The Action of Medicines in the System

tions, and show in what manner they are applicable to special cases,-and to enter into certain details respecting the more important remedies, which have not been attempted as yet. Of many of the

urface; a continuance in the system; and a passage out of the system. In the first place a medicine touches the mucous surface of the alimentary canal; here some few evidence their action. From this, if in any way soluble, it passes into the blood. Here it may act on the blood, being H?matic. Or it may employ the blood merely as a means of transit, and direct itself towards nerve or muscular fibre, being Neur

moment. Thus Mercury is, in the first place, a Catalytic H?matic; in the second place, an Eliminative. Creosote is firstly a general Sedative, secondly an Astringent. Antimo

LIVE

v. I. Ord.

arked or peculiar power over the progress of this disorder. When administered in favourable cases it seems not only to have the power of fattening the patient, but to be able also to combat and cure the disease itself, arresting or retarding the tubercular deposit. Sometimes it is unable to do this; but in all cases of

epting fats and oils, are liable to this change. Cod-liver oil is assimilated to the tissues, and there seems to be something in it which not only renders it more easy to assimilate than other oils, but which further endows it with a special influence

owing. Being itself an animal product, it is for that reason more easy of assimilation than a vegetable oil.

place. Cod-oil contains 7? parts in 100,000 of Phosphorus. Dr. Thompson supposes that its efficacy may be partly owing to this. He has made trial of Phosphuretted Almond-oil, containing one grain of Phosphorus to the pint. He suggests that this Phosphorus may be of use in diverting some of the Oxygen from the tissues. This is to adopt Liebig's theory of the excess of Oxygen in Phthisis; an idea

o small in amount to be of service in this way. If any thing were thus needed as a

being digested, absorbed and assimilated to the adipose tissues of the human body. It contains Iodine and Bromine, which are useful as Alteratives or blood medicines, both in Phthisis and Scrofula. Their proportion will not seem so small when the large dose of t

t inconvenience, but the patient is not fattened, nor is his condition in the least improved by it. In such incurable conditions it is probable that there is often an organic disease of the Pancreas, or a failure in the function of that gland. For it appears that the absorption of fats is effected by mean

de of Iron, in scrofulous cases. Two grains of this may be dis

URIC

iv. I. Ord

. I. Astringen

d. If in small quantity, it is neutralized by the slight excess of alkali in the blood; if in larger amount, it may exceed this alkali, and displace and set free other acids in the blood, combining with their bases on account

that it is itself excreted in the urine, though it may cause an excess of other acids in that secretion. On this point Dr. Bence Jones has made some careful experiments. (Anim. Chem., p. 75.) He finds that Sulphuric Acid does not pass off in the urine, either free or in combination, except when given in great quantity. Now it is found that Sulphuric Acid is of grea

e absorption it is an Astringent to the surface of the stomach; after and during excretion, to the surface of the bowels. It is useful chemically in alkaline Pyrosis. Its astringent property explains its utility in acid dyspepsia, which appears at

of the fibres of the voluntary muscles. But it is chiefly on account of its anti-dyspeptic agency,

he secretion of the skin. Probably there also eliminated in a

rom all the mucous surfaces. It is very useful in diarrh?a. (Vide p. 294.) Being a special Astringent to the intestinal mucous surface,

TA

v. I. Ord.

II. Ord. I. An

II. Ord. III.

Ord. VI.

vely simple in nature, and easy to comprehend. In the solid state it is powerfully caustic and corrosive, havi

gastric juice, or, what is more probable, it becomes absorbed too rapidly to be neutralized by it. It passes then into the blood, and probably exists in that l

s with the excess of acid which exists in the gastric secretion, and probably also in the blood. For the same reason it is useful in some cutaneous diseases that are c

y the kidneys, and by their agency we may render the urine neutral or alkaline, and thus counteract a tendency to lithic deposits

ine alkaline. M. W?hler, who has discovered this fact, finds that it does not occur with the super-salts.

lkali. By dissolving Fibrine, it tends to prevent its deposition from the blood. It thus interferes with the inflammatory process, and acts as a general Antiphlogistic. It is possibly by a similar action that it seems able to counteract the deposit of crude tubercle, and e

tem. But the fact that Citric acid is at least of equal utility in the treatment of scorbutic diseases, would seem to be opposed to such an idea. When give

IN

v. I. Ord.

