Glonoinum

Volume II — Main text

GLONOINUM .

Glyceric trisnitrate, C₂H₃ (NO3)3. Nitro-glycerine ; product of action upon glycerine of a mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids. I. Provings and Poisonings.*- 1 . Its taste is sweet, pungent, and aromatic ; but in ascertaining this great precaution should be used, for a very minute quantity put upon the tongue produces a violent headache for several hours. This effect was experienced by several persons in my laboratory, and I have frequently felt it myself. (SOBRERO, Comptes Rendus, Feb. 15th, 1847. ) 2. Dr. HERING, struck by the foregoing observation, tested Gl . (so named by him from its then chemical formula) on a number of healthy persons, and published his results in the Brit. Fourn. of Hom., vol. vii ( 1849) , and again more fully in his Amerikanische Arzneiprüfungen, Nos. 1 and 2 (1853). From the latter work we select the following : MORRIS DAVIS took dr. Observed a kind of burning on sundry small spots on lips. After 10 m. throbbing in temples and rush of blood to head, temporal arteries throbbed perceptibly ; pain over eyebrows ; the slightest shaking of head increased headache, this lasted 30 m. On walking in street, all the objects seemed strange, the houses did not seem in their right places ; the way home seemed 3 times longer than usual. (Am. Arzneipr., 46.) 3. Dr. JEANES took about dr. In 30 seconds he felt as if something were moving in nerves from nape tohead. Soon afterwards slight pain in the organ of wit, l. side, the place was sensitive to slight pressure, but stronger pressure relieved pain. Then pain in forehead, in vertex, and whole head when sitting. After 2 m. pain from spine up to head. When walking up and down he had a pain across shoulders, that extended to the arms, and was especially severe on the back of r. hand on distal end of middle finger metacarpal bone. After 3 m. when walking cracking in r. hip-joint and afterwards twice in l. knee. Pain in joint of r. lower jaw and stiffness ofit. Pain in both knees under patella on both sides of it. Crepitation in l. ear. Headache extends through head with feeling ofweight, worst in temples when the head is shaken. After 5 m. pain in metacarpal bone continued. Pain in head increased by moving head from side to side, not when moving it back and forward. After 7 m. cracking in r. knee. Walking increases pains in limbs ; the pains go from below upwards, then from above downwards, in arms. * It is difficult, if not impossible, to draw any dividing line between provings and poisonings with this substance. We have therefore classed together all observations ofits action on the human subject, arranging them in their chronological order, which is a matter of some historical interest.-EDS. VOL . II . 39

Cutting pain in both temples,goes downwards or to ears. After 10 m. a curious feeling in head, after the headache is relieved. Cold shudder down back, and while walking flushes of heat. After 12 m. burning heat between shoulders. After 20 m. shooting pain from near r. ear towards eye. 9 p.m., great dryness on soft palate. (Ibid., 47.) 4. A girl, æt. 23, took sth of a drop of G. twice. Each time complained of numbness of lower lip with feeling as if it were swollen. She had also pain in forehead over eyes, palpitation of heart, pulse quicker by 20 beats. Numbness and fatigued feeling, so that it was a great exertion to raise the arm . (1bid. , 68.) 5. a. Dr. D. JACKSON, on Feb. 18th, being quite well and his pulse at 65, took dr. of the saturated solution in alcohol. After 30" the pulse had become 80, and he had a disagreeable sensation of weight in sinciput. After 30" more the pulse rose to go and the frontal headache became very bad. Inh. the pulse fell to 70 and the headache was almost gone. On repeating the dose the pulse rose to 75 and the frontal headache was very violent, with a feeling as if the eyeball was pressed forwards and outwards and stuck out. On taking another similar dose the pulse immediately rose to 112. The headache was very severe, the eyes became prominent and had red injected vessels, specks before the eyes, as in bilious headache, fulness in the base of the brain and violent throbbing of all the arteries of head and nape. The action of the heart was laboured, with a peculiar oppressed feeling. After being a short time in the open air, the severer symptoms were relieved, and there only remained a sensation of weight and a disagreeable feeling about heart. b. Feb. 23rd. Pulse 66. Took a whole drop of the alcoholic solution. In less than I m. the pulse was 124, hard, and almost incompressible. The heart beat violently. A lancinating pain went from cardiac region to back between shoulders. The headache, espe. cially in the forehead, was hardly endurable, the disagreeable sensations at base of brain are more violent than before. The suffused eyes seemed to project, the pupils were dilated. Lightning flashes were constantly before the eyes, making reading indistinct. Tongue and mouth were as if burnt, tongue felt swollen and raw, and there were spasmodic twitchings in it. The chest felt contracted. After 2 m. the pulse was 100 and markedly intermittent. The symptoms went off gradually, and after h. nothing remained but a feeling of fatigue and oppression of heart. (Ibid., 69.) 6. W. P. W- took 30th dr. After 2 m. felt as if his chin were elongated down to his knees, he must constantly put up his hand to feel if it was so. Twenty years previously he had fallen and injured his chin, but had never felt anything unusual there till now. After 3 m. bruised pain in r. organ of firmness, followed by pulsation there. After 6 m. pain over r. eye and across upper border of orbits from r. to 1. After 8 m. continued pain in 1, organ of form, later on in both sides . ( Ibid. , 49.) 7. Dr. W. WILLIAMSON took, June 25th, at 5.30 p.m. 150 Tooth dr. After I m. pain in 1. hypochonder, pain under 1. patella. After 2 m . uneasiness in stomach and heat in gullet. After 3 m. heat in outer

