and Ammonium Bromides on Metabolism. 159 
_ of potassium bromide, the metabolism of the body did not fall back 
to its original height; but being temporarily accelerated during the 
exhibition of potassium bromide, it [the nitrogenous metabolism | 
fell back on withdrawal of the same, to a far lower level, and al- 
though later somewhat increased in amount, its average was still 
lower than recorded in Table No. I. Nutrition had evidently been 
disturbed; the body weight showed gradual diminution, and on the 
4th and 6th of May there was slight diarrhcea accompanied with 
a decided decrease in the amount of urea and uric acid excreted. 
Dr. Bill appears to have experimented somewhat with sodium bro- 
mide, although we find no results recorded, aside from the fact that 
this salt, like potassium bromide, caused an increased excretion of 
uric acid, and the» general statement that ‘when taken by the 
mouth, bromide of sodium does not produce the same effects as bro- 
mide of potassium.” In view of the increased excretion of urea, 
noticed under the influence of the potassium salt, we were interested 
in seeing whether ammonium bromide would have a like influence, 
especially in view of the fact that v. Schreeder* has shown that ammo- 
nium carbonate is directly convertible into urea by passage through 
the liver. 
The physiological action of ammonium bromide is stated to re- 
semble in many points that of potassium bromide, while in other 
points it differs essentially.t As to its influence on metabolism no 
experiments whatever appear to have been made. 
On the 9th of May, 75 grains of ammonium bromide were taken, 
in divided doses, as shown in Table No. IV. In all, 425 grains of the 
salt were taken in four consecutive days. The action of the salt on 
the system was not as pleasant as that of potassium bromide; caus- 
ing a general weakness and indisposition, a slight diminution in the 
pulse, an occasional cold perspiration, more marked lividity of the 
countenance and a parched, dry taste in the mouth. An habitual 
eruption of the skin was moreover much increased and accompanied 
with acne on the back and shoulders. Undoubtedly these disagree- 
able symptoms were much augmented by the temporary lassitude 
which was beginning to be apparent; doubtless due to the approach 
_ of warm weather together with lack of the accustomed vigorous 
exercise and the long continued use of the somewhat monotonous’ 
diet. 
* Archiv f. exp. Pathol., vol. xv, p. 364. Also Report on Progress in Physiological 
Chemistry in Amer. Chem. Jour., vol. v, p. 219. 
+ Wood, Therapeuties, p. 341. 
