ACTION OF VEGETABLE POISONS. QQ^ 



This vessel, 75 rail. [2-951 inch.] long, by 52 [2*046 in.] 

 broad, and 14 [0'551 in.] deep, is made of copper, plated 

 in the inside wllh platina. The thickness of its edges is 

 0*78 mil. [0-3 of aline]; it ueighs 345'05 dec. [532 95 grs.]; 

 and its specific gravity is 11*44. 



As the metals here are only iu juxtaposition, which can 

 neither increase nor diminish their density, their respective 

 proportions may be determined with precision from their 

 specific gravity ; and if we estimate that of platina at 21, 

 »nd that of copper at 8-87, we shall find by calculation, that 

 the vessel is composed of 



Copper 0*7<56 



Platina 0.234. 



Thus the plating metal i* a little more than a fifth, or in 

 the most usual proportion of silver plating, the durability of 

 which is established by use; though the properties of this 

 metal in resisting the actions of heat and saline substances 

 are very inferior to those of platina. 



XI. 



Experiments and Observations on the different Modes in 

 which Death is produced by certain vegetahle Poisons ; By 

 B. C. Brodie, Esq, F. R. S, Communicated by the 

 Society for promoting the KnQwledge of Animal Che- 

 mistry.* 



1. JL HE following experiments were instituted with a view Object of the 

 to ascertain, in what manner certain substances act on the following ex- 

 animal system, so as to occasion death, independently of 

 mechanical injury. I was led to the inquiry, from the sub- 

 ject of it appearing to be of considerable interest and im- 

 portance, and from a hope, that, in the present improved 

 state of physiological knowledge, we might be enabled to ar- 

 rive at some more satisfactory conclusions, than had been 

 deduced from any former observations. 



The substances, which act as poisons when applied to the Confined to 



animal body, are very numerous. In the experiments, vegetable 



"^ ^ poisons, 



which I have hitherto made, I have employed vegetable poi- 



♦ Philos. Trans, for 18 1!, p 178. 



sons 



