32 THE VENOMS OF CERTAIN THANATOPHIDE^E. 



of the coagulable proteids into alkali-albumins, and as a moderate degree of 

 heat increases the rapidity of this change, it is possible that the smaller amount 

 of alkali is as effective under these conditions as the larger amounts under ordinary 

 conditions. It is not at all improbable that the prolonged action of potassium 

 hydrate on solutions of venom may convert all of the globulins into alkali-albumins 

 and thus destroy their poisonous activity. 



Sodic Hydrate. — The effect of sodic hydrate on solutions of the venoms of the 

 Crotalus adamanteus and horridus appears to be the same as that of the potassic 

 salt. In one experiment with the Crotalus adamanteus, using equal quantities 

 (0.03 gram) of the dried venom and alkali, no poisonous effects followed its injec- 

 tion; and in another experiment in which 0.015 gram of venom and 0.007 gram 

 sodic hydrate were used the animal was rendered somewhat sick, but fully recovered. 



In one experiment with the venom of the Crotalus horridus, using equal quan- 

 tities (0.015 gram) of the venom and sodic hydrate, no poisonous symptoms followed. 



The effect on solutions of dry Cobra venom, as in the case of the potassic salt, 

 is not so marked. 



Experiment. — Dissolved 0.015 gram dry Cobra venom in 0.5 c. c. distilled water 

 and added 0.015 gram sodic hydrate. 



4:08. Injected into the breast of a pigeon. 

 4:15. Unable to stand. 

 4:27. Dead. 



In two other experiments, using double the quantity of sodic hydrate, one animal 

 died in one hour, and the other in a little less than three hours. Double amounts 

 therefore decidedly impair toxicity. In another experiment, in which four times 

 the quantity of sodic hydrate was used (0.015 gram dried venom -\- 0.06 gram 

 NaHO), no poisonous symptoms followed. 1 



The Effects of Ammonia. — The dry venom of the Crotalus adamanteus, which 

 was the only, one used, forms with aqua ammonia a turbid solution, such as is 

 formed with water. The effect on the toxicity of the venom exerted by the 

 ammonia is not so marked as with the potassic or sodic hydrates. 



Experiment. — Dissolved 0.03 gram dried venom in two minims aqua ammonia 

 (20°) with 1 c. c. distilled water. 



5:29. Injected into the breast muscles of a pigeon. 



5:3T. Unable to walk. 



5:46. Convulsions; death. The local lesions are decidedly lessened by the alkali. 



Experiment. — The same, using six minims aqua ammonia. 

 4:14. Injected as above. 



6:00. No marked symptoms up to this time, excepting droopiness. The local effect is 

 slightly more marked than in No. 1. 



Following morning the animal was dead. 



In three other experiments in which eight minims of aqua ammonia were used 

 two of the animals were found dead the following morning and one recovered. In 



1 See Shortt. Wall, op. cit, p. 133. On the effects of alkalies and of permanganates, see Vincent 

 Richards, F.R.C.S. Ed., etc., op. cit. 



