170 



On the Presence of Radium in Some Carcinomatous Tumours. 

 By W. S. Lazarus-Barlow, M.D., F.R.C.P. 



(Communicated by Sir J. E. Bradford, K.C.M.G., Sec. B.S. Eeceived 

 February 14,— Bead March 14, 1912.) 



In another place* I brought forward evidence that acceleration of leak 

 occurs when carcinoma tissue, after extraction with acetone or with ether, 

 and subsequently with water, is introduced within an electroscope. The 

 results have been criticised in respect of the smallness of the differences 

 observed, and of their possible explanation by variations in the capacity of 

 the electroscope occasioned by introducing the various substances within it. 

 To meet the last criticism, an electroscope of constant small capacity was 

 designed, which essentially consists of a closed metal box, divided horizontally 

 by a wire grating. The upper part of the box contains the insulated gold 

 leaf, and the various substances can be introduced into the lower part of the 

 instrument through a well-fitting door. 



Various non-malignant and malignant tissues, after extraction and in a 

 dry, finely divided state, were then examined as to their possible influence on 

 the leak. The majority of these were without effect outside the range of 

 experimental error, but certain of them afforded evidence of acceleration. 

 Specimens from both classes were then weighed, boiled with 10 c.c. 

 hydrochloric acid and distilled water in a flask with side-piece, sealed, and 

 set aside for four weeks. At the end of that time, the gas given off on 

 vigorous boiling for five minutes was passed into an emanation electroscope 

 in the usual manner and the leak determined. 



The results of the examinations in the constant capacity electroscope are 

 given on the opposite page. 



A glance at the following table confirms the previous conclusion as regards 

 acceleration, and in certain instances the acceleration is marked. In order 

 to test the point further, Nos. 437, 440, 697C, 697G, 793, 147C, and 791 

 were examined for emanation, together with a sample of the HC1 used for 

 solution. Examination of the acetone, and of the ether used for extraction,, 

 was unnecessary, owing to the wide variation of the results obtained, in 

 spite of the fact that one or other of these fluids was used in every case. 

 Nevertheless, all reagents used were tested and found to be radium-free. 

 None of the patients in whose cases radium was found had, during life, been 



* ' Arch. Middlesex Hosp., Eighth Cancer Rep.,' 1909, p. 126 and foil. 