canthus of r. eye, sore pain in orbital border, full feeling in r. side of forehead. After 5 m. pain in l. side of occiput and later in l. side of forehead, pulse rose from 80 to 92, palpitation of heart, full feeling in upper part of abdomen, short stitches with heat in l. eyeball. Memory defective. After 10 m. pulse 88, pain in organ of wonder r. side. 1 After 20 m ., 5.55, took 30 dr. After I m. fulness in heart. After 2 m. pain in r. organ of wit. After 2 m. some pain in 1. side. After 3 m. some pain in organ of benevolence, fulness ofjugular veins, throb. bing in l. half of forehead, stiffness of nape, eructation, stitches in 1. tonsil. After 5 m. pulse 92, pain in l. half of head, worst in vertex, pain in l. organ of wonder, pain in coronal suture, stiffness and pain in 1. side of nape, stitch in r. temple, throbbing in l. temple. Contracted feeling in r. elbow. After 10 m. pulse 70, pain in forehead when he looks long at anything, rumbling in transverse colon,yawning and inclination to stretch backwards ; bruised feeling in forehead where the pain was ; sore and constricted feeling in head, aggravated by shaking head sideways and by leaning forwards. When he shakes head feels as if brain were hard, loose in head and sore. After 10 m. rumbling in transverse colon, yawning and inclination to breathe deeply, face red and hot, especially round eyes, pain in eyeballs, stitches in l. tonsil, taste like pine-wood. After I h. and again after 3 h. copious stool of soft fæces, flatulence in abdomen all e. Next d. woke early with bellyache, followed at 6 a.m. by copious loose stool ; had 6 more similar stools up to 10p.m. During evacuation anus seemed contracted , frequent discharge of flatus at stool with a loud sharp noise ; griping before stool. Mouth in m. full of disgusting, thick saliva, and slimy saliva during d., which he must spit out, tongue seemed larger and was covered with white fur. Mind disposed to recall and dwell on injuries suffered long ago. 3rd d.-Tongue white and larger, with impressions of front teeth, slimy feeling in mouth, no stool. (Ibid., 54.) 8. a. I (R. E. D-), pulse 68, applied-Jan. 13th, 1853, at 1.15 p.m.-the moistened cork of the bottle in which the saturated solution was kept to my tongue. In less than 5 m. pulse rose to 100. Head felt throbbing and bursting, especially above ears and at temples, and I experienced a choking sensation as if a ligature were tied round my neck, which kept the blood from returning from the head. Headache was much aggravated by shaking head. After about 15 m. it was felt most behind ears, except when head was shaken, when it was felt disagreeably in temples. Face felt congested, though it was not altered in colour. After 1 h. head still felt full and congested. After 2 h . I felt, while standing, an extremely violent shooting pain under ribs on r. side (region ofgall-bladder) that caused me to bend forward while it lasted, which was about + m. b. On 27th I got some of the 1, dil. on my fingers, which I sucked off. That n. I slept uneasily, and felt a dull, hard, pressive headache, chiefly in occiput, which went off before I got up. After luncheon (potato-soup) at 2 p.m. my bowels began to feel uneasy, and I soon had a copious loose motion. Whilst driving about in afternoon paying professional visits, I suffered severely from pain (griping) in lower part ofbowels, apparently in rectum, and great inclination to go to stool. I

succeeded in restraining this till 6 o'clock, when I was forced to return home, and my bowels were moved. Evacuation was loose but not copious. It seemed as if there were much more to come, but that there was an obstruction high up in the rectum. Before the evacuation I felt sickish and faint. The diarrhœa-feeling was less felt while driving in open air than when in warm rooms with patients. After dinner I had another loose, scanty evacuation, after which all the symptoms went off. c. On Feb. 11th took 3 dr. of Ist dil. In 1 m. began to perceive the throbbing in temporal arteries and sense of constriction about neck ; face and anterior part of head feeling congested. This went off in less thanh.; but there remained occasional pain in temples and feeling of lassitude for a considerable time . d. On 18th, e., took one pilule imbibed with saturated sol., and almost immediately experienced the throbbing and tightness. This soon subsided ; but later in e. I perceived that when I moved about I felt painless pulsation all over body, and circulation was very easily quickened. That n. I could hardly sleep for excessive dryness and parched feeling in mouth, with great thirst, which there was no water at hand to quench. This symptom was still present when I rose in m. (Dr. DUDGEON's provings, Brit. Journ. ofHom., xi, 273.) 9. Mr. BRANGWIN, Jan. 27th, at 9 p.m., pulse 60, took I dr. of Ix on a piece of sugar. In about + m. perceived throbbing of temporal arteries , soon accompanied by rather severe throbbing pain in both temples. In a few seconds more, pulse was found to have risen to 100, and heart throbbed most violently and rapidly. In a m. or two a faint, warm, sickening sensation was perceived in chest and stomach resembling threatenings of sea-sickness ; also slight giddiness, especially on moving about. The throbbing pain continued to increase for about 10 to 15 m., then gradually diminished, and in about h. became considerably easier ; the feelings of nausea and giddiness also were lessened ; but on returning upstairs very fast about h. after taking drug, all symptoms recurred with double force ; temples ached and throbbed excessively, and there was great nausea and giddiness. In a few m. these sensations subsided, leaving slight nausea and throbbing pain in temples. Nausea was removed by supper (oysters and stout) at 10.30 ; but pain continued, and was very readily aggravated by any exertion of walking, talking, or reading. 'Went to bed at 12, had less pain in recumbent posture, especially when lying on either side ; slept well all n. On waking in m., felt slight pain, or rather uneasiness, in temples, with tendencyto nausea and giddiness, which continued all d. Fulness of temples and very slight nausea felt still at 8 p.m.* (Ibid.) 10. Dr. Süss HAHNEMANN. On same d., pulse 64, a small drop of I, produced, I m. after being taken, pulse 100, and, 2 m. later, 112 ; with great variableness, pulse now quick, now slow. At same time, slight shooting pain was perceived, at first in r. temple, then also in l. , pain increasing to such intensity that a kind of giddiness appeared, accompanied by a sick feeling ; pressure on both temporal arteries * Prover also felt sensation of warmth and fulness down arms, as if in course of cutaneous nerves ; also similar sensation in sciatic nerves, and some warm dull aching in loins; but these symptoms lasted a very short time only.

