VETEEINAEY MEDICINE. 776 



dilute hydrochloric acid the ricin which had become absorbed was liberated and 

 again capable of agglutinating red blood cells of cats. Similar results were 

 obtained with ricin and bean phasin (Merck) purchased on the market. Leci- 

 thin and cholesterol did not hinder agglutination of organ or blood cells by 

 ricin. 



Digestion experiments with pepsin-hydrochloric acid solution did not weaken 

 the agglutinating properties of ricin but the presence of peptone seemed to de- 

 lay its action. Vicarious elimination iuto the stomach of frogs and turtles 

 could not be detected with the agglutination test in these experiments, but it 

 is believed that it may take place if ricin is injected subcutaneously in large 

 doses. 



A short contribution to our knowledge of the action of abrin, A. Sommeb- 

 FELD {-LancUc. Vers. Stat., 82 (1913), No. 5-6, pp. 4^5-^26).— Abrin, from Ahrus 

 precatoriuH, like ricin is fixed by brain and similar cells and can not be washed 

 from the cells with physiological salt solution. It is also considered a unit 

 substance which has both toxic and agglutinating properties. Seeds 30 years 

 old were still found to possess some of the agglutinating property. Formalde- 

 hyde in all concentrations Is not inhibitory for abrin action. 



The white blood cells (formalinized and nonformalinized) from the thymus 

 of a calf also fixed abrin and the addition of hydrochloric acid to these cells 

 freed the abrin, which in turn will agglutinate the red blood cells of man. Ag- 

 glutination could also be induced with pus cells obtained from a cold abscess. 



The hydropic degeneration of the fibers of heart muscle of guinea pigs and 

 rabbits as noted by Schmorl could not be produced even though large quantities 

 were used. The macroscopical findings with rabbits and guinea pigs after 

 poisoning with abrin resembled those of ricin poisoning very closely. The lymph 

 nodules in the abdominal cavity were swollen and there was often evidence of 

 hemorrhage present. The microscopical examination of the abdominal organs 

 showed a degeneration in the lymph nodules and in the lymph follicles of the 

 digestive tract. Hemorrhagic areas were noted in the kidneys but in most in- 

 stances the uriniferous tubules were intact. 



About the poisonous substances in the seeds of Jatropha curcas, J. Felke 

 (Landw. Vers. Stat., 82 (1913), No. 5-6, pp. 427-463).— This work is along the 

 same lines as that noted in the abstract above. The seeds also contain a toxal- 

 bumin, curcin, which does not affect the red blood cells in vitro, but in vivo it 

 has a marked effect upon these cells. 



The oil owes its toxicity to an acid which is called curanolic acid and which 

 is prepared in the same manner as the crotonic acid from croton seeds. It is a 

 drastic and produces a marked gastrointestinal inflammation in both man and 

 beast. The probability exists that curcin is destroyed in the gastrointestinal 

 tract and Is consequently robbed of its toxicity. 



The use of salvarsan in nonsyphilitic diseases, W. H. Best {Jour. Amer. 

 Med. Assoc, 63 {19U), No. 5, pp. 375-380).— From the study reported the fol- 

 lowing conclusions are drawn : 



Salvarsan is specific in diseases caused by any variety of spirillum. It has 

 curative properties in those diseases in which the infecting organisms are found 

 in the blood or lymph, or in other locations where they can be easily reached. 

 It has great therapeutic value in those diseases in which arsenic has been 

 successfully used, and if used with caution in repeated doses over a long period 

 has a therapeutic value in those diseases in which previously arsenic gave 

 indifferent results. Salvarsan, used as an adjuvant to some other drug or 

 drugs, Is useful in those diseases in which a decided and quick tonic, stimulat- 

 ing, and alterative effect is desired, depending on the other drug or drugs for 

 the ultimate result 



