964 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The relation of the kidneys to metabolism, F. A. Bainbridge and A. P. 

 Beddard ( Proc Umj. Nor. \h(,ii<l<)ii\. 7!> {UXll). No. '>.^S. pp. 7.J-.S3). — It was 

 found in experiments witli snmll anini.-ils (cats) that tlie removal of three- 

 fourtlis or more nf the Iddney weiti;ht was followed by a loss of appetite, 

 wastinj;, and deatli within a few days or weeks. An increase output of nitro- 

 gen was not a constant occurrence and took iilace onl.v when the animals had 

 lost 22 per cent or more of their initial hod.v weight. 



" We conclude, therefore, that the kidneys have no direct iuHuence upon 

 nitrogenous metabolism, and that the increased output of nitrogen is simply the 

 result of inanition, and is of the same nature as that observed in starving 

 animals. 



"We find that, after removal of a i)ortion of one kidne.v. and also after sub- 

 sequent removal of the opposite kidne.v, . . . [the animals ex]>erimented upon] 

 are still able to pass a concentrated urine, and that the amount of the urine 

 is not necessarily increased be.vond the normal." 



Concerning endogenous purin metabolisna in man, V. O. Siven (<S7ra»r/. 

 .4rc7/. Phiisiol., 18 (1906), No. 3-Ji, pp. 177-193). — From a discussion of original 

 experimental data and the work of other investigators, the author concludes 

 that purin excretion is not determined by muscular work. In a number of tests 

 puriu excretion diminished during sleep, but if the work of the kidneys was 

 increased by a heavy meal before retiring the j)urin excretion was increased. 



The results as a whole are discussed with reference to various theories 

 which have been advanced with reference to purin metabolism. 



Concerning phosphorus metabolism, E. Koch (»S7. Pefersh. Med. WcltiiscJir.. 

 1906, A'o. 36. PI). .'iOO-J,(i2 ; ahst. in Zenthl. Gesaiii. Phi/siuh ii. Potli. Htoff- 

 wechsels, n. scr., 1 {1906), A'o. 23, p. 723). — The metabolism experiments 

 reported furnish additional reasons for believing that the human body can 

 not synthesize phosjihorus comi)ounds from protein-free phosi)horus and inor- 

 ganic phosphorus salts. It is i)erhaps iKjssible, h.iwever. that inorganic phos- 

 phorus ma.v be so utilized if organic phosphorus is e;^cluded from the diet for a 

 long time. 



Equilibrium in metabolism, K. P^hrstrum (h^kaud. Arcli. Physiol., 18 

 {1906), A'O. S-'i, pp. 281-297. p(/s. 10). — A theoretical discussion of the possi- 

 bility of obtaining equilibrium witli resi)ect to nitrogen and other constituents. 

 The author believes that in general there is a temporary retention of an ele- 

 ment and that excretion then proceeds step by step until equilibrium is reached, 

 provided the amount supplied remains constant. 



The excretion of total nitrogen and amino acids in fasting, T. Brugsch 

 and R. Hirsch {Ztschr. Expt. Path. ii. Thcr., 3 {1906), No. 3, pp. 638-61,4).— 

 The experiments, which were made with a woman who was a profession.il 

 faster, led to the following conclusions : 



The nitrogen excretion for a fasting woman was (>.4 grams on an average 

 in the 10-day test reported, vi'hich was 2n jier cent lower than in the case of a 

 man. The exci'etion of amino acids in urine was not increased nor could 

 free glycocol be identified. Alanin is less thoroughly assimilated in fasting 

 than under normal conditions. On the other hand, glycocol and leucin are 

 well assimilated. A retention of nitrogen may be induced during fasting if 

 amino acids (leucin and alanin) are fed, even without the addition of 

 carbohydrates. On the other hand, glycocol is almost quantitatively converted 

 into urea. 



Acid formation in fasting, M. Bonniger and L. AIohr {Ztschr. Expt. Path, 

 u. Thcr.. 3 {1906), No. 3, pp. 675-687).— The experimental data which were 

 obtained with a fasting man led the authors to conclude that in all probability 



