The Toxicity of Caffein: An Experimental Study on Different Species of Animals

A scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work presents a detailed investigation into the toxic effects of caffeine across various animal species, exploring the different reactions and metabolic responses observed in each. The study aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of caffeine toxicity, which has significance in pharmacology and potential impacts on food and drug legislation. The opening of the study provides a thorough introduction to the field of comparative physiology, illuminating the varying physiological processes among different animal species, particularly in response to toxic substances like caffeine. Salant and Rieger reference historical literature on caffeine's effects, illustrating its complex interactions with metabolism and emphasizing significant variances in toxicity across rabbits, guineas pigs, and other examined animals. The manuscript sets the stage for subsequent experimental sections, highlighting both the methodical approach taken to assess caffeine's lethality and the intricacies of interpreting the results in light of individual animal variabilities.