PTOMAINES 117 



Saprin, CjHjeNj. — Resembles cadaverin, and is commonly 

 associated with it in putrefying animal matter. Non- 

 poisonous. 



Neuridin, C6H14N2. — This is the most common ptomaine 

 of putrefaction, and was isolated by Brieger in 1884. It is 

 to be obtained most abundantly from decomposing tissues 

 containing gelatine. It has a very disagreeable smell, is 

 very soluble in water, but insoluble in ether and absolute 

 alcohol. It is isomeric with saprin and cadaverin, and is 

 said to be non-poisonous. 



Methylamine, CHj.NH^. — Obtained from putrefying fish, 

 and is present in old cholera cultures. Non-poisonous. 



Dimethylamine, (CH3)2.NH. — Obtained by Brieger from 

 putrefying gelatine, and by Bocklisch from decomposing 

 fish. Non-poisonous. 



Trimethylamine, (CH3)3N. — Found by Brieger in cultures 

 ,of the cholera spirillum and the streptococcus of pus. Non- 

 poisonous. 



Neurin, CjHjjNO. — Obtained by Liebreich as a decompo- 

 sition product of protagon from the brain, and by Brieger 

 from decomposing muscular tissue. Crystallises in the 

 form of plates and needles. This base is toxic in very 

 small doses, producing total paralysis in frogs, etc. 



Cholin, C5H15NO2. — Obtained from hog's bile by Strecker 

 in 1862, and later by Brieger from various sources, including 

 cholera cultures. It is a syrupy liquid which combines 

 with acids to form deliquescent salts. 



Muscarin, C5H15NO3. — This very toxic ptomaine is found 

 in poisonous mushrooms, and can also be produced by the 

 oxidation of cholin. 



Methyl-guanidin, CHN. — Obtained by Brieger from de- 

 composing horseflesh, which had been kept at a low 

 temperature for several months. It is also to be obtained 

 from cultures of the Finkler-Prior bacillus, and can be 



