The modes of action of toxic agents I. Observations on the poisoning of certain crustaceans by copper and mercury

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Abstract
Reports of recent attempts to discover how copper and mercury act as poisons to crustaceans are to be found in papers by Clarke (1947), Pyefinch & Mott (1948), Barnes & Stanbury (1948), Hoffmann (1950) and Russell Hunter (1950). Most of the evidence obtained has been interpreted in the light of two general theories (cf. Pyefinch & Mott, 1948). One is that these poisons exert their toxic effects by inactivating vital processes which occur at the animal's surface: the other is that they are absorbed by the animal and act internally by inhibiting metabolic changes. However, conclusive evidence supporting or excluding either possibility has yet to be obtained.