146 G. H. KNIBBS. 
the value of the constant, and determine with precision the form 
of its variation with temperature.’ 
1 J regret that the pressure of other duties prevents me from un 
taking this task, and of availing myself of the very kind offer of the 
Professor of Physled—Richand Threlfall, .a.—to place the resources of a 
his laboratory at the University of Sydney at my disposal for this pur 4 
pose. I may be permitted also to express my thanks to that gentleman 
for some critical observations on the first two parts of this paper. 
* 
Ox raz PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION or raz VENOM or THB 
AUSTRALIAN BLACK SNAKE (Pseudechis porphyriacus) 
By C. J. Martin, B.Sc., m.B. Lond. 
(From the Physiological Laboratory of the University of Sydney. ‘ 
[Read before the Royal Society of N. S. Wales, July 3, 1895.] 
I.—Inrropuction. | 
THe mechanisms associated with the life of higher animals are 8? 
complicated and at the same time so interdependent, that it is : 
always a matter of extreme difficulty to ascertain, with anything — 4 
approaching to precision, which part or parts of the intricale : 
machinery are influenced by the introduction of a disturbing 
element from without. When such disturbing element in th? q 
form of a poison is introduced, the observer can see without : 
difficulty the end result, but the unravelling of the process requires | Z 
the closest observation and the assistance of every met : 
analysis known to the physiologist. Even then, how far wé are 
from a complete understanding of the process! Our conception | 
of the method of operation of any particular poison is necessarily a 
limited by the present condition of physiological science, and the : 
most an observer working in any particular corner of this great f 
field can do, is to attempt to bring the level of knowledge eal, 
particular phenomena he is studying up to that of the scienc? : 
generally, and perhaps to elucidate in some small way by obser 
ee 
