LUPIN OSIS OF THE SHEEP. 



243 



from those found in the case of intoxications by alkaloids, which 

 act as nervous poisons. Finally, Arnold has produced lupinosis 

 with lupins stripped of their vegetable alkaloids. 



These results have led to the admission that the pathogenic agent 

 of toxic lupins must be a chemical poison which is not classified. 

 The empirical controversy concerning the non-inoculability of the 

 superficial layers of the stacks kept in the open air also indicates 

 that the rain has washed away the poison. The intensity of the 

 disease is generally in relation mainly with the quantity of lupin 

 ingested ; however, the various lupins may show different toxic 

 properties. By experiments we may produce, at will, an acute or 

 chronic lupinosis by varying the dose of toxic extract. Kiihn has 

 proposed the expression idrogene in order to denominate the toxic 

 agent of lupins. Arnold and Schneidemuhl designate it as lupino- 

 toxine^ which is preferable to the former term, the signification of 

 which is correct for some only of the cases of lupinosis. 



Properties of lupinotoxine. Of slight solubility in pure 

 water (Kiihn), lupinotoxine is very soluble in alkaline water 

 (Arnold, RolofF). It resists dry heat, and a temperature of 100° 

 C. prolonged for three hours (Kiihn). Steam acting for several 

 hours under the pressure of one to one and a half atmosphere 

 weakens the poison, and at the pressure of two atmospheres de- 

 stroys it completely. 



Preparation of lupinotoxine. Lupinotoxine is especially 

 abundant in the fruit, in the husk as well as in the grain. The 

 following is the mode of preparation, according to Arnold and 

 Schneidemiihl : The finely pulverized plant is macerated for two 

 hours in a solution of soda (IJ : 100) at 40° to 50° C. The filtered 

 liquid is concentrated in a water-bath at 60° C, then add acetic 

 acid and filter again ; treat it then with a solution of acetate of 

 lead ; the filtered solution is then saturated by hyposulphuric acid, 

 then it is concentrated at a temperature of 50° C, and, finally, 

 mixed with fifteen times its volume of alcohol at 98°. Within 

 twenty-four hours a precipitate will be formed (a brown resinous 

 matter) which is dried and dissolved in water, then treated with 

 acetate of lead and ammonia ; the precipitate is washed with dis- 

 tilled ammonia water, with alcohol and ether, then put in water 

 and decomposed by means of hydrosulphuric acid. Afler that we 

 filter, concentrate at 70° C, and add ten times its volume in alcohol 

 at 98°. 



