42 ORGANIC CONSTITUENTS. 



The condition in which the iron exists in hsematin (whether 

 as an oxide, ^ a carbonate, a carburet, or in the metalKc state) 

 has long been disputed. 



The probabihty of its existence in a metalHc state is strongly 

 supported by the evolution of hydrogen that occurs when the 

 clot is digested in sulphuric acid, and water is added ; and 

 Mulder suggests that this metal probably exists as an integral 

 constituent of hsematin, in just the same manner as iodine occurs 

 in sponge, sulphur in cystin, or arsenic in the kakodyl series. 



Numerous attempts have been made with the view to ascer- 

 tain the proportions in which hsematin and globulin combine, 

 but the results have been very discordant. According to 

 Berzelius, the hsematoglobulin of human blood contains 100 

 parts of giobidin, and 5*8 of hsematin. Simon found the ratio 

 to be 100 of globulin to 6-5 of hsematin in the blood of a healthy 

 young man, and 100 of globulin to 5-3 of hsematin in the healthy 

 blood of a stout girl. In disease, the variations are much 

 greater. Simon has found as the hmits 8-5 and 3-3 of hsematin, 

 corresponding to 100 of globulin. 



Regarding the origin of hsematin, it must clearly be 

 generated in the organism, since it does not exist in the 

 vegetable kingdom. Mulder conceives that it is generated 

 from the normal constituents of the blood in the course of 

 the circulation. Its destination also is obscure. In common 

 with all the constituents of the body, it must be generated, 

 consumed, and reproduced ; but in respect to the actual 

 metamorphoses that it undergoes in the organism, or their 

 object, we are perfectly in the dark. Mulder suggests that the 

 products of the decomposition of hsematin may possibly be 

 traced to the bilifulvin of the bile. 



Diaynosis. Hsematin may be known, both in its coagulated 

 and soluble state, by its colour. When combined with 

 globuhn, in the blood-corpuscles, it may be recognized by the 

 microscope. In its coagulated state it may be recognized by 

 its insolubility in water, alcohol, and ether. 



b. H(B7naphain. This term is applied by Simon to the brown 

 colouring matter which seems to be associated with hsematin in 



' Iron is not separated from hsematin by ammonia, potash, or soda ; nor is its pre- 

 sence indicated hy tannin or fcrrocyanidc of i)otassiuni, reagents wliich are so capable 

 of detecting the presence of oxide of iron in ordinary cases. 



