This experimental study was undertaken for the purpose of explaining certain apparent contradictions in the deductions drawn from experimental work on the development of symptoms and the cause of death in intestinal obstruction. Although a toxin has not been demonstrated in the blood, most observers believe that symptoms and death are the result of a toxemia. The source of the toxin and its physical and chemical properties have not been agreed on, and the manner by which the toxin is taken into the body has not been made clear. Without attempting an extensive review of the literature, the views held by certain recent workers will be briefly stated. Murphy and Vincent1(1911) from experiments on cats, believe that symptoms and death in intestinal obstruction were the result of the elaboration and absorption of a toxic substance from the obstructed intestine. The toxic substance was believed to be a non-soluble