546 MR. J. PRIESTLEY ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF VANADIUM. 
strength of acid necessary to produce even a sluggish reflex action ; but this impairment 
was not due to any affection of the afferent or efferent nerves in the leg, and for the reason, 
given above, that both legs behaved alike. On stimulating the nerves after decapitation 
(complete paralysis having previously occurred), it was noticed that, although the whole 
frog appeared somewhat less responsive than usual, no difference could be detected 
between the poisoned and non-poisoned limbs. 
Exp. LXIX.— June 1, 1874. 
Frog. — Weight 31 grms. 
Dose 1 cub. centim. of the 5 per cent, solution (50 milligrammes 
V 2 0 5 ), injected under the skin. 
In this experiment, instead of the femoral artery being ligatured, the whole of the 
structures of the thigh, excepting the sciatic nerve, were compressed by a thread. In 
other respects it was a repetition of the preceding experiment, and serves to confirm 
its results. 
Exp. LXX.— June 1, 1874. 
Frog. — Weight 30 grms. 
Dose 1-5 cub. centim. of the 5 per cent, solution (75 milligrammes 
V 2 0 5 ), injected under the skin of the back. 
In this experiment the right femoral artery was tied prior to injection. The frog was 
examined, as in the preceding cases, after the poison had begun to manifest itself, and 
with generally confirmatory results. 
In the experiments next succeeding the object was to discover the effect of vanadium- 
poisoning upon the general functions of the cord as a conductor and as a centre of ordi- 
nary reflex action. The action of vanadium upon some of the special centres contained 
in the spinal cord is found in the notes of experiments on circulation and respiration. 
Exp. LXXI.— May 27, 1874. 
Frog. — Weight 29 grms. 
Dose - 5 cub. centim. of the 5 per cent, solution (25 milligrammes 
V 2 0 5 ), injected subcutaneously. 
Injection complete. 
Respiration very slight. 
Throat does not move at all. 
Reflex action follows, on immersing the toes in a 1 per cent, solution of H 2 S0 4 , 
in 5 seconds. On being plunged into water it has great difficulty in keeping 
its head above the surface. 
Reflex action occurred instantaneously on touching the frog’s skin with strong 
acetic acid. 
Abdominal muscles curiously pinched in ; sits upright ; moves eyelids, but not 
vigorously, on the cornea being touched ; a solution of H 2 S0 4 distinctly acid 
h. m. 
2 33. 
2 47. 
2 50. 
2 53. 
3 3. 
3 33. 
