Belladonna

Volume I — Main text

BELLADONNA.

A*tropa BiHaJ6nna^ h, DeadJy nightshade, Nat. Ord., Solamatim.

L Pren/ings. — ^i, Hahnemann, Fragmenta di Viribui^t^c* Con*

tains 90 symptoms from self and 304 from authors.

1. Ibid., Mat. Mid. Pura^ vol. i of original and translation. Contains Q75 symptoms from self and 13 others, and 475 from authors.

2. Wasserberg took pills of extract, and experienced dryness of eyes (with burning in these and in lids), and also of nose, mouth, and pharynx, with thirst. On increasing dose suffered from headache, with confused dulness of mind and senses j reading by arrificial light was difficult, lines seeming to skip up and down ; felt vinous taste in mouth ; pulse weaker and slower than usual ; occasionally burning about cardiac orifice of stomach. (Stoll, Ratio Mtdtndi^ iii, 409.)

3. Twelve persons took extract in doses of gr. ^ to gr. i^ once daily. With certain exceprions, consequent upon individuality and difference of dosage, the following were constant effects :

a. Digestive apparatus. — Feeble aromatic taste; long-lasting dnr» ness of lips, mouth, and fauces, with desire for drink, only temporarily relieved by drinking j redness of nasal mucous membrane ; pappy taste i coated tongue ; diminished appetite ; nausea and urging to vomit ; pressure and spasm at stomach \ flatulent distension and flying pains in abdomen, becoming slighter after diarrhcric stools.

b. Vascular system. — At one time quickened, at another retarded pulse; throbbing of heart, carotid and temporal arteries, with heat and redness of face, febrile movements and congestion to head.

f. Nervous system. — Impeded activity of tongue, speaking and swallowing difficult ; clouding of senses and hallucinadons j humming or singing in ears ; sensitiveness of eyes ; impaired or double \4sion ^ oppression and empty feeling of head ; pressive frontal and generaJ headaches 5 giddiness, reeling as from slight inebriation 5 general feeling of illness J no desire for anything; lassitude, in one case almost pant* lysis ; varying sense of temperature ; restless sleep, sleeplessness^ torpor, vivid dreams.

d. Secretions. — Transpiration more or less increased, even to sweat ; urine at rimes darker, increased, then afterwards diminished.

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e. Isolated phenomena were : — Strong erections ; a papular eruption and a boil on face ; itching and moisture of perinaeum ; shortlasting exaltation of general sensibility with marked cheerfulness and sense of comfort ; slight epistaxis. The nervous symptoms commonly appeared after 3 or 4 doses, the gastric and congestive after larger quantities or more prolonged use. {Wien, Zeitschr. d, k, k, Ges.^ Jahrg. i, Bd. 2.)

1. ScHNELLER, onc of the above, gives following details of his experiments :

a. Took alcoholic extract of whole plant in increasing doses ; grs. 9t in 12 d. In 3 h. after gr. i, pappy taste, with white furred tongue, and feeling of emptiness in stomach. From gr. f to i, besides foregoing, dryness of mouth and larynx, hoarseness, collection of white tough viscid mucus in mouth, with frequent spitting ; tongue adhered to ^ate ; appetite diminished. These symptoms developed themselves in the course of an h., and gradually went off during d. ; hoarseness was still present in e. After grs. 1 J and li^ sensation of dryness extended to nasal cavity, with headache. The gastric symptoms increased to violent pressure in stomach, inclination to vomit,' swelling of abdomen, formation of flatulence, and pinching in umbilical region. On skin of face a slight pimply exanthema broke out, which suppurated slowly and dried up in a few d. Two final doses of grs. if and grs. i^ produced all the above symptoms, but in still greater degree. The dryness of mouth was excessive, so much so that he could hardly speak ; he desired drinks without actual thirst. The &uces were redder than natural, and burning ; in face such an increase of heat that it actually glowed, and became brownish red and turgid. In e. always severe pinchings in abdomen, followed by soft motion ; sleep restless. These symptoms continued in a lesser degree two d. after last dose.

b. Took inspissated juice of leaves, beginning with gr. ^, and increasing by same quantity daily up to grs. i|-. The first six doses produced exactly the same symptoms as the same doses of the former preparation. After gr. |- to if head became confused, vision obscured,

"nose dry, sneezing occurred, and mucus mixed with blood was blown from nose ; besides this, great pressure in stomach, in cardiac region, and pain in the lower part of larynx with hiccough, especially after eating. After grs. i-^ head symptoms increased, pain in forehead and discomfort in great degree ; conjunctiva and edges of lids injected , weakness of vision increased, without any dilatation of pupil. Remarkable weakness and relaxation of genitals ; frequent call to pass water, which came onlv after great effort and guttatim ; urine normal. After grs. if and if, besides the above, dilatation of pupils, weariness of lids, ringing in ears, and uncommon sleepiness and dulness of intellect. In 3 d. all had returned to the normal state.

c. A single dose of grs. 4f was now taken at 7.15 p.m. In less than f h. dryness and burning of fauces came on with hoarseness ; soon afterwards frontal headache, vertigo, and dryness of tongue. At 8.30 his sight failed him ; letters swam whilst reading, and vertigo increased on any movement of body. About 9 there was dryness of nasal cavity and some frontal headache ; pupils somewhat dilated ; taste pappy ; bad

smell from mouth j pinching in umbilical region ; &uces reddened •

swallowing difHcult ; pulse rapid* At 9.30 former weaJcness of gcnitaJi observed j micturition caused no pain» but although there was greut desire, urine flowed with much difficulty, and only after strong effort. At 9.4.5 frequent dry sneezing, with tickling, especially in nostril, and frequent burning at back of palate. The n. was restless j burning in head, palate, and fauces considerable j feet ice cold, and scarcely to be warmed ; urinary secretion much increased and more easily pcisscd, bright yellow in colour, and presenting nothing unusual. The following m. head still confused ^ lumps of tough mucus hawked up and blown from the nose, with great diminution of dryness ; appetite diminished ; tongue furred white. For a week afterwards he had sorethroat, difficulty of swallowing in a great degree, with considerable reddening of mucous membrane of mouth and fauces, and slightly swollen tonsils ; there appeared on face, especially on cheek, along with increased heat, red irregular patches of the size of a crown piece, which disappeared and again returned. All these symptoms declined gradually, and at the end of a fortnight nothing abnormal was present {Ihid,^ Jabrg. ii, Bd. 2.)

1. Flechner. This prover, with two others, began with 2 drs. of tinct, and increased irregularly to 130 drs.

a, A dose of 2 to 30 drs», especially the latter, caused slight dryness of mouth and nose, insipid taste, yellowish fur on tongue, diminished appetite, dulness in frontal region, roaring in ears, weakness of vision, with normal rather contracted pupils ; in one person also pain in back, in another stitches in region of shoulder, and in 1. side in region of ^se ribs.

h. From 35 to 60 drs. the above-mentioned symptoms in mouth and fauces increased to a distressing degree. There was burning in hard palate and throat with great redness of these parts, voice became hoarse, intestines distended with gas and painful. Head became dulli there was vertigo, sleepiness, and frequent yawning ; restless sleep. In two provers there were also transient stitches in region of heart, and tearing pain in head, region of shoulders, and feet. These symptoms continued, in a less degree, even on the following day when nothing was taken.

c. After doses of 65 to 130 drs. the above-mentioned symptoms increased, with the exception of the flying pains. Eyes became especi* ally affected, there was foggy vision with vertigo, eyes seemed covered with a veil, reading very difficult, conjunctiva injected. Pupils in one case (from no drs.) dilated. LastJy, it was noticed that the urinary organs became affected, so that micturition was accompanied with great straining and difficulty.

d. On same d. in which one prover took no drs, he made experiment with a local application to conjunctiva, A few drops were rubbed into r. upper lid, and some trickled into inner canthus. About 15 m, afterwards there was some dilatation of pupil, which increased so that after 2 h, there was scarcely a line of iris to be seen. Margins of the lids became red, conjunctiva slightly injected j even pupil of other eye was somewhat dilated* Iris of r. eye was sluggish in action, vision

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very weak, and eyes seemed veiled. On next d., r. pupil was still considerably dilated and vision very much restricted, especially in open air. At same time eye was drawn somewhat upward and outward. On 3rd d., vision was only somewhat weak ', pupil remained dilated for second d. {Ibid.^ Jahrg. iii.)

1. Waltl took gr. iv of dried root. An h. after taking this, staggered in his walk, as if drunk ; experienced giddiness, headache, drowsiness j face was remarkably red, sight (as of letters) multiple, not clear, and irregular, pupils much dilated y remarkable and excessive dryness of throat in spite of drinking water and chewing gum. Slept 4 h. and woke quite well.

From vapour of decoction of root twice experienced at unusual hours great des^-e to sleep. (Buchner, Repert. f, d. Pharm.j xxvii, p. 71.)

1. PuRKiNjE took 20 drs. of concentrated aqueous infusion of extract. In ^ h. dryness of mouth, throaty nostrils, and eyes ; also of palms of hands. In cardiac region, peculiar sense of anxiety, as when the pulse intermits. Urine and alvine evacuation more scanty ; animal food excited sourish taste with subsequent scratching in throat ; saliva diminished. {Neue BresL SammL^ 1829, P* 4370

2. ScHEiDTWEiLER took a morsel . of extract. After 45 m. his hands swelled up and became so dry that he could no longer lay hold of things without letting them fall, and forthwith there came an abundant foam into the throat, and a headache lasting 2 d. There was unwonted heat of hcc ; the eyes were much swollen and very tearful. (Buchner's Repertorium^ viii, 399.)