ious character, its precise mode of action is enveloped in no small degree of doubt a

its action differ widely from those of a Catalytic H?matic. It produces no marked effect upon the system in health. Its operation consists in the cure of general debility, however produced, and in the prevention of pe

likewise a usual accompaniment of the various forms of debility, and occurs in intermittent, remittent, typhoid, and yellow fevers; in each of which this medicine has been recommended, and used with advantage.

the intestinal canal. One of these, Taurine, has been shown to be chemically analogous to Quinine. Thus it seems to me to be not improbable that this alkaloid may be of service in these disorders by supplying the place in the blood

na) is the preparation of the alk

n an intermittent or periodic type. The chief of these is Ague, or Intermittent Fever. It is perhaps easier to arrest the disorder by Quinine than by Arsenic; for Quinine may be given in large doses, which cannot be done with Arsenic. But the administration of the latter may be continued during the paroxysm, when the great febrile reaction forbids the use of the other. The dose of Quinine is apt to disagree with an irritable stomac

rritate a full stomach. And when it is thought proper to give it to a patient in fever, a small dose of Tartar Emetic or Ipecacuanha shou

rated by the stomach when the dose

reat service in feeble and relaxed conditions,

R

. I. Ord. V.

Chalybeates, that the action of Iron

in the blood is of vital importance. It is contained in the red globules of the blood. When it is diminished in quantity, the number of these red globules is lessened in the same proportion. T

a remedy. The blood has been analyzed before its use, and found to contain a smaller quantity of H?matosin and fewer red globules than in h

ncer, Chorea, Hysteria, and other disorders, when these are attended with

the system, and enters into the composition o

ulphate and Sesquichloride may, by their topical action o

light, and good living. In other disorders a combination of drugs is frequently of use. In chronic Ague, and in many cases of debility, Iron and Bark may be given together. Iron and Aloetic purges may be prescribed in Chlorosis and Amenorrh?a. A mild purgative should be occasionally given in all cases in w

IMO

II. Ord. I. An

II. Ord. II. Sed

rd. II. Exp

Ord. V. Di

three distinct varieties of action. The first of the terms which are applied to it above implies that it has a Catalytic action in the blood. As

the inflammatory process by an action in the blood. In this sense it is applicable to Antimony; a

simply a mild Antiphlogistic and Eliminative. It tends to increase all secretions, but particularly the exhalation from the skin and lungs, independently of the production of nausea (P. 324,) a symptom which is not brought on by a small dose. It is probable that a diaphoretic dos

agus nerve, it produces first the state called nausea, and afterwards vomiting. The most important symptom in this nausea, and in the state of system which succeeds the vomi

t; and in the slow breathing a similar action upon the nerves of the lungs. But it may be objected that the production of vomiting is not a sedative action, for we know that the same symptom may be caused by a mere external stimulant. And yet there are several reasons which have induced me to conclude that this also is a sedative action. It would be inconsistent to suppose that Antimony could be a Sedative in producing nausea, and a Stimulant in causing vomiting. We have already noticed that a Sedative medicine may affect nervous force in either of two ways; it may derange it, or it may depres

iminished, the fever is allayed; and the active congestion of the vascular system, whether local or general, which was produced by the inflammation, and maintaine

ses it is preferable to Mercury,-which is a simple Antiphlogistic, acting in the blood, and having no operation on nerve. It is thus indispensable in Croup. It is very efficacious in sthenic Pneumonia. Laennec speaks highly of i

ded that it should be given in this way in inflammations. He considered the production of vomiting unadvisable; for by that act the system is temporarily excited, and a large quantity of the me

cuate the stomach, as in a case of poisoning, an irritant emetic, as Mustard or Sulphate of Zinc, which acts at once without producing nausea, should be preferred, for three reasons. Its operation is more rapid. The distressing condition of nausea would be an aggravation of the exis

is Diaphoretic; but in large doses it may cause copious sweating, by favouring the absorption of fluid into the blood, and dilating the capillaries and pores of the sudorific glands. In inflammatory habits a small addition of Tartar Emetic forms a powerful adjunct to a purgative dose; for by it the ab

pting its blood-action. It is less potent as a Neurotic; less efficacious as a Dia

RC

II. Ord. I. An

II. Ord. II. A

Ord. III.

