[21]Todd and Bowman's Physiology, vol. ii. p. 280.
[21]Todd and Bowman's Physiology, vol. ii. p. 280.
[22]VidePereira's Materia Medica, vol. i. pp. 101, 106.
[22]VidePereira's Materia Medica, vol. i. pp. 101, 106.
[23]Such is the case in health, when the muscular pressure of the intestine must exceed the pressure on the vascular system on the other side. This latter pressure, when increased, tends to stop or to reverse the inward current. Thus plethora and fever, diseased conditions, counteract absorption by causing pressure on the coats of these capillary vessels. Bleeding,—a drain of fluid caused by an increased secretion,—or such agents as Tartar Emetic and Ipecacuanha,—diminish this pressure by weakening the force of the heart, and thus favour natural absorption.
[23]Such is the case in health, when the muscular pressure of the intestine must exceed the pressure on the vascular system on the other side. This latter pressure, when increased, tends to stop or to reverse the inward current. Thus plethora and fever, diseased conditions, counteract absorption by causing pressure on the coats of these capillary vessels. Bleeding,—a drain of fluid caused by an increased secretion,—or such agents as Tartar Emetic and Ipecacuanha,—diminish this pressure by weakening the force of the heart, and thus favour natural absorption.
[24]It is stated by Dr. Carpenter, that if a ligature be applied below the pylorus of an animal, and Sulphate of Magnesia then introduced into the stomach, purging is produced. This could only be by the absorption of the salt, and its subsequent action from within on the mucous membrane of the bowel below the ligature. This experiment is unauthenticated, but if verified would certainly be most conclusive in favour of the view adopted above.
[24]It is stated by Dr. Carpenter, that if a ligature be applied below the pylorus of an animal, and Sulphate of Magnesia then introduced into the stomach, purging is produced. This could only be by the absorption of the salt, and its subsequent action from within on the mucous membrane of the bowel below the ligature. This experiment is unauthenticated, but if verified would certainly be most conclusive in favour of the view adopted above.
[25]Hydrochloric acid would probably precipitate medicinal solutions containing silver, and thus render this substance inert when given internally. Another therapeutic argument against this, as the acid of the gastric secretion, may be drawn from the fact that the action of calomel is very different from that of bichloride of mercury,—whereas this acid would convert the former into the latter.
[25]Hydrochloric acid would probably precipitate medicinal solutions containing silver, and thus render this substance inert when given internally. Another therapeutic argument against this, as the acid of the gastric secretion, may be drawn from the fact that the action of calomel is very different from that of bichloride of mercury,—whereas this acid would convert the former into the latter.
[26]Liebig (Animal Chemistry, Part I. p. 76) states that the Bile contains Carbonate of Soda. The assertion that the Pancreatic juice is alkaline must be rested mainly on the authority of M. Bernard.
[26]Liebig (Animal Chemistry, Part I. p. 76) states that the Bile contains Carbonate of Soda. The assertion that the Pancreatic juice is alkaline must be rested mainly on the authority of M. Bernard.
[27]Occasionally, as in certain cases of Pyrosis, slight vomiting may take place without any straining effort of this kind, but apparently from the contraction of the stomach alone.
[27]Occasionally, as in certain cases of Pyrosis, slight vomiting may take place without any straining effort of this kind, but apparently from the contraction of the stomach alone.
[28]Pereira's Materia Medica, 2d edit., vol. ii. pp. 1496, 1507, and elsewhere.
[28]Pereira's Materia Medica, 2d edit., vol. ii. pp. 1496, 1507, and elsewhere.
[29]Irritant Cathartics, like irritant emetics, may sometimes affect remote parts on the principle of counter-irritation. Some explain in this way the use of purgatives in disorders of the brain, but there are other reasons which serve to account for this still more satisfactorily. (Vide Chap. IV., Art. Purgatives.)
[29]Irritant Cathartics, like irritant emetics, may sometimes affect remote parts on the principle of counter-irritation. Some explain in this way the use of purgatives in disorders of the brain, but there are other reasons which serve to account for this still more satisfactorily. (Vide Chap. IV., Art. Purgatives.)
