182 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. 40 



from the laboratory viewpoint, with special reference to the principles in- 

 volved in the action of dichlorarnin-T as a representative of the chlorin group 

 of antiseptics. 



Dichloramin-T has been found to be a superior antiseptic in respect to the 

 three properties which should be known about an antiseptic before it is chosen 

 for a given purpose: The speed or rate of disinfection, the stability of the sub- 

 stance under the conditions of its use, and the permissible concentration. 

 Laboratory tests on the disinfection of a mixture of blood serum and muscle 

 extract inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus gave the following results: A 2 

 per cent solution of phenol failed to sterilize the mixture in 24 hours, mercuric 

 clilorid (1:1,000) completely sterilized in 7 hours, acriflavin (3:1,000) in 9 

 hours, Dakin's solution (0.5 per cent) in 4 minutes, eusol (0.27 per cent) and 

 chloramin-T (2 per cent) in 5 minutes, and dichloramin-T (2 per cent in oil 

 solution) in less than half a minute. Dichloramin-T, being more stable thaD 

 the aqueous chlorinated solution, acts continuously instead of with explosive 

 rapidity and can be used in much greater concentration. 



The application of the teachings of war surgery to civil hospital condi- 

 tions, J. A. Habtwell and E. I". P.rn.Ku (Surg., Gynecol., and Obatet., 87 {1918), 

 No. 4, pp. 377-385, fig. 1). — This article includes a discussion of the mode of 

 action of Dakin's solution in the treatment of traumatic wounda 



The authors consider that its power to clean the surface of infected suppura- 

 tive wounds is due to the following properties of the solution : " It is a powerful 

 digestant of protein substances. This includes the protein of bacteria, hence 

 it is a bactericide. It stimulates wound surfaces to pour out albuminous mate- 

 rials and leucocytes, hence it Still further destroys bacteria." Its greatest use 

 is thought to be in the treatment of wounds in which suppuration is well es- 

 tablished and an abundance of more or less devitalized tissue is present. 



Contrary to the conclusions of Dunham and of Lee and Furness, noted above, 

 dichloramin-T is considered by the authors to be less efficient than the hypo- 

 chlorite solution, owing to the fact that it lacks the property winch makes the 

 hypochlorite solution potent, namely, any appreciable proteolytic power. 



The prevention of blood clotting by Dakin's sodium hypochlorite solution, 

 T. S. (irniKNs and S. .T. MXLTZEB {PrOG. x<>c. Bxpt. Hi oh and Med., t-', (/;/; 

 No. 8, pp. /-'?. /-' s >. Experiments are cited which show that Dakin's solution 

 added to blood in vitro is able to prevent clotting. A Blight difference in this 

 respect was noted between the blood of different species. Blood preserved from 

 clotting by Dakin's solution is not affected by calcium salts, but is readily 

 clotted by tissue extracts. 



The value of flavine. A clinical appreciation, II. M. Savbsx (Brit. Med, 

 Jour.. Xo. 3011 (1918), pp. 288, 284; ab8. in dour. Aim r. Med. Asboc, 11 {1918), 

 No. 17, p. 14'fl). — The use of flavine in septic injuries is recommended, and sug- 

 gestions are given in regard to the technique of its use. 



The composition of certain patent and proprietary medicines, J. P. Stkeet 

 (Chicago: Anicr. Med. Assoc, 1917, pp. 27.',).— This is a compilation of data 

 relative to the composition of about 2.800 brands of the patent and proprietary 

 medicines most extensively advertised in the United States. 



Plants poisonous to domestic animals (Agr. Qaz. Canada, 5 {1918), No. 10, 

 pp. 981-987).— Annotated lists are given of plants poisonous to domestic ani- 

 mals in New Brunswick, by \Y. M'lntosh; in Quebec, by W. Lochheadj and 

 in Ontario, by J. E. Howitt 



Plants poisonous to stock, F. w. HrLOKBfDOBF (Jour. Canterbury a\gr. and 

 Past. Assoc, 3. scr., 6 (1918), pp. 15-21).— This deals with a number of plants 

 poisonous to stock under ordinary or unusual conditions. 



