Meeting of January 30, 1902. 353 



prosecrelin, which is present in relatively large amounts in the duodenal 

 mucous membrane, gradually diminishing as we descend the intestine. 



The prosecretin is apparently slightly soluble in 0'9 per cent. NaCl 

 solution. It has no influence on the pancreatic secretion. 



The secretin may also be split off from its precursor by boiling this 

 with 0'9 per cent, saline. 



The acid extract may be boiled, neutralised, and filtered without 

 losing its activity. The active nitrate contains some primary albumoses, 

 which may be precipitated by addition of large excess of alcohol and 

 ether, and have no action on the pancreas. The alcoholic ethereal 

 filtrate contains only a small amount of organic material, but on evapo- 

 rating to dryness and taking up the residue with water, the solution 

 obtained is as active as the original infusion. 



These results indicate that secretin is probably a body of very definite 

 composition, and of small molecular weight. Dr. Osborne is at present 

 engaged in an investigation of its chemical characters and identity. 



A chemical sympathy between different organs has often been 

 assumed, as, e.g., between uterus and mammary glands, but we believe 

 that this is the first case in which direct experimental proof has been 

 afforded of such a relationship. It is probable, however, that this 

 acid-duodenum-pancreas mechanism will prove to be but one of a whole 

 class of similar mechanisms, the study of which should considerably 

 increase our control of the various chemical function? of the body. 



In the light of the results here noted, a revision of Pawlow's experi- 

 .ments is necessary. In none of these latter was a possible expulsion 

 of acid from stomach into duodenum excluded. We have so far failed 

 to obtain a secretory effect on the pancreas by stimulation of the vagi, 

 and are therefore rather sceptical of the alleged presence in these nerves 

 of secretomotor fibres to the pancreas. We are continuing our experi- 

 ments on this and kindred points. 



January 30, 1902. 

 Dr. W. T. BLANFORD, Vice-President, in the Chair. 



A List of the Presents received was laid on the table, and thanks 

 ordered for them. 



The following Papers were read : 



I. " The Chemical Origins of the Lines in Nova Persei." By Sir 

 NORMAN LOCKYER, K.C.B., F.R.S. 



