Picricum acidum

Volume I — Main text

ACIDUM PICRICUM.

Picric acid, carbaiottc acid, C4Hj(NO,)jOH. Product of action of nitric acid on several substances (as caxbolic acid and saltcin).

L Provings, — i, Parisel, a, Nort-impregnathn. — We administered and took ourselves, an hour before food, a wineglassful of picric wine (i grm. to 1 litre). The aperient effect was greater than that of absinthe, but the bitterness was extreme. The same effect was complained of by a lady who took at the same time half a glass of aqueous solution, i in 10,000. Besides this effect there occurred slight diuresis. As a local effect, slight warmth at the stomach following the ingestion was noticed.

h. Picratisation (produced by doses of 005 to 020 grms. in the 24 h.). — The first symptom (and the most apparent) of *' picratisation ' is the coloration of the integuments, and notably of the conjunctivae, of a clear yellow. The subject seems attacked with simple jaundice. Cerebral symptoms arc only produced if the impregnation is effected with heavy doses ; if the daily doses (from 0'05 grm. to 020 grm.) are spread over the 24 h. the cephalic effects are totally wanting. The appetite is diminished rather than augmented. The effect upon the kidney is very remarkable; the activity of this viscus, which was stimulated by tonic doses, is now diminished ^ the urine is less abundant, and its colour varies from yellowish orange to blood red, according to the intensity of the impregnation. Lastly the acid comports itself as an irritant to the kidney. Its irritation is general, and if the organ is healthy may have no ill efi^ects, especially if the ingestion of the drug be not prolonged. Besides the coloration and the quantity the' urine varies in appearance. When picratisation is complete and strongly kept up, at the same time that decided anuria is produced the liquid becomes thicker and more viscid, as if full of flocculi. This appearance is generally due to mucus. When the urine arrives

at this stage its colour is always of a blood red. Last and ni09t important of all the phenomena of picratisation is the slowing of tbe circulation. This phenomenon, which we have studied upon about thirty individuals, including ourselves, is only slightly manifest after small doses. But in proportion as the dose becomes larger the efect 15 more powerful, we shall study it presently in speaking of tntckxi* cation from the acid, but even with doses of 020 grm. taken wtthtfi J h. we have found the difference to be on the average from 4 to 5 beats of the pulse. The effect is produced from i) to 2 h. after the ingestion of the dose. I ought to state that in two of these thirty indi viduals I found not slowing, but on the contrary a dight febrile disturbance,

c. Picric intoxication requires for its production doses of 03 to 06 of the acid, and presents three periods : i, a pertod of cerebral excitation ; 2, a sedative effect; 3, return to the normal stale or reaction,

d. On 16th Dec, 1867, at 8 a.m., took 3 pilules, each containing O'lo grm, of acid, and J h, afterwards two others of the same strength ; the total quantity of acid absorbed was therefore about 05 grm. At the commencement of the experiment the pulse was 71 ; 4 b, after and dose buzzing and whistling in ears, though not severe, sparks, whirling round of objects, heaviness of head alternating with sensation of emptiness. At 9.15 a moderately copious stool, oily-looking, yellowish ; the cerebral symptoms were relieved , at 9^30 pulse 58 \ at 10 a second stool, pulse 55 ; at IO.30, 52 ; at 10,45 * ^^^^^ stool, urine red j at 1 1 pulse 48, small^ feeble, scarcely able to lift finger \ great weakness, necessitating lying down ; the limbs seemed hardly able to stir themselves i no anxiety i profound calm. In e, no appetite ; at t) puUc 60^ still feeble; at 10, 65, stronger; perspiration; sleep pretty good. Next m. vivid coloration of sclerotics and integuments, urine coloured^ pulse 75, fairly strong ; still some weakness. The appetite is returning^ but after a short walk repose is still necessary. In e., and especially next day, nothing special, except coloration of the urine, which lasted

