( 318 ) 



Here too it appears that a solution of propionic acid 1 to 500000 



has still a deleterious effect on phagocytosis. A solution of 1 to 1000000 



causes it to increase from 38.1 to 47.1, which value rises even to 



52.8 Vo when the solution is 1 to 5000000, an increase therefore of 



52.8 - 38,1 



— ~ X 100 — 38,5 7„. 



38,1 '° 



Hence it appears that fatty acids impede phagocytosis even in a 

 very slight dilution, whereas still iveaker dilutions have a directly 

 opposite effect. 



On comparing the effect of fatty acids, with that of ordinary 

 mineral acids, on phagocytosis, tlie fact ivill he impressed upon us 

 how poisonous the fatty acids are. For as we saw before '), in a 

 concentration of 1 to 7000 the impeding effect of sulfuric acid has 

 already become very slight, whilst in a dilution of 1 to 500000 

 propionic acid has still an even more hurtful effect. To some extent 

 the cause of this difference will have to be traced to the greater 

 penetrative power of the fatty acids, owing to their solubility in the 

 lipoid surface. In this connection we are reminded of the symptoms 

 of autointoxication which characterize acidosis, so well known in 

 pathology. 



c. Effect of Peruvian Balsam on Phagocytosis 

 Considering that also in Peruvian Balsam an organic acid is found, 



viz. cinnamic acid, we asked ourselves if perhaps Peruvian Balsam 



might not likewise increase phagocytosis. 



The exi)eriments have fully confirmed this supposition. 



Therefore the following experiment was carried out : a big drop 



Effect of Peruvian Balsam on Phagocytosis. 

 TABLE VI. 



Fluids. 



Percentage of leucocytes having 

 taken up carbon. 



1. NaCl sol. 0.9 Vo 



2. Extract of Peruvian balsam 



in NaCl sol. 



3. 1 vol. extract (2) and 3 vol. 



NaCl sol. 



4. 1 vol. extract (2) and 49 vol. 



NaCl sol. 



470 

 1057 



X 100 = 44.4% 



m X100 = 63.20/„ 



622 

 1062 



521 

 1089 



X100 = 58.57o 



X100 = 47.8'Vo 



1) Hamburgkr and Hekma. Ou Phagocytosis, Proceedings of June 29 1907. 



