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KJfOWLEDGE OF THE COXXEXION
BETWEES
HEUCAL CONSTIininV. PHYSIiiLiHtICaL Ai/TLiX,
A^D A^XIAItCiXIS}!.
ET
T. LAUDEE BRUMTOF, M.D., F.RS.
J. THEODOBE CASH, M.D.
Fnrn tie PHILOSOPHICAL TRASTSACTIOSS OF THE SOTAL SOCIETr.— Pabi L 18&4.
LOMDON :
PCTBUSHED FOB THE KOTAX. SOCIETY
BY TKUB>J^EE AXD CO^ LUDGATE HILL RC.
1884.
S'Pi.
iz^ o>
LONDON :
HARRISON AND SOiNS, PUINTERS IN ORDINARY TO HEK llAJESTV,
ST. martin's lane.
[ 197 J
VIII. Contributions to our knowledge of the connexion between Chemical Constitution,
Physiological Action, and Antagonism.'^
By T. Ladder Beunton, M.T)., F.R.S., and J. Theodore Cash, M.D,
Received June 13,— Eead June 21, 1883,
[Plates 8-10.]
The great object of Pharmacology is to obtain such a knowledge of the relation
between the chemical constitution and physiological action of bodies as to be able to
predict with certainty what the action of any substance will be. One of the most
important steps towards this object was made by Cbum-Beown and Fbaser, who
showed that the introduction of methyl into the molecule of strychnia or thebaia
changed the tetanising action of those poisons on the spinal cord into a paralyzing one
on the ends of the motor nerves.
As the organic alkaloids are compound ammonias, it seemed probable that a similar
change in the chemical constitution of ammonia itself might produce a corresponding
change in physiological action. This was tested by Cbum-Brown and Feaser, who
found that trimethyl-ammonium iodide possessed a paralyzing action similar to that of
methyl strychnia or methyl thebaia, while ammonia itself has been shown by Funke and
Deahna to have a tetanising action very much like that of strychnia. A number of
other ammonium compounds have been shown to have a similar paralyzing action ; but
there is no complete investigation of the whole series, nor has the relation of the acid
with which the base is combined been determined.
In the present research we have attempted —
1st. To ascertain how the general action of ammonia is modified by its combination
with an acid radical. Under this heading we have investigated ; (a) the alteration
in its general effects upon the organism ; and (6) the alterations in muscle and nerve
by which the general effects are to a great extent determined.
2nd, To investigate the general action of the compound ammonias containing the
more common radicals of the alcohol series in the same way as the ammonium
salts in the first part of the paper.
* The present research forms part of an investigation into the action of certain dxugs on muscle and
serve, for which a grant was given to one of us (Beunton) in 1877, but the prosecution of which was
much delayed by various circumstances, amongst others, the rebuilding of the laboratory in which the
experiments were made.
198 DRS. T. L. BRUXTOX AXD J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
3rd. To compare the action of ammonia on muscle and nerve Avith that of other
substances nearly allied to it in chemical properties, and belonging to the group
of alkalies.
4th. To examine the action of acid and alkaK upon muscle independently of the
chemical composition of the acids ov alkalies employed.
5th. To extend the research on muscle and nerve to the elements belonging to the
group of alkaline earths.
Ge^-eral action of Ammonium Salts.
From experiments with ammonium chloride, sulphate, phosphate, tartrate, benzoate,
and hippurate, Feltz and Ritter concluded that ammoniacal salts all had a similar
action, producing convulsions and coma, slowing of the pulse and lowering of the
temperatiu-e. They considered the action to be the same in kind, but diftering in
intensity. The convulsions produced by ammoniacal salts were shown by Funke and
Deahxa to be similar to the tetanus produced by strychnia, differing from it only in
the fact that a single convulsion instead of a series of convulsions was produced by
the poison. The cause of this result they believed to be the rapid production of
paralysis of the motor nerves by the ammoniacal salt, which prevented the occurrence of
more than one tetanic convulsion.
As the action of cliloride of ammonium has already been pretty thoroughly investi-
gated, it seemed to us unnecessary to make any more experiments upon its general
action. We have therefore restricted our researches to the action of the bromide,
iodide, sulphate and phosphate, and have experimented only on Frogs with the
bromide. The result of these experiments seems to be that ammonium chloride,
bromide and iodide form a series. At one end of it is ammonium chloride having
a stimulant action on the sjainal cord, and, at the other, the iodide having a
paralyzing action upon motor nerves. Ammonia and ammonium chloride produce
tetanus ; the bromide, hypersesthesia, with some clonic spasm, passing into tetanus,
which, however, comes on very late in the course of the poisoning. The iodide
produces rapid failure of higher reflexes, such as that from the conjunctiva, and
caused in our experiments progressive paralysis, but no tetanus. At an early stage of
poisoning by it the Frog responded with a ci'cak when stroked on the back, and as
this has been shown by Goltz to occur after removal of the cerebral hemlsplieres, its
occurrence in poisoning by ammonium iodide may be looked upon as a proof that
the higher centres are poisoned first. After injection of ammonium [)hosphate also,
there is throughout an absence of true spasm. The usual movements become sprawl-
ing, and when taken up and gently set down again, the animal remains plastic, with
the limbs extended. Before the cessation of reflex in the hind limbs, slight twitchings
are ob.served to accompany induced movement. After the injection of sul[)liate of
ammonium a sliglit degree of hypersesthesia is developed. In a variidjle liMigth of time
PHrSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 199
twitchings occur. They appear first in the anterior extremities, and then spread
all over the body to the hind limbs. Tliis spasm increases in intensity, and often
manifests itself by a number of clonic convulsions occurring at tolerably regular intervals.
These seldom pass into a rigid tetanus. They are, however, provoked by touching
the animal, by the application of cold to the surface .of its body, or by a. blow upon
the table upon which it is resting. When the sciatic nerve was divided on one side
before the injection of the poison, twitchings did not occur upon that side. The
action of the salts of ammonia upon the circulation was also found to be various.
Thus, iu poisoning by the bromide, it was unusual to find the heart materially
influenced in its activity, even when the most marked motor symptoms had been
developed. With the iodide, however, an early arrest of the heart in diastole, with
the auricles and ventricle distended by dark blood, was very usual. A larger dose of
the phosphate, and not unfrequently an equal dose of the sulphate, had a somewhat
similar effect. An examination of the blood showed that after poisoning by bromide
of ammonium, a marked change had taken place in the red blood-corpuscles. These
exhibited numerous coagulations in their stroma ; an increase of free nuclei was like-
wise observed in the blood ; where the blood from the corresjaonding limb to which
the poison had not had access was examined, no such changes were observed. A
similar result is occasionally noticed after poisoning by the sulphate ; it is much more
unusual where the iodide and phosphate have been employed.
Examination of the reaction of the muscle to direct and indirect stimulation was
made as rapidly as possible, when it was desired to examine their reaction at any
stage which the poisoning had reached. The ligatured limb was used for a contrast ;
and as it has been shown by Kuhne" that in cold-blooded animals the irritability of
the muscle declines when containing blood in a condition of stasis, allowance must be
made for this decrease in irritability when contrasting its reaction with that of the
poisoned muscle. The irritability was tested by means of approximating the secondary
coil of a DU Bois Reymond's inductorium to the primary, the greatest distance at
which a minimal contraction was produced being registered both for direct and indirect
stimulation. This figure was controlled by removing the secondary coil irom the primary,
in which case contraction often persisted at a more distant position than it was observed
at when the coil was approximated.t The muscle poisoned by bromide showed an in-
crease of irritability iu the early stages, and before the action of the poison was com-
plete. There was a slight but less marked increase occasionally in the case of iodide,
but usually the irritability in cases of slight poisoning is diminished. There is usually
no marked increase of irritability in muscles poisoned by the phosphate and sulphate,
though in exceptional cases it has been observed as a temporary condition in both
The muscle responds to direct and indirect stimulation (opening shock) by a long, at
first equally high, but then rapidly falling curve, in comparison with the normal. The
* Arcliiv. f. Anat. u. Physiol., 1869.
t The excitability of the muscle appearing to be increased by its contraction.
200 DKS. T. L. BRUXTON AND J. T. CASH OX CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
response to indirect stimulation is, however, much feebler than to direct. The tetanus
of both is impaired, but especially that of indirect stimulation. The total failure of
reaction upon stimulation of the nerve frequently occurs whilst the muscle yields a
moderate tetanus. If the heart has not been arrested by the injection of too large a
dose of ammonium iodide before the circulation has distributed the poison suthciently,
it is often found that stimulation of the nerve does not produce any contraction, or
it may be only a few faint twitches of the muscle. In poisoning by the phosphate
of ammonium direct stimulation produces, as a rule, a tolerably good, though pro-
longed contraction, but the failure of reaction to direct and indirect stimulation is
more parallel than in poisoning by the iodide, and if the irritability of the nerve
is entirely lost, it is usually found that the muscle when stimulated directly contracts
but very feebly even to the strongest tetanising current. Ammonium sulphate
paralyses both muscle and nerve. The reactions given by the former are, however,
longer, and outlast those of the latter. The tetanus curve of both is feeble, even
in cases of rapid poisoning.
Action of Compound Ammonias.
Our experiments with these bodies were made ujdou frogs, rats, and rabbits. The
substances employed, twenty-six in number, were : — Ethylamine, trimethylamine,
triethylamine ; the chlorides of methyl-ammonium, ethyl-ammoniuTu, amyl-ammonium,
dimethyl-ammonium, diethyl-ammonium, trimethyl-anunoiuum, and triethyl-ammo-
nium ; the iodides of methyl-ammonium, ethyl-ammonium, amyl-ammonium, dimethyl-
ammonium, diethyl-ammonium, trimethyl-ammonium, triethyl-ammonium, tetramethyl-
ammoniura, and tetraethyl-ammonium ; the sulphates of methyl-ammonium, ethyl-
ammonium, amyl-ammonium, dimethyl -ammonium, diethyl-ammonium, trimethyl-
ammonium, and triethyl-ammonium. The action of all these bodies was tested in
Frogs, but the whole of the series was not investignted in Rats and Rabbits. All
the Baits of the compound ammonias which we used were obtained from Messrs,
Hopkins and Williams, who prepared them ex])ressly for us, and guaranteed their
purity. Tlie poison was in all cases administered by suboutanoous injection.
We have compared first the action of the compound ammonias, imcombined with an
acid radical, with tlie action of ammonia itself We have then compared the actions
of the chloride-s, iodides, and sulphates, of the compound ammonias with each other,
and with tlie corresponding salts of anunonium. It will be noticed that there is a
considerable diiference between the action of the compound ammonias and of am-
monia. The tendency to produce tetanus resembling that of ammonia was noticed in
ethylamine, which was tho only one of the coinixtiind .■uinimnias odufaining only one
atom of hydrogen, replaced by a radical, that we investigated in a free state, uncom'
bined with acid. When u.sed as a chloi-ide, the convulsive action was loss marked,
The substitution of even a single atom of hydi'ogiMi by an alcohol ra,dical appears to
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 201.
lessen the tetanising action of ammonia, and this diminution is increased by the
substitution of two or three atoms, then a change takes place, and when the ammonia
is combined with four atoms of an alcohol radical, a convulsant action again becomes
more marked, though it is not so great as in the case of ammonia itself
With these exceptions, the symptoms were those of gradual motor paralysis. This
motor paralysis appeared to us to be due, in a great measure, to a paralyzing action of
the substance on the spinal cord, as motion ceased in the animal at a time when the
muscles and motor nerves were still capable of vigorous action.