6 d., and that of skin, which lasted 10,

i. Three experiments upon a man suffering from panaris and a woman with abscess of the breast, both affections being in the stage of cicatrisation at the time. The man took 0*5 and the woman 04 grm. Both presented the above symptoms, with slight modifications. Thus the man had very'slight sweating, the minimum of the pulse was 52, the rate at starting being 75, the coloration of the skin only lasted

7 d. The woman, on the contrary, had abundant sweats, four stools, after the last she was very weak and had to be put to bed ; from 70 the pulse fell to 50, and was very feeble ; during the reaction it rose to 80 ; the skin coloradon lasted 9 d.

f, Siouf poisoning, — In certain cases where we have pushed the picratisation a little too far, we have been arrested by certain symptoms evidently the result of slow poisoning. The principal of these is again furnished by the pulse, which manifests m fact a febrile movement of the intermittent quotidian type. The attack is, however, rarely grave. There is present anorexia, thirst, often sweaty cancerous tint about the skin, tendency to cachexia. All these symptoms speedily

disappear on the cessation of the drug. Another important symptom which often occasions the interruption of the experiment is a sensation about the region of the kidneys, which often turns to true pain, indicating evidently irritation of the kidneys. To cause these symptoms in the healthy subject we gave the acid steadily for three months in repeated doses of O'lo during the first two months, and 0'l5 during the last, {De I'Acide Ptcrique,)

1. W. S. F — 5 in perfect health ; never had headache of any kind. Bowels normal and regular, Jan, 29th, 30th, 31st, and Feb. 2nd» took one dose of 30th. Nu symptoms, Feb, 3rd, 8 a.m., one powder of 1st cent. On 3rd, at 3 p^ni., pain in r. supra-orbital region, sharp and vibrating, stopping a moment or so, and then beginning again (lasted ^ h ], 4th, 3 p.m., dull, sleepy pain in the forehead, with sour eructations (lasting l h,j, 9.30 p.m. Dull, stunning pain in chest, with twitching in throat. Sharp, cutting pain in 1. temple over small transverse branch of temporal artery. 5th* — Awoke with very strong erections^ and pain in abdomen ; pass great deal of wind from the bowels on moving ; sour, bitter taste in mouth j nose filled with mucus ; can breathe only through mouth ; relieved by going into open air. 8 a.m. i dose ist. 11 a.m. Pain in 1. thigh in front; could hardly flex and extend the leg ; lasting 15 m, 7.30 p,m» Sour eructatations of gas and ingesta ; severe pain in back of 1. leg, extending to sole of foot, with sensation as if foot would go to sleep; relieved by motion and open air. 6th, 6 a.m., awoke with emission and very firm erection, which continued about 10 m. after emission ; crawling, stinging pains in abdomen ; bad taste as if of gas in mouth, and waterbrash ; throat dry and husky ; nose filled up ; could only breathe with mouth open ; crawling pain in sole of 1. foot and under patella ; sensation as if sand was in eyes, with smarting pain and acrid tears ; all symptoms relieved by cold water and walking in open air. 7th, 8 a.m., i dose 1st. 12 m,, rumbling pain in abdomen; weakness of legs at knees; Head feels as if falling forward ; eyes watery, stinging pain in them ; taste sour ; bad taste in mouth. 5 p.m. Dull, sleepy pain over left temple ; chest feels tight as if encircled by a band, 81 h, 4 a»m., ter rible erections, 7 a,m. Awoke with sharp stinging pain in both eyes, and dull, rumbling, and colic-like pains in abdomen ; numb, sleepy pain in legs, extending to soles ot the feet, relieved by cold water and open air. 9 p.m. Great heaviness of both legs ; knees feels weak , lame and tired sensation all over body. General relief from open air and motion. Most marked symptoms were heaviness and weakness of limbs ; general lassitude ; terrible erections ; headache, which he never before had. (M K 'Journ. of Horn, ^ ii, 154.)

