PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF NITROBENZENE VAPOR ON ANIMALS 437 
Observations: The animal was removed from the tank apparently 
unharmed, and developed no symptoms during the night. 
November 4 — At 8 a. m. the dog was running about in a lively condition 
and was apparently normal. At 2 p. m., however, the animal was 
found in convulsions; the legs, particularly the hind legs, exhibited 
tetany and the muscles of the abdomen quivered violently. By 6 p. m. 
the convulsions had become even more pronounced, and the animal 
refused food and drink. 
November 5 — At 10 a. m. the animal was found with its body flexed 
to the left, and rigid; all the legs were rigidly extended; when an attempt 
was made to straighten the animal out, the head would crash violently 
against the floor and the animal would immediately return to its former 
position. At 2 p.m. the animal’s condition had not changed and it was 
decided to attempt to relieve its condition by a blood transfusion. At 
4 p.m. this operation was undertaken; the animal became anesthetized 
with ether very readily, and did not struggle on coming out of the 
anesthesia; approximately 200 mils of dark coffee-colored blood was 
drawn from the carotid artery of the poisoned animal, and 500 mils 
of defibrinated blood from a healthy dog was transferred thru the 
femoral vein. At 7 p. m. the animal was found in a stupor; the res- 
piration was fairly regular. At 9 p.m. the respiration was very irreg- 
ular and labered; at intervals of about one and one-half minutes there 
appeared incoordinated movements of the muscles of the diaphragm 
and the chest, each set working alternately with the result that no air 
was inhaled; these spasms lasted for from one-half to three-fourths of 
a minute, and at their height all the legs would move as if the animal 
were swimming, and would then become extended and rigid; the muscles 
of the abdomen would quiver, then the animal would give one or two 
deep gasps and regular respiration was resumed for a time but gradually 
became lessened in depth again until the incoordinated movements reap- 
peared; an attempt was made to obtain a kymographic record of the 
respiration, but the animal became so active that this was impossible. At 
10 p. m. the animal’s condition was about the same, tho a slight improve- 
ment in the respiration was observed; the heart rate was 52, the res- 
piration 30—40. 