[30]The process of cure bycounter-irritationmay be ascribed to thesecondaryaction of some medicines. Such an operation may take place at a distance from the part affected; but it is attributable to a peculiar affection of the nervous system, and has no necessary connexion with the primary or proper action of a medicine.Videp. 67.
[30]The process of cure bycounter-irritationmay be ascribed to thesecondaryaction of some medicines. Such an operation may take place at a distance from the part affected; but it is attributable to a peculiar affection of the nervous system, and has no necessary connexion with the primary or proper action of a medicine.Videp. 67.
[31]The details of this arrangement are founded solely upon thetherapeutic operationof medicines, as used to cure diseases, and not in any way upon theirphysiological actionupon a healthy man. Much unnecessary confusion, in works on Materia Medica, has arisen from these two different matters being taken into account at the same time. Food is the only restoration of wanting material needful to a healthy man; neither is there in such a case any need or opportunity for the counteraction of morbid agencies.
[31]The details of this arrangement are founded solely upon thetherapeutic operationof medicines, as used to cure diseases, and not in any way upon theirphysiological actionupon a healthy man. Much unnecessary confusion, in works on Materia Medica, has arisen from these two different matters being taken into account at the same time. Food is the only restoration of wanting material needful to a healthy man; neither is there in such a case any need or opportunity for the counteraction of morbid agencies.
[32]Animal Chemistry, p. 20.
[32]Animal Chemistry, p. 20.
[33]Possibly some parts of the bile, besides the colouring matter, are truly excrementitious. But part of it is needful in the animal economy, as has been proved by experiment. M. Schwann found that when the contents of the bile-duct in dogs were caused to discharge themselves externally through a fistulous opening in the wall of the abdomen, the animals quickly wasted away and died. In some cases of jaundice, the constituents of the bile appear to be vicariously excreted by the kidneys; and perhaps the great depression produced by that disorder maybe partly accounted for by the impossibility of the re-absorption into the blood of these substances, naturally formed by the liver. Having passed into the urine, there is no provision to enable them to return.
[33]Possibly some parts of the bile, besides the colouring matter, are truly excrementitious. But part of it is needful in the animal economy, as has been proved by experiment. M. Schwann found that when the contents of the bile-duct in dogs were caused to discharge themselves externally through a fistulous opening in the wall of the abdomen, the animals quickly wasted away and died. In some cases of jaundice, the constituents of the bile appear to be vicariously excreted by the kidneys; and perhaps the great depression produced by that disorder maybe partly accounted for by the impossibility of the re-absorption into the blood of these substances, naturally formed by the liver. Having passed into the urine, there is no provision to enable them to return.
[34]He states that one equivalent of binoxalate of ammonia and four of water contain together the same elements as an atom of Taurine. (Vide Simon's Animal Chemistry, vol. i. p. 47.Syd. Society.)
[34]He states that one equivalent of binoxalate of ammonia and four of water contain together the same elements as an atom of Taurine. (Vide Simon's Animal Chemistry, vol. i. p. 47.Syd. Society.)
[35]A deposit of Oxalate of Lime occurs sometimes. It is seen in minute octahedra; but is rarely in sufficient quantity to be distinguished by chemical tests. It does not come within the influence of Solvent medicines.
[35]A deposit of Oxalate of Lime occurs sometimes. It is seen in minute octahedra; but is rarely in sufficient quantity to be distinguished by chemical tests. It does not come within the influence of Solvent medicines.
[36]Some suppose that this acid occurs in healthy urine is a free state. It is more commonly thought to exist as Urate of Ammonia. Lehmann states that it is found as Urate of Soda. Others imagine that it is held in solution by means of Phosphate of Soda.
[36]Some suppose that this acid occurs in healthy urine is a free state. It is more commonly thought to exist as Urate of Ammonia. Lehmann states that it is found as Urate of Soda. Others imagine that it is held in solution by means of Phosphate of Soda.
[37]This acid is ascribed by some to Urate of Ammonia, which is to a small extent soluble in water. Others consider that it is due both to this and to Phosphoric acid, which is the opinion of Dr. Prout and Dr. G. Bird. Others attribute it to Lactic acid, which is stated by Berzelius, Lehmann, and Simon, to exist in healthy urine. Some consider the acid to consist in a Super-phosphate of Soda. Liebig supposes that it is due to Uric acid, held in solution by the common Phosphate of Soda. He also considers Hippuric acid to be an invariable ingredient in healthy human urine.
