VENOMS IN THE ANIMAL SERIES 285 
This lecithide of bee-venom is from 200 to 500 times more 
hemolysing than the venom itself, and resists ebullition like that of 
the cobra. In order to isolate it Morgenroth and Carpi employed 
the method recommended by P. Kyes: 1} c.c. of a solution of pure 
venom is mixed with 14 c.c. of a 5 per cent. solution of lecithin 
in methylic alcohol. After being kept for twenty-four hours at 
37 C., 22 c.c. of absolute alcohol are added; the liquid is decanted, 
and the clear filtrate is mixed with 150 c.c. of ether. There is slowly 
formed a somewhat copious flocculent deposit, which is collected 
on a filter, washed several times with ether, and finally dried. The 
lecithide that remains on the filter dissolves completely in physio- 
logical salt solution. 
It must be remarked that bee-venom, without the addition of 
lecithin, gives a scanty precipitate with ether. This precipitate, 
dissolved in physiological salt solution, possesses no hæmolysing 
power. The lecithide, on the contrary, dissolves red corpuscles 
almost instantaneously. 
Normal horse-serum considerably inhibits hemolysis by bee- 
venom + lecithin. This protective action of normal serums has 
already been observed by Langer; it is perhaps attributable to 
the cholesterin that they contain. 
Among other Hymenoptera capable of inflicting very severe 
stings may be mentioned the species of Polistes and certain 
Pompilids, especially a species of Pompilus found in Natal, the 
painful stings of which have sometimes been experienced and 
described by travellers (P. Fabre, of Commentry).! 
In the family Crabronidæ the females are provided with a 
sting and venom, which usually has little effect upon man, but 
is toxic to other insects. Thus, Cerceris bupresticida is remarkable 
for the stupefying effect of its venom upon the Buprestide destined 
for the food of its larve. It stings the beetles between the first 
and second segments of the thorax, with the result that the victim 
! Comptes rendus de l'Académie de Médecine, t. liii., 1905, p. 498. 
