EFFECTS OF VARIOUS AGENTS ON VENOM. 29 



(II.) 5:05. Injected the precipitate with water. 

 5:07^. Dead. 

 In the first series the results are the same as in previous experiments, hut in the 

 second series, where a much larger quantity of water was used, the filtrate caused 

 death in fifty-five minutes, thus proving that if sufficient water be present, enough 

 of the poison is carried with the filtrate to cause death, notwithstanding the larger 

 amount of alcohol present and its attributed antidotal action. 



The Action of Absolute Alcohol upon the Dried Venom.— If dried venom be 

 placed in absolute alcohol and the mixture allowed to stand for some time, even 

 for months, it will be found that the venom undergoes no change in its poisonous 

 activity, nor does it appear that the alcohol dissolves out any of the poisonous 

 principles, since it is found to be innocuous after injection, and does not give any 

 reaction for proteids. 



The Effect of the Caustic Alkalies on the Toxicity of Venoms. Caustic Potash.— 

 When caustic potash is added to a solution of venom the latter becomes perfectly 

 clear. If the quantity of salt added to the solution is below a definite limit no 

 decided alteration in the capacity to kill is noticed, but as this quantity increases 

 obvious results are observed, first a diminution in the activity of the poison, and 

 at last a complete loss of toxicity. 



Experiment.— Dissolved 0.03 gram dried Crotalus adamanteus venom in 1 c. c. 

 of distilled water in which was previously dissolved 0.0037 gram potassic hydrate. 

 3;45. Injected into the breast of a pigeon. 

 4:48. Weak. 



5:00. Unable to walk; 6:00 ditto. 



6:30. Dead. Heart arrested in systole; no ecchyraoses ; well-marked local effect; blood 

 fluid at the end of sixteen hours. 

 Experiment. — The same as above, using 0.0075 gram potassic hydrate. 



3:43. Injected. 



5:00. Weak. 



6:00. Weaker; slight local effect. 



Following morning. Animal living, but weak; the local effect is well marked. 



Experiment. — The same, using 0.015 gram potassic hydrate. 



3:47. Injected. 



1:00. No symptoms up to this time. 



7:30. Sickish. 



Following morning. Sickish; some slight local effect at point of injection. 



Experiment. — The same, using 0.03 gram potassic hydrate. 



3:50. Injected. 



7:00. No symptoms up to this time. 



Following morning. No symptoms ; no local effects. 



This experiment was repeated in two other pigeons with a like result. 



The last series of experiments prove clearly that the addition of potassic hydrate 

 to a solution of venom, if in sufficient quantity, produces a decided effect on the 

 activity of venom, and that if added to the venom of the Crotalus adamanteus in 

 a quantity equal to the weight of the dried poison the lethal action is entirely 

 destroyed. In one experiment made with the venom of the Crotalus horridus the 



