A CONTRIBUTION TO THE 
PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY 
OF 
VERATRUM MDE AID VERATRIA, 
(With Experiments on Lower Animals, 
Made at La Grange 'St. Laboratory, 1839). 
BY 
R. AMORY, M.D. 
S. G; WEBBER, M.D. 
Reprinted from Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. 
BOSTON: 
PRINTED BY DAVID CLAPP & SON. 
1 8 69. PREFACE. 
The experiments which will be related 
in the following paper were performed with 
the assistance of Messrs. Wood, Boutelle, 
Bridge, Spooner, Putnam, Pierce, Brigham 
and Cutler. Many points of interest still 
remain uninvestigated ; but, as it may be 
several months before experiments with 
this drug can be resumed, and as we think 
the results thus far obtained are in one or 
two respects an advance on what has been 
hitherto recorded, at least in the English 
language* we venture to present them in 
this, comparatively, incomplete state. We 
wish to call attention to the fact, that the 
historical investigations on this subject 
were not commenced, until after our expe- 
riments had been performed. VERATRUM VIRIDE AND YERATRIA. 
Yrratrum viride was not brought into 
notice until a little more than two years 
ago. Several practitioners had used and 
found this drug to be of great value ; but 
its advantage was not generally known 
until Drs. Cutter, Eickard and Ingalls, in 
behalf of the Middlesex District Medical 
Society, called the attention of physicians 
to its use, and prepared an account of their 
experience with it, which was published in 
the American Journal of Medical Sciences. 
Dr. Cutter’s monograph attracted atten- 
tion in Europe, and the drug was experi- 
mented upon there. 
Veratria.—Previously the alkaloid vera- 
tria had been studied, but this was ob- 
tained from the seeds of veratrum sabadilla, 6 
and seems in some respects only to imper- 
fectly represent the virtues of veratrum vi- 
ride. 
Magendie experimented with an impure 
veratria in 1820. In 1829 Bardsley pub- 
lished an article on the Therapeutical Value 
of Veratria. In 1844 Dr. Gebhard com- 
pared the action of veratria and strychnia. 
These are a few of the authors referred to 
by Van Praag.* A pricking or tingling, 
especially of the hands and feet, compared 
by some to the sensation produced by elec- 
tricity, is mentioned by many ; also, a sense 
of warmth followed by a feeling of cool- 
ness. 
Van Praag noticed in several cases that 
the animals upon which he experimented 
had a peculiar spasm, which he likens to 
St. Vitus’s dance, a stiffness of the limbs 
which ended in a dancing movement. He 
states that the cardiac pulsations were first 
* Yeratrin Toxikologisch-pharmakodynamische Stu- 
dien von J. Leonides Van Praag, in Virchow’s Archiv. 7, 
Band, 1854, s. 252. 7 
increased and then diminished, irregular 
and then weak. The respiration was affect- 
ed only when large doses were taken, when 
it was embarrassed or ceased entirely. He 
noticed, also, the weakness of the muscular 
power, but in his summary this seems not 
to have attracted his attention so much as 
the spasms. In some cases the pupils were 
dilated; there was evidence, also, of pain 
in the mouth or throat. Nausea and vomit- 
ings occurred constantly. No inflammation 
was seen in the primes vice. He performed 
experiments, also, on.birds, frogs and fishes. 
His conclusions are : 
“ The respiration and circulation diminish 
in intensity. The muscles lose their ten- 
sion. The irritability of many nerves (espe- 
cially the peripheric cutaneous nerves) is 
considerably lowered. After very small 
doses vomiting follows ; often, also, diar- 
rhoea, but this more frequently after large 
doses. The secretion of urine is not nota- 
bly excited. Salivation is considerably in- 
creased. * * * The stage of stimulation 8 
[.erregungsstadium] is shown by accele- 
rated respiration, increased frequency of 
the pulse, cramp-like tension of the muscles, 
increased irritability of the nerves. Death 
from veratria poisoning seems to proceed 
from paralysis of the spinal cord.” 
He states, also, that veratria acted in a 
similar manner upon man. In no case did 
he find any signs of inflammation, and the 
results of post-mortem examination were en- 
tirely negative. 
Veratrum viride.—Much has been written 
in regard to the use of veratrum viride in 
different diseases; and, so far as the re- 
cord of cases gives an insight into the phy- 
siological action, this agrees with our ex- 
periments. The therapeutical and pharma- 
ceutical character and uses of this drug are 
not, however, the subject of our investiga- 
tion, and will be entirely disregarded. 
Drs. Cutter and others investigated its 
action.* They remark that the benefit de- 
* American Journal of the Med. Sciences, Oct., 1858. 9 
rived from its use is due to its sedative 
power over the circulation and the nervous 
system. The reduction of the pulse is 
mentioned in almost every case (40 to 60 
beats per minute in the course of twelve to 
eighteen hours), as well as the general de- 
pression from prolonged sedation. Gene- 
rally there was no nausea after its use, 
though this symptom is mentioned by other 
writers. Most of the facts mentioned in 
this paper are, however, therapeutical, and 
are not included in the plan of our investi- 
gation. 
Another paper* by the same authors gives 
one or two cases worth referring to. In 
the first case detailed below, the effect of 
the drug upon the respiration is noticed. 
The case was reported by Dr. Minot, of 
Boston. 
Case.—A young man, 18 years of age, 
with acute pericarditis, having an irregular 
pulse (96-116), took of Thayer’s fl. ext. of 
* American Jour, of Med. Science, Oct., 1861, p. 400. 10 
of veratrum viride gtt. iv. The respirations 
numbered 30 per min. He became more 
comfortable during the day. The pulse in 
the evening was 96. This was October 
12th. 
Date. 
Pulse. 
Resp. 
Remarks. 
Oct. 13 
87 
36 
Had taken seven doses; stop- 
ped on acount of vomiting. 
i( 
14 
112 
36 
Resumed the medicine. 
(( 
15 
112 
30 
Six doses taken; dose increas- 
ed to gtt. V. 
16 
114 
40 
Took three doses. 
“ 
17 
112 
24 
(Pleurisy.) gtt. v. ev. 4 firs. 
<( 
18 
96 
22 
Five doses; vomit, after last. 
19 
96 
24 
Four “ nausea. 
(( 
20 
100 
30 
Three “ “ 
(C 
21 
96 
28 
Four “ “ 
(( 
23- 
22 
-25 
96 
100 
Five “ “ 
The medicine was omitted for a time, 
and then renewed, hut neither pulse nor 
respiration were noticed particularly. 
Another case* is reported by Dr. Forsaith, 
in which the pulse was reduced from 120 to 
40, and the respiration was only 15, an over 
dose having been accidentally taken. 
In another case,f reported by Dr. C, S. 
* Am. Jour, of the Med. Scienees, Oct., 1861, p, 403. 
f Idem, p. 406. 11 
Bishop, of Philadelphia, a medical student 
who had been injured by fireworks; the 
pulse, at first 100, was k,ept at 60 for thirty- 
six hours, and “from the time that the seda- 
tive influence of the veratrum viride became 
manifest he felt no pain.”* 
In the Edinburgh Medical Journalf. Dr. 
J. Watson gives the results of experiments 
•» 
on himself and on several patients, from 
which we can derive some knowledge of 
the action of this drug. He took gtt. viij. 
of a tincture (made according to Dr. Cutter’s 
direction) at 3 o’clock, P.M. Two hours 
after, his pulse was unaffected. At 5 o’clock 
he took another dose, and then had tea. 
At 6 o’clock his pulse was the same as at 
3 o’clock. Towards 7 o’clock he was 
troubled with flatulence. Some minutes 
before 7 he began to feel nauseated and 
would have vomited, but restrained himself. 
The force and frequency of the pulse be- 
came diminished There was griping of 
* Italics in the original, 
f January, 1864. 12 
the bowels, sickness and weakness, with 
considerable pain in epigastric region ;he 
had a heavy, dull- headache, with, occa- 
sionally, painful throbbing in the temples. 
His pulse, 10 at 8 o’clock, was reduced to 
64. The pain in the bowels continued, and 
he felt himself growing weaker ; but as he 
wished to experience the full effects, at 1 
o’clock he took another dose of eight drops. 
From he felt about as described above. 