lessened the violent throbbing pain ; skull seemed to be too small, and it was as if brain would burst it ; violent action of heart, and distinct pulsation felt all over body ; sickness increased, but no vomiting ; on r. wrist was a feeling as if it was tied up, which produced a kind of lamed feeling all along r. arm . On going quickly upstairs headache became insupportable. Supper took off sick feeling, and at rest headache was slight ; but as soon as he attempted to walk, he felt with each step intense throbbing headache in both temples, obliging him to press hard on them for relief. Slept very well; but next m., on waking, felt some headache, which continued all d., with occasional sharp catching pain under 1. ribs. No stool for 2 d. subsequently. (Ibid.) 11. Mr. GELLAR, pulse 68, took 2 dr. of I, on sugar. " Immediately felt a glow of heat, which determined itself to the head, and which also rapidly increased in intensity, particularly in anterior region ; temporal arteries became very full, and in about5 m. after taking dose pulse had risen to 100 ; evident congestio cerebri was now experienced, with irregular contractions of heart, symptoms of syncope obliging me to sit down ; then partial obstruction of sight and deafness. In act of swooning, I was conscious of water being dashed over my brow, which partially restored me, though I was very pale. I chewed a coffee berry, which produced vomiting (of saliva and coffee grains only) ; a little sugar of milk saturated with tincture of coffea was also given me. Chilliness and prostration of energy continued, with marked fulness of temporal arteries and pressure of brain ; also great rigidity of occipitofrontalis . During early part of n. sleep was disturbed with visions of innumerable multitudes ofheads, with comical expressions of features. I woke about 5 a.m., without being much refreshed ; in about 2 h. , I slept again till m. During next. d. prominent symptoms were rigidity of occipito-frontalis, and a degree of obstruction of brain. In e. a cup of coffee removed all sensations." (Ibid.) 12. Mr. ENGALL took on same occasion I dr. of I , which produced headache of the usual throbbing full character in the temples, and increased rapidity of circulation. When these symptoms had subsided, he took after supper a second dose. On attempting to read, fulness of head from r. parietal protuberance forward, including whole of parts anterior. This increased to actual pain, with beating in temporal arteries ; great quantity of flatus from rectum, feeling of sickness, and uncommon feeling of fatigue ; pinching round umbilicus, pain at small spot in 1. hypochondrium ; pulse jerking and full ; sharp pricking pain in arms and legs ; cramp in r. leg. (Ibid.) 13. On m. of Jan. 28th, Dr. WYLD took I dr. of I, on sugar, and in 2 m. pulse rose from 70 to 120, and head throbbed. He described headache as if brain was pressed in towards centre, from both temples and from occiput. These symptoms lasted till n. On following d. he had diarrhea, copious, loose, blackish, lumpy. (Ibid.) 14. Dr. JUNOD, strongly built, short-necked, florid, subject to headache at small spot of r. head posteriorly, took 6 pilules of 11. In 3 m. pulse rose from 72 to 80, and he experienced tensive sensation in head, just over frontal sinus, and across nose ; also feeling of fulness above and in front of ears . On shaking head, he felt great pain in spot where

