INFECTIONS OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT 233 



a putrefaction of proteid material with liberation of 

 hydrogen sulphide. This condition is, of course, one 

 quite distinct from true hydrothionsemia, and it runs 

 its course without symptoms of general intoxication. 



The toxic character of hydrogen sulphide for dogs is 

 plainly seen from a typical record of experiments in 

 which a saturated aqueous solution of hydrogen sulphide 

 was introduced into the rectum. Fifteen cubic centi- 

 meters of such a saturated solution were introduced 

 daily into the rectum of a dog weighing sixteen and one- 

 half pounds. No effects were observed. After one 

 week the volume of the enema was increased to thirty 

 cubic centimeters. After a daily administration of this 

 amount during two weeks, the volume was increased to 

 forty-five cubic centimeters. The animal immediately 

 passed into a state of collapse. It was found that by 

 injecting forty-five cubic centimeters very slowly the 

 enema was tolerated, although it gave rise to prostration. 

 After a period of five days, in which this quantity was 

 daily administered, the volume was increased to sixty 

 cubic centimeters, but with the result of bringing on 

 collapse which proved nearly fatal. The volume of the 

 enema was then reduced to thirty cubic centimeters. 

 After a few days it became necessary to discontinue 

 the injections of hydrogen sulphide, as the dog failed 

 to eat. The nutrition of the animal suffered in the 

 course of these infections. There appeared to be a 

 slight reduction in haemoglobin in the course of the 

 experiment. A pronounced ansemia was, however, not 

 induced. 



