On the Origin and Nature of Alexin (Complement) in Guinea-Pig Blood

Abstract Nomenclature has always played an important rôle in scientific literature. The accepted ethics of terminology recognize and uphold the precedence of priority in cases of dispute providing that the earlier investigator fully describes the substance in question. Owing to individual idiosyncrasies this procedure, in some instances, has been disregarded and serious confusion and controversy has arisen. Nuttal (1), von Fodor (2) and others recognized and experimentally demonstrated the presence of a bactericidal substance in fresh blood and blood serum but failed to attribute a name to the substance. Buchner (3), in 1889, gave the name of “alexin” to this thermolable, bactericidal, ferment-like, protecting substance. Bordet (4) later verified the presence of this substance and recognized the accuracy of the word “alexin.” In addition he discovered the thermostable factor, which also takes an important part in this reaction.