412 



THE BLOOD. 



[CH. XXVI. 



obtained by the use of cold clots on warming gently ; plasma 

 which has been decalcified by the action of a soluble oxalate clots 

 on the addition of a calcium salt ; plasma obtained by the use of 

 a strong solution of salt coagulates when this is diluted by the 

 addition of water, the addition of fibrin-ferment being necessary 



Fig. 341. Plan and section of centrifugal machine. A, an iron socket secured to top of 

 table B ; c, a steel spindle carrying the turntable D anJ turning freely in A ; E, a 

 flange round turntable D ; F f, shallow grooves on face of D in which the test tubes are 

 fixed by clamps G o ; n. a pulley fixed to end of spindle c and turned by the cord K : 

 1 1 are two guide pulleys for cord K. The upper part of the figure is a surface view of 

 the rotating turntable. (Gamgee.) 



in most cases ; where coagulation occurs without the addition 

 of fibrin-ferment no doubt some is present from the partial 

 disintegration of the corpuscles which has already occurred. 

 Pericardia! and hydrocele fluids resemble pure plasma very closely 

 in composition. As a rule, however, they contain few or no white 

 corpuscles, and do not clot spontaneously, but after the addition 