he habitually suffered from headache. He described sensation in head as if he were hanging with it downwards, and as if there was a great rush of blood into it in consequence. These symptoms went off in a very few m. (Ibid.) 15. A married lady, æt. 28, strong and robust, the catamenia being present, took at 4 p.m. 5 pilules of 11. In a few m. pulse became very much accelerated, and she complained of throbbing and heaviness of head, increased to severe pain on shaking it. There was also felt a tight contractive sensation downjaws on either side, in masseter muscles, as if lockjaw were coming on. Catamenia ceased immediately, and headache increased in violence towards e., when severe diarrhea came on. Catamenia did not resume their flow till following m. on walking briskly. ( Ibid.) 16. A nurse took in e. I dr. of Ir. She writes ;-"About + h. after taking med. I felt severe shooting pain through temples, from r. to l. , attended with sensation of great weakness, and inability to stand or walk without giddiness. Afterwards felt sharp cutting pains in chest and stomach, with sickness, gripings, and inclination for action of bowels, which lasted till next m., when they were relieved. During n. felt very restless , and unable to sleep, thirsty and hot, and inclined to vomit. For greater part of next d. felt weak, with great weight and pressure on front part of head, loss of appetite, aching in limbs as if tired, which, however, abated a little at n., and I slept much better. Next d. I had nearly lost all symptoms save headache and sickness ; but they continued, though in less degree, for 2 d. more." (Ibid.) 17. Dr. FISCHER took I dr. of 1x, pulse 68. After 2 m. pulse 90, becoming fuller for 3 or 4 m. more, with glow of heat in hands, then falling to 80 ; pains in forehead, and in spot on vertex, which might be covered with hand, pain compressive, burning ; heat, shooting and throbbing in temples; burning in malar bones and eyes ; soreness and tenderness in head lasting all d., with constant gnawing in occiput ; confusion and inability to think or study all d. ( Ibid.) 18. On the e. of Feb. 3rd, 1858, I was conversing with a homœopathic practitioner, when he mentioned a medicine which possessed peculiar and extraordinary qualities, some of which he described as having affected himself, though he had taken it in very minute quantities. I laughed at his credulity, and offered to take as much as he pleased, upon which he let 2 dr. of what he called the 1st dilution fall on my tongue. In about 3 m. (having purposely conversed in the interim on other subjects) I experienced a sensation of fulness in both sides of the neck ; to this succeeded nausea, and I said, " I shall be sick. " The next sensation of which I was conscious was as if some of the same fluid was being poured down my throat, and then succeeded a few moments of uncertainty as to where I was, during which there was a loud rushing noise in my ears, like steam passing out of a teakettle, and a feeling of constriction around the lower part of my neck as if my coat were buttoned too tightly ; my forehead was wet with perspiration, and I yawned frequently. When these sensations passed off, which they did in a m. or so, they were succeeded by aslight headache, and dull heavy pain in the stomach, with a decided feeling of sickness.

After h ., during which I lay on a sofa, feeling rather languid, I was quite well again. My friend told me that my condition caused him the greatest alarm, for he thought he had killed me. My head (he said) fell back, my jaw dropped, I was perfectly white, breathing stertorous, and no pulse at the wrist for about 2 m. He poured some stimulant down my throat, and I revived . I had never been in better health and spirits than on the day of this occurrence, and had taken nothing for hours but a little cold tea. (FIELD, Med. Times and Gaz ., March 20th, 1858. ) 19. A stout healthy young woman had severe toothache, and was applying a very small piece of lint dipped in the I per cent. solution, when it accidentally fell into her mouth and was swallowed. In about 5 m., after feeling giddy and sick, with headache, she became insensible. Her countenance, naturally florid, was unaltered, breathing tranquil, pulse full and rather quickened. I tested her sensibility to pain, and called loudly to her, but without producing any impression. About 3 m. after insensibility had commenced, a slight failure in the pulse was detected, whereupon she had some stimulant poured down her throat, and quickly recovered, complaining of some headache, but with the toothache gone. ( Ibid.) 20. I took 1 min. ofGl., my pulse being 80. Half an h. before I had seen my brother take the same dose without any serious effect, and we now purposely changed the subject of conversation. In the course of a few m. I exclaimed, " I feel drunk." This sensation was quickly followed by a dull aching pain at back of head, which was It alternately better or worse, each accession becoming more severe. soon extended to forehead and back of neck, in which there was decided sensation of stiffness. There was also some difficulty of swallowing, succeeded by nausea, retching, and flatulence. A profuse perspiration ensued, and in 15 m. the symptoms began to abate, but I continued dull and heavy and my pulse was now 100. Considerable headache remained, which increased in after part of d. to such an extent that at 6 p.m. I was obliged to go to bed. At daybreak I was not relieved, but after a few h. more sleep I arose in my usual health . (F. A. JAMES, Ibid., 1858 , ii, 383. ) 21. A lady suffering from severe facial neuralgia took 24 min. of Morson's solution ( I in 20) in a teaspoonful of water. In 2 or 3 m. she began to complain of sickness and faintness. These rapidly increased, and there was, for a few moments, unconsciousness, accompanied with convulsive action of the muscles of the face, and stertorous breathing. Face became pale, and pulse alarmingly feeble. After swallowing some brandy and water she vomited, and the unpleasant symptoms gradually subsided. (BRADY, Ibid., March 12th, 1859.) 22. The following symptoms were produced by a single pilule of Gl . 1. The subject of the experiment was a married woman, æt. 33, subject to irregularity of the circulation and neuralgia. At the time of taking the Gl. she was in tolerable health. We give the account in her own words :-" Dose about 5 p.m. At 6.30* sudden dimness of * The tardy appearance of the symptoms may seem to cast some doubt on their genuineness in this case. But in vol. xxi, p. 458 , of the same journal, Dr. Dudgeon

