Naturally enough most of the French pathologists followed Metchnikoff and their work was influenced by his ideas, while the Germans were solidly lined up on the opposite side.

At last the defenders of the leucocyte were forced to recognize the actual fact of the presence of bactericidal substances in normal blood plasma, and they then fell back to the ground that, although the leucocyte could pick up and destroy virulent bacteria, yet they were much better able to accomplish this if the organisms had been previously injured, and that the substances that injured the bacteria were produced and secreted by the leucocytes. Destruction of bacteria, they contended, was the function of leucocytes, which was accomplished either intracellularly after phagocytosis, or extracellularly by bactericidal products of the leucocytes, or by combining the two processes. As a compromise that recognized the potencies of the serum, this view met with considerable favor, particularly as there were many features of immunity that bore it out, and Buchner, Gruber and others were convinced that "alexin," the bactericidal constituent of blood plasma, was a product of the leucocytes and in nature like a proteolytic enzyme. Ehrlich and his school, by showing that the alexin of Buchner really represents two uniting substances, the "complement" and the "intermediary body," made necessary further modification of the leucocyte's part in immunity, which developed in the form of an assumption that the complement, which bears much resemblance to a ferment, was the contribution of the leucocyte, particularly the polymorphonuclear neutrophile.

*

But even this last shred of honor is threatened, and particularly by the interesting studies of Petrie. Using the method of Rowland for obtaining the inmost constituents of cells, which consists of triturating the cells after they have been made brittle by exposure to the temperature of liquid air, he obtained extracts of leucocytes. Although this process does not destroy the bacteriolytic properties of normal serums, the extracts of the leucocytes so obtained were found to be entirely devoid of bactericidal powers, showing that they contained nothing resembling an "alexin." Neither did they contain anything in the shape of a bactericidal "complement," for they could not reactivate the normally bactericidal serum that had been deprived of complement by heating. This was found to be the case with the leucocytes of the normal rabbits when *Jour. of Path. and Bact., 1903, ix, 130.

tried against typhoid bacilli, for which the serum of rabbits is powerfully bactericidal, and the leucocytes of rabbits rendered highly resistant to typhoid bacilli by immunizing were equally devoid of alexin or complement. From these experiments, which are in accord with others performed by different methods, it appears that Metchnikoff's view that the bactericidal substances of blood exist in the bodies of the leucocytes to be liberated on their destruction, cannot be accepted. There remains still the possibility that the leucocytes really do secrete bactericidal substances, but that they do not exist preformed within the cell. In other words, they resemble the inactive zymogens that become active on or after secretion.

In any case, however, there is a strong tendency, based on good grounds, to rob the leucocyte of much of its former significance. Yet it is still to be contended that the leucocytes must have some function, and this is almost certainly connected with the resistance of the body against infection, and even if it does not happen to be just what Metchnikoff thought, yet it is probably of importance, else why the leucocyte?— Journal of the American Medical Association.

INDUCTION OF ANAESTHESIA IN PROSTATIC AND RENAL SURGERY. --Mark, reasoning from the evidence adduced for and against the method of subarachnoid injections of cocaine, believes that the following conclusions are justified: (1) That the method is as safe as, if not safer than, general anaesthesia. (2) That we may safely employ up to 48-100 of a grain of cocaine without fear of toxic effects. (3) That shock, when present, is decidedly less than that of general anaesthesia. (4) That it is attended with less danger of annoying sequelae and symptoms. (5) That on account of the variability in the length of its analgetic action it is contraindicated in prolonged operative procedures.-Medical and Surgical Monitor.

NASAL DISEASE.-The indications for operative treatment depend on both the subjective and objective symptoms. A noticeable inadequacy of either nasal passage, the presence of excessive or retained secretion, or an abnormal redness of the mucous membrane at any point, are all evidences of abnormality, which, if coupled with inconvenience to the patient, invite corrective attention.-Edw. Pynchon, M. D., in Medical Record.

LISTERINE

in

SUMMER

COMPLAINT

The absolute safety of Listerine, its well defined antiseptic power, and the readiness with which it lends itself to combination with other indicated remedies, are properties which have led many physicians to adopt Listerine as the antiseptic foundation of their prescriptions for Summer Complaint.

A 32-page pamphlet on this subject, containing many valu able suggestions for treatment, may be had on application.

Summer Complaints

of Infants and Children

Lambert Pharmacal Co., St. Louis

Brescriptions and formulary.

NYMPHOMANIA.

R Liq. potassii arsenitis,

Sodii bromidi,

Aq. camphoræ,

m viij.
3 iv.

q. s. ad fl. 3 viij.

M. Sig. Tablespoonful in water after meals. - Ex.

R Ext. ergotæ,

Pulv. scillæ,

Hydrarg. chl. mitis,

Pulv. digitalis,

3 j.

gr. xiv.

3 ss.

gr. xv.

M. Ft. pil. No. 40. Sig. One pill t. i. d. - Brommier, Med. Rec.

BURNS.

A saturated solution of potassium permanganate is recommended as an application for burns. It diminishes pain very markedly and causes a rapid healing of the wound. - Kharitonov Med, Rec.