220 JELLY-FISH, STAR-FISH, AND SEA-URCHINS. 
On Tiaropsis indicans this poison has the effect 
of causing a general spasm, which would be undis- 
tinguishable from that which in this species results 
from general stimulation of any kind, were it not 
that there is a marked difference in one particular. 
For in the case of strychnia poisoning, the spasm, 
while it lasts, is not of uniform intensity over all 
parts of the nectocalyx ; but now one part and now 
another part or parts are in a state of stronger 
contraction than other parts, so that, as a general 
consequence, the outline of the nectocalyx is con- 
tinually changing its form. Moreover, in addition 
to these comparatively slow movements, there is a 
continual twitching observable throughout all parts 
of the nectocalyx. Each individual twitch only 
extends over a small area of the contractile tissue ; 
but in their sum their effect is to throw the entire 
organ into a sort of shivering convulsion, which is 
superimposed on the general spasm. After a time 
the latter somewhat relaxes, leaving the former 
still in operation, which, moreover, now assumes a 
paroxysmal nature—the convulsions consisting of 
strong shudders and frequent spasms with occasional 
intervals of repose. 
In the case of Tiaropsis diademata the action of 
strychnia is very similar, with the exception that 
there is no continuous spasm, although occasional 
ones occur amid the twitching convulsions. After 
a time, however, all convulsions cease, and the 
animal remains quiescent. While in this condition 
its reflex excitability is abnormally increased, as 
shown by the fact that even a gentle touch will 
