260 



AMYLOLYTIC POWER AND CHEMICAL 



than with litmus or cochineal ; a fact which would be expected 

 in view of the presence of the hydrogen alkali phosphates con- 

 tained in the fluid. It is likewise to be seen that the average 

 acidity as indicated by phenolphthaleln, though less con- 

 spicuous, is also inclined to diminish after eating. 



II. RELATIVE ALKALINITY AND AMYLOLYTIC POWER OP 

 HUMAN SALIVA BEFORE AND AFTER EATING. 



In this series of experiments the main object was to ascer- 

 tain whether there are noticeable variations in the amylolytic 

 power of saliva before and after eating and whether such vari- 

 ations, if existent, run parallel with variations in the alkalinity. 

 As in the previous experiments, the saliva was collected by 

 chewing a small piece of rubber. 



