VETEEIJSTARY MEDICINE. 177 



inariaus. The work is presented in sucli a manner as to be of interest to those 

 not leaving a Ivuowleclge of anatomy or surgical technique. 



Chemical studies upon the genus Zygadenus, C. L. Alsberg (Ahs. in Science, 

 n. set:, 39 (1914), No. 1017, p. 958). — Alkaloids similar to those occurring in 

 the " veratrin " group were obtained in crj'stalline form from Zygadenus 

 venenosus, Z. elegmis, and Z. coloradensis. All were very toxic and had similar 

 pharmacodynamical properties. From a member of a closely related genus, 

 Amianthium muscwtoxicum, a similar active principle was obtained in the pure 

 state. Apparently many of the species of Liliacete contain veratrin. 



Zygadenus, or death, camas, C. D. Marsh, A. B. Clawson, and H. Marsh 

 (U. S. Dept. Agr. Bui. 125 {1915), pp. 46, pis. 6, figs. 4).— This monograph 

 includes a detailed report of feeding experiments with sheep, horses, and cattle 

 carried on in 1909 and 1910 at Mount Carbon, Colo., and in 1912, 1913, and 1911 

 at GreyclifC, Mont. 



This plant grows abundantly on many of the stock ranges of the West and 

 is one of the most important sources of loss to sheepmen. Apparently all species 

 of the genus Zygadenus are looisonous throughout the whole season of their 

 growth, although^he tops are somewhat more poisonous at the time of flowering. 

 The toxicity of the bulbs and tops is about the same, but the seeds are much 

 more toxic than other parts of the j)lant. Cases of poisoning are more likely to 

 occur before the maturity of the plant for at that time other forage is scanty. 



Investigations have shown that tlie toxic dose varies according to conditions of 

 feeding. In drenched animals it is put at about 0.5 lb. for an animal weighing 

 100 lbs. In fed animals it varied from 1.6 to 5.6 lbs. The poisonous principle is 

 an alkaloid or alkaloids allied to veratrin and cevadin. Sheep, cattle, and horses 

 are poisoned by the plant but the fatalities are almost entirely confined to sheep. 

 The principal symptoms are salivation, nausea, muscular weakness, coma, and 

 sometimes attacks of dyspnoea. 



No satisfactory medical remedy has been discovered, notwithstanding the 

 fact tliat'the authors did considerable experimental work with different drugs. 

 As a preventive it is important that the plant be recognized and grazing upon 

 it avoided. When animals become sick they should be kept quiet and under 

 such treatment many will recover. 



A list of tlie literature cited, consisting of 30 titles, is included. 



The examination of milk by the practicing veterinarian. Testing the 

 protein and sugar content for the purpose of noting single abnormal milks, 

 Glage {Berlin. Tienlrztl. Wchnschr., 30 {1914), Nos. 12, pp. 204-206; 14, pp. 

 234-236). — After pointing out the various methods whereby the practical 

 veterinarian may detect abnormal milks, especially those of pathological origin, 

 the author shows that sugar and the amorphous protein constituents have not 

 been considered (or only rarely so). When examining milk in these respects 

 a normal amount of protein and sugar point to the healthfulness of the cow 

 from which the sample under consideration was obtained. The protein test 

 recommended consists of making a mixture of 3 cc. of milk and 3 cc. of a 10 

 per cent ammonia solution, adding an excess of water, and shaking. A healthy 

 milk will show no coagulation, not even on boiling the mixture. 



The sugar test is as follows : Boil a mixture made of three parts of milk 

 and three partsi of a 15 per cent potassium hydroxid solution, shake, and allow 

 to stand for 10 minutes, A healthy milk gives a brown coloration while 

 pathological milk will show a yellowish or orange color or at the most a yellow- 

 ish brown. The test is best conducted on skim milk. 



See also a note by Fetzer (E. S. R., 27, p. 878). 



The comparative action of nucleinate of sodium upon the coagulation of 

 blood and milk, M. Doyon tind F. Sarvonat {Compt. Rend. Soc. Biol. [Paris], 