Ord. IV.

xide. Calomel is an insoluble Chloride of Mercury. From the great similarity that exists between the action of these two it seems likely that they are reduced by the gastri

ts solubility. The dose required is smaller, for it is much more powerful. It is also much more irritant, being in large doses a corrosive poison, and often produ

act inflammation in general, and the poisons of Syphilis in particu

and counteract effusion; but, from its nature, the action of Mercury is slower than that of the others, and for the same reason more lasting. To produce this action on the blood, the Mercurial should be continued until some effect on the mouth is perceived, but not so as to cause copious salivation. This symptom is a sign that the blood is sufficiently saturated with the medicine. This point will be sooner reached if the Mercury be conjoined with Opium, so as to prevent it from passing out directly by the bowels. Any ill result is less likely to occur i

cept where there is deep-rooted scrofula, or marked debility, or a sloughing and irregular condition of the primary sore. (Dr. Pe

ecially on the secretions of the skin and pulmonary membrane, Mercury tends particularly to excite the functions of the liver and bowels, being Cathartic and Cholagogue. Of its true eliminative action we have better pr

, debility, Gout, Rheumatism, and Scrofula, small doses of Mercury are often of service. I have endeavoured to show (p. 143) that in these cases they may prove indirec

stimulate the formation of the Pancreatic secretion, which is similar in nature to the saliva. By doing so they may assist the absorption of the fatty mat

ions. In cases of hepatic dropsy it helps the action of Diuretics, and tends t

ting the capillary vessels. I have already stated my reasons for dissenting from this notion. (p. 163.) The same author denies the specific action of Mercury in Syphilis. But if we only admit that there is no other medicine that will cure primary Syphilis so well as Mercury,

t cholera. Calomel is naturally an insoluble substance; and in these cases the function of absorption is at the very lowest ebb; so that it is probable that the large doses are often left

DI

II. Ord. II. A

II. Ord. III.

alt. The peculiar virtues of Iodine are not impaired, but rather improved, by its chemical combination with the alkali. And when we ad

ng the blood. It sometimes produces a vesicular eruption on the skin, and causes

fula. Iodine is not, like Mercury, a general Antiphlogistic; but it is a stimulator of the function of absorption, as are all the medicines that tend to impoverish the blood. This action in

s, as Rupia. Sometimes it even fails in these. This is generally when the primary disorder has not been met by Mercury. Some preparation of Mercury should then be administered for awhile;

but it is certain that there is often, in cases of confirmed Syphilis, a cachexy similar to that produced by Scrofula. In either disorder, when t

was this medicine used by the Swiss practitioners after its first discovery, that serious consequences, as the absorption of the mamm? or the testes of healthy individuals, are said to have ensued in several cases. By these mishaps their faith in its util

system. It probably counteracts morbid operations in some way that we do not understand. It is one of those medicines which tend to increase secretion in general. It appears to act most upon the urine, but is

ents, as it sometimes acts as an irritant. When the stomach is irritable, i

All scrofulous affections, whether of the glands, joints, liver, or other parts, are more or less benefited by the use of Iodine. Iodine has been us

nds, closely resemble the preparations of Iodine in the

CHI

II. Ord IV.

III. Ord. I. Se

Ord. III.

the blood which above is classed first, i.e. its influence in the counteraction of gouty disorders. We have already considered at some length (p. 200) a number of Antiarthritic medicines that seem to act in a chemical manner. Colchicum is not one of these. It is a General Sedative, and a Cathartic; in large doses, an irritant poison. It seems also to increase the amount of other secretions, particularly the urine and the bile

anations of the action of this remedy have been proposed

a drastic purgative. Those who adopt this view of its action aver that Colchicum acts best when it purges freely. But though Purgatives are oft

ul in Gout. It seems that the formation of this secretion is in some manner essential to the integrity of those blood-processes which are disturbed in arthritic diseas

xysm of Gout. It is said that under the action of Colchicum the natural amount of this substance in the urine is much increased. This would be an important fact if it were c

s of Rheumatism, in Lithiasis, and in acid dyspepsia,

dicine produces a great depression of the spirits. Dr. Todd believes that Colchicum has often a tendency to change the common acute form of Gout into an asthenic form which is less amenable to treatment. So that, altogether, it is perhaps a good rule to treat the patient without Colchicum as long as it can be done with safety, adopting this medi

Colchicum gives immense relief; and it often seems to be the o

SE

II. Ord. VI.

II. Ord. VII.

II. Ord. VIII.

ces that are used to counteract blood-disorders. It appears to be capable of exerting no less than three kinds of action in the blood, which operations result in the counteraction of Periodic disorders, Co

her the cause or the result of the blood-disease. I have given my reasons for ranking Quina and Tonics among Restorative medicines. The following are the principal grounds for which Arsenic is included among Catalytics. It is unnatural to the blood, and is at length excreted from the system. It acts as a p

e administration of the Arsenical solution (Liquor Potass? Arsenitis) have been already enumerated, viz., that the dose should be small at first, and afterwards gradually increased; that as soon as it produces swelling of the face

MO

v. I. Ord.

