BOKIC ACID AND BOEAX. 33 



of 40 C., the capsules introduced, and the contents of the beaker 

 gently stirred. In one minute and ten seconds after the introduction 

 of the capsules one of them broke, releasing the boric acid, which imme- 

 diately sank to the bottom of the beaker. At intervals of from five 

 to ten seconds the remaining capsules broke, and within two minutes 

 none was intact. At the end of five minutes both the capsules and 

 boric acid were entirely dissolved. 



As before stated, the nitrogen content of the capsule was noted. In 

 order to secure a uniform method of distributing the contents of the 

 capsule throughout the contents of the stomach, it was directed that it 

 be taken at about the middle of the meal, so as to be introduced as 

 nearly as possible into the middle of the contents of the stomach. 

 This method of administration proved by far the most satisfactory of 

 all that were tried. There was no dislike developed for any particular 

 item of food on the supposition that it might contain the preservative, 

 the capsules were tasteless, and no discomfort of any kind was noticed 

 by reason of the temporary concentration of the material in any par- 

 ticular part of the contents of the stomach. 



In the following table will be found a detailed statement of the 

 administration of the preservative throughout the whole period of 

 observation. The table will be found useful, not only as a summary 

 of the amount of the preservative given and the quantities given on 

 each day, but also for reference in case of a desire to study the effects 

 produced upon any given subject at any given time in connection with 

 the quantity of the preservative employed. When the preservative 

 was used in quantities not to exceed half a gram per day it was usu- 

 ally given in a single capsule at one meal generally dinner. When 

 it was given in quantities of 1 gram a day it was taken at two meals 

 in i-gram capsules each. When given in quantities of 2 grams a 

 day it was taken in i-gram capsules at two meals and in two i-gram 

 capsules at one meal. When taken in quantities of 3 grams it was 

 given in two i-gram capsules at each meal. When given in larger 

 quantities, requiring more than 1 gram at one meal, more than two 

 capsules were given. When administered in the butter it was distrib- 

 uted in a similar manner, according to the number of molded lumps of 

 butter eaten by each member of the table. Each lump of butter of 15 

 grams was so mixed with the preservative as to contain half a gram or 

 1 gram, respectively, according to the quantities given. 



In the table which follows the amounts given at each meal are not 

 specified, by reason of the undue extension of the tabular statement 

 which would be necessar}^, but the total quantity given on each day is 

 recorded. The distribution of the capsules during the various meals 

 of the day will be sufficiently evident from the description which has 

 already been given above of the times of administration. When any 

 4242 No. 84, pt 1- 



