TOXICOWGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 415 



Water and Solutions. 



In Chapter XIV I stated that the body colloids have a normal state 

 of swelling and that they stand in definite swelling relations to each 

 other. Thus, when the condition of swelling in one organ, i.e., the 

 muscles, changes, it must in turn influence the condition of swelling 

 of other body colloids; as in the case of every other substance there 

 is for water, a definite distribution in the organism. This distri- 

 bution of water is dependent on the capacity of the organ colloids 

 to swell and this again largely depends on the amount of electrolytes 

 contained. 



It is very probable that during life the crystalloid content of 

 organ colloids suffer certain changes which may even become patho- 

 logical. Under such circumstances, it is conceivable that a thorough 

 flushing of the body with water such as our ancestors were accustomed 

 to undertake every spring to "purify the blood" might be of great 

 value inasmuch as it restores the normal swelling. 



It would be very desirable for the elucidation of this question to 

 undertake a thorough experimental investigation of the swelling 

 capacity and swelling range of the organs at various ages under 

 normal and pathological conditions. 



Just as a drinking "cure" so a thirst "cure" (SCHROTH'S "cure") 

 may influence the condition of swelling. [KARELL'S Treatment as 

 well as TUFFNEL'S owe much of their efficacy to "drink restric- 

 tion." (See p. 234.) Tr.] 



In various parts of this book, there have been thoroughly de- 

 scribed the great significance of electrolytes for the swelling of cell 

 colloids, the viscosity of the blood, the influence of heavy metals on 

 solubility (urates, lime salts) and the acceleration of fermentative 

 cleavages and syntheses, i.e., the acceleration of metabolism. The 

 introduction into the body of electrolytes in the form of mineral 

 waters is the original and essential function of balneology. It is 

 quite conceivable, that the increase in the body of definite anions 

 or cations might satisfy important therapeutic demands. [Radio- 

 activity should be considered a possible therapeutic adjuvant, see 

 ZWAARDEMAKER, H., Aequi-radioactivity, Am. Jour. Physiol., 1918, 

 XLV, p. 147. Tr.] 



We have at present nothing to support even the idea, that concen- 

 tration of a definite electrolyte is possible. 



There are a few indications which favor this view. It may be re- 

 called, that hypertonic salt solutions result in a destruction of tissue; 

 hypotonic solutions, in a diminished metabolism of protein (see E. 

 ROST *) . We must also remember that cells are not impermeable for 



