PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF VERAT11INE ON ANIMALS. 223 
on horses and dogs, we were always struck 'by the rapidity 
with which the saliva flowed after the administration of vera- 
trine, and by the persistance of this flow. Sometimes the 
saliva is viscid and thready, but it more frequently forms a 
whitish foam, similar to that shown in animals when a prey 
to convulsions. 
It might be supposed that the production of saliva is due 
to the irritation which veratrine produces directly in the 
cavity of the mouth on the excretory ducts of the glands. It 
would also be natural to suppose that the purgative effect is 
due to a local action on the intestine. Experiment shows 
that this is not the case. Indeed, whether the medicament 
be injected into the veins, or deposited in the subcutaneous 
cellular tissue, the excitement of the digestive tube, the 
hypersecretion of the intestinal follicles and salivary glands, 
is equally evident. 
In the case of direct contact between the poisonous agent 
and intestinal mucous membrane, perceptible alterations are 
manifested. It then produces on the mucous membrane of 
the stomach and small intestine red patches several centi- 
metres in diameter, distinct in their shape and quite separate 
one from another. 
Second Period. — Sinking, prostration of strength, and 
slackening of the circulation, form the clearly-defined charac- 
ters of the second period. This state, which was not men- 
tioned in M. Magendie’s first experiments, has been the one 
which has chiefly occupied practical men ; many even attri- 
buting to veratrine only the power of slackening the circu- 
lation. Whenever we have had it in our power to ascertain 
the state of the pulse before and after the administration of 
veratrine, we have always observed the diminution of the 
pulse, and very often great irregularity. During this period, 
dogs become weak ; they find great difficulty in supporting 
themselves upon their feet, and most frequently lie down. 
Horses are weakened, and their whole appearance exhibits 
great depression. In this state sensibility appears to be 
diminished. 
Third Period . — When the dose of veratrine has been more 
considerable, tetanus soon manifests itself. The anterior and 
posterior members are extended and stiff, the muscles of the 
thorax and abdomen contract, and respiration becomes 
laboured and painful, and asphyxia becomes gradually per- 
ceptible. 
At first, the attacks of tetanus are short and separated by 
considerable intervals ; but the action of the veratrine be- 
coming more and more manifest, causes longer and more 