3, /. E. T — , m good health, bowels regular, urine normal. I first tried 30th, 15th, 5th, with no effect. Jan. 29th, 4 p.m., i powder, ist cent. 8 p.m. Dull pain in supra-orbital region, coming from occiput. Can't keep the eyes open in studying ; general sense of lassitude, iileep restless, with terrible erections, 30th, 8 a.m., same pains continue ; worse from movement and stooping. Great weakness in lower limbs, 3tst. — ^No more symptoms. 4 p.m. I dose, ist cent. 10 p.m. Slight frontal headache, with sickness at stomach as from a

6*

wcight. Feb, I st.^- Long- continued and violent erections all night, 2nd, 2 p.m., I dose, ist. 7 pm. Numb sensation in lower limbs. Sleep restless. Erections like h — , violent, strong, and long-lasting, which I thought would surely rupture penis ; followed by profuse seminal emissions. 3rd. — Dull pain in supra-orbital region. Soft, light coloured stool passed with much straining. 6 p.m. Heavv, dull pain in small of back. 5th, 8 am,, I dose, 1st. 2 p.m. Dull, heavy supraorbital headache as before. 9 p,m. Very sleepy, can't keep my eyes open. Urine increased, and of a light amber colour. Numbness in 1. foot, 6th. Violent erections all n., could not steep for them i had to get up, walk about, and bathe parts in cold water. Pains in calves of legs lasting all n. Dull, heavy headache, lasting all d., coming first on r. side, then spreading to I. 7 p.m. Urine increased and of a light colour* Great weakness and heaviness of lower limbs. 7th, H a.m., i powder, 1st cent. 12. Pricking sensation, as from needles, in \cg% and feet. Soft stool with much tenesmus. 8th, 9 a.m., 1 powder, ist. 8 p.m. Pressure over both eyes i worse from studying and motion, better from sitting stilK Sleep broken up by violent erections, lasting all n. ^ had to sit up. 9th, 2 p.m., I powder, 1st. 9 p.m. Very sleepy and tired j head feels dull and heavy i feet feel as if frostbitten •, calves of both legs feel lame and sore* Urine still pale and increased. Sleep restless, and violent erections. loth, 1 1 a.m., erections with severe pain in left testicle^ as if bruised, extending up cord as far as external abdominal ring, 12 m. Dizziness and vertigo, lasting 4 h., worse when rtsing up from sitting position, nth, 8 p.m., took 1 dose 1st. Sleeplessness all night. Arose at 3 a.m. and took a dose of coffea, without eA^ect. Feb. 12th, dreaming all night, but without the usual terrible erections, (7^/V., p. 155.)

1. M. W. G — , nervous temperament, ast. 24. Feb. 9th, 1874, 10 p.m., I dose of 5th. loth, 10 a.m., twitching of lower portion of bicep»sof I. arm lasting ^ h. 12 m. Sensation of fulnessand heaviness of head, with disinclination for mental or physical work ; desires to sit still ; aversion to talking or movement ; fulness and heaviness increased till 2 p.m., when it developed into a severe throbbing headache ; worse on 1. side, but chiefly in 1. eye and occipital region -, markedly aggra> vated by going upstairs, which causes intense throbbing pain in eyeball, 4 p.m. Headache relieved j nausea, accompanied by intermittent griping pains in the epigastric region, continuing until n. Feb. 1 ith. — During forenoon, at intervals, twitching of biceps of 1. arm as before, with fulness and heaviness of the head, followed by throbbing pains in eye and occiput (1.), but not as marked as before; dulnessand indifference ; disinclination to talk and study i takes no interest in surrounding things. Feb. ibih, 10 a.m., i dose of 5th. 2 p.m. Fulness and heaviness of the head, with disinclination to do anything ; followed by severe headache as on ioth ; small furuncle in L nostril. 6 p.m. Severe pain in 1. inguinal region on walkirjg, aggravated by going upstairs | great heaviness and weakness of lower extremities i aggravation between 10 a.m and 2 p.m. {Ihid,^ p. 157.)

