PTOMAINES 275 



The following are some of the principal ptomaines : 



Cadaverin, CjHj^Nj. — This is a thick, syrupy, transparent, 

 volatile liquid with a very unpleasant smell. It is produced 

 in cultures of the Spirillum choleras Asiaticm, and the 

 spirillum of Pinkler and Prior, which have been kept for a 

 month or more at a temperature of 37° C. 



Neuridin, C5H14N2. — This is the most common ptomaine 

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

 to be obtained inost 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 cadaverin, and is said to be 

 non-poisonous. 



Putrescin, C4H12N2. — This base strongly resembles 

 cadaverin, and is frequently found associated with it. 

 This ptomaine was first obtained by Brieger from various 

 sources, most abundantly from substances containing 

 gelatine in a very advanced state of decomposition. It is 

 obtained in the form of a hydrate, which is a transparent 

 liquid having a boiling-point of about 135° C. 



Saprin, C5HigN2. — Eesembles cadaverin, and is commonly 

 associated with it in putrefying animal matter. Non- 

 poisonous. 



Methylamine, CHs.NHj. — 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, C5H13NO. — Obtained by Liebreich as a decompo- 

 sition product of protagon from the brain, and by Brieger 

 from decomposing muscular tissue. Crystallises in the 