3. ScHLOssER. A minute dose of a solution of extract excited — pressive pain on 1. supra-orbital arch \ immediate annoying weakness of sight in r. eye while writing so that letters seem to swim, and a troublesome feeling as if r. eyelid were paralysed ; r. pupil shows a very large circular dilatation ; distant objects seem to the affected eye clearer than those close by j in writing he is obliged to close the affected eye to see the letters ; while walking in the open air and in bright light vision was weaker, better in darkness and twilight ; the contours of moving; bodies wanted clearness, and print seemed to affected eye smaller and paler ; speedy dimming of the eye occurred when reading ; frequent feeling as if the eye swam in tears and of increased heat. Coffee gave relief. {^Hg. horn, Zeit.^ Ivi, 147.)

4. a. Frank took increasing doses of i x from June 2nd to 4th, 1 841 . After 50 drs. at 8.45 on latter d., had in 5 m. oppression of head as in commencing intoxication. At 9 cloudiness had increased. He felt determination of blood to the head, throbbing of the vessels, and sense of the heart-beats within the skull [therewith also profuse secretion of watery nasal mucus,"^ and copious lachrymation] ; conjunctiva was injected, and pupils (especially r.) so dilated as to call attention from others. Confusion in head was increased by moving the head, still more when walking. At 10 pupils were much smaller, r. less than 1. ; at same time he had very transient fine shooting pains in both eyes while walking in open air, with feeling of heat coming against them ; to

• He had a chronic nasal catarrh, so brackets all symptoms of the kind.

which in afternoon there was added sleepiness. In e. he took 40 drs,| and next m. 50, without effect. On 5th, at 6 a.m., took 60 dn* Immediately cloudiness in head, and thereupon heaviness of eyelids with feeling; as if between them and balls lay a sticky mass, which hindered their natural movements ; sleepiness ; pupils again dilated^ r. more than 1. [The nose again humid, with much tendency to snecxing.] After 15 m. increase of cloudiness to actual vertigo, greater on movement^ with unwonted firmness in legs, especially in calves, and a sort of formication. At 7.30 feeling as if cramp in calves would come on, several times recurring ; sometimes shooting tearing through 1. knee, and creeping in 1. foot-sole, with still stronger tearing sensation in the 1. thenar eminence on upper third of metacarpal bone of little finger. At 8 a.m. drank some coffee, and thereupon followed tearing, in I, calf and along outer side of ulna (in the muscles) to the wrist. The affection of head and eyes had gone off since the coffee. At 10 the vertigo on movement recurred, and therewith heaviness in eyelids and weariness, soon going off*. The drawing in K calf several times recurred. Then came on, after a transient anginose pain, frequent cough with expectoration of scanty white thick phlegm, and thereafter an irritable roughness and dryness in windpipe {catarrkut laryngim). Tearing in arms, hand, and foot continued. Pains in eyes, and also a hot pricking in r. eye, were still felt. Twice an indefinable slight pain suddenly shot through two middle upper incisors. In n, he several times felt, on a small spot on outer side of 1, thigh, between knee and trochanter, a slight rheumatic drawing. 6th. — At 10 a.m. each rheumatic drawing ends in a burning throbbing ; on close inspection he found, on a small spot on thigh, a slight erysipelatous redness, which, however, soon passed away. Burning throbbing on inner side of L forearm near olecranon, and on posterior ridge of radius, increased by touch and slight pressure. These sensations often returned during d. on the same and on other parts, such as just above 1. heel, over 1. instep, and on a small spot on outside of r. thigh j and in e. at 6 there was added a similar burning drawing pain at base of scapula, near angle. These spots seemed to be hotter and to be worse on pressure. (The B. seemed especially to affect the flexor surfaces and the fibrous membranes, and to touch I. more than r. side of body.) 7th. — No med, since 5th, all the symptoms disappeared, but at l p.m., walking fast, the above-described pain in 1. thigh, I, tibia, 1. vola manus, r, upper arm, back of little finger, always in parts where there are no muscles, 8th. — At 10 a.m. took 60 drs. on an empty stomach, and in the e* before going to bed 3 drs. of a 50 per cent, attenuation of mother tinct. in water. No result. June 9th, 8.30 a.m.^ 2 drs. of tinct. ; at noon same dose, and in afternoon 3 drs. Drawing in abdomen as from flatulence, rumbling and escape of wind, feeling as of urgency to stool \ perceptible pulsation through whole body \ glistening eyes, as if swimming in tears j conjunctiva bulbi shot with many red vessels j heaviness of Hds, especially of r, eye ; at 7 p.m. gripia transversely through abdomen just under navel, after which discharge flatus with rumbling. Drawing on 1. tibia near knee j drawing in hypogastric region over horizontal ramus of os pubis on r. side,

sioned by flatus, which soon afterwards discharged. Stool was markedly harder and scantier than is natural. The proving was here interrupted.

b. Aug. igth, took, at 4 p.m., 3 drs. of 0 j 20th, 4 drs. in the m., 5 in the e. ; 2ist, 5 drs. ; 22nd, 7 drs. ; 26th, 10 drs. ; 27th, 12 drs. ; 31st, 18 drs. Very trifling results — eructations, gripings, oppression in head and feeling of heat in stomach ensued. (Frank remarks that 60 drs. of first dil. affected him more than 18 drs. of mother tincture.)

c. Proved a solution of 535 of extract in 5J of water. May i6th, 1845. — Took half a teaspoonful. Occasional eructations. 17th,' 8 a.m., half a teaspoonful, fasting. Enlarged pupils, quivering of left upper eyelids, dryness of throat and lips, without notable thirst; drawing and shooting in 1. side of chest. In afternoon took a teaspoonful. After 5 m. quivering in 1. upper eyelid, often returning ; a transient stitch in 1. chest ; eructations ; dryness of throat and lips, spreading through whole mouth. i8th. — Last n. woke at i a.m. with distension and griping in abdomen with troublesome nausea ; emission of much flatulence brought relief. In m. tongue was coated white, appetite very poor. Quivering in 1. upper eyelid, eructation, slight nausea. At 2 p.m. he sat down to his meal without appetite, but this improved as he went on, and after eating tongue cleaned. 11 p.m., quivering a«nd transient slight burning in the outer canthus of 1. eye. 19th, m., in outer corner of 1. eye he finds several red vessels on sclerotica ; quivering ; enlarged pupils had become normal. At i p.m. a teaspoonful. Emission of much flatus ; dryness of mouth and fauces y congestion in head, sensible pulsation therein and some giddiness. The dryness in the fauces increased to a scraping feeling, and caused such dysphagia that only with difficulty and by almost constant taking of fluids could he swallow solid food. Immediately after a meal violent chill, with chattering of teeth ; limbs trembled while lying as in the cold stage of an intermittent. He soon fell asleep, and on waking was very hot, had wide pupils ; glistening, protruding eyes, as if swimming in tears ; and redness of fece. At 9 p.m. no appetite, and tongue very white-coated ; feeling of fulness in abdomen, together with slight griping and rumbling and desire to emit flatus, which, however, would not pass. 20th. — Stool since taking the drug obviously retarded. While eating white bread and milk pain under hard palate, in middle, which went up into nostrils. Pupils still dilated. 21 st, 9.30 a.m., a teaspoonful. Tasteless eructations ; flatulence and urging to stool, but with slight result. At 10 a.m. dryness in mouth and throat, dysphagia, water will hardly go down ; frequent hawking of phlegm ; feeling in eyes as if they protruded from their sockets ; heaviness of lids y sight somewhat clouded, slight giddiness with determination of blood to head and tinnitus aurium. 9 p.m., after a meal, a teaspoonful. In bed while reading as usual the letters run together, so that he cannot

;o on. Sleep was sound. May 22nd, 4.45 a.m., dryness in mouth ;

e can with difficulty detach some tenacious slime from the fauces by hawking. Copious urination. This m. unusual drowsiness y the letters nm together while reading. He sees without glasses, the letters larger, and also more keenly with 1. eye than with r., which normally does not obtain 28th. 8 a.m., a teaspoonful, fasting. Return of all

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symptoms. At noon slight humming in ears, flickering before cyei^ recurrence of twitching of L upper eyelid ; feeling of fulness in abdomen* No appetite or taste ; swallowing difficult. 29th. — Very frecjucDt urging to micturate, though he could only pass a few drops at a time. Closing of L eye. {Uid.^ xxxii, p, 298.)

