CHEMISTRY OF THE PTOMAINES. 215 



physiologically indifferent, but more recent investigations 

 by ScHEUELEN, Grawitz, and others, show that both these 

 bases are capable of producing strong inflammation and 

 necrosis. According to Behring, in large doses it is 

 poisonous to mice, rabbits, and guinea-pigs ; it is not 

 poisonous to dogs (Udranszky and Baumann). Cadav- 

 erine is one of those substances which can set up suppura- 

 tion in the absence of bacteria. In cholera Asiatica the 

 necrosis of the intestinal epithelium is quite common, and it 

 would seem that this pathological change, as well as 

 the muscular spasms and algidity, are due to the pres- 

 ence of these bases. It should be noted, however, that 

 Udranszky and Baumann failed to obtain any sign of 

 intestinal irritation on feeding dogs enormous doses of 

 cadaverine. Besides these local effects, they prevent, even 

 in small quantity, the coagulation of blood, and render it 

 " laky." According to Grawitz, cadaverine seems to 

 hinder the growth of bacteria. The cystitis observed in 

 cystinuria may possibly be due to the presence of cadaverine 

 and putrescine in the urine. Both bases are optically 

 inactive. 



When cadaverine is treated with methyl iodide, a base 

 is obtained, the hydrochloride of which gives with pla- 

 tinum chloride a double salt, having the composition : 

 C5Hi3(CH3)2]Sr2.2HCI.PtCl,. This new base, therefore, is 

 cadaverine in which two atoms of hydrogen have been 

 replaced by two methyl radicals. The platinochloride of 

 this derivative forms long, clear red needles, which, unlilce 

 those of cadaverin?, do not change their shape on repeated 

 recrystallization. It is moderately difficultly soluble in 

 water (Brieger, II., 41). Since cadaverine is a primary 

 diamine it sliould combine with six molecules of methyl 

 iodide to form a saturated compound. This, however, has 

 not been obtained. 



The Hydrochloride, C5Hi^N2.2HCI, crystallizes in 

 beautiful, long deliquescent needles (Brieger). According 

 to BoCKLiSGH, it forms long, colorless needles or prisms ; 

 crystallizes from alcohol in plates, and is not deliquescent 

 except on long standing. It is soluble in water, alcohol, 



