*H4 DR THOMAS R. FRASER ON STROPHANTHUS HISPIDTJS. 



Fixed Oil. 



The fixed oil, representing so much as 34 per cent, of the weight of the seeds, has 

 been administered to animals, after it had been repeatedly washed with water in order to 

 remove from it any adhering or dissolved strophanthin. When this precaution was 

 adopted, the oil was found to be inert when administered even in considerable quantities 

 to frogs and rabbits. 



Experiments I. and II. — Thus, O'l grain of oil, partly dissolved and partly emulsified in 

 weak alcohol, was injected under the skin of a frog* weighing 480 grains, and 0*2 grain 

 was similarly administered to a frog weighing 463 grains, but no observable effect was 

 produced. In a pithed frog [Experiment III.) the heart was exposed, and 0*01 grain of 

 oil was placed upon it, but the action of the heart was not thereby affected. And, 

 finally (Experiment IV.), a small young rabbit, weighing only 1 lb. 3 oz., received by 

 subcutaneous injection on one occasion O'l grain, and on another occasion 0*3 grain, of 

 pure oil, and neither dose produced any effect. 



Alcohol Extract containing Oil. 



The extract obtained by acting on the seeds by rectified spirit, and therefore con- 

 taining oil as well as strophanthin, on the other hand, is very active. Its general action 

 is illustrated in the following experiments. 



Experiment V. — 0'05 grain was mixed with a few minims of distilled water, and 

 injected under the skin at the left flank of a frog, weighing 284 grains. In 12 min., 

 the movements became impaired, and the thoracic extremities were unduly extended. 

 In 30 min., voluntary movements were sluggish, the pupils were contracted, the skin 

 was paler than before the administration, the thoracic extremities seemed unable 

 properly to support the thorax and head, and, soon afterwards, the head was rested on 

 the table. In 50 min., respiration had ceased, and minute fibrillary twitches were 

 occurring incessantly over the trunk and head. In 1 hour 20 min., the frog remained 

 on the back unable to turn, and, on careful examination, no cardiac impact could be 

 seen. In 1 hour 45 min., the thoracic extremities were slightly stiff, but still fairly 

 active reflexes of the pelvic extremities could be obtained, and the pupils were now 

 dilated. In 2 hours 10 min., irritation of any part of the skin produced reflex move- 

 ments in the pelvic extremities only. In 2 hours 25 min., the latter reflexes could no 

 longer be obtained. 



The left sciatic nerve was now exposed, and on stimulating it with an interrupted 

 current from one Daniell's cell and Du Bois Eeymond's induction apparatus, feeble 

 movements were produced in the left leg, but none elsewhere. In 3 hours, stimulation 

 of the left sciatic nerve no longer produced movement, and the muscles of the left pelvic 

 extremity, when directly stimulated, reacted very feebly, and only to strong currents. 



* Where it is not otherwise stated, the frog used i.i the experiments was the Rana temporaria In only a few 

 experiments R. escuknta was used. 