2. Mr. Sullivan, in good health ; urine acid and normal. Jan, 6th, took i dose of 5th. 7th, j p.m.| scanty soft stool, with burning

at anus. Dull pain in anterior muscles of thigh, and m lumbar region, with feeling of lassitude and weakness in same, especially in legs, aggravated by moving, 7 p.m. Dull, steady frontal headache, with vertigo when rising and walking. 8 p.m. Full, pressing sensation in head from within outwards, as if head would fly apart ; greatly aggravated by motion and study. 8th, — Weakness and heaviness of limbs. {Ib'td.^ p. 152.)

1. Three persons experienced symptoms from taking 30th^ and one from 25th. These were substantially as above, save that furuncle in nostril of No. 4 became in two provers of 30th a crop of such on face^ becoming pustular and very painful, burning and stinging when touched, {[hid., p. 149, 151, 152. 1 560

2. S. O. Garmon', a»t, 32, took daily doses of 2x dil., increasing from 10 drops on ist d. to 30 on 7th, thence declining to 20 from 9th to Jith d. On 1st d., 30 m. after dose had tingling feeling in lips and slight dull throbbing pain in 1. temple ; in 2 J h. formication over r. temporal region, running up over parietal bone, preceded by pain there, running behind cars ; also irregular, dull pain in inferior maxilla, with beating in molar teeth ; in 7 h. fulness in abdomen j in 9 h. shooting pain through 1. umbilical region from before backwards* On 2nd d. tingling, throbbing, and formication came on i h, after dose j in 24 h. disagreeable pressure as of weight in pit of stomach, desire to belch wind without power to do so; in 4 h. disagreeable dull headache, severest over r. temple, passing around occiput. On 3rd d., after 44 h. sharp pin in epigastric region \ in e. much flatus, and some in the umbilical region. On 4th d, rumbling and much flatus. On 5th d. nothing noticed. On 6th d., dull pain diffused throughout head ; some pain in abdomen and neck of bladder. On 7th d., dull general headache, most in r. side, with occasional shoots through temples from r. to 1. j much flatus and rumbling, and quite a sharp pain to I. of umbilicus. On 8th d,, appetite, hitherto increased, went away j he ate as usual, but without relish ; lassitude, and disagreeable feeling generally. On 9th d. slight full headache ; on nth much flatus.* (Dr. S, A. Jones' provings, Allen's Encychpadia^ vi, 519.)

8* J. A. Baker took daily for 5 d, 10 drops of Ix dil. in m. For first 3 d. head was heavy and hot, and in 30 m. after dose dull pain came on in forehead and temples, worst on r, side ^ there was oppres* sive feeling in epigastric region, palpitation, irregular pulse, and very hot feeling in lower dorsal and lumbar region. Also, on 2nd d. low spirits ; tired feeling ; on 3rd d. felt unable to study from pain in head ; and had frequent eructations ; on 5th d. increased flow of urine. From 6th to lorh d. took 15 drops daily, and same three times on 1 ith. On 6th d. had trembling in all muscles ; on 6th and 7th head bad in c. ; on 9th and Toth also head ached. On nth there was a pressure between temples, increased after 3rd dose; on nth urine again increased. On J 2th took 20 drops three times; low spirits, headache, copious urine ; palpitation after 1st dose, burning along coronal suture after 2nd, aKer

• The prover also had some unique urinary symptoms^ which Dr. Jones gives with reserve, viz. in e. of ^rd d., urine dark red ; on 5th d. urine dark, *ip. gr. icio^ topper and fermLUtation test gave indicatioii^ of &ugar ^ on 5th and toth d. very highly coluured, — Eos,

third burning along spine, worse from trying to study, better from motion. On 13th d. cook 3 doses of 25,30, and 20 drops respectively. Had diuresis and epigastric oppression as before; after ist dose, headache, with heat in head, and rheumatic pains in joints and extremities ; after 2nd heat in upper eyelids with lachrymation, jerking drawing in urethra, palpitation, great trembling of muscles and general debility, with drowsiness in afternoon till he had slept I h., heat in r. side of head and in lower dorsal and lumbar regions ; after 3rd dose very irritable. Beating of temporal arteries was noticed on several days during proving ; the head symptoms continued some time after discontinuance of drug. [Ibid,)