sight ; heat in eyes with feeling oftension ; crushing weight on forehead, particularly between brows and across nose ; throbbing and sharp darting pain in r. temple, then in both, and behind ears. Painsteadily increased, and for 3 h. was almost intolerable. Tea then afforded partial relief, but symptoms quickly returned, and lasted till 3 a.m.,gradually including nausea, palpitation, thirst, choking sensation in throat, and great depression. Bathing temples and back of neck freely with eau de Cologne gave instantaneous relief to head symptoms ; and though they returned as spirit evaporated, it was in less intensity. This was done several times, and at 4 a.m. I fell asleep, remaining thus till 7 . I awoke nearly free from pain, but have had returns of it at intervals during d. , with a sharp attack of the old crushing spasms of the heart. Cold feet ; general discomfort. Pulse rose ontaking the Gl., and has continued high till now (2 h. after) . Next e. a similar attack, though slighter, was experienced. (Brit. Journ. of Hom., xviii, 139. 1860.) 23. When about to sit down to dinner, Dr. J. G. Wood, from mere curiosity, touched with his tongue the open mouth of a small vial containing the I, dil. of Gl. No results were anticipated. The first and immediate effect was lightness and buoyancy of body as from inhalation of ether, followed immediately by a full, crowding, pressing sensation in brain, accompanied by dizziness and whirling ; also entire loss ofappetite, though this was strong 5 m. before taking drug. Head felt enormously large ; great mental agitation ; pulse, ordinarily 64, immediately went up to 96 ; trembling of hands and arms, so that he cannot hold knife and fork steadily. Pressure on brain gradually increased, so that in space of 10 m. it seemed on point of bursting. Visionary objects passed before eyes ; great difficulty in conversing from diminished power of tongue, and confusion of ideas ; pulse rapidly ran up to 130, and carotids pulsated violently. Cracking sensation in brain, obliging him to hold on to head during every movement to prevent an apparently threatened rupture ofcranium ; confusion of ideas so great he could not tell where he was ; pain in head intense, most severe in r. side. Obliged to lie down, and immediately fell into a heavy sleep, from which he was soon roused by a professional call. When rising, pain and pressure in head so severe he could not stand ; obliged to lie down again for a few moments. Pulse now 140. Went out to visit patients; somewhat relieved in open air, and though still greatly confused, and scarce knowing where he was or what he was about-when his attention was fixed by an effort of will remembered his patients perfectly, all their symptoms and the medicines prescribed, without once mistaking. Shocks in brain, synchronous with every pulsation of arteries. On returning home attempted to lie down, but could not on account of increased pressure and throbbing in brain, which were so much increased on attempting to assume the recumbent position as again to oblige him to hold on to head as if to prevent rupture of cranium. He became frantic, could neither lie, sit, nor walk, but reports an experience of his own, in which, having accidentally inhaled Gl. from the explosion ofa bottle of it in his hand, no effect from it was observed at the time, but about 3 h. later its characteristic headache set in with great severity, lasting all e, and through n., and even felt till after breakfast next m.-Eds.

pitched about like one intoxicated, incapable of controlling muscles of locomotion. Cold water now poured on top of head produced spasms ending in vomiting, after which (7 p.m.) he became comparatively easy for a short time ; very soon, however, pressure and throbbing in brain returned, and continued to increase till a second vomiting which was followed by similar relief, recurrence, and a third vomiting. A cup of warm tea, now taken, seemed to afford decided relief, though of short duration (camphor at 3, and belladonna at 5, had been of no service). At 9 took a cold bath and went to bed, sleeping uninterruptedly till 6 next m. On rising felt very weak ; no appetite for breakfast, head full and dizzy. At 10 a.m. general sick weak feeling, with pressure and fulness of head. No appetite for dinner. All symptoms of previous d. increased till 3 p.m., then gradually diminished. Sleep sound. On 3rd d. symptoms less severe, but same in character. Head symptoms commenced about 9 a.m., and steadily increased till 3 p.m., then gradually diminished. Sleep this n. disturbed, full of dreams, constantly occupied, during sleep, with professional duties. Dispirited and apprehensive. The symptoms occurred in the above order for several successive d., but every d. less intense, until they finally disappeared. According to others, his general appearance was like that of one intoxicated. He frequently asked if he should die, and what would be done with him . None ofthese questions can be remembered. (Trans. ofAmer. Inst. of Hom. for 1860. ) 24. Dr. ISAAC COLBY took, June 17th, 1856, at 10a.m., 2 dr. of Ist dil. First and immediate effect, confusion of ideas and loss of strength. Sight and hearing both affected, indistinct. Fulness and pressure in fore-part and top of head with throbbing, pulsation, and confusion of all senses . Sensation of balancing, requiring constant effort to keep head erect, which inclined to drop as on going to sleep. Undulating sensation, increased by every turn ofhead; sick, faint, deathlike sinking at epigastrium, with nausea such as results from excessive dizziness induced by rapid whirling of body. Great weakness in middle portions of thighs and arms. All symptoms continued 2 h. without abatement, when inhalation of camphor occurred to mitigate some of them, but the more prominent remained uninfluenced. After 4 h. fulness and throbbing of head continued unabated, together with dull headache, which appeared rather to increase till retiring for the n. Awoke on following m. with same fulness and throbbing, which occupied whole fore-part of head, and appeared to be deep-seated. ( Ibid.) 25. STREINTZ took at 4 p.m. a small portion of a drop ; it tasted sweet, caused scraping in soft palate and throat, making him swallow his saliva repeatedly. The scraping increased rapidly, spreading all over pharynx, where it caused intolerable pain. After barely 2 m. there came on constriction and tightness of chest with anxiety, perceptible palpitation of heart with need to draw a deep breath. In crown of head violent pressive pain which passed into an undulating and throbbing, and this spread all over head, especially about sagittal suture. Music and moderate exercise did not aggravate it. The pulse increased to 96, was very full and hard. Feeling of heat in eyes. 7 p.m., head-

