viii Preface 



pages. Rather than catalog titles, we have brought together significant 

 contributions and have attempted to correlate the various lines of 

 research. Whenever possible, we summarize the basic contribution, 

 point out differences of opinion, and, most important, call attention 

 to work that needs to be accomplished. Finally, in retrospect over the 

 modern period of studies of colchicine, one of our purposes has been 

 to point out the progress made, rather than to predict what is to come. 



For the shortcomings, the errors of interpretation, statements of 

 viewpoints not pleasing to all specialists, which ma) be found in any 

 portion of this book, the authors assume full responsibility. We who 

 have assembled as many as possible of the important facts about col- 

 chicine welcome corrections and comments concerning the conclusions 

 which we have reached. 



The modern period of research with colchicine began in 1889, 

 when Pernice described metaphasic arrest produced by this drug. 

 Until Pernice's report was rediscovered, Dixon and Maiden were cited 

 as the pioneers. Thus, our search for all references to colchicine was 

 rewarded. Special recognition is due to Nancy Gay-Winn, whose 

 diligent cjuest led to this classic work by Pernice. 



Colchicine in its present role as a mitotic poison and as a tool 

 for biological research was discovered in 1931 at Brussels, Belgium, 

 in the laboratory of Professor A. P. Dustin, Sr.. who for a long time 

 had been investigating means of altering mitosis. WHien colchicine 

 was suggested by a Brussels medical student, F. Fits, the characteristics 

 of colchicine were quickly measured. Our review covers the period 

 from 1934 to the middle 1950's. 



In 1937 botanical research began in several countries, generally 

 following descriptions or reports of unusual observations from animal 

 cells. In this same year, the scientists at Brussels included Alliu?n root 

 tips for their tests. Other botanists chose Alliirni root tips or plant 

 materials to illustrate the action of colchicine. In this year the role of 

 colchicine as an agent for the induction of |:)ohploid\ was conclu- 

 sively demonstrated. 



The horizons of colchicine research widened quickly when bota- 

 nists learned how effectively the drug could be used in their work. 

 Laymen became interested in the drug as references to cancer entered 

 the discussions and as the creation of new varieties of plants stimulated 

 new programs in agriculture. A broad scope of research was opened 

 up by this single substance. 



Organic chemists realized that Windaus' concept of the structural 

 formula for colchicine needed revision. In 1940 definite evidence was 

 at hand. 1 here followed an unusually large \olume of research on 



