PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF DRUGS ON THE SECRETION OF BILE, 213 
stimulating effect on the liver was perceptible, and in the course of an hour it 
became very evident. As this result confirmed the observation made in 
Experiment 55, no more baptisin was given. 
With a view to follow up the observations made with lead acetate in Experi- 
ments 53A and 54, eight grains of lead acetate dissolved in 15 cc. of water were 
injected into the duodenum at /, and twelve grains of the same in 25 cc. of tepid 
water were injected at /’ into the lower part of the small intestine. The result 
was equivocal, in so far as the secretion of bile would doubtless have diminished 
had no lead been given. The experiment is, therefore, decisive as regards the 
action of baptisin, but inconclusive as regards that of lead. 
Necroprsy.—Considerable redness of the mucous membrane of about 15 
inches of upper part of small intestine. Slight evidence of purgative action. 
Result of Experiments with Baptisin—The two experiments with this sub- 
stance prove it to be a hepatic stimulant, and Table X XIX. indicates its power 
as such, 
TABLE X XIX. 
Secretion of Bile per Kilo- 
gramme of Body-weight 
a - per hour. 
Baptisin, Total Dose in Grains. Pere eraen hea 
Before. After. 
Experiment 55, 7 with bile, 0:303 0:233 ce. 0°394 ce. 
3 Sy 7 . 0:374 0°120 cc. | 0:296 cc. 
Taking into account the fact that in Experiment 57 the coefficient of bile- 
secretion did not rise higher than 0-296 cc., when nothing but baptisin had been 
administered, and at the same time the dose being relatively larger than in Ex- 
periment 55, it may be concluded that this substance is a hepatic and also an 
intestinal stimulant of moderate power, and it may possibly be found of service 
as a hepatic stimulant in casés of torpid liver with a depressed condition of the 
system tending to gangrene. We commend it to the attention of the physician. 
ACTION OF ResInA PHYTOLACCE OR “ PHYTOLACCIN.” 
The poke-plant (Phytolacca decandra) grows abundantly in the United 
States. The root is the part employed; and in small doses it is said to act as 
an alterative, and has been highly recommended in chronic rheumatism. In 
large doses it produces excessive vomiting and purging, with great prostration 
of strength, and sometimes with convulsions (Op. x. p. 646). The preparation 
VOL. XXIX. PARTI. 31 