ache in open air much increased, extended down to eyes, accompanied by heaviness of lids and sleepiness. Went early to bed and fell sound asleep ; towards m. disturbed by home-sick dreams, which caused him to weep. Next m. he was much relieved after discharge of very fœtid flatus. During forenoon several attacks ofviolent palpitation of heart. Towards e. the headache returned but was mainly pressure in crown with occasional shooting in 1. temple. The following d. these symptoms frequently recurred. (Zeitsch. d. Ver. hom. Aerzte Oesterr., ii, 18. ) 26. a. EICHHORN took, April 16th, 9 a.m., 10 dr. 3rd dil ., on sugar. After 5 m., tension in r. temple with occasional shooting in r. eye, tensive pain behind r. ear which he had experienced for several d. came on more violently. Pulse 60, same as usual. 10 a.m. , repeated same dose. Soon, diminution ofpulse to 52, confusion of sinciput ; all went off in open air.-17th, 4 a.m., 10dr.; 6a.m. , 20 dr. The tensive pain in occiput very severe, extends upwards and downwards and to both ears. Now and then slight tension above r. eye ; tension all over sinciput. 8 a.m., 25 dr. Symptoms relieved in open air, and tensive pain in occiput recurs in fits. 10 a.m., 15 dr. No new symptoms ; in afternoon quite well. b. April 18th, 5 a.m., 5 dr.; 8 a.m., 10 dr. ; 9 a.m., 20 dr. 2nd dil. During forenoon confusion of sinciput, dull shooting in r. ear for some m.- 19th, 8.30 a.m., 10 dr. Heaviness over eyelids, slight nausea, pressure in stomach. 9 a.m., 12 dr. Periodical tearing shooting in both temples, extending to masseter muscles. 9.30 a.m. , 20 dr. Tension in forehead increased, with pressure on eyes and root of nose. All went off during d. 22nd and 24th, 10 a.m., 10 dr. No effect.- 26th, from 8 to 10 a.m., everyth., 10 dr., lastly 20 dr. Hot feeling in r. cheek. Severe pressive tensive pain behind r. ear, increased by pressure, especially when the pressure is removed. Pressive pain in r. ear as if swollen ; tension in r. temple. After taking 20 dr. these symptoms increased much. The tensive pain in occiput extends to deep in neck. Pressure and confusion of whole head. With varying intensity the occipital pain continued all d., did not go off in open air, and lasted till he went to sleep at n. Next m. head was quite free.- 27th. Took 20, then 25 dr. No effect.-28th, 8 and 9 a.m., 10 dr.; 9.30a.m., 15 dr.; and 10 a.m., 20 dr. Felt nothing but dull tension in sinciput and occiput. 10.30 a.m. , 20 dr. Pressure and weight in forehead, dull pain in both ears, over l. eye and behind 1. ear, transient. II a.m. , 25 dr. Tension in masseter muscles, pressure in sinciput. 11.30 a.m., 40 dr. Occasional shooting in ears, pressure in temples. 12, noon, 30 dr. Shooting in ears increased, great pressure in temples. All the rest of d., confused head alternating with pressive tensive pain, sometimes in temples, sometimes in occiput and ears. Long of falling asleep and frequent waking with severe pains in ears, temples, &c. Immediately after rising felt quite well. In course of forenoon and also afternoon (29th) occasional pressure in temples, especially r., and in occiput. No more symptoms. c. April 30th, 8.30 a.m., 6 dr., Ist dil. For some time burning sensation in tongue. After h. pressure in sinciput, especially r. super

