PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF THE BARK OF 

 ERYTHROPIILEUM GUINENSE (CASCA, 

 CASSA, OH SASSY BARK). 



In conjunction with WALTER PYE, M.E.C.S. 



(From the Proceedings of the Royal Society, No. 172, 1876.) 



(Abstract.) 



1. It diminishes oxidation, and thus prevents fresh vege^ 

 table tissues from communicating a blue colour to tincture of 

 guaiac. 



2. It does not hinder the development of the yeast-fungus 

 nor the germination of seeds. 



Penicillmm grows freely in a solution of it. 



3. A watery solution of the alcoholic extract prevents the 

 development of Bacteria, but one of the watery extract does 

 not do so. 



4. It does not destroy the life of Bacteria or Infusoria. The 

 motion of cilia is not arrested by it. 



5. It arrests amoeboid movement in leucocytes. 



6. It has no action on fresli muscular fibre; but muscular 

 tissue, when kept in a solution of the alcoholic extract for some 

 days, undergoes extensive fatty metamorphosis, but does not 

 become putrid. 



It does not alter the sensibility of muscle to electrical stimuli, 

 nor does it diminish its lifting power. 



7. It has little, if any, poisonous action on the Inverte- 

 brata. 



8. It has a comparatively slight action on fishes and frogs. 

 The symptoms produced by its administration are failure of 

 muscular power, preceded by irregular muscular movement. 



9. On birds a small dose produces violent vomiting and 

 irregular muscular movements, with difficult respiration. These 

 symptoms are followed by loss of muscular power and death. 



