J. H. Bill—Decomposition of Potassic Bromide, etc. 191 
color in the solutions themselves, nor other evidence that the 
chemical relations of the several bodies have been altered. In 
short our belief in this alteration is purely hypothetical. 
Several years ago while conducting a physiological research 
on the action of the bromides I observed certain facts which 
I here offer as a demonstration of the proposition that potassic 
bromide and sodic chloride, when brought together in solution, 
httle bromine will be found. Bromides, however, may be de- 
tected for two weeks after the last dose taken, whilst excess of 
potassium will be found only after the first day. 
T can account for these facts only on the supposition that the 
b 
and sodic bromide—retained in the blood as a substitute for 
— of urine when the body was under the influence of 
th m five to ten grams of potassic bromide. The results show 
€ amounts of the whole twenty-four hours, all the urine for 
Potassium. Sodium. Chlorine. Bromide. 
grms. grms. grms. grms. 
4-21 7°67 9°56 [oan 
7°82 11°45 0°04 
No bromide taken 
Seven grains (average 
of arriba t ss 
Z have waited for a chance to extend these experiments to 
reaction of the iodides and chlorides, but seeing no proba- 
bility that an i i 
i n immediate opportunity of doing so will present 
eres I publish this note for fae it 1s worth. 
York, June 15, 1876. 