1. H, B — , a girl ^t* 23, healthy^ took, on 4th June, at 5 p.m., 50 dr. of 1st dil. (i in 50). In J h. she was diz7.y — as though she had taken a drop too much, and as if there were a board before her forehead ; face red ; eyes sparkling and as if swimming in tears, pupils dilated, L more than r. Flickering before 1. eye, making her wipe it often. These symptoms lasted in their full intensity 4 h.j then diminished and were gone by 7 p.m. But the headache, which was a^ravated by stooping, recurred on moving and stooping for a long time afterwards^ occasionally indeed till 11 p.m., though it had at first passed off sooner than the eye affection ; and the flickering lasted off and on till 1 r p,m. — 5th. Complained all day of slight headache (as though a board lay on forehead), which, though it may go off, can always be brought back by movement; dryness of throat seated apparently in the laiynx. Had to swallow frequently, speaks rather hoarsely, and coughs occasionally* Till 10 p,m. had frequent, dry cough ; scraping in larynx excites the cough ; when she swallows she feels a pain there which extends into L ear. — 6th, At noon violent scraping along anterior wall of larynx, causing dry short cough, and hoarse voice. At 4 p*m. i» quite hoarse; she complains much of creeping pains which extend to pit of throat and 1» ear, also dryness. (Got a grain of hep. sulph.) — 7th. Last n. and today coughed a great deal. The pain (rawness, scrapines^) extends tor, side of larynx, is aggravated by swallowing and coughing. Nasty taste, tongue white furred, appetite unaffected^ complains of cramp of legs. Decided redness of tonsils and neighbouring parts, as also of tip of uvula ; but no pain. — 8th. On rising weak and weary, she could not make her bed. The scraping feeling gone, but the dry cough frequently recurred though less severely than yesterday. Now she complains of severe pain on pressure behind angle of r. lower jaw. (Fra^*K|

2. Dr. L. B, Wells,— J. Miss F, B — , act. 22, at 6 and 8 p, m-

took 8 drs, of 4th cent. dtl. No symptoms. At 9.30 p.m. took lodrs. In 20 m,, distress as i( from indigestion. Next d., took 25 drs. at 12,15 p.m. At I p.m., distress in stomach. At 3 p.m., heavy\ dull, bearing'down pain in abdomen and pelvis ; symptom was repeated several times, and was very similar to what patient suffered at every period. 6, Miss C, E, C — , ^t. 1 9, of nervo-bilious temperament, Feb. 24th, 1870, at 4 p.m., took 8 drs. of 4th dil, 4-30, sharp pain shooting from wrist along course of ulna down to elbow-joint 5 dull aching in muscles of forearm ; dull, uneasy sensation all over head. 6.jo^ feeling of nausea, headache increasing. 8.15, pressing pain in upper part of orbits j slight swelling of lower eyelids. 10.30, took 8 drs* j 10 m. after, a sharp, slight pain in loin, just above ischium; slight nausea* ifth, 9.15 a.m., took 10 drs. Pain in stomach, with slight nausea, II, small, loose stool, with sharp, stitching pain above umbilicus. 13.15, took 8 drs. In less than an h, pain at sternal

extremity of fifth rib. 4.15, darting pain under 1. parietal bone. 5.20, drawing pain in arm, near insertion of deltoid muscle, relieved by pressure. Parietal pain extends to temples. 6.10, took 15 drs., and in 40 m. had drawing pain in hollow of r. foot. Headache involved r* temple. 7, cutting pain in r. loin, and in lower extremity of sternum. Slight, cutting pain behind ears. 9.30, sensation as it hair on top of head were being pulled. Slight earache. 10, nausea, with sensation of fulness in throat ; gradually changes to burning. 26th, 7 a.m., took 10 drs., and at 11 there was darting pain in and near the orbit of 1. eye and near vertebral extremity of eighth rib. Sharp pain at base of first metatarsal bone of r. foot. 1 1 .30, sharp pain over stomach, and between last cervical and first dorsal vertebrae. 12, dizziness, i., sharp pain in splenic region. 4, sharp, cramping pain just below extremity of sternum, gradually extending to pit of stomach, up the sternum, and over cardiac region. 9, cramp, eextndin^from tonsil to top of pharynx. Cramps at base of tongue. 27th, 11.30, sharp pricking pain in abdomen. 3, stitches in chest and just below r. axilla ; slight headache in temple. 28tb. — Slight lateral headache. Mar. 1st, 5.45 p.m., took 8 drs. ; in a few m. felt slight warmth along back of r. forearm, as of approaching numbness, and slight paralytic feeling along anterior tibial nerves. 2nd, 11.30 a.m., took 8 drs.; no symptoms. 3rd, 7 a.m., took 12 drs. ; sharp, cutting pain in side of head, from frontal to occipital region, becoming general, and at last settling in 1. parietal bone ; drawing, cutting pain behind r. shoulderblade. 4th. — Headache all day. 5th. — Sharp, tearing pain under and in r. armpit. These peculiar cutting pains commencing in wrist and extending (shooting) up to elbow^ and sometimes above that point, continued several weeks, and always from extremity to centre. The prover had never experienced these pains before the experiment. ( Trans, ofN. T. State Horn. Med. Soc.^ x, 129.)

1. H. M. Gray. — a. I had taken an unwarrantably large dose of the extract, to quiet the pain of a severe neuralgic faceache ; not finding any relief, I repeated it in the course of 10 or 15 m., swallowing in all some 8 or 10 grains. About an h. after the last dose had been taken, the medicine began to induce its specific effects in the following order : First, vertigo, increasing to such an extent as to render it impossible to walk without staggering. The dizziness, which was at first transient, soon became continued and very severe. Now came on the affection of the eyesight, every object growing dim, a^ though a cloud were between the eye and it. Sometimes objects appeared double, and with an undulating motion passed before the eye. I observed that by a strong effort of will, a concentration of the nervous power, this paralysis of the retina might for a moment be combated, but only to return with greater severity when the mental effort had been succeeded by its corresponding relaxation. The pupils were immoveably dilated; the eyes prominent, diy, and exceedingly brilliant. The conjunctival vessels were fully injected. There was total absence of lachrymation, and motion was attended with a sense of dryness and stiffness. The face was red and turgid, and the temperature and colour of the surface considerably augmented. Pulse full, from 120 to 130. The feeling in the

head vns that of ^^iokm coogtsaaa^ z fiill, tense, throbbing state of the cerebral blood-vcssds, idctidcallf die same sensation as would be produced hj a ligature thrown round the neck, and impeding the return of the rcnous circulation. The peculiar state of the throat next excited attendofi. The tongue, mouth, and hxKts were devoid of moistuie^ as if they had been composed of btu-nt shoe-leather. The secretions of the glands of the mouth, and the saliva, were entirely suspended. A draught of water, inscead of giving relief, seemed only to increase the unctuous, clammy state of the mucous membrane. About the bag of the phar}'nx this sensation was most distressing. It induced a constant attempt at deglutition, and fmally excited suffocation, spasms of the h.uces and glottis, renewed at every attempt to swallow. A little saliva, white and round like a ball of cotton, would now and then be evacuated,

A, The slight delinum that followed the action of the narcotic was of a strange yet not unpleasant kind. I wished to be in constant motion, and it certainly afforded me an infinite degree of satisfaction to be able to walk up and down. The intellectual operations at tii were very vivid- Thoughts came and went, and ludicrous and fantastic spectacles were always uppermost in my mind, I was conscious that my language and gesticulations were extravagant, yet I had neither power nor will to do otherwise than I did ; and notwithstanding my bodily malaise, my mind was in a state of delightful exhilaration.

(The treatment was very simple ; a cold douche to the head and an emetic soon destroyed the dominion of the poison. I found some difficulty in provoking the operation of the emetic owing to the insensible condition of the stomach. After vomiting, the disposition to sleep became very urgent. Strong coffee, however, counteracted this tendency.)

€. The other fact relative to the effects of B, is worthy of note, viz. its tremendous diuretic power. I have observed that it docs not seem to reach the kidneys until it has been some time in the stomach, and has exerted its specific influence on the brain* But its power over the secretion of urine seems to be very great. I am confident I passed in the course of an hour three pints of urine, accompanied with a slight strangury at the neck of the bladder. (N. Hsrl ymrm. §f Med.^ 185K)

15, One grain and a half of what I believe to be a very good extract of B. was taken on going to bed (11 p.m.). At about 4 a.m. I woke in a state of slight but decided delirium. My judgment, 1 think, was sound, when I chose to exert it, but nothing could rid my eyes a legion of most disgusting spectra. I am not very partial to any of the insect creation, but cockroaches are my special horror, spectral cockroaches were swarming all over the room. Every ob} in the room, both real and spectral, had a double, or, at least, a dim outline, owing to the extreme dilatation of the pupils. My hands also shook a little. This state lasted for about two hours, and then passed off, leaving me nothing to complain of but a dry sort of feeling in ^.^r throat. (Anstie, Stimulants and Narcotics^ p. 198.)

1. The operation of it|^xxx of a Succus Belladonn-e, prcpnii i . ^Messr8. T, BcU and Co., was noted in six adults, male and :t.;u:L.

Bell, action was fully developed in all within an hour. The pulse in one was accelerated only ten beats ; in another twenty beats ; in a third 26 ; in ten others 40 beats ; and in the sixth, a youth of twenty, the cardiac systoles were more than doubled, the pulse rising from 60 to 140 beats.

• Associated with the acceleration of the pulse, the other effects of B. (see Atropinum, I, 5) were well developed, but in none of the patients was there any observable increase in the respiratory movements. The individual in whom the acceleration of the pulse amounted to 80 beats did not, throughout the 45 m. during which the maximum acceleration continued, outwardly manifest or express the slightest excitement. The respirations never exceeded 18, and at the time when the cardiac excitement first reached its acme, and afterwards, the inspirations numbered 15 or 16, and were natural and easy. (Harley, Old Vegetable Neurotics^ p. 207.)

