Scientific Proceedings. 



(129) 65 



tive physiological action of three elements, which are of equal 

 valency and of approximately the same molecular weight, and 

 whose chemical properties are closely related. The experiments 

 were carried out in vitro and on unicellular organisms, bacteria 

 and infusoria, frogs, pigeons, rats and guinea-pigs. The solutions 

 used were the chlorids, isotonic with 0.6ft sodium chlorid. In 

 one case the propionate was used without any marked difference 

 in the result being observed. 



The chlorids coagulate egg and serum albumins, but neither 

 the purified albumoses from Witte's peptone nor peptone are 

 precipitated. 



Dilute solutions delay the growth of bacteria and eventually 

 kill. The solutions are not very toxic to spores. Opalina, para- 

 mecia, and vorticellae are killed quickly, equivalent solutions of 

 the chlorids acting in the following order of strength : Neodymium, 

 prseseodymium and lanthanum. 



In frogs voluntary and involuntary muscle are quickly put out 

 of action. This is particularly the case with perfused muscle. 

 The solutions act in the same order as with unicellular organisms. 

 Intravenous injection causes almost instant death, due to multiple 

 embolism. 



Attempted chronic poisoning was unsatisfactory. The solu- 

 tions were introduced both subcutaneously and intraperitoneally. 

 Some of the animals died with ill-defined symptoms. Others re- 

 mained well, except for areas of induration at the seat of injection. 

 Experiments with oral administration and on elimination will be 

 conducted. 



As all the solutions, owing to hydrolysis, are acid in reaction, 

 the authors are inclined to attribute a large share of the acute 

 effects to the acid present. The salts range themselves in their 

 toxicity according to their molecular weights. 



31 (77). "The influence of bile upon blood-pressure": S. J. 

 MELTZER and WILLIAM SAL ANT. 



There have not been very many studies regarding the influence 

 of bile upon blood-pressure, and among these the statements are 

 conflicting. Thus, Traube, who was the first to study it upon the 

 kymograph, states that the intravenous injection of bile salts causes 



