218 DRS. T. L. BRUNTON AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION, 
compound ammonias on the Frog appears to be their tendency to affect the circulation, 
and to render the beat of the heart slow, or arrest it entirely in diastole. Muscle and 
nerve are both paralyzed, the paralysis of the muscle being later than that of the nerve. 
We have noted above a number of more or less exceptional instances, but in many 
of those there can be little doubt, we think, that the exceptional action was due to 
alteration in the circulation caused by the poison. 
In their action upon the circulation the sulphates resemble the iodides. The spinal 
cord appears to be stimulated, so that convulsions or tetanus are produced by the 
ammonium sulphate. The combination with ethyl and methyl appears to lessen this 
stimulating action, although we notice in the case of the triethyl-ammonium sulphate 
a tendency to diffusion of stimuli in the cord, irritation of the foot being responded to 
by tremor over the body. 
In the case of the Rat we find the amyl-ammonium sulphate to be one of the most 
poisonous of the whole series used in the case of these animals. There is violent 
tremor, increased on movement; a gait like that of paralysis agitans ; sudden general 
clonic spasm, succeeded by springing from side to side. 
In the case of ethyl-ammonium sulphate and diethyl-ammonium sulphate the 
movements are likewise tremulous; rapping of the head upon the floor is observed, 
and there is frequently a spasm of many of the trunk muscles, giving the impression 
of a hiccough movement. Respiration, at first accelerated, becomes very feeble, and 
a gradual loss of reflex precedes death. 
The circulation was slowed by the action of these poisons, the heart tending to 
diastolic arrest, the right side especially being much engorged. 
It was found that stimulation, both direct and indirect, elicited a powerful con¬ 
traction of the poisoned muscle. The changes in circulation no doubt account for the 
slight effect of the poison upon the muscle. In the case of the amyl-ammonium 
sulphate, congestion of the membranes of the brain and of the cord itself were 
observed. 
General action on Rabbits. 
In the case of Rabbits, in which the whole series of these poisons was investigated, 
there was observed a gradual loss of power, the animal tending to lie on the belly, 
with the legs extended ; the hind legs appeared to be chiefly affected. 
In the case of the triethyl-ammonium sulphate, and the trimethyl-ammonium 
sulphate, there was a certain amount of tremulousness and starting when touched. 
The paralysis in the hind legs became complete before it did in the fore legs. 
In the case of trimethyl-ammonium sulphate, profuse salivation was an early 
symptom, and corneal reflex persisted to the last. 
The sulphates were less fatal to Rabbits than the corresponding chlorides or iodides, 
with the exception of trimethyl and triethyl sulphates, in which there was trembling 
and slight spasmodic movements, probably indicative of irritation of the spinal cord. 