The tetramethyl- and tetraethyl-ammonias appear to have a particular tendency to
paralyse the higher reflexes before the lower, so that reflex from the cornea disappears
sooner than from the foot. They appear also to affect the heart more than the other
compound ammonias, so that in poisoning by them the heart was generally found
motionless, in complete diastole, and distended with dark blood.
We did not observe the same marked difierence between the action of the different
salts of the compound ammonias that we did in the case of ammonia itself The
iodides, however, appear to affect the heart more powerfully than other salts, and to
cause its arrest in diastole.
The chlorides and sulphates also appear to have a greater tendency to produce
muscular tremor than other salts.
We have drawn up, in a tabular form, an epitome of the symptoms of poisoning
produced by salts of tlie compound ammonias in Frogs, Rabbits, and Eats. The
tables may appear bulky, but the number- of salts experimented upon was great, and
as they were difficult to prepare, and expensive to procure, we have thought it
advisable to give an example of the general action of each drug, as well as a summary
of the results which we have obtained. We have, however, put them as shortly as
possible, and restricted ourselves to one experiment with each substance on each kind
of animal.
MDCCCLXXXIV. 2 D
202 DES. T. L. BEUXTON AKD J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
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of very slow poisoning, heart is found in diastolic arrest and
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Nerve and muscle both tend to fail on poisoned side, and that
In two cases the nerve did not respond at all, and the
very feeble curve to strongest tetanus. Heart still contracted
:r to stimulation.
in diastolic stlll-stand, with very dark blood. Red corpuscles
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206 DRS. T. L. BRITXTON AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
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PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM.
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PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM.
211
Rabbits, Tabulation of Results.
Fatal.
10 c.c. or less.*
Fatal in-
20 c.c. or above 10 c.c.
Fatal in—
10 c.c. Dimethyl-ammon. chloride.
10 c.c. Trimethyl-ammon. chloride
10 c.c. Biethyl-ammon. iodide. . .
10 c.c. Tetraethyl-ammon. iodide .
10 c.c. Tetramethyl-ammon. iodide
5 c.c. Tetramethyl-ammon. iodide .
5 c.c. Tetraethyl-ammon. iodide .
Several hours.
A few hours.
2" 30™.
2'' 30".
2114m.
5".
30".
20 c.c. Triethyl-ammon. sulphate .
20 c.c. Trimethyl-ammon. sulphate
20 c.c. Ethyl-ammon. iodide . .
18 c.c. Amyl-ammon. iodide. . .
17".
3h l5^
Several hours.
3".
Not Fatal.
With Maximal Dose recovered from —
2 c.c.
10 c.c. and more than 2 c.c.
20 c.c. and more than 10 c.c.
Methyl-ammon. sulphate.
7 c.c. Trimethyl-ammon. sulphate.
10 c.c. Ethyl-ammon. iodide.
10 c.c. Triethyl-ammon. iodide.
10 c.c. Diethyl-ammon. chloride.
10 c.c. Triethyl-ammon. chloride.
10 c.c. Amyl-ammon. iodide.
10 c.c. Diethyl-ammon. iodide.
16 c.c. Triethyl-ammon. iodide.
20 c.c. Amyl-ammon. sulphate.
20 c.c. Ethyl-ammon. sulphate.
20 c.c. Diethyl-ammon. sulphate.
20 c.c. Dimethyl-ammon. sulphate.
19 c.c. Methyl-ammon. sulphate.
20 c.c. Methyl-ammon. iodide.
20 c.c. Dimethyl-ammon. iodide. -
17 c.c. Trimethyl-ammon. iodide.
17 c.c. Diethyl-ammon. chloride.
The order of fatality considering —
I. The salt. II. The ammonia compound.
1. Iodides. 1. The tetraethyls and tetramethyls.
2. Chlorides. 2. The triethyls and trimethyls.
3. Sulphates. 3. The diethyls and dimethyls.
4. The amyls, ethyls, and methyls.
appears to be : —
The former (I.) is of very secondary importance to the latter, and the diflPerence
between the iodides, and chlorides, and sulphates is magnified by the fact that in the
case of the iodides alone were the tetra compounds employed.
In regard to rapidity of action, we find (1 ) tetramethyl-ammonium-iodide (5 c.c. = "5 gr.)
fatal in 5™ ; (2) triethyl-ammonium sulphate (20 c.c.) in 17", and tetraethyl-ammonium-
iodide (5 c.c.) in 30™. No symptom of pain occurred in any case after the injection,
nor of physical change in animal. There appeared occasionally a slight loss of co-
ordination, but this may have been, in some cases, due to paralysis. The pupil was
markedly affected in the case of trimethyl-ammonium chloride and tetramethyl-
ammonium-iodide.
* Each c.c. is equal to "1 grm. of the substance named.
2 E 2
212 DRS. T. L. BRUNTOX AXD J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION",
From these experimeuts it appears that amongst the drugs contained in the table,
the most marked disturbance occurs m the Rat in the case of the ethyl-ammonium
sulphate, amyl-anuiionium sulphate, amyl-annnonium iodide, diethyl-ammonium-
sulphate, diethyl-ammonium chloride, triethyl-ammonium chloride, and tetra-methyla-
mine ammonium iodide. In all of these tremors were noticed, and in some — the
diethyl-, triethy]-, and amyl-ammonium salts — a peculiar rapping of the head upon the
table was noticed, which appeared to be of a convulsive character.
The two most powerful convulsants were the amyl-ammonium-sulphate, and the
tetramethyl-ammonium-iodide.
We found that the iodides not enumerated amongst those causing marked nervous
disturbance have little tendency to produce spasmodic movements. In them loss of
reflex, first in tlie hind legs, and then in the anterior part of the body, is most marked.
It appears to us that as a group the salts of the compound ammonias have a
complex action : they affect the spinal cord, motor nerves, and muscles. The extent
to which these structures ai'e aftected by the different compounds varies with each
compound.
The spinal cord appears to be first stimulated, and then paralyzed. The symptoms
which lead us to suppose that it is first stimulated are the twitchings which occur in
the early stage in Rabbits and Rats, when poisoned with the substances mentioned in
the tables, and the convulsions which occur in Frogs poisoned by ethylamine and
tetraethylamine-iodide. That the spinal cord is paralyzed at a later stage, both as a
conductor of motor stimuli and as a reflex centre, we infer from the failure of reflex
action both in Frogs and Mammals, and from the fact that a stimulus applied to the
hind foot frequently induces motion, not of the corresponding hind leg, but of one of
the fore legs.
The convulsions which occur shortly before death in mammals are, perhaps, to
be regarded as due, not to the irritant action of the poison on the nerve centres, but
rather possibly to its paralyzing action on the motor nerves : this motor paralysis
causes enfeebled breathing, and a consequent venous condition of the blood with
a.sphyxial convulsions. That the compound ammonias and their salts paralyze the
motor nerves is shown by our dii'ect expei'iments on the nerve muscle pi-e2:)aration, in
which the nerves were almost always paralyzed before the muscle. The muscles,
however, are by no means unaffected — at first their power may seem to be increased,
so that they respond by a more powerful contraction to irritation ; afterwards,
however, they become weakened, and tend to become completely paralyzed by the
continued action of the poisons. This increase of irritability is not observed in the
case of some of the compounds, even as a temporary condition.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION", AND ANTAGONISM. 213
Comparison between the Action of Ammonia and the Compound Ammonias.
Ammonia itself has a convulsant action, the convulsions apparently being due to its
effect upon the spinal cord, like those of strychnia. It differs, however, from strychnia
in this respect, that the convulsions do not continue long, apparently because the
motor nerves soon become exhausted, so that the excited spinal cord can no longer
induce muscular contractions. The only one of the compound ammonias, in which
one atom of hydrogen only is replaced by an alcohol radical, that we have experi-
mented with is ethylamine ; and this we find has also a convulsive action, probably
the same in nature as that of ammonia. It has but a feeble paralyzing action on
motor nerves. But this is only true of a single stimulus or of a few stimuli.
"When the nerve is subjected to rapidly repeated stimulation, it becomes very quickly
exhausted. Ethylamine, therefore, while not directly paralyzing the excitability
of the nerve, greatly lessens its endurance and power of work. It will thus have a
similar effect to ammonia in shortening the convulsions, and thus rendering them
like those of ammonia, and unlike those of strychnia. Its action on muscle itself
appears- to be very similar to that of ammonia. First it increases the excitability
of the muscle, but afterwards diminishes it, and renders the curve both lower and
longer.
Trimethylamine was found by Husemann to have a tetanising action even on Frogs,
like that of ammonia. In our experiments, however, we found gradual failure of the
circulation and of reflex without any spasm. This difference between his results and
ours may be possibly due either to our having employed different kinds of Frogs or
to our having experimented at difierent seasons and under diflFerent temperatures.
Another possibility is, that the Frogs he employed were stronger, and that their
circulation was more vigorous than ours : for we have already noted Ihat ammonium
bromide produced tetanus in Frogs, but this came on at a late period in the poison-
ing, and unless the Frog was strong, and the circulation vigorous, the animal died
before the tetanus made its appearance.
With triethylamine we noticed a great failure of reflex, unaccompanied by spasm ;
with both triethylamine and trimethylamine the action appeared to be slower than
that of ethylamine. In one case of poisoning by the latter, tonic spasm occurred in
70™ after injection, whilst in two hours after the injection of a larger quantity of
triethylamine and trimethylamine, a faint reflex action wa,s still present, and the
circulation was maintained. The action of trimethylamine and triethylamine on
motor nerves and muscle is very much the same as that of ethylamine or ammonia.
From a comparison of ammonia with these compound ammonias it appears that the
replacement of hydrogen by alcohol radicals tends to diminish the convulsant action
of ammonia itself, and that the diminution is greater in proportion to the niimber of
hydrogen atoms substituted.
We have not obtained any distinct evidence that the substitution of alcohol
214 DKS. T. L. BRTJNTON AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
radicals for hydi-ogen increases tlie paralyzing action of ammonia on motor nerves, or
indeed alters its efiect upon the muscle.
We shall presently have to notice, however, the marked change which occurs in
physiological action, when we pass from an ammonia in which nitrogen is combined
w4th three atoms of an alcohol radical to those in which we have it combined with
four atoms as tetramethyl- and tetraethyl-ammonium iodides.
Chloeides.
Ammonium chloride has been shown by Boehm and Lange to produce convulsions
resembling ammonia itself.
Amylamine hydrochlorate has been shown by Dujaedin-Beaumetz to have a
convulsant action upon Rabbits.
Our experiments on Frogs have led to the following results : —
We found that methylamine chloride caused gi-adual failure of reflex action
generally unaccompanied by spasm, while the diminished reflex produced by ethylamine
chloride was of a spasmodic nature, though there was no true tetanus. With
amylamine chloride we observed no spasm. In one case there was a tendency to
spasm chiefly in the hyoglossus muscle.
