ANIMAL TOXINS. 57 



selves, are proper agents for determining attacks of 

 botulic poisoning. 



We have seen, at the beginning of this volume, 

 that putrid meats contain ptomaines, which are 

 among the most toxic alkaloidal bases. We have 

 shown that Brieger has isolated from them neuridine, 

 putrescine, muscarine, and guanidine; that Nencki 

 has isolated hydrocoUidine ; and that Gautier and 

 Etard have obtained from them parvoline — only to 

 mention a few of them. 



Lastly, there may develop within the gastro- 

 intestinal tract dangerous putrefactions, the prod- 

 ucts of which may enter the veins and arteries from 

 the ileum (a portion of the small intestine) and be 

 distributed throughout the organism. Although 

 such poisonings occur, they do not immediately 

 follow the ingestion of the spoiled or toxic foods, 

 but they are always preceded by a period of incu- 

 bation varying from several hours to several days. 



These alimentary poisonings are recognized by 

 a great physical depression, accompanied by vomit- 

 ing and paralysis of the lower extremities, sweats, 

 and diarrheas. In some cases there occur cuta- 

 neous eruptions; and when death happens, this 

 occurs only several days later, and generally with- 

 out being preceded by any great pain. 



Urinary Toxins. — ^As we have already remarked 

 several times, it is by the renal way that the 

 organism voids its principal waste products. 



