THE CORPUSCLES OF THE BLOOD 



to bacterial decomposition in the presence of the saltpetre used in 

 the process of preservation. 



Methsemoglobin (MetHb). Oxj-haemoglobin is frequently repre- 

 sented by the formula Hb<f i ; methsemoglobin by the formula 



Hb/ t although the correctness of the latter has been questioned. 



It is formed in the stale blood, and may be prepared by adding to 

 a solution of Hb a few drops of a fresh-made solution of potassium 



B c 



Oxyhaemoglobin 



Haemoglobin 

 (reduced) 



Carboxyhmmo- 

 globin 



Acid h&matin 



Alkaline hajmatin 



Reduced alkaline 

 heematin or hie- 

 no ochrornogen* 



FIG. 22. ILOOD SPECTRA. (Waller.) 



ferricyanide. The loosely combined oxygen of the OHb is turned 

 out, and the Hb then combines in a more stable form with an equal 

 amount of oxygen taken up from the decomposition of bicarbonates 

 in the blood, a chemical reaction taking place in which the ferricyanide 

 is reduced to ferrosyanide. 







Hb I + 4Na 3 (FeCy,,)+4NaHC0 8 =O a +Ht> 

 " 



I 

 O 



O 



+ 4-Na 4 (FeCy fi ) +4CO, +2H 2 O 



