354 DR THOMAS R. FRASER ON STROPHANTHUS HISPIDUS. 



normal occurred, and it was perfectly well also on the following day. During the 

 experiment the respiratory movements were quite natural, and their rate was from 22 

 to 24 per 10 sec. 



Experiment XXIV. — 0*00025 grain of strophanthin was injected under the skin of 

 a frog, weighing 460 grains. In 17 min., the frog was moving about restlessly. In 35 

 min., the respirations were 14 per 10 sec, and the frog was at rest in a normal posture. 

 In 45 min., the respirations were very irregular, the mouth was now and then widely 

 opened, the throat was retracted, and, when spontaneous jumps were made, the frog fell 

 on the back, but in a short time turned to a normal position. In 48 min., the thoracic 

 extremities were extended, and the "gaping" movements of the mouth were being 

 continued. In 53 min., a straining or retching-like movement occurred, involving the 

 abdomen and mouth. In 58 min., the respirations were very infrequent, as well as very 

 irregular ; and the extension of the thoracic extremities had given place to weakness, so 

 that they could no longer support the thorax, which now rested on the table. In 1 

 hour, the respirations had altogether ceased. In 1 hour 45 min., irritation of the skin 

 produced only slight reflexes, but no attempt to jump followed the irritation. The frog 

 now lay unresisting when placed on the back, and on careful examination no cardiac 

 impact could be seen. The skin was pale. In 2 hours 50 min., the frog was still 

 motionless and flaccid, but weak reflex movements could be obtained by irritating the 

 skin. On the following day, 23 hours after the administration, general and strong rigor 

 was present ; galvanic stimulation of exposed nerves and muscles produced no effect ; 

 the muscles were pale, hard, and acid in reaction ; and the heart was motionless and 

 non-contractile, with large and dark auricles and small and rather pale ventricle. The 

 general rigor continued for four days, but it was less pronounced on the fourth day, 

 when also decomposition had become obvious. 



Experiment XXVI. — A frog, weighing 412 grains, received by subcutaneous injection 

 O'OOl grain of strophanthin, dissolved in 2 minims of 0'75 per cent, saline. In 43 min., 

 restless movements occurred, and the respirations were irregular, and 20 per 10 sec. In 

 55 min., the mouth was widely opened, straining-like movements were made, and the fore- 

 feet were occasionally rubbed over the muzzle. In 1 hour 11 min., the thoracic extremities 

 were extended, and the gaping movements of the mouth were continued. The respira- 

 tions had now ceased, and the throat and flanks were retracted. In 1 hour 26 min., the 

 thoracic extremities were still extended, but they now were also abnormally adducted, 

 apparently by contraction of the pectoral muscles. In 1 hour 30 min., the extension of 

 the thoracic extremities had ceased, and the chest rested on the taole. Fibrillary 

 twitches were seen at the flanks. When jumping movements were attempted they were 

 imperfectly performed, owing apparently to defective action of the thoracic extremities ; 

 and at the end of an imperfect jump the pelvic extremities failed to recover their usual 

 flexed position until after several minutes. In 2 hours 30 min., all spontaneous move- 

 ments had ceased, but irritation of any part of the skin still excited reflex contractions 

 of the pelvic extremities. On the following day, 24 hours after the administration, the 



