ALKALOIDS. 621 



Typhotoxine, C 7 H 17 NO 2 , is looked upon as the specific toxic product of the 

 activity of Koch-Eberth's typhoid bacillus. The poison throws animals into a 

 paralytic or lethargic condition, so that they lose control over the muscles and 

 fall down helpless. Simultaneously frequent diarrhoeic evacuations take place, 

 and death follows in from one to two days. 



Tetanine, C 13 H 30 N 2 O 4 , has been obtained from cultures of tetanus microbes, 

 from the amputated arm of a tetanus patient, and from the brain and nerve 

 tissues of persons who died from tetanus. It produces in animals the symp- 

 toms characteristic of tetanus, such as tonic and clonic convulsions. While 

 mice and rabbits are strongly affected by tetanine, dogs and horses seem to be 

 but slightly susceptible to its action. 



Mydatoxine, C 6 H 13 NO 2 , has been obtained from human internal organs which 

 were kept for four months at a temperature varying from 9 to -f 5C. (16 

 to 41 F.). It is an alkaline syrup, which does not possess strong toxic 

 properties. 



Tyrotoxlcon. The composition of this highly poisonous ptomaine has not 

 been established yet. It has been found in decomposing milk, in poisonous 

 cheese, ice-cream, and cream-puffs. 



Spasmotoxine. Composition yet unknown. Obtained from cultures of the 

 tetanus-germ on beef-broth. Produces violent convulsions. 



Leucomaines. The basic substances formed in the living tissues 

 by retrograde metamorphosis, during normal life, are known as leuco- 

 maines, in contradistinction to the ptomaines, or basic products of 

 putrefaction. To the group of leucomaines belong many substances 

 known long ago, such as creatine, creatinine, xanthine, guanine, and 

 others. Most of these bodies are non-poisonous, but some have been 

 discovered of late, possessing strong poisonous properties. The 

 accumulation of these substances in the body, because of incomplete 

 excretion or oxidation, produces auto-intoxication. The more impor- 

 tant leucomaines will be mentioned in the physiological part. 



QUESTIONS. State the general physical and chemical properties of alka- 

 loids. Give a general method for the extraction and separation of alkaloids 

 from vegetables. Mention the chief constituents of opium. Mention the prop- 

 erties of morphine and its salts; give tests for them. Mention the principal 

 alkaloids found in cinchona bark. State the physical and chemical properties 

 of quinine and cinchonine. Which of their salts are official, and by what tests 

 may these alkaloids be recognized and distinguished from each other? Give 

 tests for strychnine, brucine, atropine, and veratrine. What is the chemical 

 relationship between xanthine, caffeine, and theobromine ? Mention proper- 

 ties of, and give tests for, cocaine. Mention the characteristic physical, chem- 

 ical, and physiological properties of ptomaines. 



