CHKMFSTHY OF THE PTOMAINES. 215 



physiologically indifferent, Imt i iv<mt investigations 



by SniF.riaKN, ( JKAUTP/, and others, show that bothti. 

 bases an- capable of producing strong inflammation and 

 nivrosis. According to BEHIUXI;, in large doses it is 

 poisonous to mice, rahl>its, and guinea-pigs ; it is not 

 poisonous to dogs (UDRANS/KY and BAUMAXX). Cadav- 

 erine is ono of those substances which can sot up suppura- 

 tion in the absence of bacteria. In cholera Asiatica the 

 necrosis of the intestinal epithelium is quite common, and it 

 would seem that this pathological change, as well as 

 the muscular spasms and algidity, are due to the pres- 

 ence of thes: 1 l>ases. It should 1x3 noted, however, that 

 UDUANS/KY and BAUMANN failed to obtain any sign of 

 intestinal irritation on feeding dogs enormous doses of 

 cadaverine. Besides these local effects, they prevent, even 

 in small quantity, the coagulation of blood, and render it 

 " laky." According to GRAWITZ, cadaverine seems to 

 hinder the growth of bacteria. The cystitis observed in 

 cystinuria may possibly 1x3 due to the presence of cadaverine 

 and putresc'ine in the urine. Both bases are optically 

 inactive. 



When cadaverine is treated with methyl iodide, a base 

 is obtained, the hydrochloride of which gives with pla- 

 tinum chloride a double salt, having the composition: 

 C 6 H 12 (CH 3 ) 2 N 2 .2HCl.PtCl 4 . This new base, therefore, is 

 cadaverine in which two atoms of hydrogen have been 

 replaced by two methyl radicals. The platinochloride of 

 this derivative forms long, clear red needles, which, unlike 

 those of cadavcrin >, do not change their shape on repeated 

 recrystallixation. It is moderately difficultly soluble in 

 water (BRIEGER, II., 41). Sim* cadaverine is a primary 

 diamine it should combine with six molecules of methyl 

 iodide to form a saturated compound. This, however, has 

 not Ixien obtained. 



The 11 v])K(K.:HLORiDE, C 5 H U N 2 .2HC1, crystallizes in 

 U-autiful, long deliquescent n^-dles^RiEUER). According 

 to BOCKLISCH, it forms long, colorless needles or prisms; 

 crystalli/es t 'nun alcohol in plates, and is not deliquescent 

 except on long standing. It is soluble in water, alcohol, 



