498 ME. J. PEIESTLEY ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF VANADIUM. 
II. EFFECTS ON SIMPLE ORGANISMS. 
A few preliminary experiments were undertaken to determine the effects of sodium 
vanadate upon Bacteria^ germinating seed and fungi, and infusorians. 
Experiment I. — December 12, 1873. 
A *5 per cent, solution of sodium vanadate does not prevent the development of 
Bacteria. 
Exp. II.— May 14, 1874. 
Mustard-seeds and lettuce-seeds were set to grow on pieces of flannel moistened with 
solutions of sodium vanadate of strengths varying from 1 per cent, to *01 per cent, (the 
amount of V 2 0 5 in the solutions being referred to in all cases), and compared with 
similar seeds set to grow on flannels moistened with distilled water. 
When the experiments were at an end the vessels containing the flannels still 
moistened with the same solutions were allowed to stand for several days. Mould 
appeared in certain of the vessels only, viz. in those containing distilled water or solutions 
of the salt of vanadium of slight strength. 
From these experiments it appears that germination is not prevented, although it 
may be slightly interfered with, by the presence of sodium vanadate in solutions of 
•1 per cent, or less, but that it is totally prevented in solutions of 1 per cent. 
The same remarks apply to fungi. 
Exp. IV. — September 1874. 
An infusion of cabbage-leaves was allowed to develop infusorians by being kept in a 
warm place. 
Drops of the infusion were treated, while under observation beneath the microscope, 
with solutions of sodium vanadate. 
From this experiment it appears that even dilute solutions of sodium vanadate (solu- 
tions containing - 01 percent, of V 2 0 5 ) cause an immediate disturbance of vital function 
in infusorians. 
III. EFFECTS ON COMPLEX ORGANISMS. 
A. General Action on the Animal System. 
Certain preliminary experiments were made to determine the reactions between the 
vanadium salt used and some of the fluids and juices of the body with which it must 
come into contact in its passage through the system. The results were as follows : — 
1st. Vanadate of soda does not affect the optical properties of blood. 
2nd. No reduction of the vanadic salt takes place on treatment with peptones or 
saliva, or on treatment with starch-mucilage or fats. 
These preliminaries having been settled, the effects of sodium vanadate upon the 
annual system were determined after the introduction of the poison by various ways. 