[37]This acid is ascribed by some to Urate of Ammonia, which is to a small extent soluble in water. Others consider that it is due both to this and to Phosphoric acid, which is the opinion of Dr. Prout and Dr. G. Bird. Others attribute it to Lactic acid, which is stated by Berzelius, Lehmann, and Simon, to exist in healthy urine. Some consider the acid to consist in a Super-phosphate of Soda. Liebig supposes that it is due to Uric acid, held in solution by the common Phosphate of Soda. He also considers Hippuric acid to be an invariable ingredient in healthy human urine.
[38]According to Simon it is 1.0125; Becquerel makes it 1.017; Dr. Prout and Dr. Golding Bird, 1.020; Berzelius rates it still higher.
[38]According to Simon it is 1.0125; Becquerel makes it 1.017; Dr. Prout and Dr. Golding Bird, 1.020; Berzelius rates it still higher.
[39]"The state or condition of formation or decomposition of a body, the state of change of place or motion in which its particles are, exerts an influence on the particles of many other compounds, if in contact with them. The latter are brought into the same state; their elements are separated and newly arranged in a similar way, and acquire the power of entering into combination, a power which they did not, under similar circumstances, previously possess."—Liebig's Animal Chemistry, vol. i. p. 194.
[39]"The state or condition of formation or decomposition of a body, the state of change of place or motion in which its particles are, exerts an influence on the particles of many other compounds, if in contact with them. The latter are brought into the same state; their elements are separated and newly arranged in a similar way, and acquire the power of entering into combination, a power which they did not, under similar circumstances, previously possess."—Liebig's Animal Chemistry, vol. i. p. 194.
[40]Dr. Mead, in 1751, recommended the employment in Scrofula of burnt sponge, and a pill containing "sublimed Mercury" and precipitated Sulphuret of Antimony. Plummer's pill is often prescribed in these cases at the present day.
[40]Dr. Mead, in 1751, recommended the employment in Scrofula of burnt sponge, and a pill containing "sublimed Mercury" and precipitated Sulphuret of Antimony. Plummer's pill is often prescribed in these cases at the present day.
[41]Among these, Dock, Sorrel, Wood-sorrel, and Stonecrop, may be mentioned. Such herbs have been long employed, and recommended by authority. Dr. Mead, in 1751, recommended Scurvy-grass, Lettuce, and Brooklime. He also made particular mention of theHerba Britannica, which seems to have been the great Dock, Rumex hydrolapathum. The same physician appears to have anticipated some of the modern applications of Lemon juice. He employed it in liver-diseases generally, among which he included a number of dyspeptic and gouty disorders. He gave it in six-drachm doses; and says that he employed also in similar casessaponaceousmedicines, and rhubarb. These remedies, apparently heterogeneous, were recognised then, as now, to be useful in the same cases. For we have just seen that Lemon-juice, Alkalies, Cholagogues, and Tonics, are all more or less applicable in diseases of the Arthritic group.
[41]Among these, Dock, Sorrel, Wood-sorrel, and Stonecrop, may be mentioned. Such herbs have been long employed, and recommended by authority. Dr. Mead, in 1751, recommended Scurvy-grass, Lettuce, and Brooklime. He also made particular mention of theHerba Britannica, which seems to have been the great Dock, Rumex hydrolapathum. The same physician appears to have anticipated some of the modern applications of Lemon juice. He employed it in liver-diseases generally, among which he included a number of dyspeptic and gouty disorders. He gave it in six-drachm doses; and says that he employed also in similar casessaponaceousmedicines, and rhubarb. These remedies, apparently heterogeneous, were recognised then, as now, to be useful in the same cases. For we have just seen that Lemon-juice, Alkalies, Cholagogues, and Tonics, are all more or less applicable in diseases of the Arthritic group.
