and 

 Oppenheim/ and in the United States, M. C. Winternitz and J, C. 

 Meloy,* have found substances present in the blood of nephritics which 

 interfere with at least some of the oxidation phenomena which we 

 know are necessary for the proper continuance of life. (Page io6.) 



The local edemas following the bites or stings of insects have a 

 special interest. In quite a number of these the sting carries formic or 

 other acids into the tissues. Here we have a direct etiological factor 

 for the production of the local edema. In others, poisons are injected 

 which have a well-marked reducing power. By this means a local 

 group of cells is placed in a State of lack of oxygen through chemical 

 means. It is worthy of note that to Start with and during the period 

 of greatest swelling such insect stings are white, and not until later do 

 they become red. The increased blood flow so necessary in most 

 explanations of these local edemas does not occur until the edema has 

 begun to subside. Instead of the blood circulation determining the 

 edema, the edema determines whether the circulation shall continue 

 through the affected part or not. (Page io8.) 



Edema is antagonized by electrolytes but is not affected by 

 non-electrolytes. In his treatment of this theme (pp. 110-121), 

 Fischer gives the results of numerous experiments "to show that 

 the same conditions which have been found effective in reducing 

 the amount of swelling of fibrin and gelatine in acid Solutions 

 counteract the development of edema." Frog legs which have been 

 ligated, cut from the body, and placed in a little water " develop an 

 edema which mimics in every way the worst types of edema ob- 

 served clinically. We will use the edemas developed in this way in 

 amputated frog legs as material upon which to analyze the nature of 

 the phenomenon." 



'Jolles and Oppenheim: Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift, 1904, xlvii, 

 p. 2083. 



' Winternitz and Meloy : Journal of Experimental Medicine, 1908, x, p. 759; 

 also Winternitz, ibid., 1909, xi, p. 200. 