ciliary ridge. 9 a.m., 10 dr. After 5 m., slight feeling of nausea, pressure in temples. Pulse 72, small and contracted. 9.30 a.m., 10 dr. No effect.-May 2nd, 8.30a.m., 6 dr.; 9 a.m , 10 dr. Shooting and fulness in ears, tension over forehead. 9.15 a.m., 10 dr. Dull tension from behind r. ear in mastoid process, in a spot that could be covered with tip of finger, lasts 5 m . 9.30 a.m. , 15 dr. Pulse 56, contracted. Pressure, fulness, and weight in whole sinciput. 10a.m., JO dr. Severe pressure in forehead and occiput out at ears. In forenoon and in open air occasional dull stitches behind one or other ear, violent pressure in r. temple, tension and confusion in whole of sinciput, fulness in head and ears . In afternoon same symptoms but slighter. No more symptoms. (Ibid., 20.) 27. LEMBKE took, May 1st, 3.30 p.m., 10 dr. of a solution of 3 gr. Gl. in 1 drachm alcohol. Immediately great heat all over body, especially in face and head, with profuse hot sweat for h. After a few m. very rapid heart-beats. Pulse about 120, the beating of heart felt in head like a hammer, especially when stooping. Sometimes when stooping such violent shooting in heart that he must rise up immediately. Giddiness, redness, and heat of face, eyes watery. This lasted h . Unsteady gait and palpitation of heart increased by walking. Along with the palpitation pressure in head, especially occiput, this lastedtill 9 p.m. Ate his dinner at 5.30 p.m. and felt quite well, but the expression of his face was wretched and there were blue rings round eyes. (Zeitsch.f. h. Kl., ii, 121.) 28. Dr. R. DEMME took 2 or 3 dr. of a I in 10 solution. It caused tingling sensation in throat and increased saliva. In 10 m. he had giddiness and dull pains in head. On taking 5 or 6 dr. these effects came on sooner, and were accompanied by quivering sensation in masseter muscles. After 10 dr. movements of lowerjaw were impeded from contraction of temporal and masseter muscles, and slight twitchings were felt in muscles of extremities. These effects lasted about h., and gradually passed off. (Rep.f. Pharm., xii, 431.) 29. Eight persons, 5 women and 3 men, after ascertaining their normal pulses during rest, took 1 or 2 dr. of a I in 80 solution of Gl. and then counted pulse every 5 m. The pulse of No. I sank from 88 to 86, and then to 84. Nos. 2, 3, and 4 showed a rise after 5 m. No. 5 showed first a falling in 5 m., then a rise after 10 m. No. 6 showed a rapid fall after 2 m., a rise in 5 m., and a fall again in 10 m . No. 8, like No. 1 , after 2 dr. showed a decline both in 5 and 10 m. (C. WESSELHOEFT, N. A. J. of H., N. S., vii, 6.) 30. a. A labourer drank from a fluid, which he thought was oil, two swallows, but the burning in the throat taught him that he had taken blasting oil, and at the next farmhouse he drank quickly milk and water, and asked for medical aid. He did not feel at time very unwell, but complained only of slight pressure in the chest, accelerated breathing, irritable pulse, off and on some vertigo. After taking an emetic he vomited a fluid smelling and tasting of nitro-glycerine. Respiration became very quick (60) ; the pulse greatly accelerated (96) but normal ; oppression in the pit of the stomach set in ; consciousness remained undisturbed, the patient complained of dulness of head, but

only once he could not answer when questioned ; headache, pains in mouth and œsophagus and thirst were not present, nor mucous rattling of lungs ; temperature rather cool than hot. (Leeches to temples and cardia.) At n., about 5 h. after taking poison, vomiting and purging set in, lasting with great severity over an h.; vomited matter had odour of nitro-glycerine ; stools were at first greenish, after awhile white, like foam made with soap, watery, and had a trace ofthe odour. He felt somewhat better ; the gastric pains ceased ; respiration was more quiet, but still superficial, a deeper one following two or three superficial respirations ; he complained only of the extremely severe headache ; after a while he lay quietly as if asleep ; cyanosis and sopor set in, and the patient died an easy death 7 h. after taking poison. Five h . after death cadaveric stiffness was considerable, and froth collected in mouth . b. Post-mortem examination showed a hyperæmic condition of cerebral membranes on convexity and at base ; moderate hyperæmia in substance of brain, especially at external layer ; more internally, brain appeared normal. Posterior part of lungs also showed great congestion. Mucous membrane of trachea was of a reddish-brown colour. Fluid blood in 1. ventricle of heart, r. one empty ; coagula in both pulmonary arteries. Stomach contained about 120 gr. of a red-brown fluid ; its mucous membrane at the fundus showed reddish-brown injection, with numerous small ecchymoses, swollen to a gelatinous mass, and could easily be stripped off. Nothing abnormal in intestines. (HOLST, Schmidt's Jahrbucher, 1872. H. speaks of four other cases, described in different journals. In all cases severe headache was present, but it set in immediately after taking the poison, whereas in this case it appeared at a later stage ; unconsciousness and sopor also only set in before death closed the scene . In relation to the cumulative action of nitro-glycerine, Hystroem found that labourers who have much to do with the blasting oil get a sort of immunity from its noxious action.) 31. Dr. MURRELL prepared a 1 per cent. solution. "Wishing to taste it, I applied the moistened cork to my tongue, and, a moment after, a patient coming in, I had forgotten all about it. Not for long, however, for I had not asked my patient half a dozen questions before I experienced a violent pulsation in my head. The pulsation rapidly increased, and soon became so severe that each beat of the heart seemed to shake my whole body. I was quite unable to continue my questions, and it was as much as I could do to tell the patient to go behind the screen and undress so that his chest might be examined. Being temporarily free from observation, I took mypulse and found that it was much feebler than natural, and considerably over 100. The pulsation was tremendous and I could feel the beats to the very tips of my fingers. The pen I was holding was violently jerked with every beat ofthe heart. There was a most distressing sensation offulness all over the body, and I felt as if I had been running violently. I remained quite quiet for four or five minutes, and the most distressing symptoms gradually subsided. I then rose to examine the patient, but the exertion of walking across the room intensified the pulsation. I hardly felt