1. J. D. Baker, aet. 37, took 10 drops of Ix dil. daily for 10 d. On 1st d. dull headache in front and r. side, with heat in head and upper body (2 h. after dose); in e. pain in head, with some thirst and heat, chiefly in temples, and burning in external ears. On 2nd d. profuse urine ; about 1 1 a.m. pain in vertex, with slight fever. On 6th d. urine was scanty, and there was itching of body during n. ; he awoke at 3 a.m. and found it difficult to go to sleep. On 8th d. urine became dark yellow with strong odour. On loch d. eyes felt sore ; sight was dim and confused ; there was ^^ intense raising of wind **\ urine was scanty and dark yellow ; pain in lumbar region ; shooting pains in hands ; numbness of whole body, with pains, as felt when taking cold ; pain in r. side ; slight fever and dull headache : went to bed at 9, but could not get to sleep till 2. Next d., great desire to be alone ; severe headache all d., aggravated on rising, better in open air ; disgust for food, and some thirst, pain in back. On 1 2th d. repeated dose : pain in back continued, worse when sitting ; bitter taste in mouth, with great thirst ; urine yellow and profuse. On 13th and 14th d. took 20 drops : thirst continued, urine was very profuse, 1. hand went to sleep. {Ibid,)

2. G. E. Adams for 16 d. took 10 to 40-drop doses of Ix dil., generally 4 times a d. On ist and 2nd d. slight headache after taking medicine ; all e. of 2nd, headache, frontal, extending to vertex, of dull heavy tingling character ; slight colicky pain. On 3rd d. this worse all forenoon, with same headache ; two stools before 9 a.m., like gruel, yellowish grey ; urine much scantier than usual. Nothing then noted till 8th d., when he had recurrence of headache in e. lasting all next. d. ; pain dull, with occasional shoots. PVom 8th to loth eyes were dry and smarting, worse from use and lamplight. On nth d. headache in vertex, vertigo on stooping or lying down, head feels congested. On I2th d. shooting in front part of head, from outside to centre, quite severe all e. ; slight pain after micturition. On 13th, vertigo worse in e. ; frontal headache all d. ; urine of milky-olive hue. On 14th head* ache continued ; numb sensation in lower sternum (a symptom experienced much when living in a malarious country). On 15th headache worse, continuing during i6th, relieved by open air. On i6th had a peculiar nervous symptom, never experienced by him save when a fever was departing, a feeling as if he were about to be crushed by the bedclothes ; also arms, face, tongue and fore part of brain seemed to reach to clouds when going to sleep. [Ibid.)

I r, tf, G* A.TABER,set. 23, took from 10 to 20 drops of Ix dil 6 times during 3 d. Seems to have noticed no effects save that pimples which he hdd hdd on face and neck for several years were (un4th d.) remarkably increased in number and size,

