216 REPORT—1868. 
and in doses of two grains from two to six times a day, did not produce pur- 
gation or increase the biliary secretion (Tables VII., VIII., and IX.). 
4, Calomel, when given in doses which produced purgation, diminished the 
biliary secretion (Table X.). 
Observations with Corrosive Sublimate. 
Dog 6, a retriever, six months old, weighing 5:1 kilogrammes, was operated 
on for biliary fistula, February 26th, 1868. The recovery was in this case 
speedy and perfect. Soon after the operation the feces became clay-coloured. 
The health of the animal was excellent, and was not appreciably injured by 
the operation or the effects of the fistula. 
Table XI. p. 215, gives the results of the observations, with corrosive sub- 
limate on four consecutive days, three previous to, and one during the admi- 
nistration of the drug. 
During the three days previous to the administration of the mercury, the 
secretion of fluid and solid bile was remarkably constant, and this notwith- 
standing great variation in the amount of food taken. The mean quantity 
was, of fluid bile 105-4 grammes, of bile solids 4:144 grammes, of bile 
salts 0-948 gramme. The constancy in the secretion rendered the case a 
very valuable one for observing whether or not it was affected by the drug. 
On the fourth day two doses of 4.of a grain of corrosive sublimate were 
injected under the skin. The first dose was given at 1 p.m. on the 11th, 
immediately after the collection of bile had been made on that day. The 
second dose was given at 9 a.m. on the 12th, and the last collection of bile 
was made at 1 p.m. on the same day. The amount of fluid bile on this the 
fourth day was 78 grammes, of bile solids 3°178 grammes, of bile salts 
0-717 gramme. Twenty hours after the first dose of the drug was given, a 
slight discharge of mucus from the nostrils was observed, and a patch of 
semisolid clay-coloured faeces mingled with a few drops of blood was found 
upon the floor. Two hours following the administration of the second dose, 
the animal was cbseryed to be exceedingly weak ; it was in a state of con- 
stant tremor, and staggered on attempting to walk. At 1 p.m. on the 12th, four 
hours after the second dose of mercury was given, the last collection of bile 
was made ; at that time the nasal discharge had become more marked. There 
Was no apparent salivation, nor was the breath foetid. The animal was last 
seen alive at 5.30 p.m. on the 12th, eight and a half hours after the second 
dose had been given. At that time there was no apparent change in its 
condition, further than that it had become so weak that it was no longer able 
to stand, unless supported. It died during the following night. In the 
morning (13th) a patch of liquid feces of a clay-colour was found upon the 
floor. Ten grammes of bile were found in the bag attached to the canula, 
The result of this experiment was briefly this :—12 grain corrosive subli- ° 
mate, given in the course of 24 hours to a dog 6 months old, caused purgation 
with liquid bloody faeces, nasal discharge, diminution of the biliary secretion, 
general tremor, and finally death. 
For dissection of this dog see Table I., Dog D. It will be observed that 
the stomach still contained a portion of undigested food. 
As the animal had been poisoned by the drug, it was determined to 
observe the effects of smaller and gradually increasing doses. It was thought 
that if the drug can increase the biliary secretion, we, by beginning with a 
very small dose and gradually increasing its strength, would certainly hit 
upon the amount necessary to do so ere poisonous symptoms set in ; moreover 
we should observe the effects of the repeated exhibition of small doses. 
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