1. 9 a.m., health good, pulse 65, soft ; took lo drs. 2x in water soon sharp pains in r. malar bone, extending to eye and temple. 9.10, pulsating in arms, face hot but not flushed. 9.25, pulsating headache, eructations. 9*30, neuralgic pains darting in back and thighs ; pricking in throat when swallowing. 9.45, constant desire to swallow, mouth and throat dry ; exercise aggravates headache ; pulse 65, fuller and more round. 10, desire to sneeze j neuralgic pains in arms and neck. 10.15, after lemonade sharp pain in stomach and bowels for short time, followed by toothache on 1. upper molar. 10.40, very sleepy and languid ; pulse 65. 11.30, violent palpitation of heart, and pulsating all over body, caused by slight exercise ; headache returns j sneezing. I a, no appetite; considerable thirst j sight of food nauseates. 2 p.m., mind unusually bright, study easy ; slight photophobia and sneezing when in sunlight. 4.30, much itching in various parts, rubbing causes erythema that remains ; pulse 84 ; feels heated ; head aches. 5, called to urinate, scant and tardy, followed by scant stool. 6.30, pulse 96 before eating ; head hot, feet cold. 8, congested heavy feeling in abdomen and pelvis \ sexual excitement with desire (no exciting cause present). 9, called to stool, much straining, only flatus. 9.20, overcome with sleep ; waked often during night by involuntary twitchings here and there. 2nd d., waked with pallor, headache, and debility \ no appetite for breakfast ; bowels sore and distended ; early and copious stool. Occasional palpitation of heart during d., copious urine every 2 h. on the average all d. (A. W. Woodward, M.D., communicated,)

2. J. HuKENfiECK took on 28th March at 8 and 10 a.m., and at i and 4 p.m. \ gr., and at 8 p.m. \ gr. of ext. bell, made into pills with ext. tarax. and pulv. rad. althaeas. In afternoon the sight became so bad he could not see the largest letters ; he also sometimes saw double. No other symptoms. — 29th, 7 a.m., \ gr. At 9 a.m. pupils greatly enlarged, sight quite extinct, iris insensible to light. At 4 p.m. sight somewhat restored ; took \ gr. — 30th. 3 doses of \ gr. The sight had returned by the m. and iris moveable ; after the ist dose became blind and pupil immoveable or dilated ; thirst, dryness in mouth, and spasm of throat. NostooL — 3 ist,m., twice J gr., afternoon and e., J gr. Pupils moveable m., became dilated and remained so all day after ist dose.

Sight obscured, but not quite blind. Dryness of mouth, thirsty mi constrictive feeling in throat all d, ; 2 stools. — 1st ApriL 4 gr,4 times a d, ; sight weak^ dryness of mouth, thirst, 2 stools. (BoocER, Batr.

11,257).

iq. Dr, BocKER took on igth Sept. at 4 p,m, | gn extr, bell Np effect, — 20th. I gr. at 6.40, 9,15 a.m., 2,47, ii, 11.15 p.m. At 10.30 a.m. slight pressive pain behind and above eyebrows, lasting till 11,45, a. m, when had flow of saliva into mouthy mucus in fauces hawked up, trachea and bronchial tubes covered with mucus, removed by hawking. After 3 p.m. eyes weak, objects seen as if through glass, not obscured. Pupils sensitive. At 6 p.m. sight better, still mucus in throat. At 4 p.m. the headache returned slightly, but went off after supper, — 21st, 7 a.m., { gr. On rising r, nostril somewhat stopped. 9,35, sneezing, followed by slight cory^a. Stool rather loose, of a greenish colour. This green colour of faeces observed during whole proving and for some days after ; e,,eyes rather tired and weak. — 22nd, 6.50 i gr*, 9-5 i gr., 10.30 a.m. J gr!, 3.15^ gr., 5.5 p.m. | gr. At 10 a.m. some running from 1, nostril, sneezing, mucus in nose, trachea^ and fauces, occasionally expectorated. This mucous secretion soon stopped, and dried to crusts in nostrils. Soft stool of greenish colour, as I also on 23rd and 24th, on each day 2 loose green stools. The m. stool on the 25th was still green, but one in e. was quite normal. — 26th, 6.55 and 9,6 J gr., 11 a,m. k g^n 3-^5 i, 445 and 10,5 p.m. ^ gr. At 9.10 a.m. normal stool preceded by flatus. After stool, transient tensive feeling below navel. 9.35 a.m., slight burning feeling in upper part of oesophagus, must swallow frequently and with difficult y 041 account of spasmodic contraction of oesophagus. The feeling lasted a long time, going offhand returning. At ii a.m. the constrictive sensation was worse, but never very bad. At 11,45 a.m. hawked up mucus several times and the constrictive feeling went off". Noon, hawking mucus. 5,30 p.m., dim before eyes lasting till c. 7-30, after supper nausea and inclination to vomit without actually vomiting, this ameliorated in open air after lasting J h. 1 1 p.m., normal stool, — 27th, 6.45^ 9,5 a.m., and 3,2 p.m,, ^ gr. Stool of green faeces enveloped in reddish mucus. M., hawked up some mucus and had pressive pain about tonsils, 4.30 and 10.15 p.m., soft green stool. Afternoon, much fatigued by a longish walk, perhaps owing to having eaten little. All d. moderate appetite, the food had not such an agreeable taste and did not seem to digest as well as usual ; feeling of fulness in abdomen, especially just before a stool. Occasionally expectorated mucus, and felt as though catarrh was developing in throat. The soft palate, tonsils, and back of pharynx were swollen and inflamed ; as this was the second time these symptoms had occurred after taking Bell,, he was certain they were an effect of the drug, 7 p,m,, flashes like lightning before r. eye. — ^28 th. Swallowing caused aching pain in (fauces, the parts were still red and inflamed. Stool soft and green. On shutting eyes dull flashes of light, — 29th, Pupils rather dilated, m, and less sensitive to light. 10.30 a.m, when walking in open air black spots and stripes before eyes, rapidly appearing and disappearing. Throat still red and inflamed, 10 p.m., a scanty, normal, but rather greenish stool, felt very

unwell and uncomfortable. — 30th. 2 stools, less green. Throat still red, but not so much so. — ist Oct., two, 2nd, three greenish stools. Throat all right. Next day one normal stool ; felt very comfortable and well. {Ibid,)

IL Poisonings, — I . The subject of the poisoning was a child between two and three years of age, and the amount swallowed from 8 to 12 grs. of the extract. The following symptoms presented themselves upon seeing the case some 30 to 50 m. after the drug had been taken into the stomach :

a, " The expression of the countenance was that of a person in terror, pupils widely dilated and immoveable, the tunica conjunctiva highly injected, and the whole eye prominent and preternaturally brilliant. The face, upper extremities, and trunk of the body exhibited a diffuse scarlet efflorescence, studded with innumerable papillae, very closely resembling the rash of scarlatina; the eruption terminated abruptly at the wrists and flexure of the thighs, the rest of the body retaining its natural colour. Skin hot and dry, and pulse much increased in force and frequency.

b. ^^ The patient's manner was apoplectic ; respirations anxious, and attended with the brazen, stridulous sound of croup. A constant and unsuccessful attempt at deglutition was observable, and at every renewal of the attempt the muscles of the thorax and pharynx would be thrown into violent spasmodic action. Severe engorgement of the venous trunks was also present. The partial coma alternated with paroxysms of uncontrollable tendency to motion and rapid automatic movement, attended with convulsive laughter. No well-marked convulsions made their appearance, although, during the brief periods of sleep into which the patient would fall, a slight subsultus of the muscles of the face and extremities was noted."

c. Remedial measures, including free emesis, were now adopted, and the child soon recovered ; during convalescence " the diuretic effect of the drug began to be experienced, the patient evacuating an enormous quantity of limpid urine." (Gray, N. T, Journ. of Med.^ ^851.)

1. a. A porter of the Ophthalmic Hospital in Moorfields took ^ss of liq. belladonnae in mistake for the fluid extract of sarsaparilla. He did not immediately discover his error, but in 5 min. or thereabouts after it had been committed he was rendered sensible of his mistake by the unexpected occurrence of a sensation of heat and dryness in the throat, succeeded verv soon by vertigo and slight aching pains in the limbs, but no headacne. Upon the appearance of these symptoms, he immediately ran across the street, a distance of about 100 yards, to the residence of his usual medical adviser, for assistance, and was by that gentleman directed to return to the hospital and drink warm water until the stomach-pump could be got ready. The man did as he was told, and vomited on his return before the pump could be applied ; but whilst in the act of drinking he became powerless, and in less than \ h. after the accident delirious and insensible. He struggled violently in his unconscious state, and the combined strength of several men was required to hold him steady during the operation of pumping out the contents of the stomach.

