23 



Such facts as these lend some support to the view which 

 I have advanced as to the constitution of albumen, and I 

 mention them here in order again to call the attention of those 

 interested in chemical physiology to the close relationship which 

 exists between these compounds of prussic acid with the varioxis 

 aldehydes, or the cyan-alcohols, and the different substances which 

 can be extracted from albuminous tissues. 



Let me now return from this digression. 



From the data which I have placed before you, I wish to 

 draw the inference that in the living animal organisms, owing 

 to slight departures from the normal nutrition of parts, arising 

 probably through nervous agency — the trophic nerves — various 

 substances such as extractives or alkaloids, will be produced, 

 which if not eliminated or neutralised, will lead to pathological 

 changes in the system, absolutely and entirely independently of 

 any bacterial action. 



As an illustration I would refer to the pyrexia or fever which, 

 even in healthy individuals, may follow over exertion or excessive 

 fatigue, and which is still more readily developed in convalescents 

 or in persons who are not veiy strong. Sir William Aitkin 

 has directed special attention to this condition " which is con- 

 stantly seen in all forms of physical overtaxation or over exertion, 

 as in a prolonged march or by excessive drill, especially in young 

 and adolescent soldiers " — and he refers to the investigations made 

 by Professor Angelo Mosso of Turin on the physiology of fatigue 

 as developed in the soldiers of the Italian army and the patho- 

 logical manifestations which accompany it. "Fatigue carried 

 beyond the moderate stage, at which it is decidedly beneficial, 

 subjects the blood to a decomposing process through the infiltration 

 into it of substances which act as poisons — substances which when 