Soon he became weaker and felt that he 
must vomit. The pain in his stomach and 
bowels became much more severe ; a clam- 
my cold sweat broke out on his bi’ow, and 
at 71 he vomited with much pain. While 
vomiting he required all his strength to 
Support himself; his back became extreme- 
ly weak ; and, when a fit of retching came 
on, he felt as if he was going to be as- 
phyxiated ; he had one or two cold shivers ; 
his feet and hands became cold and be- 
numbed, though there was a large fire in 
the grate ; the cold, numb feeling crept up 
the legs and arms, and, at last, his whole body felt as if enveloped in cold, damp 
cloths, and he became quite prostrate. 
At a little after 8 o’clock his pulse was 
40 and very weak. The flatulence contin- 
ued, till a quarter past eight, when he 
again vomited slightly. The cold, clammy 
sweat continued, and the whole surface of 
the body was numb. At 8f his pulse was 
56. After vomiting his face was quite pale, 
but there was no dilatation of the pupil. 
He felt prostrated during the evening, but 
the next day was quite well. 
This is one of the most valuable experi- 
ments recorded, and, so far as it goes, 
agrees with what has been found in ani- 
mals. 
Dr. Watson administered the tincture in 
three cases. In one the patient was suffer- 
ing from phthisis with a pulse of 120. At 
quarter to 9 o’clock, gtt. viij. of the tinc- 
ture were given, which dose was repeated 
in one half an hour, as no effect had been 
produced upon the pulse. In half an hour 
more the pulse was still the same, but in a 14 
few minutes she was found retching violent- 
ly and vomiting. Her pain was intense 
and her prostration excessive. She contin- 
ued vomiting at short intervals till within a 
few minutes of 11 o’clock. A cold, clam- 
my sweat broke out over her whole body, 
but especially upon the face. At 10£ the 
vomiting was diminishing in severity (bran- 
dy had been given), but the prostration be- 
came more marked. Just before the vom- 
iting commenced her pulse was at 120, but 
at 10£ it had sunk below 60, and was very 
weak. At a quarter before eleven it was 60, 
and at 11 o’clock it was 80 after taking 
wine and morphia. She was very much 
frightened on account of a dead feeling she 
experienced, especially in her limbs, and to 
a certain extent over her whole body. The 
following table shows the rapidity of her 
pulse: 
9.45, P.M., 120 
10 30 “ below 60 
10.45 “ 60 
11 “ 80 
11.15 “ 72 
11.30 “ 72 
11.45- “ 80 
12, midnight, 76 
12.15, A.M., 72 
12.30 “ 72 
12.45 “ 80 
1 “ 80 
9 “ 120 15 
lu this case, the symptoms were essen- 
tially the same as in the previous experi- 
ment. 
In the second case the tincture was given 
to a young man, aged 16 years, who had 
undergone amputation of the thigh on ac- 
count of a tumor. 
At 7 o’clock, 4 minims were given. 
At 7.15, he had nausea. 
At 7.30, he vomited. 
His pulse was as follows 
At 7, P.M., 152. 
7.15 “ 152. 
7.30 “ 136. 
7.45 “ 136. 
Bto 9 “ 132. 
9 “4 minims more were taken. 
9.15 “ 132; nausea increased. 
9.30 “ 124. 
9.45 “ 124; vomiting, with great weakness. 
10 “ 124; vomiting. 
The next day, 11, A.M., 150. 
The following day, 10, A.M., 132. Tincture again 
taken in the dose of 4 minims. 
10.15, A.M., 132; feels sick. 
10.30 “ 124. 
11.15 “ 124. 
11.30, A.M., 120. 
11.45 “ 126; 4 minims more. [iting. 
12 “ 124 ; great nausea and occasional vom- 
-12.30, P.M., 124. 
1 “ 128. 
3 “ 132. 
The next morning, 160. 
In the third case, the tincture was given 
to a man, aged 52, who had a fracture of 16 
the thigh-bone. Six weeks after the acci- 
dent his pulse was high, but the general 
health of the patient was good. 
At 7.15, P.M., pulse 100; gave 4 minims. 
7.30 “ 100. 
8 “ 100; gave 4 minims. 
8.15 “ 96; flatulence and nausea. 
8.30 “ 92. 
8.45 “ 88. 
9 “ 100; patient retching. 
9.15 “ 94; vomiting over, though gre&t nausea. 
9.30 “ 88. 
9.45 “ 36; great nausea. 
10 “ 86. 
11, A.M., 92. 
On the second day the medicine was 
again tried. 
At 10, A.M., pulse 100 ; gave 4 minims. 
10.30 “ “ 100. 
11 “ “ 96; flatulence. 
11.15 “ “ 96; sickness and flatulence. 
11.30“ “ 92; 
11.45 “ “ 94; another 4 minims. 
12, noon, “ 94; flatulence. 
12.30, P.M., pulse 94; great nausea. 
1 “ “ 90; other 4 min.; great nausea. 
1.30 “ “ 96. 
2.15 “ severe fit of vomiting, which lasted from 
20 to 30 minutes. 
He complained of a sinking at the heart, 
pain in the stomach and bowels, and, after 
the vomiting, of great depression, and of a 
dead feeling in the limbs. After vomiting, 
the pulse fell to 80, but at 3 o’clock, after taking stimulants, it was 92, and the next 
morning it was at 96. 
In the Medical Times and Gazette* is re- 
corded by Dr. Edwards a case of accidental 
poisoning with veratrum viride. 
A chemist took an over dose of the tinct. 
ver. vir. for the purpose of testing its ef- 
fects. He took 5j., equal to about 12 grs. 
of the powder. He was found sitting in the 
water-closet, vomiting into the pan. His 
features were sunken, skin cool and covered 
with a profuse clammy sweat; his pulse 
was quite imperceptible. He complained of 
intense pain in the epigastrium. The vomi- 
tus, at first, appeared to consist of food and 
contents of stomach, afterwards of a glairy 
mucus. He received immediately §jss. of 
pure brandy, which checked the vomiting. 
He was removed into a room, and on to a 
couch in front of the fire. The surface of 
the body was still very cold, especially of 
the extremities. The clammy sweat con- 
* Jan. 3d, 1863, 18 
tinned, but the pulse could be indistinctly- 
felt, beating feebly and with irregularity, 
about 44 a minute. Under the use of 
brandy warmth gradually returned to the 
surface, and the pulse became better in 
volume and power. He fell asleep, and 
awoke better. The next day he was well. 
There was no diarrhoea. He stated after- 
wards, that before and during the vomiting 
he had a sense of constriction in the throat, 
and excessive pain. His mind was calm, 
though consciousness was clouded for a 
time. Immense circles of green color were 
seen around a candle flame, which turned 
to red on closing the eyes. There was a 
tendency to cramps in his legs when they 
were touched. 
M. Oulmont has published* in a memoir, 
read before the Academie de Medecine de 
Paris, the results of his experiments with 
this drug. He sums up the results of his 
experiments (which are not related) with 
veratrum viride, as follows : 
* Bui. Gen. de Therap., 1868, tome Ixxiv. p. 145. 19 
“ Ist. It quickly causes nausea, vomiting 
and diarrhoea, which two former may last 
fifteen to twenty hours. 
“ 2d. The respiration is greatly modified, 
becoming irregular; sometimes, very rapid, 
sometimes so retarded, that there may 
be but one or two respiratory move- 
ments during a minute ; sometimes in frogs 
it is completely suspended. 
“ 3d. The circulation is very rapidly di- 
minished in frequency ; the pulse, at the 
end of a quarter or half of an hour, as 
much as 20, 40, or 60 pulsations a minute. 
In man not in a febrile state, veratria (in 
the dose of 1 to 3 centigrammes) causes 
the pulse to fall thirty to forty beats. 
“ 4th. Thetemperature follows a descend- 
ing scale a little less marked ; at the end of 
half an hour to two hours only, it descends 
2°, 3° or even 5° (C.), and may remain there 
twenty-four hours without death resulting. 
“sth. The debilitating action of veratrum 
viride is manifested from the beginning. Fee- 
bleness and prostration continually increase, 20 
and when they have attained the highest 
point the animal dies. 
“ 6th. There never results contraction, 
muscular rigidity or tetanic convulsions. 
“ 7th. The poisonous dose of veratrum 
viride for frogs is 20 drops of the tincture, 
for rabbitsGO to 80, and for dogs 120 to 150.” 
