1919] VKTKKIXARY MEDICINE. 581 



The action of mixtures of salts on lactic fermentation, C. RlCHR and H. 

 QABDOI (Cotnpt. Rend. Soc. Biol. [Paris], 81 (WIS), No. U h pp. 751-755)*— The 

 combined antiseptic action of mixtarea of salts was studied by means of their 

 effect upon lactic fermentation, as determined bj the amount of lactic acid 

 formed at the end of a certain time. It was found that the action of B mixture 

 of antiseptics is that of the most active Bubstance employed, the addition of 

 other antiseptics having no effect. The consequent futility of the use of 

 mixtures of antiseptics Is pointed out. 



Remarks on the recent communication of Belin. Pharmacodynamics of 

 alkaline chlorates, J. E. Abei.ous (Voinpt. Rend. Soc liiol. [Paris'], til (1918), 

 No. 14, pp. 782, 785).— The author disagrees with the theory of Belin 1 1:. s. tt., 

 38, p. 585) that the action of certain organic and Inorganic oxidizing agents 

 upon toxins or microorganisms is one of direct oxidation, and proposes the 

 theory that the favorable action is din- to an appreciable diminution of the 

 number of leucocytes, with a modification of the leucocytic structure cousi-i 

 ing of an increase in the polynuclear cells, followed on the third day by the 

 appearance of large vacillated mononuclear cells. 



The theory and practice of alcohol disinfection, J. Christiansen (lloppe- 

 Svi/hr'a Ztsrhr. Physiol. Ghent., 102 (1918), No. 5-6, pp. 275-305, figs. 6; abs. 

 in Jour. Chan. Soc. [London], 114 (1918), No. 674, I, p. 56V/).— The disinfecting 

 action of alcohols as influenced by their surface tension, hydration, and pre- 

 cipitating effect upon proteins is discussed. From theoretical considerations 

 and experimental evidence, the author recommends propyl alcohol as a satis- 

 factory skin and wound disinfectant. 



A note on the value of brilliant green as an antiseptic, C. H. S. Webb 

 (Jour. Roy. Army Med. Corps, 81 (1918), No. 4, PP- 815-817). — Observations on 

 the use of brilliant green as an antiseptic for the dressing of wounds are 

 reported. 



The brilliant green is dissolved in N saline solution in the strength of 1 in 

 1,000 and can be used as a surface dressing for wounds, in the saline pack, 

 or after the method of Carrel. In the experience of the author It has proved 

 to be an active, efficient, and nonirritant antiseptic, acting as well in the 

 presence of serum as in its absence. The fact that it stains dead tissue green 

 is considered to be of advantage in aiding the surgeon in determining what to 

 excise. 



A multiple-pipette holder for the distribution of serum for the comple- 

 ment-fixation test, F. H. Reynolds (Jour. Ayr. Research [U. S.], 15 (1918), 

 No. 11, pp. 615-618, figs. 3). — The author, at the Bureau of Animal Industry, 

 U. S. Department of Agriculture, has devised a multiple-pipette holder base. I 

 upon the principle of the multiple pipette of Buck, previously noted (E. S. R., 

 35, p. 680). 



The device consists of a brass tube connected by means of a tube set at right 

 angles with 12 brass collaterals. These are lined with rubber tubing of 

 sufficient length to project about $ in., the free end being everted over the 

 opening of the tube. To these tubes are fitted pipettes made of selected 4-inm. 

 glass tubing and graduated for the proper amount of serum. The bottles con- 

 taining the serum are placed in trays holding 144 bottles, 12 wide and deep. 

 The test tube racks are constructed to hold a double row of 12 tubes each, 

 which are numbered to correspond with the pipettes and bottles. The serums 

 are drawn above the etched graduations, allowed to recede until the gradua- 

 tions are reached, and then transferred to the 12 test tubes bearing the same 

 numbers as the bottles. The used pipettes are then replaced by fresh. 



