THE VENOM OF THE AUSTRALIAN BLACK SNAKE. 259 
We now come to the consideration of the question as to which 
of these separated proteids possess toxic properties ? 
The results of the introduction of any poison into the system 
can be divided into (1) local, (2) general effects. To test the 
former it is necessary to have an extremely small dose of the 
poison acting continuously. For a very excellent method of 
accomplishing this we are indebted to the suggestion of Mr. C. J. 
Pound, who also performed and took charge of the majority of the 
experiments to test the local effect of our various solutions. 
A guinea-pig was taken and the belly shaved, and washed with 
a solution of Hg Cl, 1 in 1,000, the rectal temperature having 
been previously taken. Then twosmall pieces of sterilized sponge 
(2 m.m. cube) one of which had been soaked in the proteid solution 
concerning the local action of which we desired information, were 
aseptically introduced into the inter-muscular planes of the 
abdominal wall, one on each side. The one not previously treated 
with the supposed poison acted as a control. ‘The small incision 
which was one inch distant from the situation of the sponge, was 
brought together with a horse-hair suture, and covered with 
collodion. In this way we obtained the maximum of local with 
the minimum of general symptoms. 
Dilute solutions of our albumoses inserted in this manner, 
produced cedema spreading over the whole of the same side of the 
abdomen in from six to eight hours. In no case was there any 
exudation around the control sponges. 
To test the general effect, the solutions were introduced either 
into a vein or into the peritoneal cavity. The proto- and hetero- 
albumose killed in a few hours. We therefore conclude that the 
active principles of this venom are, proto-albumose, and _ hetero- 
albumose. 
Action of heat on a solution of the venom. 
Boiling does not destroy the activity of Black snake poison, 
unless this be continued for some hours, and momentary heating 
to 100° C. did not appear to cause any diminution in the virulence 
