The non-bacillar nature of abrus-poison : with observations on its chemical and physiological properties / by L.A. Waddell.

  • Waddell, L. A. (Laurence Austine), 1854-1938.
Date:
1884
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The non-bacillar nature of abrus-poison : with observations on its chemical and physiological properties / by L.A. Waddell. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    Y.—On Respiratory System. The frequency of the respirations was evidently lessened, whilst at the same time the respiratory act became more laborious, YI.—On Glandular System. The lymphatic glands, both superficial and deep, are in a state of acute congestion, presenting an appearance not unlike that of septicaemia, except that whilst they are enlarged they are not softened. The salivary glands in cats appeared to be stimulated to excessive secretion. The numerous opaque sreas throughout the liver appear to show that the poison kills the hepatic cells, with which it comes into contact, in a manner similar to that in which it acts upon the tissues at the seat of injection. The amount of bile did not appear to be increased. The urine was not found to contain albumin, and its amount was not apparently increased. YII.—On Nutrition. Loss of appetite is a very marked symptom even with small quantities of the poison, much short of lethal doses. In acute cases death occurred too rapidly to admit of emaci- ation taking place, but this symptom was present in all the animals which lived for over three days, and in those which ultimately recovered from poisonous doses. YIII.—On Digestive System. Slight thirst usually attends the loss of appetite. No vomiting was remarked. After about 20 hours muco-sanguineous stools are usually passed, and this when the poison has been injected subcutaneously. The poison appears to have a special determination to the alimentary canal, and being eliminated there exerts its peculiar action on the intestinal mucous membrane, lowering the activity of the cells and so favouring the free develop- ment of those bacteria which are always to be found in the intestinal tract. A large quantity of the powdered abrus-seed (about \ oz.) was rubbed up with water and injected per rectum into a cat. No