ITS ANTIDOTE. 
483 
from the pain and uneasiness which the animal was otherwise 
suffering. Being unwilling to wait longer, we dissolved a small 
quantity of the poison in water, and, having opened the jugular 
vein, injected about an ounce and a half of the fluid. The animal 
was almost instantly seized with convulsions, and seemed in a 
dying state. 
It was then thought advisable to try the effect of an antidote; 
and a pailful of cold water was .first dashed about the head, 
which seemed to refresh him in some degree; after which four 
drachms of aqua ammoniae, diluted with ^viij of water, were 
given, which was swallowed with difficulty. In a few seconds, 
however, the animal revived so much as to be able to lift its 
head and attempt to rise. 
After allowing it to remain quiet for some time, and having 
given a quart of water, the convulsive sobbing and difficulty of 
breathing subsided, and there appeared no doubt of its recover¬ 
ing from the effects of the poison. 
A rather larger quantity of the solution of the poison was 
therefore injected into the veins, and allowed to produce its full 
effect, and the animal was destroyed in about five minutes. The 
eflects of the poison were similar, in regard to the symptoms it 
produced, to those exhibited by the dog; and the examination of 
the body also shewed little variety. There was great engorge¬ 
ment of the heart and large veins, and some blood in the arteries. 
The vessels of the brairrwere also turgid with blood. 
THE BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF THE ERGOT OF RYE 
IN DIFFICULT PARTURITION. 
On the 10th instant, a pointer bitch produced two puppies; 
and it was thought by the person having her in charge that she 
had no more. She was put into a comfortable box, and, with a 
little care, was expected to do well. On the next morning, how¬ 
ever, she was sick, and breathed heavily, and continued rather 
uneasy all that day. 
On the forenoon of the 12th, I was requested to see her. I 
found her with her nose dry, breath hot, respiration frequent, 
mouth hot and parched, coat staring, back reached, pulse 120, 