The dimethyl- and diethyl -ammonium chloride cause weakness, lethargy, and
failure of reflex action, but no distinct spasm. A tremor is observed on movement,
but this seems to be rather due to failui-e of motor nerves than to increased excitability
of nerve centres.
Their action upon motor nerves and muscles appears to have been much the
same as that of ethylamine : the nerve not being directly paralyzed, but its power of
transmitting stimuli continuously being greatly diminished.
The muscle has at first its contractility increased but afterwards diminished
(Plate 8, fig. 1, a, h, c, d). In these experiments on Frogs the chlorine does not appear
to have altered the action of the compound ammonias with which it is combined.
From experiments on Rats we find that both diethyl- and triethyl- ammonium
chlorides have a similar action. The most marked symptoms are motor weakness
and tremor. The tremor is most perceptible when the animal moves, and there is a
very curious spasmodic movement of the head causing the chin to rap upon the floor.
Before death, convidsions occur, but these are probably asphyxial.
In Rabljits the effect is somewhat similar. The movements become trenudous,
are exaggerated and scramljling in character, suggestive of impaired co-ordination.
No anaesthesia was observed. Reflex was lost gradually and disappeared, first in the
hind limbs.
The most marked effect of the ciilorine in altering the action of the compound
ammonias appears in these experiments to be a tendency to produce tremor. It is
perhaps not quite ea.sy to say positively wlia,t the cause of this tremor is, but we are
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 215
inclined to regard it rather as an indication of failing power in motor nerves than to
increased irritability in nerve centres.
Iodides.
As we have already shown in an earlier part of this paper, ammonium iodide has
a powerful paralyzing action, both on nerve centres and motor nerves, producing
sluggish movements and motor paralysis.
From experiments on Frogs we find that methyl- (Plate 8, fig. 2, a, b), ethyl-, and
amyl- (Plate 8, fig. 3, a, b, c) ammonium iodides all produce torpor. In the ethyl-
ammonium iodide, Goltz's "croak" experiment succeeded as it did in the case of simple
ammonia iodide. With the amyl-ammonium iodide, jerking or staccato movement of
the limbs was observed, apparently due to failure of motor power. The methyl-,
ethyl-, and amyl-ammonium iodides in small doses increase the excitability both of
nerve and muscle. In large doses they are powerful poisons to motor nerves ; they
have a tendency to alter the formation of the muscle curve, and produce in it a
curious hump, but they do not appear to affect muscle as much as nerve.
The occurrence of the croak in the ethyl-ammonium iodide would appear to
indicate rapid paralysis of the higher nerve centres ; and the staccato movement in the
amyl-ammonium. iodide, more rapid failure of motor nerves.
The dimethyl- and diethyl-ammonium iodides produced increasing lethargy, with
no spasm ; with the diethyl-ammonium iodide the " croak " experiment succeeded, as
it did with the ethyl-ammonium iodide.
Their action upon muscle and nerve seems to be similar to that of the methyl- and
ethyl-ammonium iodides. Trimethyl- and triethyl-ammonium iodides have an action
like that of the dimethyl- and diethyl-ammonium iodides, but they appear to have a
greater paralyzing action on muscle and nerve (Plate 8, fig. 4, a, b, c), the primary
increase in excitability not being marked, and paralysis of both occurring more readily.
The tetram ethyl- and tetraethyl- (Plate 8, fig. 5, a, b, c) ammonium iodides present a
marked contrast to the other iodides, as Frogs poisoned by them exhibit spasmodic
twitchings of the trunk and extremities. The higher reflexes cease very rapidly. The
nerve is generally completely paralyzed. The muscle is only slightly affected when
the poisoning is rapid, but if it be slow it is completely paralyzed also.
All the iodides render the beats of the heart slow, and tend to produce stiU-stand
in diastole.
In the case of triethyl-ammonium iodide a vermicular movement of the heart was
observed.
The tetraethyl- and tetramethyl-ammonium iodides appear to have a more
powerful action than the others in producing diastolic still-stand of the heart.
216 DKS. T. L. BEHN^TOI^ AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
Experiments on Rats.
Methyl-, ethyl-, and ainvl-ammonium iodides all produce increasing weakness
•with a sprawlino- or waddling gait. The power of the cord to conduct motor impulses
appears to be diminished so that the hind legs become more paralyzed than the fore
le^s. Its conducting power for sensory impressions is not paralyzed at tlris time, as
stimulation of the hind legs will produce movement in the anterior part of the body.
In the case of poisoning by amyl-ammonium iodide, twitching of the limbs and head
were more marked than that of the methyl or ethyl compounds.
The dimethyl- and diethyl-ammonium compounds also cause progressive paralysis.
In the case of the diethyl-ammonium iodide, an occasional instantaneous twitching in
back and forelimbs was observed, resembling an effort at hiccough.
The tetvamethyl-ammonium iodide lias an action very different from the others,
producing powerful convulsions. It kills also much more rapidly, and is fatal in very
much smaller close.
Experiments on Rabbits.
In Eabbits the methyl-, ethyl-, and amyl-ammonium iodides all cause increasmg
weakness. The conducting power of the cord appears here also to be affected, the
hind legs becoming sooner paralyzed than the fore legs.
In the case of the methyl-ammonium iodide there is a distinct trembling of the
body not noticed in the other two.
General Action of the Iodides.
A distinct alteration appears to be effected in the action of the compound
ammonias by the combination with iodine. All the iodides, both of ammonia itself and
the compound ammonias, have a powerful paralyzing action on the motor nerves.
Muscular irritabiUty is as a rule decreased ; occasionally it is increased at first, as in
the case of the methyl-, ethyl-, and amyl-ammonium iodides.
The muscle curve in all cases shows a tendency to become humped. This
tendency is more marked in the methyl, ethyl, and amyl compounds than in the di-
or trimethyl, ethyl, and amyl compounds. It is more marked when the muscle is
stimulated directly than when it is stimulated through the nerve. They all render the
muscle more easily exhausted, so that the tetanic curve becomes lower and is sustained
for a shorter time.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 217
Sulphates.
Experiments on Frogs.
Ammonium sulphate soon causes the movements to be accompanied with twitchings
and clonic spasm. It sometimes, though rarely, produces complete tetanus ; the
peripheral ends of motor nerves are paralyzed by it, and the muscular substance is
also paralyzed, though later than the nerve.
The heart is considerably affected by the poison, and is frequently found arrested in
diastole, and filled with dark blood. In this point it appears to agree with the iodide.
Methyl, ethyl, and amyl sulphates all cause gradually increasing lethai'gy and failure
of reflex movement.
Methyl-ammonium sulphate paralyzes muscle and nerve very completely, the nerve
being paralyzed before the muscle. The ethyl- and amyl-ammonium sulphates have
much less paralyzing action upon muscle and nerve, but render them liable to rapid
exhaustion.
In poisoning by them the heart was considerably affected, and beat very slowly ; pro-
bably the slighter effect on the muscle of ethyl and amyl sulphates in our experiments
was due to their greater effect upon the heart, so that they were cariied in lesser
quantity to the muscle. This is exactly what one finds with such a poison as vera-
tririe, which has an extraordinary effect on the muscle of a Frog in small doses, but
has little effect on the muscle when the dose is large, the heart being so quickly
arrested that but little effect is produced upon the muscle.
Dimethyl- and diethyl-ammonium sulphate both cause weakness, with tremulous
movement ; but in the case of diethyl-ammonium sulphate, strong irritation causes a
powerful movement in the limbs, occurring after a considerable latent period. The
nerve appears to be powerfully paralyzed by the dimethyl-ammonium sulphate, while
the paralyzing action is but slightly marked in the case of the diethyl-ammonium
sulphate ; the paralysis of the muscular tissue is also more marked in the case of the
dimethyl-ammonium sulphate (Plate 8, fig. 6, a, h). Both lessen the activity of the
circulation, and render the cardiac pulsations slow.
The trimethyl- and triethyl-ammonium sulphates both cause the movements to
become weaker and tremulous, and sometimes staccato.
The trimethyl-ammonium sulphate (Plate 8, fig. 7, a, b, c, d) appears at first to
increase the excitability of the animal, and even when the muscular power has failed,
so that irritation of the foot no longer will cause it to be withdrawn, tremor occurs
over the whole body from the stimulus. The nerve is either much weakened or
paralyzed, so that it either soon gives way when tetanised, or does not respond to
stimulus a,t all. The muscle is also paralyzed ; the minimal irritability is much
impaired in poisoning by trimethyl-ammonium sulphate, although the contractile
power remains considerable.
One of the most marked points in the action of the sulpliates of ammonia and
MDCCCLXXXIV. 2 F
218 DRS. T. L. BEUNTON AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
compound ammonias on the Frog appears to be their tendency to afiect the circulation,
and to render the beat of the heai't 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.
Tn 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 Ukewise 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 cii'culation 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
shght 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 gradusd loss of powei-, the animal tending to lie on the belly,
with the legs extended ; the liind legs appeared to be chiefly affected.
In the case of the triethyl-ammonium sulphate, and the trimethyl-auiinonium
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-ammoniura sulphate, profuse salivation was an early
syinptorri, and corneal reflex persisted to the la,st.
Tlie Hiil[jhatf;s w(;re less fatal to Rabbits than the corres])onding chlorides or iodides,
witli tlio excfptioii oC I riiiK'tliyl .■uid tiiittliyl siil|ili;i,tcs, in wliich there was trembling
arifl .slight sp;i.sino(lic movciin'iits, jirobnbly iiidicjiXivc of ii'i'itatlou (jf the spinal cord.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 219
The symptoms were those of paralysis of the spinal cord and motor nerves. The
conducting power of the cord for motor impressions appeal's to be paralyzed, as the
hind legs fail before the fore legs. Death occurs in Rabbits and Rats by failure of
respiration.
DlITBRBNCE BETWEEN THE AcTION OP THE SaLTS OF THE COMPOUND AMMONIAS.
Our experiments appear to us to show that the salts of the compound ammonias
vary in their action : («) according to the acid radical with which they are combined ;
and (6) according to the number of the atoms of hydrogen which have been replaced
in the ammonia by an alcohol radical. The influence of the acid, however, appears to
us to be less marked than in the case of ammonia itself.
The iodides appear to have the strongest paralyzing action, both on the central
nervous system and on the peripheral nerves. Next to them come the chlorides, and
the sulphates have the least action.
The paralysis of the higher reflex, e.g., of the cornea, was more marked in Frogs
than in Mammals. In the latter, indeed, corneal reflex was observed almost at the last.
We have only examined the action of the iodides of tetramethyl- and tetraethyl-
ammonium, so that we cannot compare their actions with those of the corresponding
chlorides and sulphates. We have already drawn attention to the fact that their
action appears to differ very greatly from the compound ammonias in which only
three atoms of hydrogen have been replaced by an alcohol radical. In the tetra
compounds convulsant action is very strongly marked, while in the triad compound
ammonias it is much less su, or vn&j be altogether absent.
In the case of warm-blooded animals salivation was noticed before death in
poisoning by trimethyl-ammonium siilphate, tetramethyl-ammonium iodide, and tetra
ethyl- ammonium iodide ; it also occurred, to some extent, in amyl-ammonium iodide.