h. In a second proving^ took Ix and 2X dils. during 4 d., and Ix trit, on 8th and 9th d« On 2nd d. dribbling after urinating. On 3rd found urine passed during previous 24 h. with heavy deposit of urates i and in e., while walking, sense of great fatigue came on lasting till n.^ legs feeling heavy. Next d. still got tired on least exertion ; in afternoon, soreness in ball of L great toe, going off on exertion ; in e.^ for I h,, pain in lower r, occiput, as if r. cerebellum was loose, keeps throbbing, worse on movement, better at rest ; also momentary sh^rp pain in r. bladder. On 5th d. sensation as of strong pressure on bridge of nose; feeh'ng as if plug were m throat during and after empty swallowing j still easily tired j constant dreaming during n. On 6th d. could not keep thoughts to study, and brain soon tired ; notes that this is 4th m. in succession that he has awoke with an erection 5 on lying down, in aft. and at n., feeling as if r. neck muscles would give out. On 7th d» found urates again as on 3rd. On 8th d,, in e,, pain in r. lower occiput, and slight shooting in n side of small of back ; could not get to sleep till late from ideas crowding into mind. On 9th d, same headache extending upwards over to r. supra-orbital region, for 3 h. J great prostration on walking. On lOth, brief recurrence of occipital pain. Nothing further recorded till 13th d., when he had cold clammy sweat of hands and feet in daytime; this recurred on most of the succeeding days up to the 20th* Therewith, on 14th d.^ the occipital pain, and great prostration on walking or making least exertion ; on 15th, pain from scapula to loins (r.) on bending forwards j same prostration on walking; on 16th, heaviness of lids and burning in eyes (c.) ; while reading sight is blurred, seemingly from winking mucus over eyes, the air also appears smoky ; heaviness and weariness of limbs on walking short distance ; on 17th, agglutination of lids in m., conjunctiva*, especially n, much inflamed, hard work to keep eyes open, relief from cold water or air, aggravation in warm room j throat sore, worse on L side, rough, scrapy sensation on swallowing, belter after catmg, worse after sleep i still easily tired ; on i8th, on awaking, eyes felt as if there were sticks in them, but inflammation had partly subsided; throat sore only on empty deglutition j on 19th, occipital pain again j on 20th, sensation as of sticks in eyes,

c. In a third proving, for 3 d. took 3X and 2X trits., from 4th to lOth d, increasing doses of Ix, On 3rd d. occipital pain recurred (for I J h*), and again on 4th (for 1 h.) ; on this d. dull pain at cardiac orifice of stomach while breakfasting. On 5th occipital pain came and went all d. ; in m, more frequent micturition than usual j at J p,m. prostrate feeling after short walk. On 6th, same symptoms without headache; also (and oil 5th as well) frequent dull pain on small spot in r. calf, which at length became tender. On 7ih, yellowness of eyes. On 8th, prostration of mind after writing awhile, occipital pain, slight nausea for t or 2 h, after taking drug. On 9th and loth d, occipital pains. {Ibid^}

1. F. W. White.

Health

•

Date. ' Urine.

8p pr.

BcirtUm.

Urea. | Urie ic. j

Pboaph.

Mvk,

Chkr.

Mhj. Cub. c. .

Grnr \ Grmt. i

Gm.

Gnu.

Qraa.

«-9 «7J5

lOII

Acid

18-1125 •«0350

336575

••25975 11-1125

9—10 1620

1012

»» ,

19-4400; 06804 .

453600

2*39760 13-3130

10— II 1205

lOlO

» !

15-6650 07953

2-59075 1-85160: 9*1580

11 — 12 i.?90

1014

27-8000 -46704

3*33600 a-6688o, if398o

12-13 850

1020

•»

18*2750 -12580

350750 1 •71700 68850

13-14 1440

I-OI270

n

20-8800 -10080

3-30400' 1-81440 14*4000

14—15 1400

IOI090

•t

15*4000 03080

3-50000 1 3-41600 i5^96oo

15—16 1260

1-01310

^

15 1200 '08064

3*33100, 3-31760 io-ji3ao

16—17 1320

I-OI250

Neatrml

18*4800 '03960

297000 3-00640 15-8400

Total 1221000

169*1725' 109575

37-43900 30-33915 107-4975

Mean 1356-66

187969 012175 Affdieatioit.

