. . .and controlling the activity of these two proteolytic enzymes. In fact, as one looks over the large number of data which have gradually accumulated bearing upon this point, one is impressed with the great sensitiveness of these ferments toward even so-called indifferent substances. Their specific activity appears to hinge primarily upon the existence of a certain special environment, alterations of which may be attended with an utter loss of proteolytic power, or, in some less common cases, with a decided increase in the rate of digestive action. This constitutes one of the peculiar features of these proteolytic enzymes; powerful to produce great changes, they are nevertheless subject to the influence of their surroundings in a way which testifies to their utter lack of stability. Furthermore, as you well know, conditions favorable for the action of the one ferment are absolutely unfavorable for the activity of the other, and indeed may even lead to its destruction. T. . . Read More