. Ord. I. Stimul

rd. II. Exp

Ord. V. Di

nia being perhaps as powerful as any of them. Alcohol, an Inebriant Narcotic, produces at first a greater stimulant effect, but its action is followed up by a depression of the nervous f

h alkalies are wont to be employed; but it is inferior to Potash in such disorders, because its affinities are f

surface of the stomach to the heart. But though the nerves are the natural channels of various motor and sensory impressions, it is to assume an unprecedented thing to suppose that a medicinal action can be transmitted by their means to a distant part. For this and for other reasons it seems to me to be most likely that the solution of Ammonia is absorbed too fast in the stomach to be neutralized by the gastric juice. Or even if it were neutralized before absorption, it would probably be again set free on entrance into the blood, in which there is a slight excess of alkaline matter. Thus Ammonia would exist in the blood in a free state, exc

be used as a Restorative. It diminishes the acid reaction o

rant than any of its neutral salts. The secretion of sweat contains an acid. The Ammonia which passes out on the skin combines with this acid. But on the pulmonary surface it is probably excreted free. For it is found that the careful inhalation of Ammoniacal gas h

ssels, and glands. But Ammonia is used with advantage in some cases in which the whole nervous system is implicated in the disorder. It has been employed in case

t efficacy, as in most cases of Hysteria and Epilepsy there is at the bottom a blood-disease, of which the spasmodic fits are only the symptom and outbreak. (Vide p. 176.) So also is there a limit to the efficiency of Stimulants in such cases as Typhus fever; there is a certain point of exhaustion beyond which they are of no avail. For I have att

is a General Sedative, producing Convulsions and Syncope. Ammonia is thus u

YCH

. Ord. II. Stimu

rally. It has no direct action on the brain, but stimulates chiefly the function of the spinal cord, and its system of nerves. Of these nerves it affects the motor considerably more than the sensory branches. Along with the spinal

tly some action on part of the ganglionic system of nerves, by which it is enabled to promote the function of the stomach, a

unaffected. Tetanic and general convulsions are produced; and the

power. It is used as a medicine in cases of Paralysis. But when the lesion of the nervous centre is of recent occurrence, or when it has been of so serious or extensive a nature as to admit of no repair in the course of time, the remedy will be ineffectual. It is only

vious in the case of Lead-palsy, where the cause of the paralysis is local, residing in the nerve, and not in the centre. But in this case also it is necessary that the nerve-centre

Bird in cases of Phosphaturia connected with a funct

CO

I. Ord. I. Narco

Ord. V. Di

Ord. VI.

t Inebriants approach very nearly to Stimulants, and Deliriants to Sedatives, while Soporifics occupy an intermediate place. We have seen also that though, during the stage of stimulation, these three orders tend all more or less to excite the powers of the mind, they differ characteristically in their secondary or depressing effect upon the same. That, with respect to our present purpose, the intellectual functions may be divided into three parts: the mind it

chief action manifested, its secondary sedative effect may hardly take place, and the production of Inebriation, or drunkenness, may be altogether avoided. So much is this the case that Alcohol is by some regarded as a Stimulant. But t

ily occurrence, alcoholic liquors of various kinds, Beer, Wine, and Spirits, are habitually employed by a large portion of

ries or other causes. It restores the action of the heart, and enables the system to bear up against the disorder. The stimulant action may be maintained, and the secondary sedative effect prevented, by a continual repeti

ome time ago prescribed. And this is probably an advance in the right direction; for in morbid actions there is altogether very little that is really sthenic; and it is,

r, it brings on the shaking paralysis of Delirium tremens. By an action on the mind, it causes the strange hallucinations and the habitual despondency which characterize that disorder. Habitual drinking may likewise cause a chronic inflammation

sses out of the system by the skin and kidneys

in moderation require less bread in their food. (Animal Chemistry, Part I., p. 96.) And as it contains more Hydrogen than starchy food, and by the combustion of this Hydrogen the animal heat is partly maintained, Vierordt