304877 1 335879 ; 11*9441

•7— 18 530

I'022IO 1

Acid

15*1050' -00540 1

3*137 1 1-6748

4770

18—19 >o8o

1*01210

23 7600 •1555a

4'86o ! 3*3760

4-753

19—20 1 170

IOI39O

ft

22 2300 -19890

6*201 ' 3-1996

7-956

20—21 1680

1-0440

tf ■

235200 '4S.^<»o

4284 3*2928

8064

21—22 1790

1 00532

Neutral

15*2150 -17542

4833 a*5o6o

8*950

22—23 2030

1*00916

Acid '

21*0125 -39770

6560 17330

9*030

6993

23-24 '520

i'oo6oo

"

15-9600 -41344

4*104

1*6416

24—15 «955

1 00700

»'

17*1062 -50830

5*474

2*0332

10-166

25—26 1710

10 1050

• 1

176643 -47880

4*275

1*7100

8550

ToUl 1348500

«7«5730 187708

43-7180' 19-1560

69330

Meuu, 1498*33

190636 0-319675

4*85751 »i284

7*6944

EiiminatioH,

26 — 27 1210

1*0131

Acid

^3.185

•3W30

2*54»0

1*9603

5566

27—28 1260

1*0119

„

19315

-16380

3-2050

1-8648

7'3o8

28—29 1245

10093

«;'4Jo

•28386

3'80I3

1*9422

8466

29—30 1 190

1-0156

»f

21-015

•27846

"•7255

3*6656

9-5ao

.?o— 31 875

10131

tt

tS3ia

•17850

1*9687

30648

7-000

?i— I 1 1170

1 0159

"

17936

•38376

«*755o

18720 1 10396

1—2 1 850

10141

»

] 6' 1 50

•29750

3-1250

1*4790 8500

Total 1800-00

Mi'443 '1*985180

15-1214

13*8486

56-6560

Mean ; 1257-14

18777 10283597

2'i6oi

1*9783

8-0937

(ibu.y

1. J. Amos.

Health .

Average in medication

Result .

1. Mr. Conger.

Healtli .

Average in medication

Result .

1. A. Sawyer.

Health .

Average in medication

Result .

Urine.

Urea. Phoapliates. Sulphates.

Cab. e.

1125

+459

Gra. 3383 4661 + 118-1

Gra. "74 3141 + 14-01

Chloridct.

Gra.

On.

55-80

93-

63-38

116*1

• 7-38

• 231

33*

57^3

1171

53'-7

7'*73

+439

• "99*7

• 'V43

38-0 44*64

+664

131*5

16*4

39^7

1010

535*9

19-1

64-14

• I«7

• 304^4

• »'7

• 24-44

«55

i«4

+»9

90»i

100-9

• io^l

(Couch, Horn. Ttmes^ 1878, p. 100.)*

• Thcst tables are given by Drs. Jones and Couch without explanation^ but the dosage v\a:> probably semi-bubbtantial and repeated. — Eds.

III. Expirlmtnts on animaU* — I, a, A solution of ^ss of the crystals in %]} of alcohol was given to a cat for four days, at first in 31J doses, finally in one of Jj. A few hours after the last she died. The symptoms were gradually increasing unwillingness to move about, the limbs at last becoming quite limp ; and vomiting and diarrhoea, the stools dark and very offensive. Post mortem^ the pyloric end of the duodenum, with the mesenteric glands, were congested bluish-black ; and the cerebellum, medulla oblongata and upper part of the cord were " completely disorganised, soft and pulpy/' The cerebrum was but slightly softened, the lower cord not at all. (CoucH, N, T. J. of Horn., ii, 145,)

b, A scries of 2, 3, and 4-drachm doses of the solution were given to a strong healthy dog during ten days, when he died* The symptoms were the same, with the addition of dyspnoea, salivation, and "bloody urine" passed with much straining. The paralytic symptoms were conjoined with some of spasmodic character ; e.g, 5th day : ^^ Lies down constantly when not disturbed and made to stand up; when lying, weak tonic followed by clonic spasms; muscles of legs and back twitch spasmodically; pupils dilated. 6th day : trem* bling, wavering, cannot stand firmly ; muscles twitch spasmodically ^ keeps his legs wide apart when standing ; looks steadily at objects as if unable to make out what they are." The autopsy disclosed a similar condition of the nervous centres ; the muscles of the hind legs thin and wasted ; and the left lung the seat of congestion above and greyhepatisat ion below, {Ibid,)

