Streptolysin Production. 



275 



correct. For instance, it was observed that tetany occurred in 

 the three cases in which the C0 2 tension was highest. However, 

 our results with dogs do not confirm this hypothesis. Dr. Hastings 

 made the P H determinations by the gas chain method, using all 

 the accepted refinements. He found that it was normal until 

 just before death, when the usual sudden ante-mortem drop 

 occurred, proving that in this condition, death at least, is not due 

 to an intoxication by hydroxyl ions. Moreover, as far as I know, 

 there are no fundamental experiments to prove that nerve tissue 

 is hyperirritable in the more alkaline solutions. Thus, since we 

 have no direct proof we are not prepared, yet, to say that alkalosis 

 per se, is the cause. There are other ions to be considered besides 

 the hydrogen ion, which may affect nerve irritability. Dr. Loeb 5 

 has pointed out the importance of the monovalent/divalent 

 kation ratio or more specifically the Na/Ca ratio, and has shown 

 differences in the anions as well. In this case, the sodium- 

 calcium ratio seems to be normal but there is a marked disturbance 

 in the anions which may be the important factor. 



We are investigating further into the problem, and hope to be 

 able to determine by estimating the hydrogen -ion concentration 

 and the carbon dioxide content in the same sample of blood 

 whether we are dealing with a condition of compensated or un- 

 compensated alkalosis. 



120 (1867) 



Hen-feathering induced in the male fowl by feeding thyroid. 



By HARRY BEAL TORREY and BENJAMIN HORNING. 



[From the Department of Zoology, University of Oregon, 

 Eugene, Oregon.] 



It is already well known to the members of this Society that 

 the males of certain breed of fowls — notably Sebright bantams 

 and Campines — are feathered so like the females as to be in this 

 respect practically indistinguishable from them; and that such 

 hen-feathered males, following castration (especially in early life), 

 develop plumage of the usual male type. 



5 Loeb, J., and Ewald, W. F. J. Biol Chem., 1916, xxv, 377. 



