214 THE PROTEOMORPHIC THEORY AND THE NEW MEDICINE 



my opinion, more accurate in its results, particularly where a 

 long smear is in question, than an arbitrary count of 200 or 

 even of 300 cells; although, of course, it is not open to dis- 

 pute that, other things being equal, the larger the count the closer 

 the approximation to accuracy. Other things are not equal in 

 the supposititious cases in question. 



The method of counting an arbitrary even number of cells 

 has nothing whatever to recommend it except ease in computing 

 percentages. Every other advantage lies with the method of 

 counting clear across the field, letting the aggregate number be 

 what it may (but continuing, of course, until the aggregate is 

 reasonably large), and the additional labor of computing per- 

 centages with this method should not weigh for a moment against 

 the enhanced value of the results. 



INTESTINAL TOXEMIAS AND THE CORPUSCULAR BALANCE 



Turning now from this parenthetical excursion into the region 

 of microscopic technique, which I trust was not altogether un- 

 warranted, let us make further examination of the corpuscular 

 balance, with particular reference to the response to protein 

 invasions from the intestinal tract. Let me say at once that 

 the observations of the blood falling within this classification 

 are likely to be very discordant. We have considered cases in 

 which intestinal toxaemia was associated with very pronounced 

 leucocytosis. There are other cases in which there is a pro- 

 nounced leucopcenia. Sometimes, at least, the conflicting evi- 

 dence may be reconciled by considering the degree of chronicity 

 of the cases involved ; recalling that habitual stimulation of the 

 cytogenic apparatus throughout a long period may lead to exhaus- 

 tion. I have records of several cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 

 of many years' standing, in which the outstanding feature of the 

 blood count is a conspicuous paucity of leucocytes. Usually with 

 these cases there is a history of life-long tendency to constipa- 

 tion, associated with habitual over-indulgence in proteid foods. 



Presumably, in these cases at an early stage, there was over- 

 stimulation of production of leucocytes to meet the protein inva- 

 sion. Exhaustion has followed, and the leucocytes, performing 

 their functions inadequately, have put an excessive burden on 

 the red corpuscles. In general the erythrocytes have appeared 

 able to meet in some measure the recurring emergency, as shown 

 by their relatively large numbers, but the inadequacy of their 

 ultimate action is evidenced in the incomplete metamorphosis 

 and elimination of protein end products, in particular uric acid. 

 The weak spot in the heredity armor of the individual being the 

 fibrous tissues and serous membranes of the joints, deposits of 