He concludes from comparative experi- 
ments that veratrum album is much more 
unequal in its effects, and more severe in 
its action. lie thinks that the action of 
veratrum viride does not depend on the al- 
kaloid veratria,* as the latter causes mus- 
cular contractions and spasms. 
M. Limonf found that the tincture of vera- 
trum viride causes diminished frequency in 
the pulse and reduction of temperature. 
The pulse decreased from 112 to 54, and the 
temperature from 39 to 37 (C.), He noticed, 
too, that the sphygmograph showed an in- 
* According to our experiments, this distinction can- 
not he maintained. 
f De Taction du Yer. Yir,, Gaz. Med. de Strasbourg, 
in Bull. Gen. de Ther., Jan. 30th, 1869. 21 
creased arterial tension, when the pulse is 
reduced in frequency. Its effects passed off 
rapidly, and there was no cumulative action. 
He, also, mentioned the vomiting1. 
Two cases, well reported and observed 
by MM. Tuber et H. Hirtz, internes aux 
Hopitaux de Strasbourg, were reported by 
M. Oulraont to the Society of Therapeutics. 
The first was a case of pneumonia in a 
woman, 30 years of age, mother of three 
children, pregnant with a fourth. She en- 
tered the hospital on the evening of the 9th 
of March, on account of pneumonia of the 
left lung. The temperature was 39° (0.), 
pulse 112. 
March 10th.—Temp. 88.8° (C.) ; pulse 
108 ; respiration 80. Antimony and bleed- 
ing had been her treatment. In the even- 
ing the temperature was 39.2° (0.); the 
pulse 108 ; respiration 48. 
March 11th.—Asphyxia seemed immi- 
nent. Temperature 39.7° (C.) ; pulse 112 ; 
respiration 76. 
Yeratrum viride was now ordered in 22 
granules containing 1 centigramme of ex- 
tract. This was first given at 9| o’clock. 
Hour. 
Dose. 
Temp. 
P. 
R. 
■Remarks. 
9.30 
1st gran. 
39.7°l 
116 
70 
10.30 
2d “ 
39.4 
108 
76 
* 
12 
3d “ 
38.7 
98 
68 
Vomiting. 
1.30 
38.1 
68 
42 
3 
37.8 
64 
44 
Temp, of vag. 38.6°. 
4.30 
36.8 
64 
38 
The vomiting which arose after the third 
granule caused considerable distress, which 
was of short duration. During the evening 
the symptoms recurred in severity. 
March 12th, A.M.—Temperature was 
39.2°; pulse 104 ; respiration 80. Yera- 
trura viride was again given. 
Hour'. 
Dose. 
Temp. Pulse. 
Resp. 
Remarks. 
10 
1st gran. 
38.8° 
108 
74 
11 
2d “ 
38.3 
100 
50 
12 
3d “ 
37.4 
82 
50 
Vomiting. 
1.30 
38.3 
60 
30 
2.30 
38.6 
60 
40 
3.30 
37-7 
64 
40 
4.30 
37.5 
72 
40 
.5.30 
37 
68 
28 
6.30 
37.5 
80 
40 
7.30 
37.5 
80 
36 
8.30 
37.2 
80 
36 
9.30 
37.9 
80 
36 
10.30 
38.1 
80 
36 
11.30 
36.6 
96 
40 23 
March 13th.—Temperature 38.1° ; pulse 
96 ; resp. 32. She gradually recovered. 
The second case is one of generalized 
bronchitis in a man 37 years old. 
We do-not think it worth while to tran- 
scribe this case, which agrees in every es- 
sential with the one detailed above. 
The conclusions in regard to the physio- 
logical action of veratrum viride, and 
the alkaloid, veratria, which can be drawn 
from these experiments and cases recorded 
by others, confirm those that we have been 
induced to draw from our own experiments. 
We need only mention, here, the influence 
which is exerted upon the nervous system. 
In some respects resembling the action of 
woorara, it differs from that poison in less 
energetic action, in attacking the sen- 
sory fibres as well as the motor, and in di- 
minishing the frequency of the cardiac pul- 
sations. We have not performed any ex- 
periments to show whether the periphery 
Summary. 24 
or centre of the nervous system is affected, 
or whether the whole nervous tract is influ- 
enced. 
The influence over the cardiac pulsation 
is, however, such that we are disposed to 
suspect that the nerves supplying that vis- 
cus are influenced at their central origin. 
The reduction in temperature indicates that 
the metamorphosis of tissue by which the 
temperature is sustained is interfered with ; 
but this is most marked in cases of abnor- 
mal excess of temperature. The reduction 
of temperature would, also, indicate an in- 
fluence over the vaso-motor system; the 
paleness of face, the dilated pupils, which 
have been sometimes noticed, and the in- 
crease of the ai’terial tension, observed by 
Limon, point to the same conclusion. If 
this be so, the weakness and paralysis may 
be due to an excessive contraction of the 
arterioles. Our experiments do not allow 
us to decide whether it is the spinal cord 
which is affected by this contraction, or 
whether it is the nervous trunks, or the 25 
terminal fibres of the nerves, or the ner- 
vous plates, which form the connection be- 
tween the nerve and the muscle ; but inas- 
much as the respiratory and cardiac move- 
ments, the arterial contractility, the motor 
and sensory powers, and the secretory 
functions are all more or less affected, it 
seems more reasonable to refer the disturb- 
ance to the spinal axis, as that part of the 
nervous system through which the influ- 
ence is exerted, and from which all the 
above-mentioned results are produced. 
The nausea and vomiting, the sensation 
of tingling, the prickling in the fingers 
and toes, and other abnormal sensations in 
the throat and elsewhere, which seemed to 
be present even when the drug was admin- 
istered hypodermically, might be caused by 
the direct contact of the drug upon these 
parts as it circulates through them in the 
blood. A local application produces a 
numbness and deadens the pain of neural- 
gia. The deadness and diminished sensi- 
bility may, likewise, be due to the local 26 
contact of the drug; or, both these effects, 
viz., the loss of sensitiveness and the ab- 
normal sensation, may be due to its influence 
over the central nervous system. 
In one case only, that of accidental poi- 
soning, does there seem to be a.cloud over 
the intelligence. 
These are the conclusions which follow 
from what has been recorded by others, 
and it will be well to bear them in mind in 
considering our experiments, which will 
now be given. 
It is proposed to show, by the following 
experiments, the symptoms produced in 
various animals by veratria, and at first 
from a poisonous dose. 
Exp. I.—Green-colored frog. Before the 
administration of the poison, the thorax is 
opened, and the number and force of the 
cardiac pulsations noticed :—Respiration 
10; pulsations 32, Yeratria placed upon 
the web of the frog’s foot. 27 
Hour. 
Respiration. 
Pulsation. 
Remarks. 
0.21 
0.31 
0.36 
feeble, 
very feeble. 
veratria applied to 
heart itself. 
0.41 
nearly ceased. 
very feeble. 
28 
the same. 
heart pale, 
tetanic spasms; 
right lung forced 
out of thoracic 
opening and rup- 
tured. 
0.58 
2.21 
2.31 
ceased. 
very feeble, 
still goes on. 
tetanic spasms ev- 
ery few minutes. 
obliged to leave; 
muscular fibres 
contract to stimu- 
lation. 
Post Mortem, twenty-one hours after. 
Continued rigor mortis ; muscles, heart and 
liver all very pale. No muscular contrac- 
tility to stimulation or by electricity. Lung 
tissue contains air. No transverse striae 
visible by the microscope in cardiac muscu- 
lar fibres, which seem to be replaced with 
granular spots. 
In this experiment it may be noticed that 
veratria is not very readily absorbed by the 
skin of a frog ; and, also, that after its topi- 
cal application to the cardiac muscles, it 
does not cause paralysis of the heart’s ac- 28 
tion, though it does produce cessation of the 
respiratory function. It produces various 
muscular spasms, to which the frog, of all 
animals, is the most liable, and which may, 
after all, be voluntary movements. 
Exp. ll.—Eusset-colored frog. As it is 
stated by some observers, that phenomena 
produced in the green-frog and in the rus- 
set-frog are dissimilar, the effects are repro- 
duced upon the latter that a comparison 
may be drawn. The tincture of veratrum 
viride was used in this case. 
Tinctura veratri viridis gtt. q. s. Subcu- 
taneous injection to leg. 
Hour. 
Pulse. 
Resp. 
Remarks 
0.07 
Thorax opened. 
22 
0.07 
weaker. 