In one or two others a similar action was observed to a less extent.
We have not investigated fully the action on the spinal cord and higher nerve
centres of these different compounds, because the number of substances on which we
have experimented was so great that we thought it better to leave this subject for a
subsequent research, and to confine ourselves more especially to their action on muscle
and nerve.
The results of our experiments on these tissues are shown in a condensed form in
the following paragraphs : —
Differences between the Action of Salts of the Compound Ammonias
ON THE Frog's Muscle and Nerve.
For convenience sake we will group the bodies, first, according to the acid radical ;
and secondly, according to the base they contain.
2 F 2
220 DBS. T. L. BEUXTOX AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION",
Yaeiations in Action according to the Acid Radical.
Chlorides.
(a.) Irritability is, as a rule, slightly increased.
(b.) Tetanus from the muscle is often more extensive, whilst that from indirect
stimulation is less extensive than on the normal side.
(c.) The curve is often exaggerated in direct stimulation.
It is frequently higher, and may be slightly shorter or longer than normal. On
repeated stimulation, whether direct or indirect, the curve elongates to a greater or
less extent. There is, as a rule, less elongation, less succeeding contraction, and less
tendency to develop a distinct second hump than is to be seen in the iodides.
{d.) The nerve gives way somewhat before the muscle, but these substances
{i.e., chlorides) are not so fatal to nervous irritability as are the iodides. Amyl-
ammonium chloride has a relatively stronger action on nerve than on muscle.
Iodides.
(a.) Irritability is, as a rule, decreased, the exception being occasionally found
in ethyl-ammonium iodide, and di- and triethyl-ammonium iodides.
{b.) Tetanus is diminished in extent in almost every case.
(c.) The Gv.rve shows a strong inclination in all, but most in those lowest in the
series, to become two-humped, the second horn or hump passing into a contracture,
with very gradual decline.
{d.) In aE cases the nei-ve becomes pai'alyzed much before the muscle.
Sidpliates.
(rt.) Minimal irritability is increased, or normal in the case of ethyl-ammonium
sulphate, diethyl-ammonium sulphate, and triethyl-ammonium sulphate. It is
decreased by amyl-ammonium sulphate, and by all the methyl-sulphates.
{Ij.) Tetanus produces more extensive contraction on direct stimulation in the case
of the ethyls, and in very slight poisoning in some instances in the methyls, but in the
latter it is usually diminished.
(c.) The curve is chiefly affected by tlie metliyl compounds, on which it is usually
lower and longer, and shows increased viscosity. It seldom displays the strong
tendency to the double hump form wliich is so common amongst the iodides.
In the ethyl coMijjounds tlic curve is usually somewhat exaggerated in relationship
to the normal.
{d.) The failure of the nerve occurs somewhat sooner than that of the nuiscle. This
is much more marked in the methyl than in the ethyl compounds.
On summing up those results, it appears that the iodides paraly;i:e motor nerves
more quickly than either chlorides or sulphates. We did not observe any marked
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGOlSTlSM. 221
difference between the paralyzing action of the corresponding chlorides and stilphates.
In the case of the muscle we notice that the irritability is increased, as a rule, in
poisoning by the chlorides ; is sometimes increased and sometimes diminished by the
sulphates ; and, as a rule, though with some exceptions, it is decreased by the iodides.
The contractile power of the muscle, as shown by the extent and duration of tetanic
contraction on direct stimulation, appears to be least affected by the chlorides ; some-
what more so by the sulphates ; and most of all by the iodides. The alterations
in the form of the curve have already been described in detad.
VaEIATIONS AMONGST THE EtHYLS AND MeTHYLS.
The least operative compounds examined were the diethyls and triethyls. Thus, in
these alone, in the case of the iodides and sulphates, was minimal irritability equal to
or greater than the normal.
(a.) In the case of the chlorides, however (in which the ethyls, methyls, di- and
trimethyls only were examined), there was not a material difference between the
corresponding compounds.
(6.) Amongst the iodides there is a strong tendency to loss of irritability of the
nerve with all the compounds, but this is pre-eminently the case with the tetraethyl-
and tetramethyl -ammonium iodides, which have an extremely powerful paralyzing
action. The methyl compounds appear, however, to be operative in a slightly
smaller dose.
(c.) The smaller group of the chlorides does not present such striking variations,
but the corresponding methyls are slightly more active than the ethyls.
(d.) Amongst the sulphates we find the ethyls more often to produce an exaggerated
single curve and an increased tetanus than do the methyls. There may, however, as
shown in the chart of trimethyl-ammonium sulphate, be an increase in tetanic con-
traction as a result of stimulation in an early stage of poisoning.
(e.) The methyl compounds of the sulphate group are decidedly more fatal to
the irritability of the nerve than are those of the ethyls.
(/.) Ethylamine showed development of tetanic spasms 70" after injection. There
was a gradual failure of reflex and circulation.
There was increased irritability to both direct and indirect stimulation ; the curve
was higher, longer, and showed increased viscosity.
Triethylamine — gradual failure of reflex and of circulation. Increased viscosity of
the muscle was observed, without a marked lengthening of the curve.
Trimethylamine — gradual failure of reflex and of circulation. Increased irritability
and increase of viscosity. The curve is equal to or shorter than the normal.
The methyls are more active than the corresponding ethyls. The methyls, amyls,
and ethyls are more effective than the corresponding di- and tri- compounds. The tetra
compiounds are, hoivever, most so of all.
222 DRS. T. L. BEFXTON AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
AcTiox OF Salts of the Alkaline Group on Muscle and Nerve, and a
Comparison of their Actions with that of Ammonia.
The bodies usually included in the group of alkalies are, in addition to ammonia,
lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and ccesium : these are all monads. Mendelejeff
includes in the monad group copper, silver, and gold, in addition to the substances
just mentioned ; but there is such a well marked difference between the general-
properties of the metals last mentioned and those of the alkalies that we have not
included them in our research.
On comparing the general action of ammonia with these substances, the first thing
that strikes us is that ammonia is the only one Avhich has any tetanising action.
Sometimes reflex action seems to be a little excited at first in poisoning by potassium
and rubidium, but this excitement is slight, soon passes off", and is succeeded by
torpor.
In the case of sodium, lithium, and ctesium, the symptoms in Frogs are those of
gi'adually increasing torpor.
Sodium has no action at all in small quantities, but in concentrated solutions
appears to paralyze nerve centres, nerves, and muscles, all at the same time. Lithium,
rubidium, and caesium have a tendency to affect either the upper part of the spinal
cord or the higher motor centres connected with the fore limbs, as in poisoning by
lithium and ctesium the reflex disappears sooner from the arms than from the legs,
and stiffness was noticed in the arms in poisoning by lithium and csesium, though no
distinct spasm was observed. The motor nerves are not paralyzed by sodium or
rubidium, but with these exceptions they are paralyzed to a greater or less extent
by the other substances belonging to this group. Lithitun and potassium are most
powerful.
In considering the effect of the alkalies, and still more, perhaps, in the case of the
alkaline earths, we have carefully to distinguish between the action of the poisons
on the active contraction of muscle and on the residual shortening, which continues
for a greater or less time after the contraction has passed.
To this shortening we have sometimes given the name of viscosity, at others,
and more generally, we have employed the term used by German and French writers,
contracture.
In regard to active liiuscular contraction also, we nuist note both the height of
the curve, indicating the amount of contraction and its length, indicating the length
or duration of contraction. The exact difference between the action of the various
sub.stances will be seen more in detail by a glance at the accompanying tables and
curves.
But we may here state generally tliat the contractile power of the muscle, as shown
by the hoiglit of the curve it describes, is increased by ammonium, potassium, and
sometimes by nibi<liiim and cujsium.
PHTSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 223
It is occasionally increased by sodium, but is otherwise unaffected, excepting in
large doses, and it is diminished almost invariably by lithium.
The duration of the contraction, as shown by the length of the curve, is increased
by large doses of rubidium (Plate 8, fig. 8, a, h, c), ammonium (Plate 8, fig. 9,
a, b), sodium (Plate 8, fig. 10, a, h, c), and csesium (Plate 8, fig. 11, a, b). It
is shortened by ammonium (Plate 8, fig. 12, a, b), lithium (Plate 8, fig. 13, a, b),
rubidium, and potassium (Plate 8, fig. 14, a, b, c). It will be seen from this
enumeration that rubidium, ammonium, and sodium have a double action, sometimes
increasing and sometimes diminishing the length of the contraction. In the case
of rubidium and sodium the diflference of action depends upon a difference of dose,
small quantities tending to shorten the contraction, while large doses lengthen it.
Prolonged contraction is accompanied, as we have already mentioned, by an increase
of contractility in the case of rubidium, but by a diminution' in the case of sodium, as
shown by the height of the curve. The double action of ammonia does not seem to
us to depend entirely on difference of dose, biit rather to the ammonium having
two different kinds of action.
The residual shortening, viscosity, or contracture, which sometimes succeeds an
active contraction, is increased by large doses of rubidium, ammonium, lithium,
and sodium. It is diminished by rubidium in small doses, ammonium, csesium,
and potassium. Here, again, the different action of ammonia does not appear to us
to depend entirely on difference of dose.
Its double action appears to form, to a certain extent, a connecting link between
the action of some members of the alkali group, such as potassium, and that of
members of the group of alkaline earths.
The relations between the various members of the present group have to be
considered more fully in a subsequent section, because we find that some members
of it, while having a somewhat similar action on normal muscle, will yet antagonise
each other's action, and although either of them given alone will lengthen the muscular
curve, the lengthening will be abolished, and the curve reduced to the normal, by the
administration of the two together.
Action of Substances belonging to the Group of Alkaline Earths
AND Earths.
The metals which we have examined belonging to the group of alkaline earths are
calcium, strontium, and barium ; and to that of the earths berylliiim, yttrium, didy-
mium, erbium, and lanthanum. The first three are dyads. Beryllium is also a dyad.
The atomicity of the last four is not determined. Possibly they are all ti'iads, though
lanthanum has been grouped by Mendelejeff amongst the tetrads. The first point
of difference that we notice about this large group is that it may be subdivided into
224 DRS. T. L. BEUNTOX A^^D J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL COTSTSTITUTION,
two sub-gi'oups : — (a) containing beiyllium, calcium, strontium, and barium ; and
(b) containing yttriiun, didymium, erbium, and lanthanum.
In group (o) we notice a tendency to increased reflex action. In this particular it
agrees with ammonium, but diflers from members of the alkaline group. We have
ali'eady noted that, in some members of the alkaline group, a slightly increased reflex
action might be observed at the commencement of the poisoning, but this is consider-
ably less than in the case of most of the members of group (a), with the exception of
barium. Excitement of the spinal cord is most marked in poisoning by beryllium ;
next come strontium and calcium ; and lastly barium, in which excitement, if j^resent
at aU, is very sHght.
In gi'oup (h) reflex action in the cord is not increased, nor does it appear to be very
much diminished till the last. In this group, however, the higher centres appear to be
paralyzed. We infer this from the fact that yttrium greatly diminishes co-ordinating
power in the Frog, i-endering the movements ataxic, and causing the animal to lie with
the legs fully stretched out, although neither muscle or nerve is paralyzed. Didy-
mium, erbium, and lanthanum all have a similar action.
