Aga
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The Aga (Bufo marinus) is a large toad native to Central and South America known for its toxic skin secretions used by indigenous peoples for poisoning arrows. The article describes its physical characteristics, defensive behaviors, and the toxic effects of its venom, including an adrenaline-like substance and eye irritation.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
AGA, Bufo marinus L., a toad widely distributed in South and Central America, the largest of all tailless amphibians (up to 12-25 cm and more). In rainy weather, it crawls inside houses. For defense, it ejects a stream of watery fluid from its bladder. The natives of South America use the secretion of the skin glands of these toads to poison arrows. One of the active principles of the poison possesses the properties of adrenaline, but is not identical to it. In the eye, the poison causes conjunctivitis and periscleritis.
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Cite this page
“Aga.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/aga/