314 R. H. Chittenden — Papoid-digestion. 



Here, the same results are to be seen as in the preceding experi- 

 ment, although the difference between the acid and the alkaline 

 digestion is not quite as pronounced. Still, the results certainly 

 warrant the conclusion already advanced, that in papoid we have a 

 proteolytic agent especially adapted for the digestion of proteid 

 matter at comparatively low temperatures. At the same time, it is 

 a ferment very resistant to the ordinary destructive effects of high 

 temperatures, and is especially characterized by exhibiting its maxi- 

 mum digestive power at about 70° C. 



c. Influence of various Therapeutic Agents and other Substances 

 on the Proteolytic Action of Papoid. 



In this connection, those substances have been chosen which might 

 naturally be combined with papoid in its application as a therapeutic 

 agent, either internally or externally, or which might perchance 

 exert some modifying influence upon the action of the ferment as a 

 general proteolytic agent. The experiments have been conducted 

 in the same manner as those already described ; each digestive mix- 

 ture containing 0*5 gram papoid, 10 grams of prepared beef pro- 

 teids, raw or cooked, and 25 c. c. of water, together with the speci- 

 fied percentage of the substance to be tested ; the digestive action 

 in each case being compared with that of a control digestion com- 

 posed of papoid, proteid, and water alone. 



Salicylic Acid. 



The mixtures were warmed at 45° C. for 8 hours. 

 The 10 grams of raw beef proteids contained 2-743 grams of dry 

 proteid (110° C). 



Salicylic acid. 



Weig:lit of undigested residue. 



Proteid digested. 



(neutral) 



1-1070 grams 



59*6 per cent. 



0*1 per cent. 



0-9536 " 



65-2 



0-2 



0-9233 



66-3 



From these results, it is evident that salicylic acid in small quanti- 

 ties tends to increase the proteolytic action of papoid over that of a 

 neutral solution. As is well known, a 0*2 per cent, solution of sali- 

 cylic acid is amply strong to act as an efficient antiseptic, prevent- 

 ing the appearance of putrefaction in an organic fluid, even under 

 the most favorable circumstances for its development. Consequently, 

 salicylic acid and papoid might well be combined where application 

 of the ferment to morbid or suppurating growths is desired. 