ORO

I. Ord. I. Narco

Ord. V. Di

Ord. VI.

which is analogous to Ether and Alcohol both in nature and m

= C4

= C4H5

orm = C

ether, is in very general use, and is employed in very much the same cases as Nitric ethe

follow, this production of inebriation, that it has been so widely and so successfully employed in medicine since its recent

comes next to it. In Gastrodynia Hydrocyanic Acid is to be preferred. But to counteract the pain of a surgical operation we require a medicine which shall be capable of producing a powerful effect on the whole system at once. Such medicines are Ether and Chloroform. It is found most convenient to bring the patient under their influence by causing him to inhale the vapour into his lungs. Being absorbed by the pulmonary mucous surface, and passing directly into the circulation, the medicine thus takes effect rapidly. There is no time for the volatile liquid to be excreted from the blood, so that the ulterior effect of the an?sthetic cannot be escaped. The third and most important advantage of this mode of administering Chloroform is that by it we are enabled to regulate with exactness the degree of its action, which is a dangerous one, and to stop it when it has gone far enough. When introduced by inhalation into the general circulation, Chloroform acts upon the brain and sensory nerv

use of Chloroform, which could not have been avoided by any known precautions. Such an admission tells little against the remedy; for supposing the proportion of deaths from inhalation to be about 1 in 10,000, it must be confesse

ousness; an?sthesia.[48] The loss of sensibility may even occur in the second stage, the patient remaining conscious. The inhalation should not be prolonged beyond the occurrence of the third stage. The pulse is still full. There may be muscular

n on the mouth or jaws; and so to arrange the process as that the vapour shall be freely diluted with air. If the third rule be neglected, the blood may flow into the windpipe and cause suffocation, for the patient is deprived of the power of swallowing. The dilution with a

im from sometimes dying of the shock of a serious operation. An extensive injury to the body will suffice to produce a prejudici

e the pain of parturition. It is not fou

either Opium or Tartar Emetic, and produces less distress than the latter. For the same operation it is sometimes employed in spasmodic disorders. It has even been known to arrest the paroxysm of that most incurable of all diso

IU

I. Ord. II. Narc

Ord. V. Di

a full pulse, and general febrile excitement. This soon subsides, and is succeeded by drowsiness and sleep. Large doses cause slowness of the pulse, slow and difficult breathing, and coma. If a small dose of Opium be continually repeated, the stimulant action may be maintained for a time, and the Narcotic effect prevented. But whenever it is taken habitually, the dos

ccount of its primary stimulant action, it should only be very cautiously used, or altogether avoided in cases of high fever, where there is a hot dry skin, or a full and hard pulse. The sys

In the treatment of fevers and inflammations it is often combined with Calomel, for the purpose of preventin

opposed to Opium. Those effete matters which it is the function of the bowels to excrete from the blood, and whose excretion is promoted by purgative medicines, have an action on the brain which in some degree resembles that of Opium. Constipation produces drowsiness, and torpor of the mental faculties. And it is worthy of remark that Opium does not seem to pro

ough a dead animal membrane. Matteucci and others account for the operation of Opium on this principle, supposing that by exerting this action on the living mucous membrane, it is able to prevent the transudation of fluids from the blood into the cavity of the bowel. But this view seems even at first sight unsatisfactory. If such a force is really exer

lately made some careful experiments on the subject, and he finds that a solution of Muriate of Morphia passes readily through the bladder of an endosmometer to serum or a heavy saline solution.

n be made to explain the action of Opium in producing constipation, is by a reference to this its paralyzing influence on the coat of the bowel, taken in conjuncti

oma. The Deliriant Narcotics, i. e. Hyoscyamus, Belladonna, and Stramonium, dilate the pupil, and

ildren, and should be administered to them very cautiously, or not at all. It is given to lessen the secretion in some cases of diarrh?a. It is generally unadvisable to give it when there is constipation or hepa

act on the system before time has been allowed for this absorption. If taken by a mother during suckling, it may act upon the infant by passing

ted. But where there is febrile excitement, Antimony, or Ipecacuanha, is rather indicated. Opium may act on the glands of the skin as a true Eliminative; or it may possi

mbine the dose with an aromatic. Dr. Copland has successfully combined Morphia with an aromatic spirit, in cases where alone it was apt to bring on hypochondriasis. And to prevent the loss of appetite in Delirium tremens, Dr. Todd recommends to combine Morphia or Opium with Quinine or some other Tonic. But it is very curious that in the construction of Opium an attempt is made by nature at the very things that we so much desire in practice. For the drug contains, in addition to Morphia, an aromatic volatile oil, and a neutral principle, wrongly called Narcotine, which has been proved by some experiments made in India to be a sim

though it is contained in Opium, it is scarcely in sufficient quantity to explain the strength of the drug. It is likely that Opium contains more than one volatile oil, and that the odorous principle to which its peculiar smell is owing is itself narcotic in its action. A

