44 THE VENOMS OF CERTAIN TH AN AT PHIDE M. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE EFFECTS OF VENOM WHEN APPLIED TO MUCOUS OR 

 SEROUS SURFACES. 



The Effects of Venom when applied to Mucous Surfaces. — The question of the 

 absorption of venom by mucous surfaces is one of great interest, and the verdict 

 of all observers in connection with the venom of the Crotalidse is that uninjured 

 mucous surfaces, except in the lungs, cannot absorb venom, at least in sufficient 

 quantities to produce death. In experiments with the venom of the Cobra other 

 investigators have gotten results which are directly contrary, but in our own 

 researches a large proportion of the animals survived. 



In seven experiments made on pigeons, in which a solution of Cobra venom was 

 placed in the craw by means of an oesophageal tube, six showed no evidences of 

 poisoning and one died. In these experiments the oesophageal tube, which was a 

 small catheter, was oiled and passed with great care into the crop, the solution of 

 venom was then poured through the tube by means of a funnel, and afterwards 

 washed down with a little water. 



Experiment. — Dissolved 0.025 gram dried Cobra (Naja trip.) in about 1 c. c. 

 distilled water, and placed it in the crop of a pigeon by means of an oesophageal 

 tube. Up to four days the animal showed no signs of poisoning. 



Five other experiments, like the above, gave identical results. In one experi- 

 ment the animal died within twelve hours. 



Experiment. — Dissolved 0.013 gram dried Cobra {Naja trip.) in about 1 c. c. 

 distilled water and gave to a pigeon, as above, at 4:00 p. M. A little while after 

 the dose the pigeon appeared sickish and remained in much the same condition 

 for about two hours, when observation temporarily ceased. At 8:30 the following 

 morning the bird was dead. The heart was found in systole and contained dark 

 clots. The blood was everywhere coagulated. No apparent lesions were present 

 in any part of the body, and a most careful examination of the mouth, gullet, and 

 crop revealed no abrasions or other raw surface. The crop contained a little cracked 

 corn and a small amount of yellowish fluid. 



In another pigeon, etherized, an opening was made through the skin into the 

 craw, and its contents washed out. The pigeon was kept on its back and the 

 edges of the wound were held up by retractors. A solution of venom was placed- 

 in the cul-de-sac on the left side and the animal watched. In a half hour the 

 bird had convulsive seizures, and at the end of forty minutes was dead. At that 

 time there seemed to be about the same quantity of venom solution in the crop as 

 before. It was, however, somewhat glutinous and darker in color. The mucous 