[42]I have just said that Neurotic medicines influence those functions which are attributed to the nervous system. Now there can be no reasonable doubt that they actually influence the nerves. But it is worth while to notice here the curious fact that the same agents have been found to paralyze the irritable or contractile tissues of certain vegetables. Professor Marcet of Geneva first noticed that the vapours of Chloroform and Ether affected the leaf of the sensitive plant so as to prevent it from contracting at the touch, but without at the same time perceptibly injuring its structure. I have produced the same effect on a species of Acacia, which naturally closes its leaves at the approach of night. The leaf experimented on remained open, while the others closed. After a certain time it recovered. Solutions of Morphia, Conia, and other sedatives, have been found to produce the same result. Now the existence in plants of nervous tissues is not usually admitted. How then are we to explain the analogous action of these paralyzing Neurotics on animals and vegetables? Possibly they may be capable of acting directly on contractile or irritable tissues in both cases, without necessarily influencing the nerves in order to produce paralysis.
[42]I have just said that Neurotic medicines influence those functions which are attributed to the nervous system. Now there can be no reasonable doubt that they actually influence the nerves. But it is worth while to notice here the curious fact that the same agents have been found to paralyze the irritable or contractile tissues of certain vegetables. Professor Marcet of Geneva first noticed that the vapours of Chloroform and Ether affected the leaf of the sensitive plant so as to prevent it from contracting at the touch, but without at the same time perceptibly injuring its structure. I have produced the same effect on a species of Acacia, which naturally closes its leaves at the approach of night. The leaf experimented on remained open, while the others closed. After a certain time it recovered. Solutions of Morphia, Conia, and other sedatives, have been found to produce the same result. Now the existence in plants of nervous tissues is not usually admitted. How then are we to explain the analogous action of these paralyzing Neurotics on animals and vegetables? Possibly they may be capable of acting directly on contractile or irritable tissues in both cases, without necessarily influencing the nerves in order to produce paralysis.
[43]Turner's Chemistry, 7th edit., p. 995.
[43]Turner's Chemistry, 7th edit., p. 995.
[44]I do not here mean to imply that the products of the actions of all glands are destined for excretion. It is probable that the bile and some other secretions are partly re-absorbed into the blood. But we are now concerned only with the function of glands as emunctories.
[44]I do not here mean to imply that the products of the actions of all glands are destined for excretion. It is probable that the bile and some other secretions are partly re-absorbed into the blood. But we are now concerned only with the function of glands as emunctories.
[45]No lists of the Eliminative orders will be given; for as only a general outline of the mode of action of these medicines is intended, a detailed enumeration of the remedies comprised in each order would be a needless appropriation of space.
[45]No lists of the Eliminative orders will be given; for as only a general outline of the mode of action of these medicines is intended, a detailed enumeration of the remedies comprised in each order would be a needless appropriation of space.
[46]It has been asserted by Dr. Murray that it is impossible for Mercury to pass off in the urine, on account of the Phosphoric acid contained in that secretion, which would precipitate the metal. But Phosphoric acid is also contained in the blood; and Mercury has been discovered in the urine.
[46]It has been asserted by Dr. Murray that it is impossible for Mercury to pass off in the urine, on account of the Phosphoric acid contained in that secretion, which would precipitate the metal. But Phosphoric acid is also contained in the blood; and Mercury has been discovered in the urine.
[47]Reference is made at the end of each article to those parts of the Essay in which the remedy has been mentioned before.
[47]Reference is made at the end of each article to those parts of the Essay in which the remedy has been mentioned before.
[48]See Pereira's "Materia Medica," vol. i. p. 204.
[48]See Pereira's "Materia Medica," vol. i. p. 204.
[49]See account of the mode of preparation, by the Author, in the second edition of Dr. Royle's "Manual of Materia Medica."
[49]See account of the mode of preparation, by the Author, in the second edition of Dr. Royle's "Manual of Materia Medica."
Transcriber's NoteThe apothecaries' symbol for the dram (ʒ) is used in this book. "ʒj" is 1 dram, and "ʒss" is ½ dram. The apothecaries' dram is 3.8879346 grams.
Transcriber's Note
The apothecaries' symbol for the dram (ʒ) is used in this book. "ʒj" is 1 dram, and "ʒss" is ½ dram. The apothecaries' dram is 3.8879346 grams.