Like Hyosciamus exempt from objections which apply to opium.

19. SPIRITUS ETHERIS SULPHURICI COMPOSITUS. Compound Spirit of Sulphuric Ether.

Anodyne Liquor.

Hoffmann's

Comp. Spirit of Sulphuric Ether, 64 parts. Ethereal Oil, 1

part.

Dose, 3 ss. to 3 ij.

Agreeably and mildly soporific, where the stimulant virtue of the alcohol is admissible.

Comb. May be added to any of the narcotics, especially to the tinctures.

20. ETHER SULPHURICUS. Sulphuric Ether. See p. 278, No. 15, for Dose, &c.

The principal effects of which this remedy is capable as a narcotic, and which entitle it to a place in the present class, are obtained by inhaling the vapor. This method was formerly in use among physicians, but was abandoned in consequence of its dangerous tendencies. It has been lately revived by surgeons and dentists, for the purpose of producing stupefaction during the operations. But it should be considered that it has been long a settled rule in medicine, that it is not justifiable, for the purpose of relieving a patient from pain, to employ any remedies that may endanger his life, or that may expose him to a greater than the existing danger.

It is the opinion of M. Flourens, that ether exerts its first effects upon the cerebrum and the mind; next, upon the cerebellum, and disturbs voluntary motion; subsequently upon the spinal cord, when voluntary motion and sensibility are apparently extinguished; lastly, upon the medulla oblongata, which puts an end to life.

The differences in the effects of this agent when taken by the stomach and when inhaled, are of much physiological interest, and for the Author's opinion of which see Institutes of Medicine, p. 61-63, § 134-137; p. 67, § 149-151; p. 81, § 169, f; p. 89, § 188, a; p. 95-99, § 189-192; p. 172, § 350, Nos. 43, 94; p. 175, 176, § 3501, n-q; p. 229, § 419; p. 288, § 459, 460; p. 319– 321, § 494; p. 334, § 510; p. 521-525, § 827; p. 588, § 891, m; p. 671-676, § 904; p. 715-721, § 960. Also, Medical and Physiological Commentaries, Vol. I., p. 567-581.

Such as may consult the foregoing references will find that the author regards the action of ether as being exerted upon the pulmonary or gastro-intestinal mucous tissue, and that the general effects are sympathetic, while he explains the differences which attend its inhalation and when swallowed by the differences in the vital constitution of the mucous tissue of the lungs and of the stomach. Consider, also, that the fumes of tobacco and of stramonium are nearly inert when inhaled, while those of hyosciamus and opium exert a powerful influence through the medium of the lungs.

21.

TINCTURA OPII AMMONIATA.

Tincture of Opium.

Ammoniated

Dose, 3 ss. to 3 j. One drachm and a quarter contains about a grain of opium.

A narcotico-stimulant, which is useful in certain irritable states of the stomach where the usual preparations of opium may be offensive to the organ and where the general circulation is languid. It is best adapted to the phlegmatic temperament. Overrated as an antispasmodic.

22. LYCOPUS VIRGINICUS. Bugle Weed. The herb. Diandria, Monogynia.

Hab. United States.-Herbaceous.

Mildly anodyne. An Infusion drunk freely, in phthisis, spasmodic coughs, &c. Diminishes the frequency of the pulse.

23. CANNABIS SATIVA. Common Hemp. The concrete resinous exudation from the leaves, slender stems, and flowers, called Churrus, and the Alcoholic Extract. Diœcia, Hexandria.

This substance, which appears to be anodyne and antispasmodic, has been greatly overrated, and requires farther observation of its effects to determine the extent of its claims as a remedial agent.

The Doses have been very variable, under similar circumstances, that of the resinous extract having been from gr. to grs. xij., or more. In ordinary cases experiments should be commenced with half a grain or one grain. A tincture of the extract is the best form, which should be added to water and swallowed immediately.

ORDER II.

ANTISPASMODICS,

In the order of their value.

These remedies are often applied where bloodletting, or cathartics, or emetics, are alone appropriate, or should precede the antispasmodics. They may be gen

erally very advantageously combined with each other. (See Institutes of Medicine, p. 590-593, § 891.)

1. THE NARCOTICS, IN THE ORDER OF THEIR AR

RANGEMENT.

2. ETHER SULPHURICUS. Sulphuric Ether.

See p. 278, No. 15, for Dose, &c. Also, by inhalation. (See Narcotics.)

3. FERULA ASAFŒTIDA, or NARTHEX ASAFŒTIDA. Asafoetida. The gum-resin.

Dose. Grs. v. to xx., in pill, or emulsion.

(a.) Tincture of Asafœtida.-Dose, 3 ss. to 3 j. Hysteria, pure spasmodic asthma. (See p. 165, No. 11.)

SAGAPENUM, a gum-resin, obtained from an unknown plant, is similar in its effects, but inferior to asafœtida. Dose, grs. v. to j.

4. CAMPHORA OFFICINARUM (Laurus Camphora). The Camphor Tree. Concrete Camphor.

Enneandria, Monogynia.

Hab. China; Japan, &c.-Tree.

Comp. Carbon, 78.94. Hydrogen, 10.53. Oxygen, 10.53=100. Dose. Gr. j. to j., in emulsion.

Hysteria, spasmodic cough, chorea. (See GENITOURINARY AGENTS, No. 11.)

(a.) Tincture of Camphor.-Dose, ten drops to 3 ss. (b.) Camphor Mixture.-Dose, 3 ss. to 3 j.

Camphor is also derived from the Dryobalanops Camphora, and is preferred in the East to that of the C. officinarum.

5. CASTOR FIBER. The Beaver. A peculiar secretion from the Preputial Follicles.

Hab. Europe and America.

Dose. 3 j. to 3 ij., in pills or powder. The Tincture is useless on account of the quantity of Alcohol in the necessary doses.

In hysteria, epilepsy. Overrated.

6. Moscнus MOSCHIFERUS. The Musk Animal. A concrete secretion of the Preputial Follicles.

Hab. Asia; Himalayan Mountains; China; Tartary; Siberia, &c.

The average contents of musk pods is about 3 ij. grs. xl.

Dose. Grs. vj. to xvj., in bolus, or mixture. Often adulterated. The Tincture is useless for the same reason as stated in No. 5.

In hysteria, tetanus, epilepsy. Overrated.

An artificial musk is prepared which may be employed as a substitute for the natural. Is used in the whooping cough.-Dose, the same as of musk, or more.

7. SYMPLOCARPUS FŒTIDUS. (Dracontium Fœtidum. Ictodes Fœtidus. Pothos Fætida.) Skunk Cabbage. The root.

Tetrandria, Monogynia.

Dose. Grs. x. to XX. Also, Infusion.

3 ij.; Water, 3 viij.—Dose, 3 j. to 3 ij.

Stimulant, antispasmodic, and narcotic.

B. The Root,

In hysteria, asthma, chronic catarrh, whooping cough, epilepsy.

8. POTASSII CYANIDUM. Cyanide of Potassium,