In regard to their action on motor nerves, we notice the same well marked division
into two groups as in their genei'al action : beryllium, calcium, strontium, and barium
all paralyzing the motor nerves to some extent. Lanthanum has also a paralyzing
action, but yttrium, didymium, and erbium have none. In this respect these three
bodies agree with sodiiim and rubidium, and differ from all the others belonging to
these two groups which we have examined.
In regard to theLr action upon muscle, we do not find that these bodies can be
so readUy subdivided into two well marked sub-groups.
The contractility of muscle, as shown by the height of the curve, is greatly increased
by barium (Plate 8, fig. 15, a-d), and occasionally, to a small extent, by erbium
(Plate 8, fig. 16, a, b) and lanthanum (Plate 8, fig. 17, a, b). It is sometimes
increased and sometimes diminished by yttrium (Plate 8, fig. 18, a, b) and calcium
(Plate 8, fig. 19, a, b, c). It is diminished by didymium (Plate 9, fig. 20, a, b),
strontium (Plate 9, fig. 21, a, b, c), and beryllium (Plate 9, fig. 22, a, b; fig. 23, a, b).
We have found that the small variations occurring in the extent of contraction are
best observed when the poison is applied locally in the form of solution. Where the
muscles have been examined of an animal completely poisoned with the substance, the
ultimate, rather than the primary result, is obtained.
The duration of the contraction, as shown by the length of the curve, is increased
by barium, calcium, strontium, yttrium, and erbium. It is unaffected, or slightly
diminished, Vjy beryllium, didymium, and lanthanum (see figs. 17, 20, 22). It is obvious
that the action of the rarer metals beryllium, erbium, didymium, lanthanum, and
yttrium is but feeble in any direction when compared with the effect of calcium, &c.
The contracture is increased by barium, calcium, strontium, yttrium, and beryllium.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM.
225
Contracture produced by barium is enormous (Plate 9, fig. 24, a-g). When the drug is
locally applied its curve resembles greatly that produced by veratria (Plate 9, fig. 24, h).
It appears to us to be an interesting fact that an inorganic element and an organic
alkaloid should have such a similar action. Their action coincides also in the modifica-
tions which it undergoes by heat and by potash. The barium contracture, like that
caused by veratria, is abolished by cooling the muscle dovi^n, or by heating it con-
siderably above the normal. The contracture may be permanently removed by
cooling down, so that it does not return when the muscle is again raised to the
normal temperature. Like the veratria contracture, however, it is abolished much
more certainly by heat (Plate 9, fig. 24). There is a more marked tendency for
the barium contracture to relax suddenly than that caused by veratria. It is also
more easily abolished by repeated stimulation.
In regard to the effect of these drugs on contracture, the same differences are to be
observed between their action when injected into the circulation and when locally
applied that we have already mentioned in regard to the active curve. In the
accompanying diagram we have arranged some of the more important substances
Contracture.
Increased. Diminished.
Altitude of Curve.
Lowered. Heightened.
Active Curve.
Lengthened. Shortened.
Kb. (in small doses)
Ka. (in moderate doses)
Kb. (large doses)
belonging to the alkalies and alkaline earths so as to show their action upon muscle
graphically. It will be seen that they tend to form a series, the two ends of which
present some points of approximation, ammonium appearing to form a connecting link
between barium and potassium.
It will be noticed that the substances here do not arrange themselves according to
their atomic weight, nor yet according to their atomicities. We hope, however, to be
able to consider this point more fully at a future time. We subjoin a table showing
the relative position of the elements in regard to their action on motor nerves and
muscles.
MDCCCLXXXIV.
2 G
226 DRS. T. L. BRUXTOX AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
Table showing the relations of the Alkahes and Alkaline Earths as Poisons to
Nerve and Muscle.
The most powerfid puralyzers of motor nerves are put at the head of the column,
and the others follow in the order of decreasing activity.
Those bodies which increase most the height and duration of muscular contraction
and of muscular contracture are placed at the head of the corresponding columns, and
at the foot are those which reduce them most.
Motor nerves.
Height of
contraction.
Duration of
contraction.
Contractu:
NH,
Ba
Ba
Ba
L
Rb
Rb
Rb
K
NH,
NH,
NH,
Be
Er
Na
Na
Ca
K
Ca
Ca
Sr
Cs
Sr
Sr
Ba
La
• Yt
L
Cs
Yt
Cs
Yt
La
—
Er
Bo
—
Ca
—
Di
Er
Na
Be
Er
Di
—
Di
Rb
Yt
Di
La
NH,
Rb
Sr
—
Cs
Na
Bo
NH4
La
L
L
Rb
Na
K
K
PHrSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM.
227
PM
M
1
1
■A
he curve is markedly shorts
ened by potash. And after
potash has been long applied
and the curve has become
feeble, ammonium chloride
reinstates activity of muscle,
ime shortens active curve,
increases its altitude, and
develops its own after-action.
Restores irritability lost by
barium application.
ounteracts veratria, barium,
calcium, strontium,
engthens some of rare metals
(lanthanum, &c.).
educes contraction of strong
sall^solution muscle.
educes contraction of lithium.
otash appears to shorten the
elongated curve which may
occur in cEcsium.
1 one case lime did not cause
any recovery.
hose solutions which are
strong enough to reduce
another curve are them-
selves deleterious.
olutions of less than 2 per
cent., or occasionally 1*5 per
cent., increase the stron-
tium and calcium after
action. They also reduce
height of curve active of
calcium. Where there is
veratria-like action deve-
loped potash opposes soda.
here is partial opposition to
Ba., Ca.. Sr., and to K., only
when calcium-like curve de-
veloped.
'otash often cuts off the con-
traction of the sodium muscle
without improving its con-
traction.
H
>-)
U h-1 « M
FL, h-<
1
llll
1
rritability
i millims.
e slightly
d tetanus
induction
astens re-
action of
icles {i.e.,
muscle is
stronger
)n) is got,
here may
Ade, equal
, but only
the curve
an in the
y is about
;anus both
, but only
especially
nt., there
. (This is
.)
ht) of the
n altitude
^ht short-
le first an
s with the
lly falling
3d into a
hat once, .
I in about
1
■13
engthens and heightens curve, increasinfi
passive shortening during the application ol
tion. There is little or no increase of af
(contracture). "With weaker solutions ma
curve.
1
1
la
= g
li
gi
In rapid (incomplete) poisoning. Minimal i:
decreased (very slightly) on poisoned side.
Tetanus firm (direct and indirect.) About ;
more extension than in the normal. Curv
higher. Shorter with more rapid relaxation
In slower poisoning, there is a well-sustaine
(though not extension of muscle). A single
shock hardly causes a visible contraction hi
The nerve is completely insensible.
At first and in weaker solutions shortens (h
laxation) and slightly heightens curve.
Prolonged action of weak solution or shorter
stronger solution (1-600) lowers curve.
inimal irritability about equal in both mm
diminished in caesium muscle).* Poisoned
less irritable to tetauising current. On
stimulation a good tetanus (direct stimulatit
but the nerve tetanus is very feeble, and t
be contraction only just on opening current.
he curve is at first slightly increased in altiti
in other cases. It ia longer than normal,
slightly BO. In more extensive poisoning
is rounder, but relaxation is more rapid th
normal. Extensibility is increased.
1 both cases of extreme poisoning, irritabilit
equal (i.e , diminished in salt muscle), the tet
diicct and indirect is equal, well sustained,
half as extensive as the normal,
he curve of both is low and very prolonged,
so in the case of direct stimulation.
pplied locally of the strength of '7 per ce
appears to be no active change in the curve
therefore rightly called normal salt solution
. to rO. There is often a shortening (slig
active curve usually without any increase i
taking place,
to 'i' per cent. There may at first be a sli;
ening of the curve, but there is from th
increase in after action, and this soon fuse
active curve, and produces a lower (rapic
curve), with considerable after action,
he after-action may then become magnifif
veratria-like contracture,
per cent, often reduces the curve in lengt
but also much in altitude, the muscle dyinj
15"?.
J
3
a H
^ t- <: =3° ;h h (n I
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I'-sis
li
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1
uricles se
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ventricle I
In modera
stole.
o p]
a3 of
1
ST
a
<
■c
1
s
a
In rapid poisoning (5""). Crouching atti-
tude. All refiex gone, but leg drawn
up occasionally spontaneously.
Circulation ceased. Pigment-cells con-
tracted.
In slower poisoning, spring sudden and
sharp, sometimes exaggerated, at others
feeble. Tends to sink on belly. Leg
moved wide of body in ataxic manner.
On injection of -1 all refiex was gone in 2'".
Circulation was moderately good till last
injection. The respiration was hurried.
Gradually increasing weakness. Reflexes
at first good, but more difficult to ex-
cite. Position crouching, with extended
1 leg. Refiexes in legs better than in arms;
arms may be stiff. In l** all refiex gone.
1 Never any spasms.
Circulation good throughout; active even
when reflex ceased. Pigment-cells con-
tracted.
Movements become gradually feebler, and
more difficult to provoke. Torpidity.
Reflex becomes feebler, and is then com-
pletely lost.
, Circulation outlapts reflex. Many leu-
cocytes are seen in web, some migrating.
Red corpuscles fewer and crenated.
1
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228 DES. T. L. BEUXTOX AXD J. T. CASH OX CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
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PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM.
229
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DRS. T. L. BRUNTOX AND J. T. CASH ON" CHEMICAL CONSTTTUTION,
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PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM.
231
Action of elements upon general condition of organism as a poison acting gradually.
Proportion to gramme of body- weight of Frog in
bubstance. which element acts as a poison.
Potassitim cliloride '0013
Beryllium choride '0013
Rubidium cliloride '0013 to 0015
Barium cliloride 'OOIS
Ammonium chloride '0015
Csesium chloride '0021
Lithium cloride "0023 to "0032
Lanthanum chloride "OO^
Didymium chloride '0042
Erbium chloride '006
Strontium chloride '0055 to '0075
Yttrium chloride '. '009
Sodium -0095
Calcium -013 to -017
Monads.
Potassium
Rubidium
CEesium .
Lithium
Sodium .
•0013
•013 to 15
•0021
•0023 to 32
•0095
Atomic weights.
39-10
85-4
13^3
7
23
Atomic weights.
Beryllium .
Barium . .
Lanthanum
Didymium .
Erbium .
Strontium .
Yttrium .
Calcium . .
0013
9-4
•0013
13^7
•004
93-6
•004
95
■006
112-6
•0065
87-6
■009
61-7
•013
40
On the Action op Alkali and Acid on Muscle.*
The remarkable results obtained by Gaskbll upon the action of very dilute acids
and alkalies on the blood-vessels, induced us to examine the action of similar solu-
tions upon voluntary muscle. Gaskell found that alkalies cause contraction,
and dilute acids relaxation, of the involuntary muscular fibres of the blood-vessels.
Our observations shov^r that this is also the case with voluntary muscular fibre,
but, in addition, vs^e note that acids beyond a certain strength cause a permanent
contraction.
