CERTAIN OXALIC BASES—OXALMETHYLINE—OXALPROPYLINE.

§ 706. Hugh Schulz [699] and Mayer have contributed the results of some important researches bearing upon a more exact knowledge of the effects of the oxalic group of poisons, and upon the relation between chemical constitution and physiological effects. They experimented upon oxalmethyline, chloroxalmethyline, and oxalpropyline.

[699] Beitrag zur Kenntniss der Wirkung der Oxalbasen auf den Thierkörper. Arch. f. exper. Path. u Pharm., 1882.

Chloroxalmethyline (C₆H₅ClN₂) is a liquid, boiling at 205°, with a weakly narcotic smell. A solution of the hydrochlorate of the base was employed. Subcutaneous injections of ·05 grm. into frogs caused narcosis, and both this and the ethylic compound deranged the heart’s action, decreasing the number of beats. Thus ·05 grm. decreased the number of the beats of the heart of a frog in the course of one and three-quarter hours as follows: 72, 60, 56, 50, 44, 40, 35, 0.

Oxalmethyline produces somewhat similar symptoms, but the nervous system is more affected than in that which contains chlorine.

Oxalpropyline also causes narcosis, and afterwards paralysis of the hinder extremities and slowing of the heart.

The difference between the chlorine-free and the chlorine-containing oxalic bases are summarised as follows:—

FROGS.
Chlorine-Holding Bases.	Chlorine-Free Bases.
Notable narcosis; no heightened reflex action, muscular cramps, nor spontaneous convulsions.	Narcosis occurs late, and is little pronounced; a notable increase of reflex excitability; more and more muscular paralysis; between times, muscular cramps.
CATS.
Notable narcosis and salivation; no mydriasis; convulsions and paralysis; no change in the respirations.	Great excitement; general shivering, rising to pure clonic convulsions; paralysis of the hind legs; notable mydriasis, jerking, and superficial respiration; weak narcosis.
DOGS.
Notable narcosis; occasional vomiting; the rest as in cats.	Narcosis evident; the rest as in cats.