0.13 
22 
0.18 
0.3-5 
do. 
very feeble 
spasms. 
0.40 
18 
0.53 
10,irre£. 
1.00 
12 
1.12 
10 
1.22 
12 
ceased. 
• 
Post-mortem examination 
ished response to electrics 
showed dimin- 
L stimulation in 
electrical 29 
the leg to which the injection was adminis- 
tered ; striated muscular fibres of this leg 
somewhat disintegrated, though the strise 
can be distinguished. This is specially time 
of the cardiac muscles. Rigor mortis very 
marked. 
This last experiment agrees in general 
with the previous one, but the symptoms 
and other effects are more intense, proba- 
bly, because the dose of veratria was larger. 
Exp. lll.—Frog (green), Tinctura vera- 
tri viridis gtt. xii; placed under skin of a 
frog’s leg. When it touched the flesh the 
frog jumped and kicked. 
I'. Respiration spasmodic. 
s'. “ irregular and jerking; vio- 
lent struggling. 
11'. Respiration slower and jerking; vio- 
lent struggling. 
16'. Respiration feeble. 
I'!'. Convulsive movements; bulging of 
sides, reminding us of the efforts at vo- 
miting by a cat under similar circum- 
stances. 30 
24'30". Same effects; resp. ceased for a 
short time, and was then resumed. 
I,B'. Muscular quiverings in posterior ex- 
tremities. 
i 
1.45'. All phenomena of life had ceased, in- 
cluding those of reflex action. 
Post mortem.—The muscles near to the 
place where the veratria had been applied 
were, in some places, covered with granu- 
lar degenerations (as it appeared under the 
microscope), and, in others, extremely fine 
transverse striee were arranged very near 
each other; the corresponding muscles of 
the opposite leg had nothing of this pecu- 
liarity. The cardiac muscles were easily 
separated into fibrillse, some showing a 
coarse striation, others the same granular 
appearance above referred to. The hearts 
of each of the two frogs (Exp. 11. and III.) 
were pale and muscles somewhat contract- 
ed, each animal having an abundance of 
fluid blood in its body. 
These peculiarities were afterwards ex- 
plained by a more careful examination, 31 
made with the use of alcohol and ether, 
which cleared up the field of observation, 
leaving the striae more distinctly marked, 
though the fibrillee were a good deal disin- 
tegrated and broken up. We were led to 
suppose that these dubious effects were due 
to mechanical deposition of the drug, as 
both the solution of veratria and the tincture 
of veratrum viride under the microscope had 
these same spots, and muscles soaked in 
either of the above were covered with these 
same globules. 
This last experiment shows, in a general 
way, how the respiratory movements in 
a frog are modified, and that death can 
be induced by a dose of 12 drops ; also that 
the post-mortem changes reveal little to 
show by what cause the vital functions are 
interrupted. It will be interesting to com- 
pare these first three experiments, taken 
from a number made upon frogs, with 
Exp. IV.—Upon a cat. 
A small amount of veratria (by estimation 32 
3 to 5 centigrammes) on the point of a 
scalpel was inserted beneath the skin of the 
back, just over the upper lumbar vertebra. 
The cat immediately licked the wound. 
s'. Champing of jaws and salivation ; eyes 
closed; sneezing and retching; no loss 
of power over limbs ; continued twitching 
of tail, occasionally crying ; head held up 
with her nose in the air. 
35'. Another dose (of equal amount) is ad- 
ministered in the same manner. Seems 
to cause much pain, from the crying in- 
duced. Apparent loss of muscular power 
in posterior extremities ; great uneasi- 
ness and distress. 
40'. Has a dejection ; after which, seems 
disinclined to move. 
1,9', Eyes shut; when opened, pupils ap- 
pear round and bright. 
1.45'. Another defecation. 
2.0'. Retching with cries, followed imme- 
diately by others, which were continued 
with much violence. 
2.5'. Another more violent attack of retch- 
ing, the cat dragging her face along the 
floor for six inches. 
2.15'. Vomits a small portion of liquid food. 
Some loss of muscular power in posterior 
extremities. 33 
2.20'. More veratria administered, followed 
by continuous moaning ; violent spasms, 
pawing at mouth, loss of muscular con- 
trol ; respiration very rapid ; violent 
efforts at vomiting, drawing her up and 
off her feet. 
2.35'. Convulsions and vomiting ; respira- 
tion diaphragmatic. No loss of sensa- 
tion. 
2.55'. Ejection of urine followed by tetanic 
spasms and muscular twitchings. 
2.55'. No respiration, no cardiac pulsation 
—death. 
Post-mortem examination. Heart normal 
—lungs congested, ecchyraosed and emphy- 
sematous, the lower lobes covered with 
white spots. Stomach rather pale ; liver 
and intestines show no peculiarities ; blad- 
der empty; muscl.es of heart showed broken- 
up fibrillaa with the striae somewhat irregu- 
lar. In a muscle from the thigh the striae 
were distinct. 
The first peculiar effect produced by this 
drug, it may be noticed, is salivation ; and 
this is followed by retching, movement of 
the bowels, vomiting, &c. ; after this, the 
respiratory efforts are hurried, muscular ac- 34 
tions are imperfectly performed, spasm of 
the bladder causes ejection of urine. Final- 
ly, death occurs, preceded by tetanic spasms 
Exp. Y.—We will now compare with these 
another experiment, upon a small rabbit 
weighing only 15 ounces Troy 
h.m.s. 
Resp. 
Condition 
Circula- 
General Symptoms, 
of Pupil. 
tion. 
Remarks, &;c. 
0.00 
92 
carefully 
examined. 
240 
1 centigr. inserted 
under skin of back, 
which made the ani- 
mal cry out in a.few 
seconds. 
0.02 
Animal now quiet. 
0.05 
slow 
contract’d. 
144 
Champing of jaws. 
& 
jerk’g. 
0.07 
108 
0.09 
dilated. 
Large quantity of 
saliva oozes from the 
mouth. 
0.11 
no pulse. 
Ears very cold and 
pale. Chest opened; 
heart pulsates feebly; 
r. ventricle and au- 
ricle distended with 
blood. The contraction of auricle more rapid than 
that of ventricle (96:48) (120:30). Pulsation of 
each becomes more and more 
feeble and irregular. 
although the heart is kept moist. In 33 min., there 
• is no pulsation visible. 
Examination of the body, made immedi- 
ately, showed the veins turgid, fauces and 
oesophagus pale, no peristalsis of bowels to 
stimulation or to galvanic current, very 35 
slight contraction of leg muscles on electri- 
cal stimulation, heart empty, the lungs ec- 
chymosed (one small haemorrhagic spot in 
right side), brain normal. 
An examination of this last experiment, 
showing that salivation is caused even 
when the drug is administered hypodermi- 
cally, would induce us to consider, that it 
is not local irritation of the buccal mucous 
membrane which causes the salivary gland 
to throw out its saliva, but that this effect 
is probably caused by an irritation of the 
lingual nerve, or submaxillary ganglion, 
which Bernard* has shown will cause sali- 
vation ; but, before we investigate this phe- 
nomenon, let us compare with these first ex- 
periments that of the action of veratria on a 
dog. 
Exp. YI.—To a vigorous bitch, of about 
forty-five pounds weight, was given gss. of 
chloroform until she became quiet. Then 
ether was used, and the animal bound upon 
the operating board. 
* Vide Compt. Ren. de I’Acad. des Sci., 25 Ang. 1862. 36 
h.m.s. 
Pulse. 
Resp. 
Remarks. 
148 
34 
Before * the inhalation of chloro- 
form. 
174 
56 
Imperfect anaesthesia. 
142 
40 
Perfect anaesthesia. 
134 
40 
Veratria gr. 3|, dil. acetic acid, q. 
s., injected in right leg subcuta- 
neously. 
0.02.00 
112 
40 
0.05.15 
120 
36 
Animal is calm. 
0.06.15 
112 
40 
0.08.30 
120 
36 
0.09.30 
116 
32 
0.10.00 
116 
16 
0.12.30 
114 
15 
Muscular quivering in trunk. 
0.14.00 
108 
12 
Ether is now removed. 
0.16.00 
108 
10 
Abdominal respiration. 
0.18.00 
102 
0.20.30 
104 
85 
Respiration feeble. 
0.25.00 
102 
12| 
Animal gasps. 
0.27.00 
88 
11 
Animal struggles. 
