# The Zoologist/4th series, vol 6 (1902)/Issue 735/Editorial Gleanings

Published in The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6, issue 735, September 1902, p. 359–360
EDITORIAL GLEANINGS.
We have extracted the two following paragraphs from the 'Pharmaceutical Journal' of August 16th:—
Spider Poison.—R. Kobert has investigated the debated question as to whether indigenous German spiders are poisonous to higher animals and men. He finds that the introduced species (Chiracanthium nutrix), particularly the female, which bites when disturbed, is toxic. A case occurred in which the bite of one of these spiders was followed by a rigor, and the wound subsequently suppurated. The native Epeira diadema is also poisonous. Of the juice of the whole spider, one milligramme injected into a cat occasioned death. Probably the fluid secreted by the poison glands alone would be much more toxic. The poison appears to be a soluble albuminoid. Sachs has extracted the poison by macerating the Epeiras in toluol water containing 10 per cent, of salt. By this means he has isolated very active hæmolysin, which disintegrates the blood corpuscles of man and animals at ordinary temperatures. It appears to be a toxin.—Pharm. Centralh.
Toad Poison.—C. Phisalix and G. Bertrand have succeeded in isolating two toxic principles from the parotid gland and skin of the Common Toad (Bufo vulgaris). Of these bufotaline, C$_{119}$H$_{171}$O$_{25}$, occurs as a transparent resin, very soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and acetone; less soluble in ether, and almost insoluble in petroleum ether or in carbon disulphide. It is precipitated from alcoholic solution on the addition of water, forming an emulsion, which is redissolved on further adding a large volume of water. Although very dilute, the solution thus obtained is extremely toxic to Frogs. It acts on the heart, and does not affect the nervous system. Applied to the tongue, it has a bitter taste, and gives rise to a peculiar and very persistent sensation. It is obtained by squeezing the parotid glands of the animals under water.—Comptes rend.
The investigation into the connection between Mosquitoes and fever, especially in West Africa, is still being pursued with activity. Lieut.-Colonel A.H. Morris, D.S.O., now in charge of the Northern Territories of the Gold Coast, has made a report to the Colonial Office on the subject, of which the following is an extract:—
"Now that so much attention is being paid to Dr. Ross's anti-Mosquito campaign in West Africa, it may be perhaps of interest to mention our efforts in this direction in Gambaga.
"Following out the instructions for the prevention of malarial fever published by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, I caused all holes that might contain puddles, and so become breeding grounds ​for the Anopheles Mosquito, to be filled up. Some hollows in rocks were discovered containing about 18 in. of water filled with thousands of larvæ.
"The Hausas' and Carriers' lines were inspected twice a week, in order to ensure no stagnant water being allowed to remain in old pots or tins. The general result has been an immense reduction in the number of Mosquitoes. With regard to my own quarters, in addition to taking these sanitary measures, I had every Mosquito killed so far as possible as soon as it appeared. The result of this was that my own house was nearly free from Mosquitoes, and I have only had half a day's fever during my time in Gambaga (nearly ten months). Whether this immunity has been due to the absence of the Mosquito, I do not venture to say."
From East Africa the same excellent testimony arrives. Eeports by various administrative officers are appended by Mr. Sharpe in his report on the British Central African Protectorate. That of the chief medical officer describes malaria amongst the Europeans as decreasing on account of their care to protect themselves against Mosquito "bites."
The Sea-serpent has again been sighted, this time on the Australian coast, by the captain of the steamer 'Chillagoe,' belonging to the Howard Smith Line (Melbourne). The 'Chillagoe' arrived at Sydney (N.S.W.), on July 13th, from Port Pirie (South Australia) direct, and Capt. W. Firth supplied the fullowing particulars:—"On the passage from Port Pirie to Sydney, when off Ram Head, a monster serpent was seen by several members of the crew. Desiring to get a good view of this monster, the ship's course was altered. Closer inspection proved it to be an immense serpent of, as far as could be judged, from 30 ft. to 35 ft., with four dorsal fins about 6 ft. apart, standing about 4 ft. or 5 ft. high. The head resembled that of a Seal, only it was much larger, being about 2 ft. in diameter. When the ship approached to within 100 yards of the monster, it raised its head, looked at the vessel, and disappeared. It was seen by myself, the second officer, and several others. All agree that it resembled the serpent seen by those on board the 'Princess,' illustrated in the 'Strand Magazine,' the only visible difference being the fins, which seemed more angular than those in the 'Magazine.' The body of the serpent did not appear above the water, but it must have been of immense size."
[The above has appeared in the daily papers, and is here inserted without comment. It is necessary that these narratives should be collected.—Ed.]
Correction.—Ante, p. 319, twelfth line from bottom of page, for "exclusively" read "extensively."
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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