1865.] Marcet On the Peritoneal Fluid of Nematode Entozoa. 69 



II. " Chemical Examination of the Fluid from the Peritoneal Cavity 

 of the Nematode Entozoa." By Dr. W. MARCET, F.R.S. Re- 

 ceived January 21, 1865. 



Some time ago Dr. Cobbold sent me a quantity of fluid which he had ex- 

 tracted from about seventy perfectly fresh specimens of the Ascaris mega- 

 locephala of the horse, and he requested me to make an analysis of it. I 

 most willingly availed myself of this unusual opportunity of ascertaining 

 the composition of this fluid, the sample procured by Dr. Cobbold being 

 fortunately large enough for the purpose. 



The analysis of this fluid is interesting as showing that its composition 

 is similar to Oiat of juice of flesh in the higher animals, and consequently 

 that the process of assimilation occurs in these worms much in the same 

 way as in those animals where the organs of digestion and circulation are 

 perfectly developed. It also shows that a fluid similar to that existing in 

 muscular tissue is apparently elaborated by the intestines of the Ascarides, 

 while in the higher animals this fluid is formed from the blood. 



The fluid was turbid, of a pale yellow colour, and emitted an offensive 

 odour, although not of decomposition. 



Microscopical Examination . 



Principally fine granular matter ; a few elongated bodies, some con- 

 voluted, as if consisting of this granular matter cast by passage through a 

 membranous tube. Some, but very few, spiral vegetable fibres and scales. 



Chemical Examination. 



Specific gravity 1*029, reaction slightly acid. 5 cubic centimetres were 

 evaporated to dry ness, which yielded, in 1000 parts, 

 Solid residue 827 

 Water .. . 917'3 



The fluid, when nearly boiling, coagulated into a solid mass, it therefore 

 contained a large quantity of albumen. 



With the object of separating the colloid from the crystalloid consti- 

 tuents, I measured off 10 cub. centims. of the liquid and dialyzed it for 

 twenty-four hours in a 6-inch dialyzer. By this operation the fluid lost 

 its acid reaction, becoming neutral ; it has also parted with its smell. 



The Colloid Fluid. The solution remaining on the dialyzer consisted 

 principally of albumen ; it was evaporated to dryness, and the weight of 

 the residue determined; this amounted to 0'532 grm., being 53 per 1000 

 of the fluid analyzed. The total solid constituents of the fluid being 82- 7 

 per 1000, it will be seen at once that about frds of the total residue con- 

 sisted of colloid substances, and |rd of crystalloid. These numbers should 

 be accepted as approximate results, there being no substance possessed of 



VOL. XIV. G 