0.30.00 
36 
32 
Another gasp. 
0.31.30 
80 
28 
Skin is cold. 
0.35.00 
72 
22 
0.37.30 
84 
17 
Pulsation stronger. 
0.40.00 
98 
10 
Difficult and noisy inspiration* 
Struggles. 
0.45.00 
98 
14 
Expiration slow and noiseless; 
muscular contraction by electric 
stimulation feeble, especially in 
posterior train. 
0.49.00 
108 
0.52.00 
120 
15 
Struggles violently. Irreg. resp. 
Muse, relaxation; loss of sensat’n. 
0.54.00 
120 
13 
0.56.30 
126 
20 
Difficult respiration, with violent 
movements of neck muscles. 
1.00.00 
108 
12 
Respiration very feeble, with mu- 
cous rales in throat. 
1.05.00 
128 
ceas’d 
1.09.00 
92 
1.09.30 
gone. 
No response to electrical stimula- 
tion of nerves, though the mus- 
cular fibres contract when the 
1.12.00 
poles are applied to these directly 
1.15.00 
Nerves of neck and forearm ex- 
posed; electrical stim. does not 
cause muscular contraction. 37 
Post-mortem examination (immediately). 
—Heart normal in appearance ; clots in left 
ventricle; fluid blood in right ventricle ; 
right auricle contains blood which is 
slightly diffluent; left auricle empty. Lungs 
apparently healthy ; crepitate between the 
fingers. Liver, kidneys, spleen and pan- 
creas all normal. Stomach and intestines 
show slight arborescent redness. Stomach 
reddened on the inside, and nearly full of a 
viscid fluid like saliva. Bladder nearly 
empty. 
It may be noticed that chloroform and 
ether were administered to produce anes- 
thesia. This was preliminary to an opera- 
tion to measure the arterial tension which 
will be described and commented upon 
elsewhere (Exp. YI. 6). This experiment is 
related in this place, as it was conducted 
with great care, and many assistants aided 
in the taking of observations, which it may 
be noticed are very accurately described. 
Attention is called to the fact that the 
general effect of the drug upon the vital 38 
functions agrees with other experiments 
upon animals not under the effects <jf an 
anaesthetic. The effect upon the respira- 
tion, if carefully observed, shows at first 
the depressing action of both veratria and 
ether; but from thirty minutes after the 
commencement of the experiment, and six- 
teen minutes after the removal of the ether, 
probably the peculiarities of respiration 
were due only to the veratria, viz., great 
irregularity of force and frequency, but less 
than one-half the number of respiratory ef- 
forts as in the normal condition, and this 
gradually reduced to zero. The effect upon 
the circulation can best be understood in 
connection with observations taken by 
means of the cardiometer. Suffice it merely 
to note that the sedative effect is progres- 
sive from the first, and that the heart stops 
pulsating after the respiration ceases, and 
this, too, very suddenly; though its force 
may have been very feeble for some time 
previous. 
The stoppage of the respiratory effort 39 
resembles that of a person dying from pa- 
ralysis, in consequence of lesion of the spi- 
nal axis, and we are strengthened in this 
supposition, by noting no part of the ner- 
vous system that will conduct electrical 
stimulation to the muscular fibres, though 
these last by direct stimulation will them- 
selves contract. A careful examination of 
the post-mortem appearance points to no or- 
ganic lesion, as all the viscera are appar- 
ently healthy, and death by asphyxia does 
not seem very manifest, there being no ve- 
nous engorgement or sufficient ecchymosis 
of the lung tissue. We shall probably find 
as we continue our study that the cause of 
death is due to some physiological rather 
than anatomical lesion, perhaps to some 
vital derangement of the nervous system ; 
but before we discuss this point, we will 
notice what important vital functions are 
interrupted or modified. 
Absence of vomiting may be noticed in 
this experiment; and, consequently, the 
exhaustion induced by this terrible symp- 40 
Tom cannot be the cause of death in the ex- 
periments previously reported. The fact 
that there was no vomiting in,this case 
would tend to show that the chloroform or 
ether may have, by its peculiar action, 
prevented the appearance of this symptom. 
We will now consider the effects pro- 
duced by this drug upon the circulation, 
illustrative of which will be the following 
carefully recorded experiment. 
Circulation. 
Exp. Yll.—Green frog. Thorax opened 
and cardiac pulsations viewed. •» 
h. m. s. 
Pulse. 
Resp. 
Remarks. 
25 
48 
Before administration. 
Tinct. veratri viridis officin. gtt. 
xij. now injected in groin. 
0.02.00 
0.06.00 
26 
46 
34-38 
0.09.00 
28 
Struggles occasionally. 
0.11.00 
24 
Respiratory movement feeble. 
0.16.00 
19-23 
0.25.00 
24 
24 
24 
ceases 
0.28.00 
24 
Spasmodic movements. 
0.35.00 
26 
Heart’s contractions regular in 
force and frequency. 
0.36.00 
0.39.00 
0.59.00 
26 
26 
24 
Position of animal changed. 
1.05.00 
27 
begins 
Spasmodic movements. 
1.10.00 
30 
Recovers & lives for a few days. 41 
This may be considered the therapeutical 
action of this drug, as the animal recovered 
from the effects.* The depressing effect 
upon the respiratory function is remarkable, 
and seems to be the sole symptom worthy 
of record, except that of'the heart, which, 
instead of being slower, becomes more rapid 
than before the drug was given. 
* Jn this case respiration was, probably, carried on 
through the skin, until the drug was eliminated sufficient- 
ly to allow the respiratory movements of the thorax to 
be reestablished. In my notes, I find an experiment in 
which a frog lived one hour and twenty minutes under 
an atmospheric pressure varying from -100 to -010 m. 
Respiration having ceased, he was placed on a table. 
The next morning he was found alive upon the floor. Exp. YIII 
gtt. xxiii. 
Green frog. Tinct. ver. vir. 
h. m. s. 
Circ. 
Resp. 
Remarks. 
40 
50 
Before administration. Thorax 
opened. Hypodermic injec- 
tion of the above in groin. 
0.01 
48 
0.02 
32 
33 
Respiration feeble. 
0.05 
40 
Muscular quiverings. 
0.12 
32.8 
Respiratory movements too fee- 
0.15 
hie to count. 
35 
Respiration ceased. 
0.17 
33.3 
0.20 
30 
Moistened the animal with water. 
0.21 
35 
Causes an improvement of cir- 
culation. 
0.24 
35 
0.26 
31 
Muscular quiverings. 
0.30 
31 
Pulsation feeble. 
0.33 
Animal again moistened with 
water. 
0.34 
33.3 
Causes temporary improvement. 
0.36 
32 
Slight spasm, movements; mus. 
quiverings in posterior limbs. 
0.38 
Circ. very feeble. Gasps once 
0.41 
SO 
14 
or twice; resp. spasmodic. 
0.44 
31 
12 
0.47 
31 
54 
Reflex movements in lower 
limbs. Ventricular contrac- 
tion very feeble. Auricle not 
visible. 
0.50 
31 
0.53 
44 
Animal appears sensitive to irri- 
tation. 
0.54 
33 
Reflex response less active. 
0.57 
32 
15 
Respiration jerky. 
0.59 
1.00 
15 
Respiration feebler. 
1.02 
34 
Respiration ceased. Sensation 
apparently preserved. 
1.06 
35 
1.21 
30 
Muse, quiverings still continue. 
Spasms. 
1.25 
30 
Spasms. Reflex response con- 
tinues. 
1.36 
30 
Spasm, movements at intervals. 
1.39 
284 
Reflex response diminished. 
1.42 
284 
1.44 
27 
Slight spasm. Reflex response 
1.48 
gone. 
25 43 
The animal was found dead the next day, 
and looked as if this happened very soon 
after the experimenter left. Here the ac- 
tion upon the respiration is very marked, 
and long after the cessation of this function, 
and for a short time after the loss of reflex 
action the cardiac pulsation is not materi- 
ally modified. It may be objected to by 
some that the injury to the thorax caused 
more of the trouble than the drug. In re- 
ply to this it may be stated that the effects 
upon the circulation and respiration of frogs 
agrees with that of other and warm-blooded 
animals. But to settle any doubts the 
following experiment was tried and will 
now be related. 
