Studies of Tetany

The data presented in this paper were obtained from an infant with tetany who was given, at intervals, ammonium chlorid, hydrochloric acid, the usual agent, calcium chlorid, and calcium acetate, a substance differing from the other three in that presumably it does not produce an acid effect. The purposes of this study may be briefly indicated by the headings, which will be used in the following order in presenting and discussing the information obtained. Evidence indicating that an acid effect, due to an increased metabolism of hydrochloric acid, following the administration of calcium chlorid, ammonium chlorid or hydrochloric acid is a factor in the therapeutic efficacy of these substances in tetany. Data illustrating the regulated use of fixed alkali in the process of acid excretion. The manner of the effect of an increased metabolism of hydrochloric acid on the excretion in the urine of other acid substances