9 
This, as in the case of the infusion, contains large compound spherical / 
cells, also crystals, which are probably the active principle. The I 
poisonous effects are not destroyed by fermentation. , 
On frogs, a solution of the extract acts speedily, if applied to the 
skin. Increased activity of respiration occurs, followed by torpidity ; » 
during which the frog can be placed in curious attitudes, from which 
he will make no efforts to move. The web of the foot can be placed 
under the microscope, to examine the circulation of the blood, very 
conveniently when in this torpid state ; the heart continues to beat 
feebly for many hours. Frogs will recover after twenty or thirty 
hours of this condition of inactivity. Grasshoppers will come to life 
again after an apparent death of two or three days. 
The warm-blooded animals will not recover if respiration be not / 
re-established very shortly after the suffocative attack. 
When from a quarter to half a drop of the extract diluted with ^ 
water has been injected under the skin o± a rat, the following symptoms 
are observed : — In less than one minute, the animal becomes very 1 
excitable, and jumps and starts with the slightest provocation ; it 
appears to have lost the power of restraining itself. Shortly, irregular 
muscular motions occur, passing rapidly into a general convulsion. 
The animal opens its mouth as if longing to breathe, but no regular 
respiratory act follows. Opisthotonos is well marked in some cases. I 
After a few seconds of quiet from muscular effort, during which the 
heart may be seen to act powerfully, a gasp for breath follows, which 
is generally a sign that the poison will not prove fatal. This is suc- 
ceeded by others, and very shortly rapid respiration takes place of a \ 
feeble kind. The animal now gradually regains consciousness. The 
respirations fall to the normal standard. Weakness and torpidity 
romaining for several hours, during which, however, voluntary exer- 
tion takes place with very little stimulus. In two instances death i 
took place during this period of torpidity. 
The effects of the pituri are — 
1st. Period of preliminary excitement from apparent loss of 
inhibitory power of the cerebrum, attended with rapid 
respiration ; in cats and dogs, with vomiting, and profuse 
secretio nof saliva. In dogs there is retraction of the 
eyeball. 
2nd. Irregular muscular action, followed by general convulsion. 
3rd. Paralysis of respiratory function of medulla. 
4th. Death, or 
5th. Sighing inspirations at long intervals. 
6th. Kapid respiration and returning consciousness. 
7th. Normal respiration and general torpidity not unattended 
with danger to life. 
The poison, given by the mouth, acts with less vigour ; injected 
into the intestines the results are more certain. The animal has a 
longer stage of excitement, the convulsive fit is not so severe, and 
recovery is more certain. Torpidity remains for some hours. 
A quarter of a drop injected under the skin of a rat causes 
excitement ; the animal starts with slight noises, may fall over a few l 