Exp, IX.—A frog was operated upon in 
the same manner as before described, by 
opening the thorax and exposing the ven- 
tricle and auricle (by the way, a very com- 
mon experiment among physiologists), and 
the.tpulsations/ compared with those of an- 
other frog treated in the same manner, but 44 
to whom a poisonous dose of a solution of 
veratria had been injected hypodermically. 
The first frog had 38 cardiac pulsations each 
minute, while the second frog went through 
all the phases of veratria poisoning before 
described. The respiratory movement of 
the first did not vary for a week, and the 
circulation appeared very natural. At this 
time the animal died, but, as supposed, be- 
cause he had been placed in a bottle the 
water of which was changed but once, from 
neglect. This demonstrates the fact that 
such an animal can survive an operation 
apparently so mortal. 
The effect upon the circulation in warm- 
blooded animals has been carefully studied, 
and especially so by an instrument to mea- 
sure the pressure of blood in the vessels. 
Description of the Instrument.—The in- 
strument used corresponds, with a few 
modifications, with one described by Dr. 
Brunton in his monograph on Digitalis. 
The results arrived at have been observed 45 
with four different instruments, always 
agreeing in every essential. 
S. Scale, divided into centimetres and millimetres. 
F. Copper funnel and tube, passing through the brass 
cap. 
C. Stop-cock to shut off escape or entrance to air. 
C T. Capillary tube, with constriction at lower end. 
T. Capillary tube, uniform diameter. 
O. Tube through which the blood-pressure is exerted. 
B. Brass cap, fitting on to the glass stand by a screw 
and washers. 
S 0. Cavity of glass stand. 
M. Mercury. 
R. Rubber tube connecting with nozzle. 
N. Brass nozzle, with stop-cock. 
A N. Nozzle upon which the artery is fixed. 46 
The accompanying plate will perhaps give 
a more definite idea of the hasmadynamo- 
metre, A glass stand is fitted with a brass 
cap (b) into which are inserted two glass 
tubes (t and ct) of the same calibre, though 
c t has a capillary constriction near its 
lower extremity where it dips into the mer-" 
cury (m) ; also, a copper funnel-shaped 
tube (f), furnished with a stopcock (c) and 
another glass tube of larger capacity (o), 
with which the artery is connected by means 
of a rubber tube (e), in which is inserted a 
brass nozzle (n), furnished with a stop cock, 
and another nozzle (a n) furnished with a 
shoulder, by means of which a ligature will 
prevent the artery from slipping off, and to 
prevent escape of blood, this latter (a n) 
fitting snugly on to the former (n). 
action illustrated, to the Boston Medical 
* 
Improvement Society, and to the Norfolk 
This instrument was exhibited, and its 
District Society. 
By means of this instrument several ex- 
periments were undertaken, with a view to f• • • 
determine any especial condition of the ar- 
terial pulsation which might be induced by 
the exhibition of this drug upon the lower 
animals. From these a few experiments are 
selected as having the most direct and posi- 
tive bearing upon this question. Exp. VI. h.—With hgemadynamometre in carotid artery. Dog, weighing 45 pounds. 
h. m. s. 
Max. 
Min. 
Pulse. 
Reap. 
Symptoms and Remarks. 
0.00.00 
5.00 in. 
4.65 in. 
134 
40 
Chloroform oz., followed by ether inhalation. 
148 
34 
Anaesthesia; hound on the table. 
174 
56 
Yeratria grs. 3| in acid. acet. dil. hypoderm.; struggling. 
0.02.00 
4.30 
4.00 
112 
40 
0.05.15 
4.00 
3.60 
120 
36 
Animal calm. 
0.06 .15 
3.50 
3.10 
112 
40 
0.08.30 
3.10 
2.80 
120 
36 
0.09.30 
3.40 
3.00 
116 
32 
0.10.00 
3.30 
2.90 
116 
16 
0.12.30 
3.50 
3.10 
114 
15 
Muscular quiverings, especially in trunk. 
0.14.00 
3.45 
3.00 
108 
12 
Ether removed. 
0.15.00 
3.40 
3.30 
Oscillation of mercurial column slight. 
2.90 
2.50 
0.16.00 
3.10 
2.80 
108 
10 
Abdominal or diaphragmatic respiration. 
0.18.00 
2.50 
2.00 
102 
8 h 
0.19.00 
3.00 
2.50 
0.20.30 
3.40 
3.10 
104 
8 h 
Resp. feeble. Arterial tension increased on inspiration. 
0.25.00 
3.60 
3.00 
102 
12| 
Animal gasps. Mercurial column ascends. 
Instrument cleaned, as oscillation of mere. col. ceased. 
0.27.00 
4.70 
4.40 
88 
11 
Instrument again cleaned, as oscillation has ceased. 
0.28.00 
3.90 
3.70 
80 
0.30.00 
3.50 
2.50 
36 
32 
Respiratory gasp. 
0.31.30 
3.85 
3.75 
80 
28 
Skin of body cold to the touch. 
0.33.30 
Instrument again cleaned. 0.35.00 
3.85 
3.85 
72 
22 
0.37.30 
4.50 
4.30 
84 
17 
Oscillation occurs when struggling. 
0.40.00 
98 
10 
0.45.00 
98 
14 
0.49.00 
108 
Instrument again cleaned. 
0.52.00 
3.82 
3.77 
120 
15 
Respiration irregular. 
0.54.00 
3.77 
3.70 
120 
13 
Muse, relaxation. Loss of sensation in the integument. 
1.00.00 
3.95 
3.92 
126 
20 
Difficult resp., with violent movements of muscles of the 
neck and larynx. 
1.05.00 
3.90 
3.87 
108 
12 
Respiration very feeble and imperfect. 
1.09.00 
128 
Ceased. 
Coarse mucous rales in throat for the last 30 minutes. 
1.10.00 
92 
1.12.00 
Ceased. 
No response to electrical stimulation of nerves, though 
the muscular fibres contract when the electric poles 
are applied to the miSscles directly. 
1,15.00 
Nerves of neck and forearm exposed and isolated on 
glass rods; electricity applied to these, produces no 
muscular contractions. 
1.35.00 
(148 
34 
The spinal axis in cervical and lumbar regions exposed 
(without bruising or cutting the membranes) and the 
poles of the induction coil applied to each spot, pro- 
ducing no muscular contractions anywhere; though 
applied directly to any muscular substances, the con- 
traction of the muscular fibres is very marked. 
Before the operation or administration of chloroform. 
N. B. 
■< 174 
042 
56 
40 
Imperfect anaesthesia. 
Perfect anesthesia. h. m. s 
Mean height 
in inches. 
Pulse. 
Resp. 
Symptoms and Remarks. 
145 to 200 
48 
Anaesthesia by chloroform and ether. 
0.00.00 
145 to 220 
48 to 48 
168 to 220 
36 to 48 
Ether removed. 
5.20 
180 
40 
Oscillation 2-10ths inch. Hypoder injec. into abdom. reg. 
0.03.30 
5.15 
0.04.15 
5.25 
100 
28 
Animal calm. 
0.07.00 
5.21 
64 
26 
0.09.00 
5.20 
26 
Ci’ies on expiration. 
Occasional resp’y gasps. P. feeble. Attempts to vomit. 
0.09.45 
5.18 
64 
0.12.45 
5.20 
76 
Spasmodic movement of diaphragm. 
0.16.15 
5.20 
92 
Blood dark colored from artery. 
0.19.00 
6.40 
Merc, column ascends on inspir. and descends on expir. 
0.21.30 
5.75 
128 
16 
0.23.30 
5.65 
6 
Respiration very irregular. 
0.25.13 
5-61 
48 
Respiratory movements suddenly recommenced. 
0.26.00 
120 
16 
0.27.30 
5.55 
140 
Pressure less on inspiration. Respiration irregular. 
0.29.30 
5.53 
Three deep inspirations, followed by several gasps. 
0.31.30 
Intermission of slow pulsations. 
Exp. X.—With tinct. ver. vir. 5U- Eog- Haemadynamometre. 0.33.45 
0 35.30 
6.00 
72 
40 
Surface of skin cold. Several attempts at vomiting. 
Respiration, irregular liefore, now recommences. 
0 39.30 
3.40 
60 
Puke very intermittent. 
0.43.00 
0.44.15 
0.46.00 
0.46.30 
0.48.00 
0.51.45 
0.57.00 
0.58.00 
Ceased. 
•14 
11 
Ceased. 
Instrument clogged. 
Dark blood oozes from artery drop by drop. 