h. The stage of delirious excitement was brief; and whilst in a ] comatose state the patient was sent to St. Thomas's Hospital, and placed under my care. When the patient was first seen by me at 10.30 a.m. he was nearly unconscious of surrounding objects ; he was lying supine^ and all his limbs were equally powerless. There was no hemiplegia J his face was full and flushed; the head and general surface warm ; the pupils widely dilated, scarcely any iris could be seen, and the retina was quite insensible to the stimulus of strong daylight The palpebrK of the K eye were puffy, and redder than those parts on r. side ; and the upper L lid was prolapsed, as in ptosis. The breathing was stertorous, and the respiratory sounds, hastily examined over the anterior parts of the chest, were modified by rales. The action of the heart was feeble, and the pulsations of the radial artery were 1 16 in the m,, regular,, and weak. The tongue could not be %G^n* The ; abdomen was rather contracted, and no distension indicating an accu* mulation of urine existed. The sensibility of the pharynx was so much impaired, and deglutition so imperfectly performed, that-, oa introducing a warm infusion of coffee into the patient's mouth, the liquid collected about the larynx, and his features became alarmingly turgid in consequence of impeded respiration. 1

c. Under the influence of treatment an amendment, indicated by a I diminution of heat and fulness of face, and by returning consciousness^^ took place in the course of a few h. after the patient's admission ; and about 3 p.m. he made an attempt to articulate the monosyllables ** yes** and "no^' when roused by questions. The amendment, however, was . only temporary ; for, in the e., violent delirium succeeded the stupor, ^ and recurred a second time. The patient continued very unmanageable during the n,, and could only be restrained with safety to himself and the neighbouring patients by means of a strait waistcoat. This state of excitement was protracted till about 3 next m., when he again became calm, and a decided abatement of ail the urgent symptoms was 1 noticed at 8 a,m.

cL At t p.m. he had regained the power of speech and deglutition; and although a peculiar wild expression of countenance remained, with confusion of ideas, he was sensible enough to thank his medical atten* dants for the aid they had afforded him. The tongue could now be protruded; the pulse had subsided from ii6 to 68, and did not subse- , quently undergo any material variation. The sight of the r, eye had ' become rather clearer, but that of the 1. eye more impaired j the upper lid more tumefied and prolapsed ; the conjunctiva more vascular, and raised above the margin of the transparent cornea, which, in a few days^ became opaque *, and a small quantity of a puriform fluid had accumu. lated in the anterior chamber of the eye. The sight of the K eye was perfectly natural previous to the accident ; and as no mechanical injury . has been since done to it, its inflammatory state may be fairly attributed to the virulence of the B.

i. All anxiety for the immediate safety of the patient ceased within 30 h* after his admission ; but the abnormal condition of the nervous system prevailed several days, and notwithstanding he conversed rationally on the second d., he had no recollection of the events which

occurred in St. Thomas's Hospital until near 60 h. from the commencement of his first delirium, or the third d. of the accident. After recovering perfect consciousness, a remarkable numbness, extending over all parts of the trunk and extremities, attracted attention, and persisted for several d. No pain could be excited, while this condition continued, by forcibly pinching the skin of the forehead or of other parts; and although an unusual sensation was perceived by the patient at the moment, he could not, with his eyes averted from the operation, point out the precise spot subjected to compression. Anaesthesia coexisted with consciousness, resembling the state often recognised during recovery from the effects of chloroform. The specific sensibility of the r. retina was not entirely restored until after common sensation had returned to the general surface ; and the sight of the inflamed eye continued dim, from the events of the secondary affection, until a later period.

f. The mental delusions during the delirium were for the most part, though not altogether, of an agreeable kind ; and the prevalent fancy in the patient's mind was that he had become suddenly rich and possessed of a splendid mansion. (Burton, Lond, Med, Gazettey 1848, p. 1024.)

3, a. Miss G., act. 34, of slight figure, fair complexion, nervous temperament, swallowed by accident 5J of extract in ^iss of soap liniment. At first she only complained of " a sensation of madness in her brain," but in less than an h. lost the power of speaking and swallowing quite suddenly, and fell into a comatose state. Mr. £. found her with head bent forward on chest, speechless, eyes closed, breathing heavy and stertorous, pupils widely dilated, hands and feet cold, pulse scarcely perceptible, jaws firmly fixed ; there was a constant disposition to raise the hands to the face. She appeared conscious when roused and addressed, but could not answer ; nor could she swallow when liquids were put into the mouth. After emptying the stomach with the tube, and introducing coffee and ammonia, there was some reaction.

b. 12 vn.y there seemed to be a gradual improvement in her breathing, circulation, and general appearance ; there was a slight twitching of the muscles of the r. side of the face ; not able to swallow, but we fancied she, in answer to a question put to her, said " yes.'^ 5 p.m., symptoms the same ; no evacuation from bladder or bowels ; pupils widely dilated and immoveable ; has slept a good deal ; skin warm; pulse 112, feeble; still unable to speak or swallow. 9 p.m., countenance more natural. There was constant nictitation, and picking at the sheets ; if touched by any person she jumped as if in great darm. This I observed to occur whenever her hair was removed from her face, or when I felt her pulse. When thoroughly roused she answered in monosyllables, and apparently attempted to form connected expressions, but they were unintelligible ; pupils still greatly dilated, nor did they contract when a lighted candle was placed before the eyes ; pulse 120; no action from bladder or bowels. On asking her if her throat was sore she replied, ^^ dry ;'' on asking her if she could suck an orange, she replied, " yes." I therefore had some orange-juice squeezed into a glass, and^ by means of a teaspoon, got her to swallow perhaps

i40

half an ounce ; but this was accomplished with great difficulty. 1 Ordered an injection of a pint of gruel with half an ounce of oil of turpentine and an ounce of castor-oil to be administered directly » and^ when able to swallow, the following mixture: — ^Spirit of nitric ether, 311] i 1 compound tincture of cardamoms, 31] j camphor mixture, ^ -^ Tr. take an ounce every 3 h,

c, January gih, ii a,m* Has passed a restless night, sictp ccmg much disturbed by frightful dreams ; complains of intense pain in the head, and says that it feels enormously large, as also does her throat i is much annoyed by a constant sensation of trembling in all the muscles of the body \ bowels were moved after the injection, and some urine passed at the same time, none since ; great intolerance of light and noise ; tongue rather dark, but moist ; skin natural j complains of thirst i pulse 88 ; pupils as dilated as even She says she can see me for a moment only, and then my face becomes horribly distorted. Tie ' power of speech seemed to return about 12 or 1, at which time she was very delirious, and would persist that there were very horrid monsters all over the room staring at her. Ordered 8 leeches to the temples;] effervescent mixture ^v^ry three h,, and 2 grs. of calomel, with 7 of I extract of colocynth, to be taken directly. She says she rememben my I coming to her yesterday m., but was unconscious of everything after* wards until the e.

d, Jan. loth. Better; head much relieved by the leeches; passed 1 a restless night, her sleep, she says, being disturbed by ^ miserable phantoms * bowels have been relieved two or three times, and urine has been excreted copiously ; skin moist ; pulse 1 00 ; slight thirst \ pupils still unaffected by light ; complains of the trembling of her | muscles, but has lost the sensation of her head and throat being enlarged.

i. Jan, nth. Improved in every respect ; pupils not so widely I dilated, are now slightly affected by light. From the above date gradual amendment took place, and the power of vision slowly returned. It was, however, some days before she was able to walk, even with the assistance of a person on each side of her. This inability to walk did 1 not arise from weakness, but she appeared to have lost all p>ower of] controlling the action of the legs. (Edwards, Lancet^ 1851, j, 568.) *

4, A mother, with her four children and a maid-servant, ate one c» of the ripe berries of B, j the mother and maid had each eaten about six bunches. In the course of a few hours the symptoms of poisoning manifested themselves in aJl of them \ these were nausea, double vision, < sense of constriction of the throat, giddiness, and sleepiness. On the ' following d., 15 h, after the poison had been taken, Dr. T. saw the patients. The operation of the poison displayed itself in four degrees.

a. The first and slightest was in the maid-servant, who produced vomiting in herself by drinking warm water and tickling her throat. She complained only of headache and weariness. The pupils were enlarged, the face red, and the pulse somethat quickened.

h. The second degree was observed in two of the girls, one of whom as 4, the other 8 years old. It displayed itself in a tottering ^i

incoherent talk, protruding of eyes, dilated pupils, staring look, very quick pulse, and increased temperature of the skin.

c. The third degree was exhibited bv the mother. She fell into a delirious state in the morning, attempted to bite and strike her attendant, broke into fits of laughter, and gnashed her teeth. The head was hot, the face red, the look wild and fierce, the tongue dry, the abdomen swollen, the pulse small and frequent.

d. The fourth degree showed itself in the two boys, the one of whom was 2 J, the other 6 years old. They lay in a soporose condition, with violent convulsions of the extremities ; the head was very hot, the face red, the eyes protruding. They were also affected with a croupy cough.

The cases were all treated with emetics, purgatives, and stimulants ; and the patients recovered in the course of twenty four h. (Teschen- MACHER, Casper s Wochemchrift^ 1843, P- 5^5-)

1. A child of 4, of feeble constitution, but otherwise well, ate, at 1 1 a.m., a quantity of the berries of B. The following symptoms set in : — want of appetite, nausea, vomiting, symptoms of intoxication and slight delirium, inextinguishable thirst ; o h. afterwards, tumefaction and redness of face and lips, raising of eyelids, dilatation of pupils, insensibility of eyes to light, convulsive closing of jaws and contraction of muscles of face and extremities, very feeble pulse and irregular respiration. Next d. increase of convulsive movements with redness of the face and profuse perspiration ; pupils remained dilated ; there was also rigidity down spine, tumefaction of abdomen, which was very tender to touch, constipation, and weak pulse. On 3rd d., in m., child was better, but at noon delirium returned with swelling of the abdomen and aphthae in mouth ; in e. there was fever with agitation ; he complained of great pain in his teeth. From the next d. all symptoms speedily disappeared. (Orfila, 7oxicologie^ 4th ed., ii, 392.)

