1919] VETEIMKAEY MEDICINE. 283 



On the increased precipitability of pseudoglobulin and its associated anti- 

 toxin from heat-denatured solutions, A. Homer {Biochem. Jour., 13 {1U19), 

 No. 1, pp. 5()-6/f, fif/s. 3). — The conehision drawn iu the above paper that in 

 order to isoliite antitoxin as a separate entity means other than the fractional 

 precipitation of pseudo^lobulin solutions by salts must be employed is further 

 substantiated by the results of tliis study, which are sunmiarized as follows: 



"(1) The increased pi-ecipitability of pseudo;i;lolnilin from its heat-denatured 

 solutions at concentrations of ammonium sulphate ranging from 26 to 47 per 

 cent of saturation is a function of the lieat-denaturation. (2) The increased 

 precipitation of pseudoglobulin'thus induced in (1) at 30 per cent of satura- 

 tion with anmionium sulphate is accompanied by an increased precipitation of 

 antitoxin. With the least extensive denaturation, the percentage of the total 

 proteins precipitated at this stage is greater than that of tlie antitoxin ; as 

 the denaturation increases the further increased precipitability of the protein 

 becomes a linear measure of the increased precipitation of the antitoxin. 

 (3) In the concentration of antitoxin sera by the fractional precipitation of 

 the serum with anunoniuai sulpliate, there is no need for a preliminary pro- 

 longed heating of the serum. The results that are now obtained by the isola- 

 tion from the heated serum of the protein fraction precipitated between 30 and 

 44 per cent of saturation with annnonium sulphate could be obtained from the 

 unhealed serum between 36 and 50 per cent of saturation with the sulphate." 



Vaccines and sera, their clinical value in military and civilian practice, 

 A. G. Shera (London: Henry Frowde and Hoddcr & Stoughton, 1918, pp. A"X/-|- 

 226). — This book deals with the clinical value of vaccines and sera in military 

 and civilian practice, illustrated largely by cases from the author's own experi- 

 ence. In addition to the subject matter proper the book contains an introdiic- 

 tion by C. Allbutt, a classification of vaccines and sera according to their thera- 

 peutic value from the propliylactic and curative standpoint, a glossary of terms, 

 and ;\ list of literature references. 



Sodium oxy-mercury-ortho-nitro phenolate (mercurophen) with special 

 reference to its practical value as a disinfectant, J. F. Schamberg, J. A. Kol- 

 JiEK, G. W. IlAiziss, and M. E. Tkist (Jour. Infect. Diseases, 24 (1919), No. 6, 

 pp. 547-582, figs. 5). — This is a more extended report of the properties and dis- 

 infecting value of mercurophen previously noted (E. S. R., 38, p. 481). Through- 

 out the study other mercurial preparations, particularly mercuric chlorid, were 

 employed for comparative tests which are reported in detail. 



Mercurophen or sodium oxy-mercury-ortho-nitro phenolate was found to pos- 

 sess certain superior properties over other mercurial compounds, as follows: 



In germicidal activity, mercurophen is equal or superior to mercuric chlorid 

 and other mercurial compounds containing more mercury. It is generally more 

 rapid in its germicidal action and less toxic than other mercurial compounds. 

 It appears to possess a special destructive affinity for cocci and spore-forming 

 Itacilli, is capable of temporarily raising the bactericidal action of the blood 

 after intravenous administration, is somewhat more trypanocidal than mercuric 

 chlorid, and maintains a higher degree of germicidal activity in blood serum. 



Mercui-ophen does not precipitate protein in as high concentrations as 1 : 100, 

 nor does it irritate the skin or tarnish surgical instruments. It has proved 

 superior to mercuric chlorid in the disinfection of urine, feces, sputum, pus, 

 catheters, instruments, rubber gloves, and the skin. 



The subcutaneous injection of Tallianine in cases of respiratory disease, 

 J. F. D. TiTTT (Vet. Jonr., 75 (1919), No. 527, pp. 180-184) .—Vrom the experi- 

 ments conducted and liere reported upon it is concluded that "Tallianine, if 

 used early and repeated at intervals, has a marked effect iu cases of respira- 



