Magnetic properties of hemocyanin

The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the magnetic properties of hemocyanin in order to elucidate the oxygenation reaction. However, a number of other properties were examined as a preliminary basis for this work. These experiments were also of value in demonstrating the similarity of the hemocyanin used to the other hemocyanins and hence of the applicability of the magnetic work to these other proteins. As the hemocyanins are a class of proteins well adapted to studies from a comparative point of view, these results are of interest in themselves as the animal used was of a group not yet investigated. In order to increase the facility with which these comparative deductions are made I have devoted some space to results on other hemocyanins. As no review of the hemocyanins has appeared for eight years, and much important work has been done meanwhile, I have felt justified in including some of the results of the recent work that bear on the final interpretation of the magnetic experiments. The animal chosen for use was the giant key-hole limpet, Megathura crenulata, a Streptoneuran of the class Gasteropoda, found on the rocks in several places along the Pacific coast. For the convenience of those who are not acquainted with all of the species mentioned I have included a table of common names at the end of the paper