ACTION OF NUX VOMICA ON THE HORSE. 537 
minutes after its insertion it had risen to 80, which appeared 
to be the limit of its action. The respiration was increased 
slightly, but the effects were by no means so marked as last 
evening. 
In the afternoon another drachm was inserted in a fresh 
orifice made in the front of the chest ; pulse 44. In five 
minutes the pulse had risen to 100, the respiration became 
increased and laborious, and slight excitement of the system 
generally followed. 
On the next day two drachms of the acid were placed 
underneath the skin on the near side of the animal, a little 
posterior to the point of the olecranon. In two minutes 
the respiration became much increased, and the general ex- 
citement so great as to prevent the pulse being taken. In 
five minutes it was ascertained to be 112. There was then 
a cessation of action for about three minutes, when a second 
paroxysm took place, and all the usual symptoms manifested 
themselves with increased power. In ten minutes the pulse 
had risen to 148, accompanied with considerable protrusion 
of the membrana nictitans, and violent excitement of the 
whole frame ; increased and laborious respiration, and pro- 
fuse perspiration. Another cessation of action then took 
place, for about the like period, which was followed by a 
return of the effects, but with less violence. After this the 
pulse gradually returned to its former state, and with it all 
the action of the agent disappeared, leaving the original 
disease unaffected, and of which the animal ultimately died, 
the usual remedies proving now of no avail, as too often is 
the case. 
From these experiments we learn, at the least, that 
hydrocyanic acid has an overwhelming influence on the 
nervous system ; also that, in whatever way it is exhibited, 
whether given by the mouth, or introduced under the skin, 
or thrown up as an enema, its action is the same. Its 
application to the unabraded skin was likewise tried ; but 
although a considerable quantity was poured over the 
surface of the body, no visible effects followed.] 
ACTION OF NUX YOMICA ON THE HORSE. 
To an aged grey mare, two ounces of the powder of the 
poison-nut — Strychnos Nux-vomica — were administered in the 
form of a draught, and in about three quarters of an hour 
afterwards she was allowed her usual quantity of water. 
xxviii. 69 
