On the nature and physiological action of the Crotalus-poison as compared with that of Naja tripudians and other Indian venomous snakes : also investigations into the nature of the influence of Naja- and Crotalus-poison on ciliary and amoeboid action and on Vallisneria, and on the influence of inspiration of pure oxygen on poisoned animals / by T. Lauder Brunton and J. Fayrer.

  • Brunton, T. Lauder (Thomas Lauder), Sir, 1844-1917.
Date:
[1875]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the nature and physiological action of the Crotalus-poison as compared with that of Naja tripudians and other Indian venomous snakes : also investigations into the nature of the influence of Naja- and Crotalus-poison on ciliary and amoeboid action and on Vallisneria, and on the influence of inspiration of pure oxygen on poisoned animals / by T. Lauder Brunton and J. Fayrer. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    14/18 (page 274)
    acted powerfully on several glands, more powerfully than the fresh poison from an adder’s fang. “I also immersed three leaves in 90 minims of the solution ; the ten- tacles soon became inflated and the glands quite white, as if they had been placed in boiling water. I felt sure that the leaves were killed; but after 8 hours’ immersion they were placed in water, and after about 48 hours reexpauded, showing that they were by no means killed. The most surprising circumstance is, that, after an immersion of 48 hours, the protoplasm in the cells was in unusually active movement. Now, can you inform me whether this poison, if diluted, arrests the movement of vibratile cilia ? ” “ I dissolved | gr. [of cobra-poison] in 3j of water, so that I was able to immerse two leaves. It acted as before, but more energetically ; and I observed more clearly, this time, that the solution makes the secretion round the glands cloudy, which I have never before observed. But here comes the remarkable point; after an immersion of 48 hours, the proto- plasm within the cells incessantly changes form, and I neA’-er saw it on any other occasion so active. Hence I cannot doubt that this poison is a stimulant to the protoplasm ; and I shall be very curious to find out in your papers whether you have tried its action on the cilia and on the colourless corpuscles of the blood. If the poison does arrest their move- ment, it will show that there is a profound difference between the pro- toplasm of animals and of this plant. Therefore if you try any further experiments I hope that you will be so kind as to inform me of the results. I may add that I tried at first 1 gr. to the 3j, as that is my standard strength for all substances. “ It is certainly very remarkable that the poison should act so differ- ently on the cilia and on the protoplasm of Drosera. After the 48 hours’ immersion, I placed the two leaves in water and they partially reexpanded. I thought that the whitened glands were perhaps killed; but those of one leaf which I tried with carbonate of ammonia absorbed it, and the protoplasm was affected in the usual manner. I am very much surprised at the action of the poison on the viscid secretion from the glands, which it coagulates into threads and bits of membrane, with much granular matter. Have you observed whether the poison affects in any marked manner mucus or other such secretions ? ” Experiment XXV. Action of Cobra-poison on Muscle. Jane 29th, 1874.—A standard solution of cobra-poison, *03 gramme to 4-6 cubic centims. of water, was prepared. 1.25 r.M. The gastrocnemius of a frog was separated and immersed in this solution in a watch-glass; it immediately contracted considerably. 1.30. The muscle contracts with current at 11.