i\ In later investigations of same kind, entire ana!Sthesia and analgesia of posterior extremities was noted. Under the influence of the drug the animals display great weakness and lassitude ; especially is this noticeable of the hind legs, they being scarcely able to support the already attenuated body, which sways constantly from side to side ; the tail, too, is as limp as a wet rag, and cannot be made to either wag or curl. As more of drug is absorbed these symptoms become more and more prominent^ the animal falls over at the slightest push and seems unable to rise» His whole aspect is now one of the greatest terror j the fur on the neck is erect and bristling j the eyes are prominent and staring ; the head is turned qutckly from side to side as if fearing a deadly attack from some dreadful unseen enemy; the gait, too, is peculiar, resembling somewhat that of locomotor ataxia. This is due to sudden spasms of individual muscles during the act of walking. On being urged to run three or four feet, he seems as if suddenly pulled back upon his haunches by some unseen force. The spasms now become general, involving all the voluntary and some ol the involuntary muscles ; the whole body becomes convulsed, respiration is stopped, opisthotonos sets in ; after 2 m, muscles relax and respiration is slowly established. A slight rustling, a jar, or other noise is sufficient to produce a recurrence of the above phenomena. If rest and quiet arc allowed, the animal may perfectly recover. If, however, too large a dose has been administered the spasms recur more and more frequently, till death finally occurs from prolonged spasms of the muscles of respiration. During the later stages of the poisonings clonic spasms of the

jaws occur with sufficient force to cause the sound of clashing teeth to be heard fifty feet or more away. (Ibid., Horn. Ttrnts,^ April,

1878.)

d. In these experiments the pulse and respiration ratio showed a marked similarity to the phenomena following section and consequent paralysis of both pneumogastric nerves. {Ibid.)

e. Dr. Couch examined ophthalmoscopically eyes of four dogs poisoned by acid, and found in all venous congestion. On one sent to him for examination^ Dr. Norton reports: — ^** Oct. 12. — ^This m. I examined the eyes of a dog chronically poisoned with p. acid, that Dr. Couch had sent me. Pupils dilated with atropine. Ophthalmoscopic appearances of the two eyes are similar, refractive media clear, optic nerve apparently slightly hyperxmic, retinal vessels, especially veins, enlarged. I'hin streaks of reddish colour in choroid, probably physiological, and due to want of pigment ; above optic nerve in particular, immense white patches of exudation are observed, with some hemorrhagic spots. It is impossible to say whether they are in the retina or choroid, as there are several points in ^vour of each.

" 22nd. — This m. the dog's eyes were sent to me for microscopical examination. Optic nerve entrance much swollen and infiltrated ; masses of yellowish- white exudation are observed, extending from the nerve into the various portions of the retina ; others are unconnected with the nerve-entrance. In some places these points have a white glistening look, but generally partake of the appearance noted above. The whole retina appears as if infiltrated; small extravasations are found in the optic nerve and in the retina. The choroid was normal as far as examined. Owing to an accident the different retinal layers could not be seen." {Ibid.)

1. [Christison relates, from Buchner, some experiments made with drug by Rapp, under its old name of carbazotic acid. As, however, not the pure crystals, but the yellow liquor from which they are procured, was employed, we have not used them here. — Eds.]

Volume II — Appendix

Acidum picricum.*-P. 65, 1. 12, for " S. " read "J.;" and p. 66, 1. 20 from bottom, for " G. " read " E." P. 67, 1. 9 from bottom, for " 14 h. " read " 14 h.;" and after " (1 h.) " add "with sensation as of a band pressing on r. parietal eminence." In same, l. 7 from bottom, for " in m. " read " p.m.;" and for " all d. " read " for some time inm." In last 1, for " roth " read " 18th.

• These corrections are due to a communication from Dr. Geo, Taber to the Hom. Physician forAug., 1887.