No response to pinching or pricking of skin. 
Instrument removed. Respiration jerky. 
Blood still oozing from artery, of a dark color. 
Blood is drawn from artery by a syringe. 
Ineffectual attempts at vomiting. 
Vomits up yellow mucus. 
0.58.00 
1.01.00 
Heart ceases its pulsations a few seconds after cessa- 
tion of respiration. 
Several movements of diaphragm, like those of vomit- 
ing Thorax opened. Electricity applied causes mus- 
cular contractions of voluntary muscles. Heart will 
not contract from electrical stimulation. 
Autopsy.—Dark fluid blood in right ventricle and auricle. Black clot in left ven- 
tricle. No fluid in pericardium. Lungs collapsed—nothing peculiar in appearance. 
Bladder distended with urine. Exp, XI.—Hgemadynamometre, Dog, 60 pounds weight. Tinct. ver. vir. and 
veratrite q s, Animal bound upon the operating board. 
h. m. s. 
Max. in. 
centim. 
Min. in 
centim. 
Pulse. 
Resp. 
Symptoms and Remarks. 
136 
21 
Before administration of drug, but after inhala. of ether. 
186* 
Instrument connected with right femoral artery. 
Q.03.00 
166 
160 
Ether removed. .Yer, vir. tinct. 2 dr. in left thigh. 
0.06.00 
180 
24 
Animal crying. 
0.20.00 
120 
20 
0.28.00 
170 
Great salivation. 
0.31.00 
160 
140 
Oscillation accords with respiratory motion. 
0.33.00 
200 
Struggling. 
0.35.00 
153 
150 
Instrument,t being clogged, is removed. 
0.37.00 
180 
18 
0.40.00 
160 
16i 
Animal cries with expiration. 
0.49.00 
150 
24 
Continues the same till 
0.58.00 
120 
1.00.00 
150 
22^ 
Animal struggling. 
f This was of imperfect construction, and only the 
comparative result is to be considered. 
* 1 centimetre = 0-393 of an inch. 
186 centimetres = 7-3098 inches. 1.04.00 
200 
20 
1.08.00 
1.09.00 
220 
180 
20 
18 
Intermission of one pulsation after each ten. 
1.12.00 
1.15.00 
1.23.30 
200 
180 
180 
18 
16 
20 
Slight muscular quiverings. Expiration shorter. 
No intermissions. 
1.27.00 
1.34.00 
1.37.00 
220 
150 
140 
18 
174 
18 
Struggling. 
Surface of skin cold. 
1.39.00 
180 
17 
1.45.00 
16 
1.48.00 
Another dose of 2 dr. hypodermically, in axilla, causing 
2.00.00 
175 
140 
160 
16 
apparent pain. 
Instrument reapplied. Variation accords with respiratory 
2.09.00 
movement. 
160 
19 
2.17.00 
160 
16 
Animal is quiet. 
2.28.00 
2.35.00 
144 
15 
Sensation apparently preserved. 
Animal is now set at liberty and placed on the floor. 
Walks with a staggering gait, the muscles stiff and con- 
tracted, then falls over on to his side, and lies quietly, 
occasionally moaning. 
2.42.00 
14 
Tries ineffectually to rise, constantly moaning, and seems 
uneasy. h. m. s. 
Max. in 
Centim. 
Min. in 
Centim. 
Pulse. 
Resp. 
Symptoms and Remarks. 
2.50.00 
16 
Rises with great difficulty, staggering as hefore, but 
walking backwards more, easily; suddenly falls down 
on to his side and lies with his limbs extended. Moans 
and constantly shifts position of his limbs; gets up on 
his belly, and then lies down again, curled up, with 
3.00.00 
V 
his head on his paws, in position of sleep. 
Great trembling of muscles of head and body. 
3.05.00 
14 
3.22.00 
120 
16 
Lying dowm on side, and then rises to position on his 
belly. Subsultus tendinum. On being raised to his 
feet, totters, whines and falls. 
4.20.00 
16 
Has lain quietly, with occasional moaning. 
4.30.00 
Yeratriae, dissolved in acetic acid, is given. 
5.10.00 
24 
Hypodermic in left shoulder and in the lumbar region. 
5.20.00 
40 
Has a dejection of soft fasces. 
5.25.00 
68 
48 
Respiration irregular and sighing. 
5.26.00 
38 
Expiration very short. 
5.28.00 
64 
36 
5.32.00 
60 
36 
Pulse very regular. Expulsion of flatus. 
5.36.00 
56 
Got up on his feet, and fell over suddenly; then arose 
and staggered across the room, falling over in a tonic 
5.37.00 
58 
56 
spasm. 
5.48.00 
58 
48 
Noisy mucous respiration. Spasm. Stepping on the tail  
causes him to raise the head and to withdraw the tail. 
Violent vomiting of a viscid fluid, with blood (from 
his bitten tongue). 
5.58.00 
Another convulsion. Noisy respiration. Mucous rales 
6.03.00 
in throat. Skin cold. 
6.18.00 
Respiration ceased for one whole minute. 
6.20.00 
60 
Occasional respiratory gasps. Ejection of urine. 
6.22.00 
Ceased. 
Ceased. 
Reflex action of eyelids gone. Spinal cord exposed at 
dorsal and lumbar regions without being injured. 
6.42.00 
Electrical stimulation from induction coil produces no 
muscular contractions, one pole applied to each expos- 
ed portion. No muscular contractions whenthese-are 
applied to an isolated nerve, or when one is placed on 
the spinal cord and the other on the crural nerve. The 
same is true of the sciatic nerve, except for the mus- 
cles in the immediate vicinity of the pole or poles; but, 
if the poles are applied to the muscular substance any- 
where, there ensues violent muscular contraction of 
its fibres. (The contraction of the above muscles 
when the poles were applied to the nerves was due to 
the electric current exciting this muscular irritability, 
as the nervous filaments supplied by the sciatic nerve 
had been cut.) All of these experiments were com- 
pleted within 25 minutes of the cessation of cardiac 
pulsation. Rigor mortis came on during these last ex- 
periments and continued over 30 hours after. 56 
Autopsy (sixteen hours after death).— 
Dark red coagula in both ventricles and in 
right auricle. Left auricle empty. Right 
auricle full and flaccid, as also the right 
ventricle. All the valves intact and healthy. 
Lungs collapsed and filled with dark- 
colored blood, somewhat like red hepatiza- 
tion, with slight crepitation under the scal- 
pel or between the fingers. Liver healthy. 
Stomach contracted firmly and empty, with 
the rugae well defined. No redness or in- 
jection of mucous surface; veins of external 
portion slightly injected. Blood coagulated 
as usual in the veins. 
From a careful examination of the records 
of these experiments it will be noticed that 
the respiration becomes irregular before 
the depressing action upon the circulation 
is produced, thus pointing to phenomena 
which will be hereafter spoken of in connec- 
tion with the nervous system. 
It will be noticed that the operation of 
connecting the instrument with the circula- 
tion was accomplished while the animal was in a state of anaesthesia from an inhala- 
tion of chloroform and ether f but also it 
must be remarked, that in Exp. Y1.6 the 
anaesthetic was removed in fourteen min- 
utes, that in Exp. X. the anaesthetic was 
removed before the drug was exhibited, 
and that in Exp. XL it was removed in 
three minutes after injection of the drug ; 
but that in all of these experiments the 'ef- 
fects produced are coincident. 
If the effects upon the respiration be 
carefully noticed, it will be seen that the 
respiratory movements grow more and more 
feeble, the muscles which assist in expand- 
ing and contracting the thorax perform 
their office in an imperfect way, and finally 
they become paralyzed. Our attention was 
directed early, during our course of expe- 
rimentation, to this peculiarity, but it was 
only after an insight into the poisonous ac- 
tion of this drug upon the nervous system 
was obtained, that the cause of this difficult 
respiration was remarked. 
It will be still further demonstrated by 58 
the post-mortem peculiarities. The muscu- 
lar fibres retain their power of contraction. 
But, yet, when the nerve going to these 
muscular fibres is stimulated, there is no 
contraction. The same is true in the motor- 
nervous centre, which seems to have lost 
all vitality, though this is not the case 
when death is caused through some other 
agency. The early presence of rigor mor- 
tis shows how the equilibrium between the 
muscular and nervous vitality is destroyed. 
