STRYCHNINE. 99 



STRYCHNINE. 



1. Take 3 frogs of equal weight and condition. Pith the brain of one, and the 

 cord of the other; leave the third normal. Noting exact time of administration, inject 

 into the lymph sac of each frog 0.25 mil of 0.01% solution Strychnine Sulphate 

 (=0.025 mg.). Make careful comparative observations of results. 



2. Inserting one blade of the scissors transversely in a frog's mouth back to the 

 angle of the jaws, amputate the cranium. Plug the aortae to stop hemorrhage. To 

 the exposed cervical cord apply a pledget of cotton moistened with 0.1% solution 

 Strychnine Sulphate. Test reflexes by pinching first the hind-legs, then the fore-legs. 

 Apply minimal break shocks to different cutaneous areas. Explain results. 



3. Prepare an anaesthetized mammal (rabbit, cat, or dog) for timed circula- 

 tory and respiratory registrations. Obtain ether norms. Intramuscularly administer 

 Strychnine Sulphate 0.7 mg. x kg. Secure continuous tracings throughout, noting 

 extent and character of all variations. Attempt an explanation of each variation. 

 What tentative assumptions might this experiment by itself seem to warrant ? 



4. Have a fellow-student dispose himself comfortably in a semi-recumbent pos- 

 ture. After 5 minutes secure an average of 3 observations on his several systems. 

 Make the following tests : aesthesia of flexor surface of forearm, color vision, range 

 and acuity of vision, weights discrimination, reaction time, mental facility in multipli- 

 cation. Administer intramuscularly 0.003 Gm. Strychnine Sulphate. Plot your curves, 

 and repeat the above tests every 45 minutes. Compare results with three others. May 

 any divergencies be explained by temperament or physique? 



5. As hospital assignments permit, make careful studies of patients to whom the 

 attending physician has prescribed Strychnine, noting particularly how the several sys- 

 tems seem to respond. Is the reaction observed similar to the accepted laboratory 

 findings ? If not, endeavor to ascertain why. 



6. Consult recent literature for at least three articles dealing with Strychnine 

 activity. Write a brief resume of your findings, and check them with citations from 

 your readings. 



