Studies of the Inorganic Metabolism in Pneumonia with Especial Reference to Calcium and Magnesium

During pneumonia the metabolism of inorganic substances deviates markedly from the normal. While chlorine, sodium, and calcium are retained in the body, potassium and magnesium are excreted normally or in excess. Two cases showed a definite loss of magnesium to the body in the febrile period. During the period of retention the chlorine content of the blood is distinctly lower than normally, the calcium content is apparently slightly lower, and the magnesium content tends also to be a little lower. The skin is shown, to play no special part in the chlorine retention. Since no organ or organs have been shown to store up large amounts of the retained substances, it is probable that they are spread diffusely throughout the body.