259 
Kockmann, M. (Bull, de la soc. de Med. de Gand., 1906), dis- 
cusses the variability of the action of digitalis leaf and reports a 
series of blood pressure experiments on dogs. — Biochem. Centralbl., 
Leipz., 1906-7, v. 5, p. 630. 
The same (Inst, de Pharmacodyn. et de Ther. Gand.) discusses 
the action of several bodies of the digitalis group on the vagus nerve. 
(From Arch. int. d. pharmacodyn. et de therap., 1906, v. 16, p. 
321.) — Ibid., v. 5, p. 630. 
Beckstroem, R., suggests that the Ph. Germ, require that tincture 
: of digitalis be directed to be protected from light. — Ber. d. pharm. 
j Gesellsch., Berl., 1906, v. 16, p. 327. 
Focke (Berl. Klin. Wchnschr., 1906, p. 642) discusses the value of 
frogs for the qualitative as well the quantitative estimation of the 
jj activity of digitalis ; also the need for a disinterested control of digi- 
talis preparations. — Apoth. Ztg., Berk, 1906, a t . 21, pp. 400-401. 
Focke ( Vierteljahresschrift f. gerichtl. Med. u. offenth Sanitatswe- 
sen, 1906) outlines the following requirement for the physiological 
| activity of digitalis: The one-fiftieth part of the weight of a frog 
(Rana temyoraria) of a 1-10 infusion of digitalis, injected into the 
lymphatics, near the thigh, should require not less than seven and 
not more than fifteen minutes to effect the complete cessation of pul- 
sation in the exposed heart ; in at least four experiments the average 
time being from nine to eleven minutes. — Ibid., v. 21, p. 580. 
P 
Wang, E., discusses the formula advanced by Focke the 
weight of the frog divided b}^ the dose and the time, and its applica- 
tion in a practical way. He has examined a number of samples of 
digitalis grown in Norway and finds them to be average and never 
above normal. He confirms assertions made by Focke that there is 
x t j 
a distinct degeneration in the leaf unless carefully preserved. (From 
Chem. Ztg., Rep., 1906, p. 338.) — Ibid., v. 21, p. 890. 
Pfaff, Franz, discusses the use and abuse of digitalis and reviews 
the history of the introduction of digitalis with special reference to 
the work done by Withering and by Ferriar. — Bost. Med. & Surg. 
J., 1906, v. 154, pp. 551-552. 
Gottlieb R., (Med. Klinik, 1906, p. 955) writes on the theory of 
digitalis action. The total action of digitalis substances, he believes, 
includes (1) increase of the work of the heart, (2) constricting the 
splanchnic area, (3) reducing the number of beats, (4) regulating 
the arythmia. — Biochem. Centralbl., Leipz., 1906-7, v. 5, p. 751. 
von Tabora, D., reports a series of experiments made to determine 
the influence of digitalis on the mammalian heart. — Ztschr. f. exper. 
Path. u. Therap., 1906, v. 3, pp. 499-510. 
