ANTAGONISM 179 



Eaber (1917) gave quite the opposite result. In this case 

 a distinct increase of toxicity occurs on mixing the com- 

 ponents. This is evident from Fig. 79. Similar results 

 were obtained when Na-citrate was combined with Nal, 

 NaSCN, NaNOs or Na^SO^. 



Cases which show increased toxicity (as judged by 

 other criteria) have been reported by Lipman*'' and 

 by Loeb.*« 



It may be of interest to call attention to certain 

 phenomena in non-living matter which bear at least a 

 superficial resemblance to some of the facts dis- 

 cussed above. 



In the course of experiments on Laminaria, the writer 

 frequently observed that fronds kept in NaCl become 

 softer,*^ but that in CaClg, and in LaClg, they become 

 harder. The changes in viscosity are so great as to 

 suggest that they are fully capable of explaining the 

 fall of electrical resistance which occurs, when tissue 

 is placed in NaCl and the rise of resistance which occurs 

 in CaClg and LaClg (which is always followed by a fall 

 of resistance). 



In the hope of throwing some light upon this process, 

 sections of tissue were observed in CaCL under the 

 microscope. It was then seen that after a time the proto- 

 plasm assumed a coagulated appearance: it seemed 

 obvious that the process which increased the viscosity 

 might produce a coagulation of the protoplasm or some 

 other change in its structure whereby it became 

 more permeable. 



This conception led the writer to expect decreased 

 resistance in tissues placed in NaCl (because of decreased 



"Lipman, C. B. (1900, 1912). 

 "Loeb, J. (1911, A; 1912, B; 1916, D). 



" The cell walls not only soften, but eventually go partly into solution. 

 Cf. Hansteen-Cranner, B. (1910, 1914); LiUie, R. S. (1921). 



