IV INTRODUCTION. 



the advanced decomposition of these toxins — and 

 in this respect their study becomes imperative, the 

 more so as they are very frequently encountered 

 together with the toxins, particularly in serpent- 

 venoms, where their action is exerted in addition 

 to that of the true toxins. 



In the first volume of this collection we dwelt 

 on the essentially reducing nature of the cellular 

 functionation. To this functionation — causing the 

 splitting up or decomposition by hydrolysis of 

 nitrogenized albuminoid foods — is due the forma- 

 tion of these toxic basic products within the organ- 

 ism, whether normally, or because of certain patho- 

 logical conditions. 



This alone suffices to show that, during physio- 

 logical life, oxygen plays an essentia ly antitoxic 

 r61e within the organism. 



It is hoped that this succinct r6sum6, which it 

 has been sought to make as clear as possible, will 

 be of service to those who, while not scientists 

 actively engaged in scientific progress, desire to 

 be abreast of the knowledge of modem evolution, 

 but yet are not in a position to consult original 

 papers or large treatises. 



