THE H^MOLYTIC PROPERTIES OF ORGAN EXTRACTS. 277 



TABLE V Continued. 



IV. EXTRACT OF MOUSE INTESTINE (10%). 



Goose blood (1 cc. 5%). 



in the organ extracts in dissolved form we find it difficult to under- 

 stand the fact that it is abstracted from the fluid by means of the 

 coagulum formed on heating. To be sure, one could think of an 

 absorption by the coagulum. The complete abstraction by means 

 of heating is, however, readily understood if the hsemolytic substance 

 is present, not in solution, but in a state of finest suspension; for it is 

 a matter of common experience that substances finely suspended in 

 a fluid are carried down with a precipitate produced in the fluid. 

 The technique of clearing cloudy fluids rests to a large extent on such 

 precipitations. 



We have not yet been able to decide definitely whether the ha> 

 molytic substance is present in the fluid in dissolved form or in very 

 fine suspension; we incline strongly to the latter view. We base 

 this (1) on numerous experiences which show that by filtering the 

 organ extracts through porous filtering candles the fluid obtained 

 is entirely inert; (2) on the behavior of the hmolytic substance 

 when treated with alcohol. 



One part of a 1% extract of ox pancreas is mixed with ten parts 

 96% alcohol, and after a time the fluid is filtered off from the flaky 

 precipitate which has formed. The entirely clear filtrate is distilled 

 in vacuo and the portion left behind mixed with physiological salt 

 solution. A coarsely flocculent suspension is thus obtained which 

 possesses strong haemolytic action, about one-half to one- third of the 

 original strength. If this mixture is now filtered, the clear .filtrate is 

 found to be absolutely inert, whereas the flakes washed from the 

 filter exhibit almost the full hsemolytic effect. The following experi- 

 ment will serve as an example. 



