124 VETEEINAEY TOXICOLOGY 



Treatment consists in elimination of the cause, 

 respiratory stimulants, and warmth. Artificial respiration, 

 if possible, is effective. Carbonates and demulcents are 

 indicated, tannin as an alkaloid precipitant, and morphine 

 against the nausea and gastric irritation. 



Cresswell {loc. cit.) gave 3 ounces of whisky and 3 ounces 

 of ammonia carbonate hourly for six doses, and then two- 

 hourly. In twelve hours there was improvement, and, 

 under tonics and stimulants, recovery. 



Chemical Diagnosis. — Veratrine ie remarkable in causing 

 violent sneezing when a little of the powder is sniffed. The 

 quantities isolated in a toxicological research are rarely 

 sufficient for this excellent test. 



A characteristic reaction is that given by warming with 

 hydrochloric acid, which yields a green passing to red 

 colour. The red coloration with sulphuric acid is also 

 given by the constituents of hellebore. Sulphuric acid and 

 sugar yield with veratrine successively a yellow, green, and 

 violet colour. 



The general effects of veratrine ought to be observed by 

 injection in a mouse. 



CURARINE. 



Occurrence. — The alkaloid curarine is contained in the 

 curara, wourara, wourali, or arrow poison, Strychnos toxifera 

 of Guiana, and is associated therein with strychnine and 

 brucine. 



Effects. — Curarine paralyses the peripheral endings of 

 motor nerves. The first parts to be affected are the limbs, 

 then the trunk and head, and finally the respiration, which, 

 with poisonous doses, is gradually enfeebled, and ultimately 

 ceases. Consciousness and intelligence are unimpaired. 

 For the horse 32 to 48 grains subcutaneously are fatal, and 

 for the dog i to 3J grains.* 



When taken by the mouth curarine is absorbed slowly. 



* Finlay Dun, ' Veterinary Medicines,' 1910, p. 533. 