2. A little girl of 3, enjoying excellent health, spending the afternoon at another house, returned home in the e. refusing all food, anxiously seeking drink, perpetually trying to sleep without success. In the middle of the (sleepless) n., she vomited some of the food which she had taken during the day. Being then attacked by excessive convulsions, simulating true epilepsy, she began to rave. Being called to this unfortunate child in the early m. I found her in the following astonishing condition : — her respiration was violent, short, hurried and anxious ; the pulse was very quick and feeble, scarcely to be felt ; a burning thirst, with great heat in all parts, tormented the patient, who now craved for drink and now repelled it when offered. At this time she neither vomited, nor did the bowels act. The moist hair stood on end j the countenance was red and swollen (the rest of the surface being pale), the eyes were sparkling, rolling about, and projecting. Her agitated little frame perspired, yet not so as to be profusely sweating. There was firequent and copious emission of thin, pale, watery urine. She was talkative, and laughed loudly ; but the mind was disordered, so that speech did not correspond to thought, nor thought to sense, nor sense to the objects present. Her tender little frame was racked with horrible spasms and frequent convulsions, the flexor muscles being

chiefly involved. In the intervals between the spasms she uttered cries.

audible far and wide, evidencing the pain she felt. [It was found that I she had eaten freely of the berries.] (Grimm., Nov* Act. Acad, Nat, Ct/r.y vol ii.)

7* On July 1st, 1798, at 4 p.m., I was desired by the master-dyer, J Baptiste Schwerber, of AUensbach, to visit his little daughter of 6 years 1 old, who was seized with spasms. Ere I could reach the house, a l barber-surgeon, who lived near, gave her a dose of Hoffmann's anody ne,,| after which the patient grew worse till 8 o'clock, at which time I sawl her. I found this naturally healthy girl tossing about in her bed in a perfect rage, with blood -red countenance, and hiW pulse, and altogether without reason. The whole body was swollen and red ; she spoke constantly and rapidly, talking nonsense ; tried to tear her nightdress and her clothes ; in short, she resembled one mad to the utmost degree. I immediately suspected a poisoning ; but the narrative of the parents ■ gave me little enlightenment thereupon. They said that up to nooxil the little maiden had been quite lively, and bounding about, but at dinnertime she was already strange, and did foolish things ; in the afternoon she tore her bonnet, pulled stones out of the ground and threw them at the passers-by, sprang into the water, and so at last reached the frightful . height of frenzy above described. The widely-dilated pupils, however J satisfied me that I had to deal with a case of poisoning by B. [The rest of the narrative tells how the suspicion was confirmed, and the poison antidoted.] (Sauter, Hufelamfs Journal^ vol. xi)

1. a, J, G — , ast. 75, of spare habit, took by mistake, at 6 p.m., 5 or 6 grs, of extract given him for external application. In a short time] effects became manifest, and by 7 he had lost power of articulation, an41 presented general appearance of a person seized with slight pamlysisJ He was quite unable to stand or walk, and his limbs were in a state ofl tremor and agitation. He became cold, and nearly approaching a state of insensibility ; the eyes had a wild^ vacant appearance ^ the respiration| was laborious and occasionally stertorous, and he moved the body incessantly backward and forward, as if his inward suffering (not other-1 wise expressed) was very great. At 10 the temperature of the body had] increased, face swollen, mouth and throat extremely dry, and insen-l sibility more complete. Castoroil had been given, but was rejected. One of the attendants stated that nausea prevailed at various times. No active delirium was manifested, but from the general appearance on the eye and features, no doubt that peculiar derangement existed, « subdued partially by the pressure on the cerebral organ^ so as more nearly to approach the character of apoplexy,

i. At 6 the following m. he appeared considerably exhausted, but had still sufficient power to take some wine and water, and for the first time indistinctly uttered a few words. His mouth and fauces at this time (to use the words of an attendant) were as dry as a chip. His face was sog much swollen and red as quite to change his natural appearance. Hrs^ daughter remarked that the wrinkles of old age had disappeared and he appeared much fatter than usual. Between 9 and 10 he appeared quite, exhausted, and died at II, being 17 h. after swallowing extract. J

f. The P, M. examination showed great congestion of brain, parti*!

cularly at base, and of medulla oblongata, together with considerable serous effusion. There was also congestion of lungs, and dark discoloration of part of greater curvature of stomach. (Jackson, Med. Times^ Sept. i6, 1848.)

1. M. N — , aet. 46, took by mistake 44 grs. of powdered plant. About I h. afterwards he was attacked with violent headache, seated chiefly about orbital fossa, and soon followed by excessive redness of eyes and face, which gradually extended over whole surface of body, so that it presented a uniformly red colour, exactly resembling that observed in scarlatina ; moreover, his throat was of a deep red colour, and the seat of an acute sensation of heat, which appeared to extend throughout the alimentary canal. There was great irritation of (apparently) the neck of the bladder ; the patient, in the midst of a loquacious delirium, which turned principally on the pain which he experienced in this part, was continually making efforts to evacuate his urine, which was very red and bloody, and came zw2Ly guttatim. After antiphlogistic and emollient measures he was better, save for the vesical irritation, this yielding after 20 leeches had been applied to hypogastrium. He slept well, and next m. had only some malaise, which soon disappeared. (Jolly, Nouv. BibL Med,^ 1828.)

2. Mr. T — , having suffered for some time from pain in back, palpitation, and dyspeptic symptoms, had a belladonna plaster applied to back. Ten d. afterwards he removed it, and being unaware that on its site some pustules and minute ulcers had appeared, applied a fresh one. Leaving home for business soon after (10.30 a.m.), between 11 and 12 he found tongue and throat extremely dry, and tongue covered with a white, clammy fur which he could pull off in strings. Dryness caused great distress, and impeded articulation. At same time he had extreme desire to micturate, but could only pass with much effort a few drops of colourless fluid ; this he continued to do as often as possible until he lost consciousness. Sense of dryness increased, and he began to feel a little confused, but transacted business correctly. Between 2 and 3 it was observed that there was something strange in his speech and manner ; drinking some water aggravated dryness. He drove himself home, which he reached about 3. Mind was by this time much confused, and soon after he had, 5 or 6 times in quick succession, convulsive catchings of extremities, face and trunk, — such, he says, as animals have when bitten by venomous serpents.*^ His mind then began to ramble and advice was sought. Patient, seen at 6, was found standing by bed, supported by two men. He seemed to have very little power of, or control over, lower extremities, and would have fallen if unsupported. He dragged legs on being led about. He was restless in the extreme, and would not lie down for an instant \ hands were in constant motion ; he seemed as if he were busy moving some light objects ; occasionally he made ascending movements with feet. He moved his mouth incessantly, as if talking, but sounds emitted were inarticulate and unintelligible. He paid no attention to those about him, in &ct, seemed unconscious of their presence, only now and then, when addressed in a loud voice, he stared at the speaker for an instant, like * Mr. T— was employed in the Zoological Gardens.

one aroused from a sound sleep. Once he laughed when bid to put out his tongue, and rapidly protruded and withdrew it* Pupils were ^^J large, and reacted sluggishly to light, surface was warm, face a littW flushed, but no throbbing of vessels was perceptible. Pulse was 80 — 90, regular.

Removal of plaster, and administration of amm. carb,, produced speedy improvement, and consciousness returned before 11, He had no sleep that n* or the following, and memory continued very defective for 2 or 3 d, (Jenner, Med, Times and Gax.^ Nov. 22, 1856.)

II, Greding treated 23 epileptics with inspissated juice and powdered leaves, in increasing doses. He gives following summary of effects observed i —

"fl. Beyond quiet and refreshing sleep, which some even 10 the first days, but still more in the further course of the treatment^ enjoy no change in this respect was noticed, and although a few from tts 1 tinued use had their sleep once and again somewhat prolonged, yet I saw no one, however largely the B. had been taken, somnolent or torpid »

" h. So also none, from the commencement of their use of B.^ coa]«>| plained of increased heat of body, unless perhaps it were a man who having sweated freely on the 2nd n*, on the 3rd cried out in his slccf that his house was on fire, which might imply that he was heated,! Nor did I, in my daily forenoon visits, find the pulse weak and rapid, as others have observed, save in those who kept their bed from depression of mind ; and even in these later on in the treatment it became, the rest, natural, full, quiet and strong.

c. Repeated and materially increased doses, however, caused in many a more frequent and profuse flow of urine, and also an outburst more or less free of perspiration, which last was sometimes of long continuance. In one case it was limited to the chest, in another to the forehead,

" d. Upon these secretory actions there/followed, if it did not precede them, a certain notable laxity of the bowels, often continuing through* out the treatment^ and even a slight and transient diarrhoea, which in one case alternated for some time with heat of the head. Two patients only had for some days a noteworthy constipation, the rest enjoying daily motions,

**^. Theappetite varied j with some it was fora short timediminisbc or depraved, and with a few was extinguished, but with others it notably increased,

**y^ Two only complained of bitterness of mouthy but several of nausea, eructation, and tendency to vomit j some had spontaneous, even pituitous, vomiting, the ejecta in one case having a green colour.

