52

Scientific Memoirs by

less than that yielded by cobras of corresponding size, the average weight of
dried venom obtainable on each occasion being only 0.0498 gramme, whilst the
average for cobras is 0.245 gramme.

     Experiment LXXI. —11-42 A.M. A fowl received a subcutaneous injec-
tion of 0.001 gramme of dried venom in 1 c.c. of distilled water.

     It appeared to be rather dull for some time, but no other symptoms of any
kind presented themselves.

     Experiment LXXII. —11-40 A.M. A fowl received an injection of 0.003
gramme of dried venom in 3 c.c. of distilled water.

     No symptoms, save a certain degree of drowsiness, ensued.

     Experiment LXXIII. —10-53 A.M. A fowl received a subcutaneous injec-
tion of 0.005 gramme of dried venom in 5 c.c. of distilled water.

     No appreciable symptoms indicative of any specific action occurred.

     Experiment LXXIV. —11-12 A.M. A fowl received a subcutaneous injec-
tion of 0.01 gramme of dried venom in 1 c.c. of distilled water.

     11-50 A.M. Apparently slightly drowsy and occasionally making conspicious swal-
lowing movements.

     11-55 A.M. Inspiratory mandibular gaping beginning to appear.

     12 Noon. The head beginning to droop forward so that presently, during the inter-
vals between each inspiration, the tip of the beak rested on the floor
of the cage.

     12-20 Noon. The characteristic specific symptoms of intoxication by cobra-venom
well developed. The eyes occasionally closing; respirations deep
and laboured, with elevation of the head and mandibular gaping at
each inspiration.

     1 P.M. Symptoms gradually becoming more profound. The eyes permanently
closed and the tip of the beak resting on the floor of the cage.

     7-45 P.M. Death occurred.

     Experiment LXXV —10-41 A.M. A fowl received a subcutaneous injection
of 0.1 gramme of dried venom in 1 c.c. of distilled water.

     11-1 A.M. Profoundly affected. The tip of the beak resting on the floor of the cage
between each deep, laboured respiration. Inspiration accompanied
by elevation of the head and mandibular gaping; eyes permanently
closed.

     11-20 A.M. General convulsions; comb and wattles extremely livid.

     11-45 A.M. Dead. The heart continued acting violently for some considerable time
after the cessation of respiration. The blood was at first of ex-
tremely dark colour but slowly brightened on exposure to air. It
coagulated rapidly and firmly.

     According to the above data the venom of Bungarus fasciatus would
appear to be practically equivalent to very feeble cobra-venom of which the
minimal lethal dose for fowls of 1 kilo in weight is approximately 0.01
gramme in place of 0.00025 or 0.0005 gramme as that of normal cobra-venom is.