448 DISEASES DUE TO VENOMS AND POISONS 



pressed mechanically into ihe wound. 'I'lic ])ain is very severe and 

 death sometimes resuUs. Some poisoncuis fishes cause palpitation, 

 fever, delirium, vomiting and syncope. 



(3) Fishes which poison after their Consumption as Food. 



The most dangerous are those living amongst coral reefs. Those 

 that are bright coloured are known to cause a severe reaction. 



There are several species belonging to the genus Tetrodon, which 

 are sometimes taken by the Japanese Avith suicidal intent. 



The poison symptoms they call " fuguismus." The poison 

 appears to lie in the ovaries and testicles, which contain : — 

 Tetrodon ic acid, a white waxy body. 

 Tetrodin, a crystalline base. 



Symptoms. — These arise within three to fifteen minutes after 

 eating one roe. Gastric unrest, abdominal pain, burning about the 

 fauces, nausea, severe headache, collapse and fainting; paralysis of 

 the heart or respiration may cause death. 



The mortality is high (68 per cent.). 



Treatment.^ — Evacuate contents of stomacli with an emetic. 



Give stimulants such as strychnine. 



VENOMOUS TOADS AND SALAMANDERS. 



These belong to the Amphibia. The poisons found in their parotid 

 glands and skin are : — 



In Toads, (i) Bufotalin, an acid. 



(2) Bufonin, a neutral body, less active than the above. 

 They are but slightly toxic to man, irritating the 

 mucous membrane, and especially the conjunctiva. 

 Small animals are severely affected. 

 In Salamanders, (i) Salamandarin, an inorganic base. 



(2) Salamandaridin, an alkaloid. 

 Neither are important. 



There is a creamy cutaneous secretion, toxic 

 to many animals, the chemical nature of 

 which is but little known. 



VENOMOUS ANEMONES, CORALS AND JELLY FISHES. 



These belong to the CcTelenterata. They sting by means of a 

 specialized cell (enidoblast) which encloses a nematocyst, a long, hollow, 

 spirally coiled filament, lying in toxic fluid. When irritated the cell 

 sac ruptures, tlie coil filament is ejected, making a small wound in the 

 animal attacked, and thus prepares a place for the poison. 



