Cadaver in

A ptomaine, isomeric with neuridin, and, like it, occurring very frequently in decomposing animal ti ues. It is obtained from human hearts, lungs, livers, etc., after three days' decomposition at ordinary temperature,— also from horseflesh, from putrid mu el, from herring and haddock. It is a constant product of the growth of the comma-bacillus, irrespective of the medium. It does not occur in culture-media from which bacteria are absent. It is a thick, water-clear, syrupy liquid, having an exceedingly unpleasant odor, somewhat resembling that of coni in and semen. It is certainly identical with so-called "animal coni in." Putrescin and cadaver in were both formerly believed to be physiologically indifferent; but recent investigations show both bases capable of producing active inflammation and necrosis. The necrosis of the intestinal epithelium in Asiatic cholera seems due to their presence. They also have the power, even in small quantities, of preventing blood from coagulating, and rendering it "laky." Cadaver in is believed by Grawitz to hinder the growth of bacteria. Cadaver in hydro chlorid, on dry distillation, decomposes into ammonium chlorid, and pipe rid in, Whether or not this change, whereby the non-poisonous cadaver in becomes a toxic base, can take place under the influence of bacteria during putrefaction, is not known.