INTRODUCTORY XVU 



complexity snake venom takes the highest rank among the serum cytolysins. 

 Through the exhaustive investigation of various biologists and pathologists 

 we know how intricate the amboceptors and complements of various normal 

 and immune serums are. Apparently, accepting the interpretation of Ehr- 

 lich, these molecules possess similar toxophore atom complex but different 

 cytophilic groups. It is only by respecting this delicate specificity that we 

 can accomplish the preparation of antivenins and employ them effectively. 

 It may be superfluous to mention that the differentiation of these closely 

 allied toxic principles was made possible through the immunization reactions 

 only. 



On the more theoretical side, snake venom has again been largely instru- 

 mental in defining the chemical nature of the interaction of the antigen and 

 antibody. C. J. Martin and Cherry, later also Calmette (the former oppo- 

 nent to the chemical theory), and many others have contributed much to the 

 establishment of the chemical nature of the action. Madsen and Noguchi 

 found the reaction between snake venom and antivenin to be reversible and 

 follow the law which Arrhenius and Madsen applied to other toxins and 

 antitoxins. 



The regeneration of the haemolytic principle from the neutral mixture 

 of venom and antivenin has been accomplished by Morgenroth by means of 

 dilute acid. This discovery received confirmation from the recent work of 

 Calmette and Massol. 



Returning to the more familiar immunization phenomena a few words may 

 be added as to the precipitin reaction of snake venom. Lamb and Flexner 

 and Noguchi have demonstrated that the proteins contained in the venoms of 

 different species of snake are not quite identical so far as the precipitin reac- 

 tions with specific immune serums are concerned. Like other immune reac- 

 tions this was found to be only relative. 



As to the practical application of the facts gained by innumerable struggles 

 and enormous labor, it must be admitted that the crop is not yet fully gar- 

 nered, yet the study of venom has brought and is constantly bringing to science 

 and humanity great benefits, of a direct and indirect character. 