We tested the action of dilute acids and alkalies on muscle in two ways : — first
by applying them directly to the muscle, and secondly by causing them to circulate
artificially through the vessels supplying it. As water alone has a destructive action
on muscular fibre, the acid and alkali was in all cases added to a 0"75 per cent,
solution of sodium chloride.
The muscle-chamber designed by one of us (Cash), which was used in these and many
other experiments, consists of a glass cylinder 3 centims. broad, 7 centims. long, and with
* This part of the paper was received June 15, 1881, but publication was deferred.
232 DRS. T. L. BRUNTON AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
a capacity of about 40 cub. centims. Tubes (a)* for the ingress and egress of tlie fluids
are let into the sides of the cylinder, two above and one below. The upper end of the
cylinder is fitted accurately with a stopper made of cork and vulcanite. The vulcanite
lid (h) and the cork have an openmg in the centre, which can be completely closed by
means of a brass sliding clamp (c), which is moved by a screw {d) provided with a
milled head. This slide-clamp holds securely the femur, if the gastrocnemius of the
Frog be used ; the illium, if the triceps. A binding-screw (e) is attached to the brass
arm of the clamp, and this receives one of the wires of the secondary coil for direct stimu-
lation. The second connexion with the muscle is effected by means of a long and very
fine coiled wii-e {/), which is in contact above with another binding-screw situated on
the vulcanite cap, and below with a trout hook (g) bent into an S shape, on to which
the wire is whipped. The lower end of the S is connected with the thread or gut
which passes through the lower end of the cylinder to the lever. A second pair
of binding-screws on the vulcanite lid are connected with platinum electrodes
supported on a vulcanite back (h) which projects into the cylinder. These are
intended for indirect stimulation of the muscle. Finally, the stopper carries a groove
round the central opening, into which a metal cap (i) fits ; application of this cap,
when the groove has been filled with a drop of oil, renders the upper opening
practically air-tight. The stopper is of course removed when a j^i'eparation for
examination is placed in the chamber. The lower end of the cylinder is permanently
closed by a stopper of wood or vulcanite, which is cemented into position. It contains
two openings : the first, that of a small tube (k), through which a few drops of oil
mav be introduced when it is desired to make the chamber absolutely air-tight, as in
experiments on the action of gases upon muscle ; the second serves for the trans-
mission of the thread or strand of gut which connects the lever and the tendon of the
muscle. It is made from a piece of thick-walled glass tubing (l) of 1 centim. in length,
drawn out with an hour-glass contraction in the middle. The calibre at the con-
striction is such that a strand of very fine silk, or the best drawn trout gut just passes
through it, and no more. When the cylinder is filled with liquid the inner surface of
this capillary tube becomes moistened, and it is found, whilst all friction is obviated,
the escape of fluid may be reduced to such an extent that twenty or tliirty drops
only may flow out in the twenty-four hours. We have repeatedly used tlie chamber
in experiments extending over twelve hours, and found it practically full at the end
of the experiment.
One of the upper openings in tlu; wa,ll of the cylinder is connected, by means of
a T-tuVje, with two or more funnels, which contain : (1) the poison or jioisons in
solution to be tested ; (2) normal salt solution for washing out the cylinder. The
tubes connecting these with tlie cylinder are controlled by clamps. In order to avoid
escape of current, the fluid in the cylinder is run off before stimulation is applied.
The nerve can, however, be stimulated wliilst the muscle remains in the solution.
" 'I'lio li'McvF i.pj.ly l<, l,oU] (liiii^'nuris A iui.l If, Pliil.d 10.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. • 233
Further, by regulating the height of the fluid the nerve can be exposed to the
action of the solution, or kept free from it. The chamber is enclosed by a belt (m)
connected with a rod, which fits into a nut sliding up and down on a steel upright.
The lever is connected with the muscle in the usual manner, and its axis moves,
together with the chamber, upon the rod of which it is clamped. By certain modifica-
tions this chamber is heated or cooled, so that the effects of variation of temperature
upon the poisoned muscle may be easily studied. It is also possible to test the
effect produced not only by hot and cold air, but by solutions gradually heated or
cooled to any desired extent.
As already mentioned, the apparatus serves the purpose of testing the effect of
gases and vapours on muscles very satisfactorily.
This mode of application was chosen on account of the obstacles to the circulation of
alkalies in the muscle, and also because Von Anrep* asserts (l) that the action of
a solution thus locally applied is the same as when the solution has been made to
circulate through the tissues. Gaskell has privately communicated to us the same
result, and numerovis experiments of our own have confirmed these statements.
Von Anrep, in investigating the action of potassium upon muscle, found that it
caused, either when applied locally or through the circulation, a decided shortening of
the muscle, which in a few minutes reached its maximum. This shortening is inde-
pendent of the action of the spinal cord, for it occurs whether the muscle remains in
connexion with the cord, or whether the nerves be cut. The shortening has no relation-
ship to the irritability of the muscle. The irritability of a muscle through which a 1 per
cent, sohition of potash is circulated for fifteen to twenty minutes is quite abolished,
while the shortening persists ; occasionally a slight elongation is seen, in place of a
shortening. On the other hand, he found that sodium has not this effect on muscle.
Effects of Acid and Alkali applied externally to Muscles at rest.
Dilute solutions of potash and soda, containing from one part in 4,000 to one
part in 8,000, cause shortening of the muscle. The contraction produced by soda
was slightly greater in our experiments than that caused by potash, the solutions
applied being of equal strength, and for an equal time.
Lactic acid, in very dilute solution of I to 8,000 or more, seems to tend to elongate
muscle which is loaded with a slight weight.
A solution of chloride of sodium alone, liowever, also causes relaxation of the muscle,
and the continuous application of a slight weight has a similar effect.
Less dilute solutions of lactic acid, 1 in 4,000 or stronger, causes passive shortening
of the muscle, and this is occasionally accompanied with fibrillary twitchings. Dilute
solutions of lactic acid cause relaxation of the muscle which has been shortened by
potash or soda.
There is a fairly balanced antagonism between lactic acid 1 to 8,000, and soda
* Pflugee's Archiv., vol. xxi., p. 226.
MCCCCLXXXIV. 2 H
234 DRS. T. L. BRUNTON AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
1 to 3,000. Solutions of from 1 to 10,000 to 1 to 12,000 have both a slight power of
countei-acting the power of soda, and of lengthening the muscle ; but 1 to 8,000 is
the weakest dilution which is reliable for this purpose when applied externally.
Normal salt solution has a distinct power of removing the shortening produced by
soda, but its action is much more limited, and less complete than that of lactic acid.
External application of dilute acids and alkalies to contracting muscle (Plate 9, figs. 25,
26, 27). Soda and potash in solutions up to 1 in 8,000, or 1 in 10,000, cause a tonic
shortening of the muscle, and may, at first, increase the height of its active contraction.
Lactic acid in dilute solutions of 1 in 10,000, or weaker, may cause elongation to a
muscle which has already soaked for some time in a salt solution. A solution of
1 in 10,000 may cause at first a slight increase in the excitability and increased height
of contraction, but this soon disappears. In dilutions between 1 in 8,000 and 1 in
2,000 it causes eventually shortening of the muscle, with occasional fibrillation and
rapid diminution of the extent of active contraction. At the same time that the
contrantile power is diminishing, the muscle exhibits increasing viscosity. This is
shown by a slight elevation of the basal line when the stimuli succeed each other
with sufficient frequency.
The permanent shortening caused by the application of an alkali is usually diminished
by the subsequent application of lactic acid. After the diminution has occurred active
contraction becomes feebler.
Plate 9, fig. 25, shows the result of admitting soda solution 1 in 2,000 to
the chamber containing a muscle which is being periodically stimulated through its
nerve. (The solution almost entirely covers the muscle, but the nerve lying on the
electrodes is above its level.) Plate 9, figs. 26 and 27, show the action of 1 to 4,000
and 1 to 5,000 soda solutions on the acting curarised muscle. Here stimulation was
of course direct, and the probable escape of current is therefore to be borne in mind.
In both cases the subsequent action of lactic acid is shown, viz., a reduction of the
basal line, and ultimately a fidl in the altitude of the contraction.
Action of Acids and Alkalies ivhen circulated through the Muscle.
The method employed was to pith and curarise a frog. A canula was then inserted
into the aorta and connected with a branching tube, through which acid, alkaline, or
salt solution could be supplied from a series of funnels. By elevating or depressing
the funnels the pressure by which the circulation was carried on could be increased
or diminished. Excepting when otherwise stated it was always efiected at as low
a pressure as possible. The condition of the muscle was registered b}' means of
Marey'.s myograph. The triceps was found to be the most convenient muscle for
this series of experiments on account of its great vascularity.
Moderately dilute solutions, both of acids and alkalies 1 to 4,000, after circulating
for some time, caused tlio muscle to shorten. Galvanic stimulation to tlio muscle
increa.ses this effect, both of those solutions ;uid also of weaker ones. It frequently
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 235
happens that a muscle which exhibits little or no shoi'tening before stimulation,
becomes progressively shortened after a number of stimuli have been applied, until
the basal line of the curve it describes is far above the normal.
The pressure which is sufficient for the circulation of an acid solution, as a rule,
quickly becomes insufficient to maintain the free circulation of an alkaline solution.
This is to be expected from the fact that an alkali causes contraction of the involuntary
muscular fibres of the vessels, and is in unison with Gaskell's observation.
The first effect of an alkaline solution, as a rule, is to increase the conti'actility of
the muscle on stimulation ; the same stimulus producing a greater contraction than
it would in the muscle without such circulation. A gradual shortening of the
muscle, independently of any active contraction, is produced by the alkaline solution :
this is shown by the rise of the basal line in the curve. After the circulation has
been maintained for some time, both the contractile power and the irritability of the
muscle decrease ; the height of the contraction occurring on stimulation not being so
great, and a stronger stimulus being required.
Plate 9, fig. 28, a, b, c, is introduced to show the fibrillation and temporary
shortening which may occur upon the first stimulations of a muscle through which
lactic acid has been some time circulated.
Plate 9, fig. 29, a, h, c, shows that the elevation of the basal line, caused by the
circulation of soda (1-20,000), is to a large extent reduced by the subsequent cir-
culation of lactic acid 1-10,000. The altitude of the contraction is likewise reduced.
Lactic acid, when circulated through the muscle, frequently causes fibrillation^ and
at first shortening of the muscle after fibrillation : there may, however, not be any
shortening.
Usually the height of the contractions diminishes rapidly on repeated stimulation ;
sometimes, though quite exceptionally, the irritabihty of the muscle is increased at
first, and the contractions resulting from stimulation may be at first more extensive
than those of the normal muscle.
(Edema of the muscle is occasionally observed as a consequence of the circulation of
acid through the vessels ; this is unusual after the circulation of alkalies. The impaired
contractile power eventually produced by the circulation of either alkali or acid
through a muscle may be restored to a gx'eater or less extent by the circulation of a
fluid having an opposite reaction. The completeness of the restoration depends upon
various circumstances, amongst which we may mention the oedematous condition of the
muscle, which we have already noticed as occurring from the circulation of acids.
