462 DR T. R. FRASER ON SOME UNDESCRIBED TETANIC SYMPTOMS 



caused merely a slight increase of the flexion of the anterior extremities, and 

 perfectly normal movements in the posterior. 



On the sixteenth day, it was observed that the posture of the anterior 

 extremities was somewhat unsymmetrical ; the right being rather more flexed 

 than before, while the left was extended backwards so as to be nearly parallel 

 with the left side of the body. 



For several days afterwards, the only change was an increase in the rigidity 

 and tonic spasm of the anterior extremities ; until, on the twenty-first day, they 

 had assumed the following positions: — The right anterior extremity was in 

 extreme flexion, the upper-arm being at a right angle to the body, with the fore- 

 arm below it, while the hand was everted at the wrist, and had its dorsal surface 

 closely pressed against the anterior surface of the shoulder ; the left anterior 

 extremity was extended backwards (towards the posterior extremities), the arm 

 being in close contact with the left side of the thorax, with the fore-arm slightly 

 flexed, inverted, and pressed against the abdomen, while the web was firmly 

 applied, by its palmar surface, against the lower part of the anterior surface of the 

 abdomen. Both anterior extremities were rigidly maintained in these postures, 

 and the frog had no control over them. Changes of position were effected by the 

 use of the posterior extremities alone ; and, while irritation produced normal 

 reflex contractions in the posterior extremities, it produced only extremely faint 

 movements in the anterior without changing their unsymmetrical postures. 

 When the frog was placed in water, vigorous swimming movements of the 

 posterior extremities occurred, but the anterior remained motionless. 



This sequela first appeared seventy-four days before this description was 

 written ; and at this time, there is neither the slightest abatement in the rigidity, 

 nor any other change in the character of the distortion. 



Although the physiological action of atropia has been frequently and elabor- 

 ately studied, these very striking and remarkable convulsive phenomena have 

 hitherto escaped attention. I have, therefore, thought it necessary to enter with 

 considerable detail into the description of these effects, so as to indicate with 

 accuracy their usual character, and to point out the principal irregularities that 

 have been observed. I have likewise shown their relations to some of the other 

 effects that are produced by this substance. 



The following Table contains a succinct account of a number of experiments 

 on frogs with sulphate of atropia, in which the progress of the symptoms was 

 not interfered with, either by ligature of blood-vessels before the administration 

 or by division of nerve-structures before or after the atropia-effects were initiated. 

 The latter classes of experiments will be described in a subsequent portion of 

 this paper. 



