11.40 A. M., arterial blood contained 7,061.
The facts would thus seem to warrant the assertion that, as a rule, the
venous blood flowing from the intestinal tract of an animal, fed on a
rich proteid diet, contains a much larger number of leucocytes than the
arterial blood flowing to the intestine; although, if space permitted,
we might instance certain occasional exceptions due to various causes,
which, however, do not reflect against the view that there is a marked
production of leucocytes in the lymph spaces surrounding the intestine,
and in the lymph glands of the mesentery, as a normal accompaniment to
digestive proteolysis.
Taking into account all of the circumstances attending the circulation
of the blood through the abdominal organs, especially the rate of flow,
and remembering the great increase in the number of leucocytes contained
in the blood during the several hours attending digestive proteolysis,
it is plain that a comparatively large amount of proteid matter must be
transferred from the intestine to the blood in the bodies of the white
corpuscles so abundantly produced in the lymph glands, etc., during
proteid digestion. Indeed, Pohl calculates, on the basis of his own and
the observations of others, that in the case of an animal weighing 5
kilograms, and fed with 100 grams of fresh beef, containing 20 grams of
proteid matter, the entire amount of albumin required to supply the loss
incidental to the normal physiological processes of the body could be
absorbed into the circulation from the intestine in the form of
leucocytes, assuming a digestive period of six hours. Moreover, the
evidence acquired from Pohl’s experiments of the enormous production of
new cells in the intestinal walls during the height of digestion renders
such a theory of the transference of proteid matter from the alimentary
tract to the tissues and fluids of the body quite plausible. At the end
of twenty-four hours the leucocytes have fallen back to their normal
number, having presumably been broken down in the blood-plasma or
dissolved in the tissues and organs, thus giving up the proteid matter,
of which they are composed, for the general nourishment of the body.
Obviously, we can not admit that all the proteid matter of the food is
absorbed in the form of leucocytes, for, as we know, some at least of
the proteid food ingested is carried beyond the peptone stage, either
through the action of trypsin, or through the action of the organized
germs in the intestine, but we can certainly accept the views so
admirably worked out by Pohl, in so far as they indicate one way in
which proteid matter may pass from the intestine into the blood, after
having undergone a preliminary transformation in the alimentary tract
into primary albumoses and peptone. Again, if Pohl’s views are correct,
we see that the proteid foods are quickly transformed into organized
material in the body of the lymph cell prior to their absorption into
the blood, a view which is in harmony with the long-known fact that
peptone and other products of digestion can not be detected, in any
quantity, at least, in the blood of the portal vein, even after the
ingestion of a diet rich in proteids. As has been frequently stated in
the past, the products of proteolytic action are transformed in the very
act of absorption, presumably through the activity of the epithelial
cells of the villi, and we may now assume, in the light of Pohl’s
results, that this transformation may be due in part, at least, to the
upbuilding of the ordinary products of digestion into the living
protoplasm of the white corpuscles in the intestinal walls, and in this
form as organized albumin circulated through the body.
Editorial in Dietetic and Hygienic Gazette, November, 1893.
Book Notices.
AN AMERICAN TEXT-BOOK OF GYNECOLOGY, MEDICAL AND SURGICAL, FOR THE USE
OF STUDENTS AND PRACTITIONERS. Edited by J. M. BALDY, M. D.,
assisted by a corps of Nine Contributors. Cloth, 8 vo., pp. 713. 360
illustrations and 37 colored and half tone plates. Philadelphia: W.
B. SAUNDERS, 1894. (Sold by Subscriptions only; Price, $6.00).
The magnificent work described above has just been received from the
publisher, and inasmuch as it is at once the most modern and most
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from the prospectus will give in brief the main objects kept in view in
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In this volume all anatomical descriptions excepting what is essential
to a clear understanding of the text have been omitted, illustrations
being largely depended upon to elucidate this point. It will be found
thoroughly practical in its teachings, and is intended, as its title
implies, to be a working text-book for physicians and students. A clear
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of these have been noted and explained; and the operations recommended
are fully illustrated, so that the reader may have a picture of the
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It is to be regretted that the authors’ names do not appear in
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the statement found on page 90, to the effect that “_All salts of
potassium in full doses are cardiac depressants._” This is true only in
part, as it is a well-recognized fact that when eliminatives are
required, iodides are valuable, in fact, are demanded, and when given in
what is known as medicinal doses, potassium iodide is an efficient
cardiac stimulant. It is not, however, a cardiac stimulant in the sense
that digitalis, strychnine and arsenic are cardiac stimulants, through
their influence upon the cardiac mechanism; but rather, because
potassium iodide increases protoplasmic activity, promoting the
discharge of waste products, and thus lessens materially the work
devolving upon the heart muscle itself. Statements of this character
should always be made with caution, since they are too sweeping, and
calculated to mislead those unfamiliar with the true physiological
action of drugs. The book is well printed, handsomely illustrated, and
reflects credit alike upon the authors and publisher.
SYLLABUS OF LECTURES ON THE PRACTICE OF SURGERY. Arranged in
conformity with the American Text-book of Surgery. By N. SENN, M.
D., Ph. D., L. L. D. Cloth, 12mo., pp. 221. Philadelphia. W. B.
SAUNDERS. 1894. (Price, $2.00.)
Like all Prof. Senn’s work, this is an excellent compilation, and no
doubt will be highly appreciated by teachers in this department,
although it will prove most acceptable to the general practitioner who
desires to refresh his memory from time to time in regard to surgical
affections. By reference to the list of contents, arranged
alphabetically, any subject can readily be located, and all the more
important points gained in the course of a few minutes. Those who do not
possess the original work will be prompted to purchase it when they have
an opportunity of examining this convenient arrangement.
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The Antikamnia Visiting List is a neat and practical account book,
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