CYANI

III. Ord. I. Se

aining no chemical element that is not also contained in animal structure, are yet gifted with a wonderful power over the vital forces. One

e the reflex nervous actions. It is therefore of especial use in the paroxysmal coughs of Hooping-cough and of Phthisis, which have a reflex origin in the irritation of the mucous membrane. It acts on nerves as well as on nerve-centres. Thus it is particularly useful in neuralgic form

account of its rapid volatility, and the dangerous results that would follow

es are obviously opposed in their action, Strychnia being an exalter of sensation and of reflex action, and Hydrocyanic acid a depresser of the same. The convulsion caused by Strychnia is tonic; that by Hydrocy

ON

III. Ord. I. Se

erous poison. It depresses the influence of the brain, and paralyzes all

of Aconite, or an ointment containing the alkaloid, will in most cases, if applied to the part, effectually relieve the pain. It is applicable in local irritative pain at any part of the surface, as in Sciatica, Lumbago, or a Scirrhus of the breast that has not opened. But, like the other local an?sthetics, it is of little service in cases of inflammatory pai

the preparations that are usually employed. The difficulty experienced in the preparation of the alkaloid Aconitina, which is the active principle of the plant, and the very high price at which that substance is usually sold, have prevented it from being so extensively employed in practice as its medicinal p

r, and the symptoms of its action. It is a very active poison. Proceeding upwards in the animal scale, I find that 1/300th of a grain, in solution in water, suffices to kill a mouse. 1/100th kills a sm

icient to cause the death of an adult man. During the action of the poison on cats the following succession of

of the salivary sec

omit

ions. Impairment of volition

lsions;

cult and gasping,-

of the eye are se

cts. On examination of the body after death the lungs are found to be healthy, but shrunken and bloodless; the trachea contains much frothy mucus, which may possibly have flowed into it on account of the palsy of the glottis; the cavities of the heart are full; the mucous membrane of the stomach pale. It seems

ITA

II. Ord. II. Sed

Ord. VI.

that exert a special sedative and deranging power over the functions of the Vagu

efore supplies us with a ready means of weakening the heart, whenever we desire to do this. In cases of hypertrophy, where the heart is too strong,-or in aortic aneurism, or active hemorrhage, where a forcible beat would be dangerous,-Digitalis may be used for this purpose. But it is especially useful in dropsies; for by its action on the heart, it diminishes congest

tend with the force of gravity in the propulsion of the blood upwards, it may actually stop. The dose also should be cautiously regulated, and, if it do not operate at once, it must not be increased, or too soon repeated; for this medicine is apt so

nerve over the function of the stomach, and may in this way produce nausea and vomiting.

it tends more powerfully to promote diuresis in another indirect way. Any thing which diminishes the pressure on the vascular syst

e dropsical effusion; by its diuretic power, it causes a quantity of fluid to be drained out of the system through the kidneys. That i

IC A

II. ASTRINGENT

nd has a strong astringent taste. It is not possessed of those marked properties that are vulgarly a

albumen and analogous compounds. Capillary vessels, and the small ducts of glands, contain in their walls certain fibres of unstriped muscle; and Tannic Acid, by causing this muscle to contract, is able to diminish the caliber of these tubes, and thus to moderate or arrest the flow of blood in

ood which enables it to take effect. Reasons have also been alleged for supposing that Tannic acid is not a simple substance. When it is taken into the system, Gallic acid is secreted in the urine; and it appears that Tannic must actually consist of

ate Albumen. These various requirements are fulfilled by the group of elements that constitutes grape-sugar (C12H12O12.) This compound is continually forming in the blood during the blood-processes that are connected with respirat

d = C18H6O

id = C7HO

Tannic acid amount to six of Ga

= 6(C7HO3)

ents of grape-sugar in that fluid. But when Tannic acid is received into the organism, and has done its work there, it is finally decomposed

employed as Astringents are said to contai

70 pe

eria

chu

Ursi

gall

nate-ba

enti

bark

identical with Tannic acid, properly so called; for there appear to be various modifications of this substance contained in the different plants, many of which have peculiar

