98 THE POISONOUS SNAKES OF INDIA. 



same toxic principle that occurs in Cobra and cceruleus poisoning, 

 and the symptoms are identical. Similarly death is produced in 

 from a few hours to a couple of days from paralysis of the respira^ 

 tory centre. As pointed out by Rogers, the respiratory embarrass- 

 ment as in the case of the Cobra and common krait (cceruleus) is 

 augmented by a paralysis of the terminations of the phrenic nerves. 



In Cobra and cceruleus poisoning no heart weakness is noticed, 

 in spite of the depression of the vasomotor centre that synchronises 

 with the action on the respiratory centre. The reason for this is 

 that both these poisons contain an element that directly stimulates 

 the heart muscle, and another that does so indirectly by contract- 

 ing the arterioles. Fasciaius venom seems to lack these principles, 

 and hence a tendency to faintness is observed directly referable to 

 the poison, apart from other influences, such as fright and pain. 



In /ascmiws poisoning, the symptoms evoked by "neurotoxin" 

 may be very severe, and yet, as in cobra poisoning may decline till 

 recovery appears complete. Subsequently, however, even where 

 symptoms referable to " neurotoxin " have not been manifested, a 

 new train of symptoms may appear. These seem to be due to the 

 other and more lazy partner in the toxic association, viz., 

 " amyotrophin ". 



This toxin produces a degeneration in the nerve cells of the brain 

 and cord and produces a clinical picture almost identical to that 

 seen in the last stages of the spinal disease amyotrophic lateral 

 sclerosis. The result is that in from 2 to 6 days, after the bite, the 

 bitten subject develops rapid general paralysis, great general depres- 

 sion, loss of appetite, marked and rapid muscular weakness and 

 emaciation, with a reduction in the urine. Purulent discharges 

 from the eyes, nose, or rectum occur later and the victim dies of 

 exhaustion in from 6 to 12 days. (A. J. Wall). 



Rogers attributed death in these chronic cases to paralysis of the 

 vasomotor centre, but Lamb and Hunter (The Lancet, September 

 23rd, 1905) have shown that this is not the cause of death. 



The local signs in this form of poisoning are according to A. J. 

 Wall exactly those seen in cobra poisoning, but less intense. 



