Abstract
The estimation of iodine in thyroid gland and similar material is usually carried out by the method of Baumann or one or other of its various modifications. All varieties of the method have for their basal operation the quantitative conversion of the organically combined iodine into hydriodic acid. For the investigation reported by Simpson and myself I have worked out a method which rests upon a different principle altogether.
By a procedure which involves, first, the oxidation of the material with a mixture of saltpeter and potassium sodium carbonate, and, second, the action of an excess of chlorine upon the acidified solution of the product, the iodine occurring in animal tissues may be quantitatively converted into iodic acid. After the excess chlorine has been removed, addition of potassium iodide leads to the liberation of exactly six times the original amount of iodine. The iodine thus set free may be titrated directly with a sodium thiosulphate solution of suitable strength. It is claimed for the method that it excels the various forms of the Baumann method, not only in cleanliness, convenience, and rapidity, but also in accuracy. Details will be published as soon as a larger series of control analyses is completed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.