Our experiments on the muscles of the Frog have thus shown a very marked
antagonistic power between acids and alkalies, or perhaps to speak more definitely,
between solutions of potash or soda and lactic acid. It seemed advisable to make
some experiments on the muscles of warm-blooded animals, in order to discover
whether the same antagonism was to be found in them : for this purpose we chose
the gastrocnemius of the Cat. The solution to be investigated was warmed to 40° C,
2 H 2
236 DES. T. L. BRUMON AND J, T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
and then passed through the limb by means of a camila inserted into the femoral
arteiy. The muscle was stimulated from the sciatic nerve^ the leg being previously
fixed by a clamp. The muscle was extended by a weight of 40 grammes attached
by a cord working over a pulley ; this was allowed to remain constantly attached in
some experiments to ascertain alterations in the length of the muscle due to the fluids '
circulated. In several cases it was applied for two minutes before each tracing.
Plate 9, fig. 30, shows the effect of acids and alkalies.
(a.) The lever recorded (multiplies 4 times) contractions of 12 "5 millims., an opening
and closing shock every 4".
(h.) After alkali 1-20,000 had circulated 10" the basal line showed a shortening of
8 millims. The active contraction was 13 millims. Ten minutes after this tracing
had been taken the flow, which had previously been free from the femoral vein,
became very slow, and remained so under a considerable increase of pressure.
(c.) Lactic acid 1-10,000 restored the circulation and reduced the contraction. The
active contraction of the value of 12 millims.
{d) Alkali circulated 20'" has raised the basal line 10'5 millims., but shows an active
contraction of less than 10 millims.
(e.) After 60™ circulation the basal line is still 105 above the normal, but the active
conti'action has increased to 11"5 millims.
There is here, then, a great similarity of action in the case of acid and alkali
circulated through the vessels of cold and warm-blooded animals.
General liesidts of Experiments on the Action of Acid and Alkali on Muscle.
The experiments just described show that dilute alkalies, potash, and soda cause
shortening of muscle, which is antagonised by dilute solution of lactic acid. Since
the preceding section of this paper was sent in to the Royal Society we have made
some further observations on this subject, and from an examination of the curves
it wQl be seen that, by the alternate application of alkali and acid, a muscle may be
made to describe on a slowly revolving cylinder a curve very nearly resembling that
described on a rapidly revolving cylinder by a normal muscle when stimulated. Other
tracings show that this curve may be modified very nearly at will by altering the
proportions and duration of the alkali and acid. Curves may be thus described which
resemble those drawn by muscles stimulated after they have been poisoned by barium,
rubidium, and other substances of the groups we have examined. In these curves we
see produced by varying the application of the opposing solutions the same prolonged
contraction, the tendency to an exaggerated secondary hump, and increased contracture.
We cannot at present draw from this a definite conclusion, but it is suggestive of
the question — Does the normal contraction of muscle and its subsequent relaxation
depend upon such alterations in its saline constituents as to make them play at one
time the jjart of an alkali, and at tlio other the part of an acid ?
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 237
Plate 9, figs. 31 and 32, show the relative effects of solutions of 1 to 3,000 caustic
soda solution (Plate 9, fig. 31) and caustic potash solution (Plate 9, fig. 32) upon
resting muscle. The tracings were taken upon a slowly revolving cylinder. Each
centimeter of the tracing represents 5™. The lever, which multiplies fourteen times,
exercises a constant traction of 10 grms. on the muscle. Fresh solution was added
where stars are placed in the course of the curve. It will be seen that the shortening-
effect produced by caustic soda in 50"°, during which the solution was renewed every
10"", is shghtly greater than is the case with the companion muscle treated with
caustic potash of the same strength. The curves, however, show a very close similarity
throughout. The commencing relaxation caused by the substitution of 1 to 1,000
lactic acid is seen in each case.
The very gradual shortening of the muscle upon the first application of potash
and soda is, to some extent, due to the fact that the muscles had been previously
curarised. When curara has not been previously employed the first application of
dilute solutions causes a more rapid primary contraction, though the total effect of
the application may not be greater, if as great as in the curarised muscle. Plate 9,
fig. 33, gives the effect of a stronger solution of soda, i.e., 1 to 2,500, and the sub-
sequent relaxation it undergoes upon the application of 1 to 500 lactic acid,
Plate 9, figs. 34 and 35, give the action of soda 1 to 4,000, and potash 1 to 6,000,
with partial relaxation consequent to lactic acid. That lactic acid itself causes
shortening, if of a certain strength, is shown in Plate 9, fig. 36, when 1 to 1,000
solution of the acid causes in 25™ a shortening of 4 millims. in the curve, or of
•3 millim. in the muscle.
The application of potash reduces this shortening to some extent, and then, its
own action being no longer balanced, causes the muscle to contract rapidly. The
converse of this is seen in Plate 9, fig. 37, when the alkali is first applied, and the
acid 1 to 500 causes a relaxation, and then a shortening of its own. To cause a
complete relaxation a higher dilution is necessary.
Plate 9, figs. 38 and 39, give tracings of passive shortening or lengthening with an
active contraction (maximal stimulation) taken at intervals superimposed.
Plate 10, fig. 40, a, b, c, illustrates the change of form the normal muscle curve
undergoes when treated with an alkali local application. The first " hump " of the
active contraction is increased in altitude ; the second " hump " or elevation after
the notch is reduced. Owing to this reduction the curve is shortened. A passive
shortening of the muscle is seen at c, and is, in point of fact, less than is usually
produced by solutions of these strengths.
The effect of lactic acid applied in the same manner is shown in the series a, b, c.
Plate 10, fig. 41. Here also the second portion of the curve is reduced, and the
relaxation becomes much more rapid. After 60"" in lactic acid 1 to 2,500, a slight
contraction of 1'5 milUm. is observable.
Plate 10, fig. 42, a, b, c, d, e, gives the action of potash on the normal muscle, to a
23 S DES. T. L. BRLTXTOX AXD J. T. CASH OK CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
large extent coanteracted by lactic acid, and the subsequent passive shortening of the
muscle under the -non-balanced action of a strong solution (1 to 500) of the acid.
On the relative action of Alkalies and Alkaline Earths on Muscle. '
We cannot enter here into a full consideration of the antagonism which certain
members of these groups show with regard to the action of other members, but we
may briefly state a few of the most striking facts. Thus potassium shortens the
lengthened curves of veratria, barium (Plate 10, fig. 43), calcium, strontium, of large
doses of sodium and of lithium (Plate 10, fig. 44), and reduces the contracture which
they have caused. Sodium, which we have shown in large doses to cause a
lengthened curve with increased contraction, adds to the length of calcium and
strontium when applied in strong solutions. Barium, when it has produced its
lengthened veratria-like curve, is, however, counteracted by almost all the substances
which tend to produce a shorter curve. Thus calcium and potassium both of them
lessen its altitude, and abolish its contracture. A remarkable antagonism, however,
is that existing between rubidium and barium. The veratria-like curve which the
former has been shown to cause when in strong solution is completely reduced by
the application of a solution of barium, of such a strength as would, if applied by
itself in the first instance, have caused a similar, though more extensively varied,
curve. It is to be noted that in this antagonism, as in many others, the muscle yields
a reaction closely similar to the normal before it develops the characteristic curve
which is associated with the substance used to antagonise.
With two substances of closely-allied action we sometimes find, as in the case of
calcium and strontium, an addition of eflPect (Plate 10, fig. 45) without any reduction
having taken place. It would appear that in some cases we get the two substances
which have a similar action, at one time aiding one another, in other cases neutraUsing
one another. It is hard to say what the cause of this curious result is, and any
explanation of it must be at present entirely hypothetical. At present our data
are too limited to allow us to formulate any general rule regarding antagonism.
We may, however, mention some antagonisms which are at any rate curious.
(1) Calcium reduces the barium curve to the normal, or thereabouts, before it
causes its own peculiar form of curve.
(2) Rubidium in strong solutions has the same effect as barium in causing a veratria-
like curve.
(3) Sodium usually produces with lime, not a shortening of the curve, but an
increa.se of the after-action (contracture) which is often seen in the lithium muscle.
(4) Potash lengthens the curves of didymiura and lanthanum.
(5) Lithium Increases calcium effect, and calcium increases lithium eftect.
(6) Potassium opposes strontium.
(7) We have drawn attention to the antagonisui of baiiuni to rubidium (when tlu;
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 239
latter develops in strong solution a veratria-like curve), and also that potassium is
antagonistic to barium.
. (8) Sodium, in strong solutions, may reduce the lithium contraction before the
death of the muscle occurs.
Although we have at present considered the action of ammonia, compound ammonias,
alkalies, and alkaline earths, on voluntary muscle only, -we have made a number of
experiments v^hich seem to show that their action on involuntary muscular fibre is
very similar, e.g., barium causes a very great prolongation of systole in the Frog's heart,
just as it prolongs the contraction of voluntary niuscle. These results we intend to
investigate more fully, and hope to publish them hereafter.
All attempts to establish a relationship between atomic weight and physiological
action have hitherto failed. It may be that this failure has resulted from the lethal
activity on the organism, as a whole, having been taken into consideration, whereas
different substances may cause death by acting on different structures. We think that
by the method here pursued of investigating their relationship to one or two structures
only, and by a careful comparison of their actions, some definite connection may yet be
established, and we hope that the results which have been recorded may serve as a
contribution towards this end.
Perhaps they may also serve to throw some light on the curioiis subject of the
different reactions of different organisms to the same drug, but this also we purpose
to follow up in a further research.
We desire to acknowledge most gratefully the great kindness of Professor Ranviek,
who placed his laboratory at our disposal, and afforded us every facility for carrying
out there the experiments on warm-blooded a,nimals, and also on unpithed Frogs,
which are rendered so difficult in this country by the present state of the law.
Explanation of Figures.
PLATE 8.
The figures represent the curves obtained by registering the contraction of the
gastrocnemius of the Frog {Rana Temporaria) on a revolving cylinder.
Fig. 1. Frog poisoned by 1 droja 10 percent, solution of dimethyl-ammonium chloride.
a. Ligatured leg. 5^ tetanus, direct stimulation of gastrocnemius.
b. Ditto. Indirect stimulation.
c. Poisoned leg. Direct stimulation.
d. Ditto. Indirect stimulation.
240 DES. T. L. BEUXTOiSr AND J. T, CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
Fig. 2. Frog poisoned by tetraniethyl-amaionium iodide.
a. Ligatured leg. Ten stimulations* (direct) of gastrocnemius, one stimu-
lation every 1'5'.
b. Poisoned leg. Ditto.
Fig. 3. Frog poisoned by large dose ("2 grm.) amyl-ammonlum iodide.
a. Ligatured leg. Ten stimulations (direct) of gastrocnemius, one stimula-
tion every l•5^
b. Poisoned leg. Ditto.
c. Poisoned leg. Single curve, indLrect stimulation.
Fig. 4. Frog poisoned by trimethyl-ammonium iodide.
a. Ligatured leg. Ten stimulations (direct) of gastrocnemius ; curves of
direct and indirect stimulation are equal ; one stimulation
every 1'5".
b. Poisoned leg. Ditto. Direct stimulation.
c. Poisoned leg. Ditto. Indirect stimulation.
