1. _Chloroform._--My observations with regard to the distribution
of nerves in Sarsia led me to investigate the order in which these
connections are destroyed, or temporarily impaired, by anæsthetics.
The results, I think, are worth recording. In Sarsia the following
phases always mark the progress of anæsthesia by chloroform, etc.--1.
Spontaneity ceases. 2. On now nipping a tentacle, pulling the
manubrium, or irritating the bell, a _single_ locomotor contraction
is given in answer to every stimulation. (In the unanæsthesiated
animal a _series_ of such contractions would be the result of such
stimulation.) 3. After locomotor contractions can no longer be
elicited by stimuli, nipping a tentacle or the margin of the bell has
the effect of causing the manubrium to contract. 4. After stimulation
of any part of the nectocalyx (including tentacles) fails to produce
response in any part of the organism, the manubrium will continue its
response to stimuli applied directly to itself.
2. _Nitrite of Amyl._--On Sarsia the effect of this agent is much
the same as that of chloroform--the description just given being
quite as applicable to the affects of the nitrite as to those of
chloroform. Before the loss of spontaneity supervenes, the rate of
the rhythm is increased, while the strength of the pulsations is
diminished.
Tiaropsis diademata, from the fact of its presenting a very regular
rhythm and being but of small size, is a particularly suitable
species upon which to conduct many experiments relating to the effect
of poisons. On this species the nitrite in appropriate (_i.e._ in
very small) doses first causes irregularity and enfeeblement of
the contractions, together with quickening of the rhythm. After a
short time, a gradual cessation of the swimming motions becomes
apparent--these motions dying out more gradually, for example, than
they do under the influence of chloroform. Eventually each pulsation
is marked only by a slight contraction of the muscular tissue in the
immediate neighbourhood of the margin. If the dose has been stronger,
however, well-marked spasmodic contractions come on and obliterate
such gradual working of the poison. In all cases irritability of all
parts of the animal persists for a long time after entire cessation
of spontaneous movements--perhaps for three or four minutes in not
over-poisoned animals; but eventually it too disappears. On being now
transferred to normal sea-water, the process of recovery is slower
than it is after anæsthesiation by chloroform. It is interesting,
moreover, to observe, that just as the power of co-ordination was the
first thing to be affected by the nitrite, so it is the last thing
to return during recovery.
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