232 
i\lYCOLOGIA 
extracts did not show the expected toxic effects nor were the 
latter wholly neutralized by atropin. This may be explained by 
assuming that this Amanita contains another toxic substance as 
well as muscarin. In fact, this theory has been advanced by 
other investigators to account for the results of their clinical ob- 
servations and animal experiments. The lot of Amanita mnscaria 
used in this work did not cause the acute muscarin symptoms 
which were expected from the experiments in our earlier paper. 
It is interesting to note that this last lot of the Amanita was col- 
lected in a different state and at a different time, thus giving an 
opportunity for both the seasonal and local variations in toxicity 
reported by others. 
Injection experiments with Clitocybe illudens and Inocybe in- 
fida confirmed the results obtained with the isolated hearts. The 
toxicological evidence of all our experiments points toward mus- 
carin as the poison in Inocybe infida and Clitocybe illudens, and 
this idea gains further confirmation from the fact that our meth- 
ods of extraction and purification were those originally suggested 
for the isolation of muscarin and alkaloidal substances from 
fungi. Parallel experiments with the edible Clitocybe multiceps 
revealed no toxicity of any sort. The ash constituents of Clito- 
cybe illudens are not responsible for its toxicity. It was neces- 
sary to test this point because it has been stated that salts of 
potassium produce a muscarin-like effect on the heart.'^ From 
our studies on Clitocybe illudens and Inocybe infida it is plain 
that these plants should not be eaten, since all of them contain 
material having a dangerous action upon the nervous system. 
We wish to thank Prof. Wm. J. Gies and Prof. F. S. Lee, of 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons, for much helpful advice. 
Dr. W. A. Murrill suggested this study of poisonous fungi and 
our thanks are also due him for providing and identifying most 
of the material used. 
Laboratories of Biological Chemistry and Physiology of 
Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
Nevy York City. 
’ Fiihner. Nachweis und Bestimmung von Giften auf biologischen Wege. 
Abderhalden’s Handbuch d. Biochem. Arbeitsmethoden, V, (I), p. 77. 1912. 
