Covacevich and Wombey (1976) showed that the small-scaled snake (Parademansia microlepidotus) was taxonomically distinct and geographically removed from the taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus). BROAD et al. (in press) demonstrated by two-directional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis that venom from the two snakes had characteristically distinct electrophoretograms. Toxicity studies with venom from P. microlepidotus showed it was considerably more toxic than any other Australian snake venom (SUTHERLAND et al., 1978; BROAD et al., in press). It was decided therefore to determine the exact toxicity status of P. microlepidotus venom relative to other toxic terrestrial snake venoms. A literature survey could not locate a comprehensive and statistically sound study of the toxicities of the major Australian elapid venoms. The work of BAXTER and GALLICHIO (1976) on tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) venom was reproducible. Unfortunately, most other studies merely reinforced the views expressed by RUSSELL (1966) that little uniformity exists between laboratories when parameters for toxicity studies are being selected. An exhaustive toxicity study was therefore commenced on 25 snake venoms including venoms from some foreign snakes. The whole comparative study was conducted in one laboratory with rigorously controlled conditions.