Fig. 5. Frogs poisoned by tetraethyl-ammonium iodide.
a. Ligatured leg. Single stimulation of gastrocnemius (direct).
b. Poisoned leg. Ditto. The nerve is no longer irritable.
c. Case of profound poisoning. Direct stimulation of gastrocnemius.
Fig. 6. Frog poisoned by dimethyl-ammonium sulphate ('25 grm.).
a. Ligatured leg. Direct and indirect stimulation.
b. Poisoned leg. Direct stimulation. Nerve no longer irritable.
Fig. 7. Frog slightly poisoned by trimethyl-ammonium sulphate ('1 grm.).
a. Ligatured leg. Tetanus 5^*, direct stimulation.
b. Ligatured leg. Ditto, indirect stimulation.
c. Poisoned leg. Tetanus .5', direct stimulation.
cl. Poisoned leg. Ditto, indirect stimulation.
Fig. 8. a. Normal gastrocnemius, Direct stimulation.
b. Ditto. After 5"" in 1 per cent, chloride of rubidium solution.
c. Ditto. After 15™ in '75 per cent, chloride of calcium solution.
Fig. 0. a. Normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
b. Ditto. After 20™ in I-l 000 chloride of ammonium solution.
Fig. 10. a. Normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
b. Ditto. After 30'" in 2 per cent, solution chlorides of sodium.
c. Ditto. After 45'" in ditto.
Fig. 11. Frog poisoned by "02 grm. chloride of ctesium.
a. Ligatured leg. Direct stimulation.
h. Poisoned leg. Ditto.
Fig. 1 2. a. Normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation .
b. Ditto. After 15'" in i percent, chloride of amnion In m.
• All single HtiiimliitiouH ai'o by an opening maximul iiiiliicl.lnri slicjck.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIOK, AND ANTAGONISM. 241
Fig. 13. a. Normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
h. Ditto. After 30"' in -33 per cent, chloride of lithium.
Fig. 14. a. Normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
h. Ditto. After 30™ in '1 per cent, chloride of potassium.
c. Ditto. After 30™ in "15 per cent, ditto.
Fig. 15. a. Normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
h. Ditto. After 30'" in "25 per cent, chloride of barium.
c. Ditto. After 45™ in ditto.
d. Ditto. After 15™ in "25 per cent, chloride of potassium.
Fig. 16. Frog poisoned by chloride of erbium (slow action of drug).
a. Ligatured leg. Direct stimulation.
h. Poisoned leg. Direct and indirect stimulation give equal contractions.
Fig. 17. Frog poisoned by chloride of lanthanum.
a. Ligatured leg. Indirect stimulation.
h. Poisoned leg. Indirect stimulation.
Fig. 18. Frog poisoned by chloride of yttrium (slow action of drug).
a. Ligatured leg. Indirect stimulation.
h. Poisoned leg. Ditto.
Fig. 19. Frog poisoned by '35 grm. calcium chloride.
a. Ligatured leg. Indirect and Direct stimulation give equal contractions.
h. Poisoned leg. Indirect stimulation.
c. Ditto. Direct stimulation.
PLATE 9.
Fig. 20. a. Normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
h. Ditto. After 20™ in 1 per cent, chloride of didymium.
Fig. 21. a. Normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
h. Ditto. After 30™ in '2 per cent, chloride of strontium.
c. Ditto. After 15™ in "5 per cent, ditto.
Fig. 22. a. Normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
h. Ditto. After 20™ in 1 per cent, chloride of beryllium,
Fig. 23. Frog poisoned by beryllium chloride ('02 grm.).
a. Ligatured leg. Tetanus of gastrocnemius, direct stimulation.
h. Poisoned leg. Ditto. Secondary coil at 2 cm. Indirect stimulation of
the poisoned muscle did not yield any contraction.
Fig. 24. Action of heat and cold on the barium curve,
a. Normal gastrocnemivis. Direct stimulation, at room temperature 13° C.
h. Ditto. After 15™ in "25 per cent, chloride of barium solution. Tempera-
ture 13° C,
MDCCCLXXXIV, 2 I
c.
Ditto.
Application of
to 8'^
•5C.
d.
Ditto.
Heat to 18° C.
e.
Ditto.
Heat to 20° C.
f.
Ditto.
Heat to 30° C.
9-
Ditto.
Cool to 14° C.
DRS. T. L. BRUXTON- AXD J. T. CASH OX CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION,
barium solution continued. Kept for 15'", cooled
Reappearance of veratria-like curve.
The veratria-like curve disappears.
There is no return to the veratria-like curve. A
simple prolonged contraction persists.
Fig. 2.5. Action of soda on contracting muscle. Solution of 1-2000 admitted at X.
Stimulation every 2^
Fig. 26. a. Action of soda, 1-4000, on contracting curarised muscle. Solution
admitted at X .
6. Same muscle after exposure to lactic acid, 1-4000, for 40"\ Stimulation
every 2', direct.
Fig. 27. a. Action of soda, 1-5000, on contracting curarised muscle. Solution
admitted at X .
h. Lactic acid, 1-5000, has acted 1'" on muscle.
c. Ditto, has acted 5™ on muscle. Stimulation every 2', direct.
Fig. 28. a. Normal gastrocnemius. One ojsening and one closing stimulation every 4'.
h. After GO™ circulation of lactic acid through aorta, 1-8000, stimulation
causes fibrillation and shortening of muscle.
c. After 30"' circulation of soda, 1-6000, the strength of contraction, vidiich
had been diminished under acid, is restored ; fibrillation has ceased.
Fig. 29. a. Normal gastrocnemius. One opening and one closing stimulation every 4'.
b. Taken after circulation for 10™ of 1-20,000 alkaline solution.
c. Taken after circulation for 30™ of 1 -10,000 acid solution.
Y\". 30. Tracing from gastrocnemius of Cat. One opening and one closing stimulation
every 4'. The solution, heated to 38° C, was circulated under pressure
through the femoral arter}^, and alloM^ed to escape by the femoral vein.
The rest of the limb, with the exception of the sciatic nerve, which was
exposed for stimulatioji, was ligatured. A weight of 40 grms. was
applied 2"" before each tracing was taken. Abscisse constant.
a. Normal contractions.
h. Alkali, 1-20,000, has circidated 10™.
(-. Acid, 1-10,000, lias circulated GO™.
d. Alkali, as before, 20™.
e. Ditto, GO'". Fl(nv from venous canula very slow and weak.
Fig. 31. Action of alkali and acid upon resting muscle (curarised). At the first five
points indicated by X, soda solution, 1-3000, is supplied to muscle in
cylinder. At the last six points indicated by a X, lactic acid, 1-1000,
is supplied. The action of the soda was for 47-5™ ; tliat of the acid for
42™. Cliange of alkali tu acid, or vice versd, in all cases shown by
double-headed arrow.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION, AND ANTAGONISM. 243
Fig. 32. Action of caustic potash, 1-3000, for 43™, succeeded by action of lactic acid,-
1-1000 for 42™.
Fig. 33. Caustic soda, 1-2500, once renewed in 25™, succeeded by action of lactic acid,
L-500, once renewed in 25™.
Fig. 34. Curarised gastrocnemius. Caustic soda, 1-4000, twice renewed in 33™, suc-
ceeded by action of lactic acid, 1-1500, once renewed in 25™. '
Fig. 35. Curarised gastrocnemius. Caustic potash, 1-6000, thrice renewed in 46™,
succeeded by lactic acid, 1-1500, twice renewed in 28™.
Fig. 36. Curarised gastrocnemius. Lactic acid, 1-1000, four times renewed in 37™,
succeeded by caustic potash, 1-2500, once renewed in 34™.
Fig. 37. Action of caustic potash, 1-2500, twice renewed for 13™, succeeded by action
of lactic acid (1-500) for 18™, and this by action of caustic potash for
17-5™.
Fig. 38. Action of caustic potash, 1-4000, for 20™, succeeded by lactic acid, 1-1000,
48™. The muscle is subjected to maximal stimulation before the change
of each solution.
1. Contraction of normal muscle.
2, 3. Contractions of alkali muscle.
4, 5, 6, and 7. Contractions of acid muscle.
Fig. 39. Action of potash, 1-1500, for 18™, succeeded by lactic acid, 1-500, for 24"'.
1. Contraiction of normal muscle.
2, 3, 4. Contractions of alkali muscle.
5, 'j, 7. Contractions of acid muscle.
PLATE 10.
Fig. 40. a. Curve of noi-mal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
b. Ditto. After 10™ in soda solution, 1-3000.
c. Ditto. After 20™ in ditto.
Fig. 41. a. Curve of normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
h. Ditto. After 15™ in lactic acid solution, 1-2500.
c. Ditto. After 30™ in ditto.
Fig. 42. a. Curve of normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
b. Ditto. After 15™ in potash solution, 1-4000.
c. Ditto. After 15™ iii lactic acid solution, 1-500.
d. Ditto. After 30™ in ditto.
e. Ditto. After 45™ in ditto.
244 DRS. T. L. BKUNTOX AND J. T. CASH ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUTION.
Fig. 43. a. Curve of gastrocnemius which has been 20" in barium chloride sohition,
1-600.
b. Ditto. After 15"° in chloride of potash solution, 1-600.
c. Ditto. After 30" in ditto.
Fig. 44. a. Curve of gastrocnemius which has been 80" in chloride of lithium solu-
tion, 1-300.
h. Ditto. After 15" in chloride of sodium solution, 75 per cent.
c. Ditto. After 30" in ditto.
d. Ditto. After 15" in chloride of potassium solution, 1-800.
Fig. 45. a. Curve of normal gastrocnemius. Direct stimulation.
b. Ditto. After 30" in chloride of strontium sohition, 1-150.
c. Ditto. After 15" in chloride of calcium solution, 1-150,
Diagrams of muscle chamber, A and B.
a. a. Influx and efllux tubes for solutions.
b. Vulcanite Ud cemented into cork which closes the upjjer end of the chamber.
c. Sliding clamp which fixes the femur moved by milled-headed screw (d).
e. Clamp for carrying wire for direct stimulation. The second connexion is made
through the coiled wire (/), terminating in a hook (gr) which passes through
the tendon of the muscle.
h. Electrodes for stimulation of the nerve.
i. Metal cap closing central opening in stojjper.
h. Accessory escape or oU tube.
I. Tube with hour-glass contraction, tlirough which thread connecting tendon and
lever works.
iribiiton, & Cash.
WODouiU Vibrati-one per 1"
Fiq; 2-4- and, 15.
Bid. T}'ans.lSS^. Hate 8,
It./
wo D. V. per I '
'B'est-Nevmia.Tii C?
Srvuvtorv & Cash
100 D. V. per I ■
Phil. Tram. 18 8 4- . Plate 9 .
WestNavrautai: C ILtti.
^riuiterv Sc ComK.
100 D. V. joef :
Fig? 40-4-5.
Phil. Tram. iSS^. Plate 10.
Drawing of closed Miuscle. CKsmha-.
\vith Lever in. collection,.
For ex-piccnoction of Fiqvures , see Uxt
Bia^rcumoutic SecUorv of closed-
Muscle. Chamher { longitwcUncd )
For expLcuzoUioTv of Fiofwr&s see U,oo.t.
B
West Newman 4 C? litk.
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