The turgescence of the right side of the 
heart would also point to the probable cause 
of death ; viz, asphyxia, which would also 
explain the ecchymosis or marbriform ap- 
pearance of the lungtissue, and perhaps, par- 
tially explain the convulsive movements. 
The catharsis, also, would show that the 
nervous influence from the spinal centre 
which maintains the tonic contractions of 
the sphincters and checks the peristalsis of 
the intestines, is lost or enfeebled, thus al- 
lowing the involuntary muscular fibres to 
contract and to evacuate the contents of 59 
the alimentary canal. Another apparent 
proof of this nervous paralysis is, that 
by relaxing the voluntary muscular fibres 
some of the symptoms peculiar to this drug, 
viz., vomiting, diarrhoea, and tetanic con- 
vulsions, are prevented. It is remarked, 
however, by Bernard in his lectures, deli- 
vered during this past winter, that, while 
in a state of anaesthesia, either the absorp- 
tion of drugs is delayed or the manifes- 
tation of their'symptoms is prevented. It 
is thought by us that the latter supposition 
is the most correct. 
We do not pretend to explain all its pe- 
culiar action as being due to the paralysis 
of the motory centres. There is certainly 
some action upon the peripheral sensation 
(we do not use this as a scientific term), by 
which numbness is" experienced ; though 
every symptom proves that this numbness 
is not due to diminution of function in the 
nerves conveying the sense of pain, for the 
prick of a pin causes exaggerated pain. This 
peculiarity is very marked in cases of ac- ciclental poisoning from veratria, as well as 
by the local contact of the leaf or tincture 
of this plant upon the skin or mucous mem- 
brane. 
So far as we can learn from our obser- 
vations, the capillary circulation is not 
primarily modified by this drug. 
Brain.—ln none of our experiments were 
there any signs of cerebral lesion. The in- 
telligence seemed to be perfectly retained 
almost to the moment of death. Indeed, in 
cases of poisoning in man this fact is cor- 
roborated. The animals could see, hear, 
feel and understand, so far as they ordina- 
rily can. The only times that we examined 
the brain, there was apparently no cerebral 
apoplexy, congestion or angemia, the only 
lesions which we should expect to find in a 
drug which causes death so soon after its 
administration. 
Stomach.—The excessive vomiting met 
with in poisoning from this drug has caused 
us to investigate the condition of that vis- 61 
cus, which only once did we find congested 
(Exp, VI.), and this we should suppose is 
accounted for by the fact, that digestion 
may have been going on at the time the 
drug was administered. The redness was 
not like that caused by an irritant, and in 
this case there was vomiting. Besides all 
these reasons the -drug was administered 
hypodermically. Therefore, we conclude 
that the vomiting was not caused by the 
irritant action of the drug upon the mucous 
membrane of the stomach, but by irritation 
of the nervous periphery transmitted to 
the nervous centre, or of the nervous cen- 
tre itself. Its effect upon the intestinal 
excretion being probably due to the same 
cause, we shall at present merely state that 
generally, though not always, an evacua- 
tion of the bowels occurs. 
The secretion in the kidneys seems not 
peculiarly increased or diminished by this 
drug. Salivation, noticed in these experi- 
ments, is also, most probably, due to irrita- 
tion, so called, of the nervous system, and 62 
not on account of any increased vascular 
determination to tiie secreting glands. Our 
attention has not been especially directed 
to the other viscera by the symptoms no- 
ticed in our experiments. 
Spinal Cord.—Veratria causes by its ab- 
away that we cannot now define, 
a paralysis, or suspension, of the function 
of the spinal axis, or of the peripheries and 
termini of the nerves, and if carried to a cer- 
tain extent, prevents the vital functions from 
being carried on, from which death results. 
Prevost* attempts by a series of experi- 
ments to disprove this supposition, but the 
fallacy of his reasoning maybe determined. 
He noticed that, when the vessels of a 
limb were severed and the nerves intact, 
muscular rigidity did not exist; that, when 
the vessels were intact and nerves were 
cut, there was rigidity of the muscles. 
This experiment serves but to strengthen 
our supposition. By cutting the nerves, 
* Commentaires Therapeutique, &c., p. 610. 63 
the nervous equilibrium is destroyed, and 
the muscular fibres contract inconsequence, 
but if the nerves are whole and the vessels 
supplying these nerves with the vital fluid 
are severed, both nerves and muscular fibres 
lose their vital properties, as shown by 
Brown-Sequard in Journal de Physiologie, 
and there is no tetanic contraction. What 
renders Prevost’s explanation of his experi- 
ment, viz., the direct irritation of the mus- 
cular fibres by the poisonous blood, more 
unsatisfactory is, that it is only by irrita- 
tion of the peripheral nervous fibres that he 
produced this tetanic rigidity. The same 
effect is shown by the rigor mortis ensuing 
so soon after death. 
As we do not presume to admit that there 
can be different and opposite physiological 
effects produced by different doses of the 
same drug, small doses of this drug enfee- 
ble the spinal cord and modify the respira- 
tory and circulatory functions ; the former 
being first affected, as, on account of the 
embarrassment of the thoracic muscles, this 64 
function would be suspended before that of 
the heart. 
To prove more conclusively the effect 
of this drug upon the spinal cord, the fol- 
lowing experiment was performed. 
Exp. XII.—A black and tan dog killed 
by asphyxiation; electrical conductibility of 
nerves. 
around the mouth of the dog, and the 
trachea compressed by the hand. For 
A wet towel was firmly held over and 
o.lo'. Imperfect respiration maintained; 
heart pulsates 66 per minute. After 
13'. The head of the animal, now quiet, 
was immersed in a basin of water and 
maintained there till 
20'. The cardiac pulsations could no longer 
be determined. The spinal cord was im- 
mediately exposed at the upper dorsal 
and lumbar vertebras, at the latter place 
being slightly injured. 
36', The poles of the induction coil were 
applied to the cord at the places exposed, 
and there ensued slight contractions in 
the muscles of the back and trunk. The * 
sciatic 65 
40'. nerve was then exposed, and isolated 
on glass rods ; one pole of the coil being 
placed upon the dorsal portion of the spi- 
nal axis, and the other upon the nerve, 
caused the same muscular contractions. 
The same was true when the crural nerve, 
isolated in the same way, was touched 
by the two poles. The muscular contrac- 
tility was as strong as usual. All of 
45'. these experiments were concluded with- 
in twenty-five minutes after the death of 
the animal. 
It may be here remarked, that the 
increased amount of carbonic acid in the 
blood (in consequence of death from as- 
phyxia) may have prevented the muscu- 
lar contractions from being as strong as 
we have seen in animals whose death has 
been caused in a different way or by an- 
other drug than veratria. 
1 hr. O'. Autopsy.—There was no rigor mor- 
tis ; muscular relaxation perfect. An ex- 
amination of lungs showed some conges- 
tion of left lower lobe, and a marbriform 
appearance of the other lobes, which on 
being cut showed the same peculiarity. 
A comparison of this experiment with 
those by veratria shows that though as- 
phyxia was one, and, perhaps, the princi- 
pal cause of death ; yet, the action of 66 
this drug is not confined to producing 
asphyxia, for in the last experiment the 
electrical stimulation produced a different 
effect from what was caused in Expts. 
Y1.5, and XI. 
We can then accept van Praag’s con- 
clusion that death is caused by a spinal 
paralysis, until further experiments may 
show some other explanation of the phe- 
nomena. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES. 
Virchow’s Archiv., 7 Band, 1854, s. 252. 
Amer. Jour, of the Med. Sciences, Oct. 1858, and 
Oct. 1861. 
Edinburgh Medical Journal, Jan. 1864. 
Med. Times and London, Jan. 3, 1863. 
Bull. Gen. de Therap., 1868, t. Ixxiv., p. 145, 
and Jan. 30, 1869. 
Com. Rend, de I’Acad. des Sciences, Aug. 25, 1862. 
Commentaires Therapeut., &c. Gubler, p. 610. A CONTRIBUTION TO THE 
PHYSIOLOGICAL STUI) V 
OF 
VERATRUM VIRIDE AM VEEATEIA, 
(With Experiments on Lower Animals, 
Made ui La Grange St. Laboratory, 1869). 
R. AM DRY, M.D. 
BY 
S. G. WEBBER, M.D. 
Reprinted from Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. 
BOSTON: 
PRINTED BY DAVID CLAPP & SON. 
1 8 69.