and its Alkaloid Conia. 417 



thrice their weight of water, and injected between the skin and muscles of the back 

 of a strong adult rabbit. In three minutes the lower joints of the hind-legs were 

 stiff, and this symptom was speedily followed by weakness of the hind-legs. In five 

 minutes all the legs were extremely feeble, and in one minute more they were spread 

 out laterally from the body, and affected with occasional convulsive twitches, which 

 were renewed by touching the body. The general paralytic state was so great, that 

 the animal was unable to alter its attitude, in whatever position it might be placed. 

 In seven minutes the respiration was almost entirely diaphragmatic, and the para- 

 lysis of the trunk and limbs complete. The eyelids continued, however, to wink 

 when the finger was brought near them, and the head was very feebly withdrawn 

 when the hind-legs were pricked. In nine minutes the respiration ceased. In six- 

 teen minutes the heart continued to pulsate vigorously. 



To these experiments it may be added, that a flea touched 

 with conia instantly dropped motionless and dead, and that a fly 

 touched in like manner rose in flight, but suddenly dropped 

 down, and shewed no farther sign of life. In a strong young 

 puppy, where two drops were introduced into the eye, extreme un- 

 easiness was produced from irritation, the tears were discharged 

 profusely, and the sclerotic and conjunctiva quickly became vas- 

 cular and considerably swelled ; but, except staggering for an hour, 

 apparently from weakness, no other marked effect resulted. 