"^. Not a few felt some amount of belly-ache ; one complained pressure at the stomach, as if a stone were there, another of a bruised pain in the abdomen.

' A. Several had slight dryness of the mouth, others thirst, which in two instances was somewhat intense. One only complained of viscid saliva forming largely, and adhering to the palate and fauces, but three others spoke of a certain degree of salivation Two for a short tim

as m

had difficulty of deglutition, one hoarseness, and one pain in the throat, afterwards shifting to the abdomen and going off in a mild diarrhoea.

" /. In few — 4 at the most — was any headache excited. Several, however, experienced slight and transient vertigo. Some felt cloudiness of the head, one woman to such a degree that she seemed intoxicated. The heaviness of hearing in one youth, and the noises in the ears — with rush of air from the left — experienced by one of the girls, are very dubious effects of the drug.

'*y. A larger number had the eyes affected. One had heat in them, another pressure, and feeling as if grains of sand were there ; two spoke of pain, and two showed some redness. Still more complained, especially in the morning, of decided dulness of the eyes, with which went marked dilatation of the pupils of more or less long duration ; while one had actual blindness lasting for 3 weeks. No permanent harm, however, resulted to the sight of any.

" k. Nearly all, in the early stage of the operation of B., had pale faces. Some even spoke of a sense of chill and shuddering. One complained of coldness in the nose only ; another in the knees, while his forehead was hot ; and another felt cold to the touch all over.

"/. A few spoke of flying heats,but two only of fever ; and this was followed, with one by facial erysipelas, and with the other by gumboil. As several other persons in the hospital and neighbourhood had similar affections at this time, though not taking 6., we cannot ascribe them to the drug.

";w. Three only were subject to redness efface, and this only after the B. had been continued some time.

** «. No anxiety was at first caused by B., but later, four patients experienced it in the praecordia to such an extent that they tore their bodies, seeking in this way to put an end to themselves. The respiration in the other cases was quite free.

** 0, The catamenia seemed little affected by the use of this drug. Some of the women who took it enjoyed regular periods throughout the treatment. In some, indeed, there was delay, but fuller flow afterwards ; with 3 the period anticipated, and in 2 of these cases was freer also, while in 2 there was also epistaxis at the same time.

^p. Certain rheumatic pains seemed ascribable to the B., in 2 of the side, in 2 of the chest, in 3 of the arms and scapulae, in 6 of the loins and hips.

"^. I leave others to judge if the eruption of small, smooth, dull

red spots, irregular and angular in shape, and not raised above the

cuticle, in Case 19, appearing after a sudden rigor j or the pustule of

Case 15, appearing near the nail of the index finger and emitting much

'acrid serum, can ^irly be traced to the drug.

^^r. I saw no reason to believe that B. induces an inflammatory condition in the humours. In cases where, from some cause connected with their malady, I had to draw blood, 1 found the fluid free from the signs of this state ; and an accidental wound in one showed no tendency to become inflamed.

*' J. The spasmodic and convulsive accidents which occurred are of course not due to the drug, as they would be observed in any case of

epilepsy which was watched sufficiently long."* (Ludwig's Med, Pract,^ i, 632.)

IIL Experiments on animals, — i, a, M. Flourens found that birds fed by him with B, became blind. On examining them after death observed that the cranium was stained red opposite the corpora cjuadri-1 gemina, from which^ and from its effect on the sight, he concluded that these nervous ganglia were chiefly acted on by the poison.

^. Herbivorous animals do not seem to be affected by devouringany part of the plants if we may judge from experiments perforroed up the horse, the ass, and the rabbit,

c. The berries of B. administered by Orfila to dogs produced result ; but these animals were readily poisoned by the extract taken into the stomach or injected into the veins, and exhibited^ along with dilated pupils, the symptoms belonging to narcotic poisoning in quadrupeds. (Stille, suif voce,)

2, a. To a mare was given ^j of powdered B. root with a ptnt < water, at 3,30 p.m., pulse being 36 (normal). At 4»4S> tongue watl dry, pulse had risen to 44, At 4.50, tongue was gradually becoming moister, pulse 50. At 5.50, tongue moist, and puGe bad fallen to 40.J From this time effects of drug gradually passed off.

if. To a colt 3j o^ powdered leaves was given in same way at 4 p.r At 5.20 pulse was 56, at 6*25 50, whence it gradually fell to norm rate. No other effects were perceptible. (BuRKEss and Mavor, Specific Action of Drugs ^ p. 64.)

Volume I — Appendix

Belladonna.-— I. a, I. 1, for " 13 " read «* 14.'* I. 16, 1. 5, for "ten" read "two."

Volume II — Appendix

Belladonna.-After II. 11, insert the following: 12. A boy, æt. 6, found a plant of Bell. and ate some of the berries. In e. he sprang out of bed and was delirious, he spoke incessantly, was gay, and frequently laughed; he was quite unconscious, anddid not know his parents. He didnot sleep all n., ran about the room,threw away a piece ofbread offered to him, imagining it was a stone. Pulse very slow, full, pupils enormously dilated, insensible to light, abdomen distended. Six leeches were applied. In e. he was quite sensible, pupils still dilated. On waking, m., complained ofpain in head and legs. (GOLDSCHMIDT, Casper'sWochensch., No. 42, 687, 1838.) 13. A girl, æt. 2, ate 2 berries. Soon afterwards bowels moved several times . Increased turgor of whole body,burning skin, hurried movements of hands, and very red face. These symptoms soon subsided. (GERSON, Casper's Wochensch., No. 48, p. 1116, 1833.) 14. A widow, Clara D-, æt. 50, a man, M-, æt. 72, and his wife ate each 14 berries, and a man, G-, ate a large number ofberries. After 1 h. all had pains in umbilical region, extreme thirst, dryness of mouth and œsophagus, with constrictive feeling in throat. Soon afterwards constant laughing, maniacal hilarity, they leaped up, danced, and made curious gesticulations and various movements of the body with great rapidity. These attacks ended in loss of consciousness and they fell to the ground. After 6 to 7 h. their condition was the following :-The eyes halfclosed, threatening expression, the conjunctiva injected with bluish-red blood,the iris almost invisible; cheeks purple, lips dry, skin burning with partial sweat, respiration deep, sometimes yawning, pulse contracted, very quick, intermitting; swallowing difficult, so that liquids in small quantities could only be partially ingested, the rest was ejected with increase of convulsions ; the facial muscles were extraordinarily mobile, the convulsions varied in degree, sometimes stopped altogether, then recommenced, the extremities performed the movements ofthe ordinary avocations, the old woman went through the movements of spinning, her husband seemed to be chopping wood. After tartar emetic they vomited some of the berries. Next m. Mrs. M- was conscious, she urinated frequently and had several stools, convulsions and dysphagia had completely ceased, the skin was uniformly moist, pulse freer but still intermitting, pupils still dilated ; she had occasionally delirium with floccilation. That n. slept well and woke next m. quite well. Clara D- was in same state except that the tongue was studded with numerous aphthæ, followed bydetachment of epithelium. For several d. she had anxiety, palpitation, and frequent flushing of face. Both women suffered long from anorexia, weariness of all limbs, great weakness of lower extremities, and they had no recollection of their symptoms. G- next d. had a cessation of the symptoms, but he lay in deep coma; the pulse was full, regular, skin moist, great congestion of head, and obstinate constipation. He was bled and purged. In e. epigastric region distended and very tender. Next m. he sat up in bed,was awake for several h. and spoke. During d. he had alternations ofunconsciousness for a short time and delirium for a long time ; pupils less dilated, eyes not injected but watering, the tongue furred, and it and neighbouring parts so dry he could hardly articulate ; body soft; after a clyster several normal stools, no more con. vulsions. In e. pulse contracted, quick, skin hot, face red, great restlessness, could with difficulty be keptin bed, passed several times pale urine, at length rattling respi. ration, meteorism, and death after 72 h. M- died sooner. The first n. he had blue patches in face, rattling respiration, meteorism, and death from paralysis of lungs after 37 h. P.M. (next d.).-Intestines distended with gas, inflammatory redness of stomach slight, greater in small intestines and mesentery. Bladder contained pint urine, its peritoneal covering inflamed. Heart's cavities filled with black coagulated blood, heart's substance very friable, lower lung lobes and a large portion ofdiaphragm inflamed, bluish red. (Ibid.) 15. A corporal, æt. 19, ofmelancholy temperament and delicate constitution, ate inm. 3 berries. Same e. came into hospital in astupefied state but with consciousness entire. He sat up in bed, displayed great anxiety and restlessness, and turned head to and fro; eyes wideopen,projecting, rolling, squinting, almost insensible to external impressions, pupils normal,expression disturbed, wild, face red, swollen, convulsive