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which have to be considered in addition to the more obvious facts and symptoms, is so great that the utmost exertion of human sagacity, founded upon the largest induction of particulars which any on

aying, "Thus have I succeeded in solving the noble problem, v

a medicine when applied to the body, though he knows not the particular mann

o things: 1. A correct ascertainment of the data from which we are to reason; and 2. Cor

n fats when dissolved in alkali. But are medicines ever taken up by the lacteal absorbents? Probably seldom or never; for it seems that these vessels are only engaged after a

haracteristic example of each of the great gro

I. H?m

oratives. Ir

ytics. Mercur

II. Ne

timulants

Narcotic

tives. Hydro

stringents.

tives. Cantharide

of medicines have always been more or less recognised. So slight an experience is sufficient to demonstrate their existence, that it could indeed hardly be otherwise. It

al writers, struck into a new and more solid way of reasoning, grounded upon o

e principal diseases incident to the human body, are mechanically accounted for and explained, a

recepts and Cau

be drawn, let not the artist think that it is because they are not therein contained. No! it i

airn's Works,

ussed. When it is said that the decillionth of a grain-the ordinary dose among these practitioners-is expressed by a fraction, the denominator of which is a unit followed by sixty c

lated from the Latin by Dr.

ce to the

ice of Physic." Fourth edition

rpents, which, though they act on the system when introduced directly into the blood, se

gical Researc

eriments, and deriving from them very similar inferences, yet considers it likely that the action

n Medical Gazette

man's Physiology,

Materia Medica, vo

to stop or to reverse the inward current. Thus plethora and fever, diseased conditions, counteract absorption by causing pressure on the coats of these capillary vessels. Bleeding,-a drain

stomach, purging is produced. This could only be by the absorption of the salt, and its subsequent action from within on the mucous membrane of the

iven internally. Another therapeutic argument against this, as the acid of the gastric secretion, may be drawn from the fact that th

contains Carbonate of Soda. The assertion that the Pancreatic jui

miting may take place without any straining effort of this k

ica, 2d edit., vol. ii. pp

nter-irritation. Some explain in this way the use of purgatives in disorders of the brain, but there are o

n operation may take place at a distance from the part affected; but it is attributable to a peculiar affection

action upon a healthy man. Much unnecessary confusion, in works on Materia Medica, has arisen from these two different matters being taken into account at the same time. F

al Chemis

to discharge themselves externally through a fistulous opening in the wall of the abdomen, the animals quickly wasted away and died. In some cases of jaundice, the constituents of the bile appear to be vicariously excreted by the kidneys; and perhaps the

our of water contain together the same elements as an atom of Tau

octahedra; but is rarely in sufficient quantity to be distinguished by ch

commonly thought to exist as Urate of Ammonia. Lehmann states that it is found as Ura

Dr. Prout and Dr. G. Bird. Others attribute it to Lactic acid, which is stated by Berzelius, Lehmann, and Simon, to exist in healthy urine. Some consider the acid to consist in a Super-phosph

el makes it 1.017; Dr. Prout and Dr. Golding

icles of many other compounds, if in contact with them. The latter are brought into the same state; their elements are separated and newly arranged in a similar way, an

ge, and a pill containing "sublimed Mercury" and precipitated Sulphuret of A

reat Dock, Rumex hydrolapathum. The same physician appears to have anticipated some of the modern applications of Lemon juice. He employed it in liver-diseases generally, among which he included a number of dyspeptic and gouty disorders. He gave it in six-drachm doses; and says that he employed also

Chloroform and Ether affected the leaf of the sensitive plant so as to prevent it from contracting at the touch, but without at the same time perceptibly injuring its structure. I have produced the same effect on a species of Acacia, which naturally closes its leaves at the approach of night. The leaf experimented on remained open, while the others closed. After a certain time it recovered. Solutions of Morphia, Co

Chemistry, 7th

d for excretion. It is probable that the bile and some other secretions are partly re-absor

ine of the mode of action of these medicines is intended, a detailed enumeration

, on account of the Phosphoric acid contained in that secretion, which would precipitate the metal

article to those parts of the Essay in w

s "Materia Medica

on, by the Author, in the second edition

riber'

ed in this book. "?j" is 1 dram, and "?ss" is ?