steady enough to perform percussion, and determined to confine my attention to auscultation. The act of bending down to listen caused such an intense beating in my head that it was almost unbearable, and each beat of the heart seemed tome to shake notonly my head but the patient's body too. On resuming my seat I felt better, and was soon able to go on with my work, though a splitting headache remained for the whole afternoon." (Nitro-glycerine as a Remedyfor Angina Pectoris, 1882.) III. Experiments on animals.-I . A tom-cat got about 5 dr. in 20 dr. of alcohol. He forthwith began to sneeze and vomit and howl dismally ; much thick ropy saliva flowed from his mouth. In 5 m. these symptoms abated, and he wandered incessantly about, seeking some concealed place in which to lie down. Back was rounded up; tongue protruded ; rapid and spasmodic breathing ; panting ; occasional spasms in stomach ; piteous moaning ; ears hot ; eyes dull and drowsy, third eyelid much drawn over eye ; constant twitching in ears ; he seemed disinclined to move, as though it caused pain ; he stretches out paws, protruding claws. Next m. he seemed well. (HERING, Brit. Fourn. ofHom. , vii, 420. 1849.) 2. In another cat, whose nose was touched with the Gl., head was thrown backwards upon neck, saliva flowed freely from mouth, which was kept open and the tongue protruding ; eyes glaring and fixed, pupils much dilated. She walked backwards, but with difficulty, as limbs were rigid ; pulse very rapid. On giving her a little more in mouth limbs became quite rigid ; heart's beats uncountable ; respiration difficult, rapid ; eyes stood out of head, iris scarcely visible. In about 2 m. she ceased to breathe, though heart still beat. A few seconds later spasmodic contraction of legs set in, and continued some time after both circulation and respiration had ceased. ( Ibid.) 3. In frogs it causes at first great restlessness, then lethargy, to which convulsions and paralysis succeed. In mammals it causes depression , with very rapid pulse and respiration, paralysis of reflex action and voluntary motion, loss of sensation and death by stoppage of respiration. It agrees with nitrites in acting as a poison to muscle. The spinal cord appears to be paralysed before the cerebral ganglia, and the convulsions in frogs are of cerebral rather than spinal origin. It paralyses the heart of the frog when directly applied ; and it lessens the blood pressure. (L. BRUNTON, Pharmacology, &c.)

Volume IV — Appendix

GLONOINUM.

(See vol. ii, p. 609.)

I. II. 32. M. BOURRU relates the following experiments made on himself with dynamite.*

a. For 5 m. I rubbed a small piece of dynamite in the palm of the hand. Almost immediately there was felt a slight numbing pain along the radial nerve from the base of the thumb to the middle of the forearm. Two h. later tensive pain in forehead and ringing in rest of cranium, as if a coryza were coming on.

b. For ^ h. a piece of dynamite was rubbed between the thumb and index finger. Half an h. later there was painful tension in nasal and frontal sinuses. All d. there was a disagreeable feeling in the head like a migraine of medium intensity, which did not prevent close attention to work. At the end of 8 h. the pain disappeared upon going into the open air.

e. A small piece of dynamite was tightly held in the palm of the hand for \ h. Ten m. later there was strong tension in forehead, heat in &ce ; painful arterial beatings in neck and temples j slight nausea ; slight dizziness, but not interfering with intellectual work. The pain in the head continued until lying down at n., and disappeared during sleep.

d. A piece of dynamite the size of a lentil was placed upon the tongue. At first there was a sweetish taste, then an agreeable acid taste, and lastly a burning. The mouth was then cleansed, care having been taken not to swallow any of the substance, at the same time rising up to go for some water. At this moment was a sudden onset of vertigo which compelled me to seize hold of the furniture ; pressing pain in the occiput } the brain seemed to dilate as if it would burst ; the heart beat violently and with rapidity ; the arteries of the neck and temples were distended and beat violently ; respiratory anniish and slight nausea. An effort of the will was necessary in order to analyse and transcribe the above. After 5 m. the cepnalic and cervical tension diminished ; pulse 80 and somewhat irregular. Half an h. later the head and heart symptoms were relieved. One h. later, on walking out, there was nausea, frontal headache, weakness, exhaustion from incessant yawnings. In the e., after partaking of wines and coffee, all the malaise disappeared. On the next d. the head was still dull, and there was great desire for quiet, repose, and sleep ; nevertheless I was able to work as usual.

1. A. B — , a florid, healthy-looking man of about forty, by occupation a contractor, having a great deal to do in constructing drains, makes use of dynamite cartridges. He frequently carried one of the

• 7*hi8 is a combination of nitro-glycerine with an inert siliceous earth,— Eos,

6oo

cartridges about with him in his bare hand for the purpose of it. The cartridges are made of paper, and the nitro-glyccrin leaks through, staining the paper. He has noticed on one occasions a stinging sensation when he had a cut or crack on li After this, within a few minutes, he would be seized with an i headache, burning of the face, ringing in the cars, and a fee though the head were enormously enlarged and swollen, togetll a palpitation of the heart. At other times the headache wql come on until night, after his return from work. It would thej accompanied with the same symptoms as during the day, aJ traced to his custom, after washing his hands as thoroughly as pi of touching his tongue with his fingers to see if all the dynam washed ofT It was only when he tasted a peculiar sweetish tas the headaches were found to supervene. After being advised probable cause of these symptoms he used gloves when handli cartridges, and did not taste his fingers, and has since had no of the above character. (Barrington Nevitt, Canadian Med. Sciencty 1883.)