536 EFFECTS OF PRUSSIC ACID IN TETANUS. 
thigh. The like symptoms to those which presented them- 
selves in the horse were manifested ; but in a much more 
violent degree, and the animal fell from exhaustion. During 
the powerful action of the agent the jaw became partially 
relaxed. The sponge containing the acid was allowed to 
remain in for twenty minutes, but so much had been absorbed 
into the circulation, that the animal was unable to bear up 
against its influence ; and it ultimately died. 
Post-mortem examination . — On opening the chest, the lungs 
were found to be of a healthy colour, but the blood-vessels were 
engorged, and the lymphatics contained red blood. The 
vessels of the brain were also highly injected, and even those 
of the medullary substance, which smelt strongly of the acid. 
THE EEEECTS OE PRUSSIC ACID IN A CASE OE TETANUS 
IN A HORSE. 
Symptoms . — Pulse 39, full, and regular. Rigidity of all the 
muscles of the body ; eyes retracted within their orbits ; 
conjunctival and Schneiderian membranes very vascular ; 
respirations short and painful; lower jaw not quite closed, 
capable of being opened to the extent of about two inches. 
The skin underneath the lower jaw was separated from the 
connecting cellular tissue, and within the cavity thus formed 
was inserted a piece of sponge, containing Acid. Hydro- 
cyan., f. 5 j. From it the pulse became increased ; but no 
other effect was manifested. Three hours after, another 
drachm was similarly placed underneath the skin, opposite the 
sternum. The pulse was then 44. In four minutes it had 
risen to 80; in five minutes to 108; and in twelve minutes 
to 140, beats in the minute ; after which it began gradually to 
subside. In fifteen minutes it was 120, and at 10 p.m., it had 
regained its former standard. At the commencement of the 
action of the agent, the pulse was full and regular, but 
towards the latter part it became weak ; yet it retained its 
regularity of action. Profuse perspiration was produced in 
about five minutes after the insertion of the acid, accom- 
panied with quickened and laborious respiration. When the 
action of the remedy was at its maximum, the jaws appeared 
to be more firmly closed than before, the mouth being with 
great difficulty opened at all. 
On the following morning another drachm of the acid 
was again inserted in the same orifice ; pulse 44. In six 
minutes it had risen to 56, from which time till twenty 