movements of muscles of1. half of face, especially 1. angle of mouth, violent spasms in throat, unconsciousness, titrembling of limbs. Head not veryhot, heat of body not much increased, pulse small, slow, intermitting, breathing rather quick, tongue furred, gastric region painful to touch; skin,especially on chest, spotted scarlet red ; complained ofpain in forehead, throat, and epigastrium. Asked where he had pain, he pointed to forehead, throat, and epigastrium. He rejected with loathing aglass of sugared water ; when urged to drink some only a few drops were swallowed, the rest was ejected from the mouth by convulsive contraction ofthe muscles ofdegluti. tion. He was bled, an emetic was given, and caused vomiting and purging. The symptoms mentioned declined, the eyes recovered their sensitiveness for external im. pressions, and he could speak. He soon had dryness, scraping, and painful constriction and burning in mouth, throat, and stomach, and intense thirst, which he could not allay on account of the difficulty of swallowing. His head was heavy, darkness before eyes, he was anxious and restless, hadburning in urethra and urinary tenesmus without being able to urinate. (FINCK, Med. Annal. v. Puchelt, Chelius und Nägele, vii, pt. 3, 445 ; in Frank's Mag., iii, 116.) 16. Theresa andJosepha H-, æt. 8 and 5, ate,Aug. 31st, in the wood an unknown number of berries of B. After 4 h. they became stupefied, restless, lost consciousness, and struck about violently. At 5 p.m. the doctor found them extremely rest. less, unconscious, striking out so violently with hands and feet that it required considerable force to restrain them ; pupils so dilated that the iris appeared like a narrow line, vision completely extinct, eyes staring, projecting, quite insensible to light; complete loss ofspeech and hearing; subsultus of tendons of inner side of forearms, pulse quick. Tart. em. in solution was administered. As soon as the spoon was put to their mouths they closed their jaws and rejected the medicine; they refused to admit the liquid with force, but at length swallowed it without difficulty. They got a teaspoonful of castor-oil every h. and enemata. Berries were discharged upwards and downwards in considerable numbers. At 10 p.m., the muscular movements stopped, and at midnight they fell sound asleep,during which the pupils pilswere still dilated and insensible, skin dry, pulse slightly quick. After 24 h. the speech returned, the pupils acted slowly and slightly to light; the hearing was perfect, the sight imperfect, they did not perceive small objects, or saw them imperfectly as if through a mist.-Sept. 2nd. Josepha was cheerful and talkative, she remembered having eaten the berries, but not her return home. Theresa was quite con. scious and could recognise all objects. The appetite of both returned ; they had frequent stools with remains of berries in them-5th. With exception of dilated pupils they were quite well. (MELION, Vierteljahrsch. f. d. prakt. Heilk., Prag., 1845, iv, 90.) 17. Aboy, æt. 16, ate a handful ofdried berries. He was brought in afternoon to hospital. He was in the highest state of mania, very restless, he jumped up on table, bed, and stove. Skin red, slight fever, pupils dilated. He got tart. em. and Glauber's salt. When he drank he was observed to do so with difficulty. Next d. he suddenly jumped out of the window without hurting himself. Thereafter he was purged. After 3 d. he had recovered but was still dull. He said he had vomited frequently after eating the berries, but knew nothing ofwhat subsequently occurred. (KRÄMER, Bair. Med. Corresp., v, 333 ; in Frank's Mag., iv, 53.)

Volume IV — Appendix

BELLADONNA.

(See vol. i, p. 546 ; vol. ii, p, 7*8.)

I. 20. A. W. W., in full health, pulse 65 and regular, took a oftinct. in ^ss of water at 9 a.m. 9.5, pulse 78, 9.10, pulse ipm irregular and uneven ; pulsation of carotids ; fulness and throbbing if head. 9.20, heat of face without redness, afterwards flushed aoi swollen ; sharp pains in cheek. 9-35, painful twitching in arms^ soon followed by restlessness and stiff neck. 9. 50, mouth dry ; thirst constant desire to swallow; after drinking pains in stomach. 10.3 throbbing headache with heat ; pulse 90, hard and full, 1 1, palpit tion while in exercise, with laboured breathing. 12.30, no desire food ; throat sore when swallowing. 2, cramp-like pain in abdc extending to spine ; occasional sharp pains in hypochondriac

345, rery sleepy, but unable to sleep because of itching ; scratching causes erythema. 4, pulse 84; occasional bitter eructations. 4.30^ desire to urinate, urine scant and dark, followed by slight stool and colic. 6.30, pulse 80 } perspiration on upper parts ; congested feeling in pelvic region, with excited sexual desire. 8, called to stool, which was watery but scant, attended with tenesmus. 8.30, overcome with •leep i slept pn^oundly till late in m., awoke with dull headache and languor, no appetite for breakfast. (Woodward, Trans, of Int. Htm. Convention, 188 1, p. 37.)

II. 18. I was summoned in great haste to see a child of 3, who had whoopinz-cough, and to whom, i^ h. previously, 3 homoeopathic pilules of fi. had been given. On my arrival, a few m. afterwards, I found the child comatose, pupils widely dilated (iris a mere circle), pulse scarcely perceptible, respiration gasping, and skin bathed in perspiration. Under stomach-pump, sinapisms, and gr. ^ of morphia hypodermically, patient so hx recovered in about | h. as to be able to sw^ow a little beef-tea with port wine. A few m. later I observed twitching of r. eyebrow, and both eyes jerking to r. side ^ then muscles of r. hand and leg became implicated, there being about 4 — 5 spasmodic contractions to the m., synchronous with the jerking of the eyes. L. side was wholly unaffected. I kept patient partiafly under influence of chloroform for over an h., when spasms relaxed ; I then administered a warm water ene^fu^ which brought away a large quantity of extremely offensive faeces. Child by this time was quite conscious and extremely thirsty. A second attack came on about an h. later, but was subdued by the chloroform in ^ h. I gave another •^ gr. of morphia, after which child fell asleep and remained so for 2 h. He had no return of the muscular contractions; and pupils were regaining their normal state, though eyes were occasionally turned to r. side. Three d. afterwards child had completely recovered save for some slight aphonia. (Brown, Lancety March 17, 1883.)

1. A strong healthy girl of 16 swallowed a quantity of linimentum belladonnae about 3 p.m. On admission at 4 hcc was flushed, tongue dry, and gait unsteady. She was drowsy, pupils partially dilated, breathing regular, pulse 98. About 7.15 pulse was found to be 120, and temp. 1056 . Vomiting and diaphoresis were induced, with temporary improvement } but an h. later the thermometer indicated the very high temp, of 1074', ^^^ pulse went up to 160. An h. later she died, with temp, in axilla of 1056°.* {Brit. Med. Journ.^ March 27, 1886.)

2. Dr. Shuldham was called to see a patient suffering from ** erysipelas." He found a patch of bright redness on 1. cheek, which was also very much swollen, eye being completely closed ; a vesicular eruption was scattered over the cheek, which was rough to the touch. On r. breast, and above and below it from clavicle to 8th rib, was a similar rash, less brightly red. R. eyelids also were oedematous. Patient had compbined or great irriution of skin and general feeling

• " In 9 cases of poisonmg by B., recently obaerved in Ocnnany by Strattir and Strassman, the temp, was distinctly raised in every instance" (Snf. Med. Jmim.t Oct. 9, 1886).

Si8

of discomfort before appearance of rash. Pupil of r. eye was sliwhiit dilated ; pulse small and weak> 70 ; headache was complained 0^ »n» throbbing of affected cheek. It seemed that a belladonna p1ai$ter h» been, 3 weeks ago, applied to a small tumour in r. breast. Aft* wearing it 10 d. great irritation of skin had occurred, and a red ri»l appeared at edges. Plaister was not removed, irritation increased, an <4 rash spread from breast to neck, r. arm, and face. Under opium ■ ^ ' speedy improvement occurred, skin desquamating. {Monthly Rtv., xvii, 38.)

Volume IV — Supplement

BELLADONNA.

(See vol. i, p. 5:6; vol. ii, p. 718 ; vol. iv, p. 516.)

n. 21. Mary B., aet. 5, of nervo-sanguineous temp., took a number ^*^ pellets saturated with 6th dil. of B. about noon on Friday. She ^^'■«;nt to sleep soon after, slept beyond the usual time, and was un- [^^ually dull, so that she could hardly be roused to take her afternoon's ^^ «n've, for which she was usually eager. During it, she was attacked ^^^ ith a hacking cough, which increased very rapidly, ?o that in \ h. y~otn its commencement the hacks would occur at every 3rd or 4th ^ *~ispiration. On her return home the irritation continued to increase *-*ntil the respirations were increased to 70 in the m. ; action of heart >Jvas furious, the palpitation being clearly visible across the room ■■, skin X^as at times very hot, then again unnaturally cool. In this condition ^he was found about 9 p.m. The cause of her symptoms being unknown, Aconite and belladonna had been given, and after taking latter she was ^seriously worse; constant snuffing came on, though nose was dry, with extreme nervous irritability. Lachesis 6 quieted her, and she Awent to sleep. Next m. she was up and playing about the house, lively, and apparently quite well, except the snuffing, which was constant, and an unusual flow of spirits, which drove her from one thing to another with great rapidity, with an incessant desire to talk of all manner of things mixed together. At 5 p.m. the symptoms of the previous afternoon came on again. Once more belladonna was given, this time in the 200th, but this time also it aggravated, and lachesis was substituted with advantage. The same double set of phenomena recurred next d., and so on, decreasing daily in force, until the i8th d. A small ulcer on her back had followed on scarlet fever, but had been healed 3 mos. when she took the pellets. On the 3rd d. the cicatrix inflamed and had the appearance of breaking out, but after hepar sulphurisand other remedies this inflammation gradually subsided.

(N. H. Warner, Amtr. Horn. Review, ii, 271.)