Footnote 432:
Journal de Medicine, 1786, T. 68. p. 49.
Footnote 433:
Vol. iv. p. 156.
Footnote 434:
In this country Bismuth has enjoyed for some years a reputation
exceedingly high. Dr. Samuel W. Moore, of New-York, was the first to
call the attention of the American medical public to it, in a valuable
dissertation which was published in the year 1810. In this Essay are
recorded a number of cases illustrative of the salutary effects of
this medicine in spasmodic pain and other troublesome affections of
the stomach. In addition to its use in gastric disorders, Dr.
Carmichael, of Virginia, has administered it with success in the
treatment of Intermittents. _Ed._
Footnote 435:
Very lately our attention has been particularly called to this plant
by Dr. E. G. Ludlow of New-York, who speaks of it in terms of high
commendation. He says “the diseases in which I have used it are
exclusively those of the Chylopoietic viscera, as dyspepsia, diarrhœa
and cholera. For the removal of pain and flatulence in the bowels,
which may be enumerated among the most frequent and distressing
symptoms of the first stage of indigestion, Calamus is superior to any
other carminative; by virtue of its aroma it creates a strong
sensation of warmth in the stomach, increasing its action without
sensibly augmenting the force of the circulation, while its powerful
bitter principle gives permanent tone to the relaxed state of the
fibres.” New-York Med. & Phys. Journal, No. 11. p. 321. The Tincture
is the preferable form of administering the Calamus. The dose is from
℥ss to ℥j. _Ed._
Footnote 436:
THE SPECIFIC OF HERRENSCHWAND, which formerly excited so much interest
in Germany, consisted of 10 grains of Camboge with 20 of Sub-carbonate
of Potass; although it is said, that on its being analyzed by order of
Elizabeth of Russia, there were also found in it both Mercury and
Arsenic.
Camboge is also the basis of the SPECIFIC OF CLOSSIUS.
GOLDEN SPIRIT OF SCURVY GRASS. This is merely a solution of Camboge in
the Spir: Armoraciæ comp:
Footnote 437:
Although the Camphor of commerce is generally furnished by the Laurus
Camphora, yet it is abundantly yielded by many other plants. It is
said that what is imported from Sumatra is the product of the
Dryobobans Camphora. It is also contained in the roots of the
Cinnamon, Cassia, and Sassafras laurels, and in those of Galangale,
Zedoary, and Ginger; in Cardamom seeds and Long Pepper. The essential
oils of Lavender, Sage, Thyme, Peppermint, Rosemary, and those of many
other labiate plants yield camphor by distillation. Camphor may be
also artificially formed by driving a stream of muriatic gas through
oil of turpentine; this factitious product, however, is to be
distinguished from native camphor in not being soluble in weak nitric
acid, and also in not being precipitated by water from its solution in
strong nitric acid.
Footnote 438:
The collection of the Materia Medica at the College of Physicians
contains a beautiful specimen of native Camphor in the wood: having
selected from it as perfect a crystal as I could find, I requested my
friend and publisher Mr. W. Phillips, well known for his researches in
crystallography, to undertake its examination; and he observes that
“The crystal of native Camphor (in the wood) appears as a flat
octohedron; but the primary form is a right rhombic prism of 51° 36′
and 128° 24′. by measurement with the reflective goniometer on
cleavage planes: the octohedral appearance arises from the deep
replacement of four of the solid angles of the prism, by as many
planes.”
Footnote 439:
AN ODONTALGIC REMEDY in great repute consists of a solution of camphor
in oil of turpentine; a fluid-ounce of which will dissolve two
drachms.
Footnote 440:
Although the London College, for reasons sufficiently weighty, were
induced on a former occasion to transfer the Blistering fly from the
genus Cantharis to that of Lytta, the Committee for revising the late
Pharmacopœia determined, on the authority of Latreille, to restore it
to its former genus. The work of Latreille, “Genera Crustaceorum et
Insectorum” holds the highest rank in Entomology of any hitherto
published.
Footnote 441:
Cantharidin may be obtained by the following process: Boil the
cantharides in water until all the soluble parts are extracted; filter
the decoction, and evaporate to the consistence of an extract. Digest
this extract in concentrated alcohol, then pour off the alcohol and
evaporate it; if sulphuric acid be then added to this extract, it will
take up the Cantharidin, which may be obtained in a tolerably pure
state by evaporation. The crystalline plates may be afterwards freed
from the adhering colouring matter by alcohol.
Footnote 442:
Annales de Chémie, tom. lxxvi.
Footnote 443:
It forms the basis of the once celebrated diuretic of Tulpius, called
Lithonthrypticum Tulpii, from its supposed efficacy in stone. The
other ingredients were Cardamoms, made into a Tincture with Rectified
Spirit, and Spirit of Nitric Æther.
Footnote 444:
He was cited before the censors of the College of Physicians in 1693,
and committed to Newgate by a warrant from the President; but he was
acquitted upon the plea that—bad practice must be accompanied with a
bad intention to render it criminal. He published his vindication in a
small tract, entitled “De tuto Cantharidum usu interno.” The issue,
says Dr. Quincey (Pharm: p. 152) ruined the unhappy Doctor, but taught
his prosecutors the safety and value of his practice. The following
was his formula. Of egg-shells calcined ʒss; Camphor ℈j; Spanish flies
℈ss; and Venice turpentine q, s, to make nine pills; three of which
were to be swallowed every three hours.
Footnote 445:
Not less than sixteen species of the genus Cantharis have already been
discovered in this country, by the industry of our Entomologists;
most, if not all, of which possess vesicating powers. Of these the
most common is the Lytta vittata, or potatoe fly. The medicinal
virtues of this insect were first discovered in 1797, and found to be
fully equal to those of the Spanish fly. Dr. Barton says “from
frequent employment of the two articles, I cannot hesitate to prefer
the American to the foreign fly. Long keeping, provided it be
carefully kept, does not materially impair the blistering property of
the Lytta vittata. At the end of three or four years after being
collected, I have found it equal in power to the shop Cantharides.” By
the late Dr. Dana, Prof. of Chemistry in the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of New-York, the Lytta vittata was made the subject of
analysis, and found to contain _Cantharidin_. _Ed._
Footnote 446:
Journal de Physique, p. 173, 1820.
Footnote 447:
RYMER’S CARDIAC TINCTURE. In the earlier editions of this work an
erroneous account of this medicine has been given, in consequence of a
spurious specimen having been examined: the following analysis is now
confidently presented to the profession. It is an infusion of
Capsicum, Camphor, Cardamom seeds, Rhubarb, Aloes, and Castor in Proof
Spirit, with a very small quantity of Sulphuric acid.
Footnote 448:
LARDNER’S PREPARED CHARCOAL consists of cretaceous powder, or chalk
finely powdered, rendered grey by the addition of charcoal, or Ivory
black.
Footnote 449:
CONCENTRATED SOLUTION OF CHARCOAL. A preparation is sold under this
absurd name for cleaning the teeth, and is nothing more than a
tincture of Catechu. The name was probably suggested by the
experiments of Mr. Hatchett, who succeeded in producing artificial
tannin by the action of Nitric acid upon Charcoal.
Footnote 450:
In cases of obstinate constipation of the bowels, charcoal is one of
the most efficient remedies in the whole Materia Medica. Many cases
have yielded to it which had resisted every other cathartic medicine
previously used. Dr. Daniell, of Savannah, to whom we are indebted for
an interesting paper on this subject, states as the result of his
experience, “that the most speedy, as well as the most certain relief,
is to be obtained from the free use of Charcoal. If it does not wholly
relieve, it always very much mitigates the pain in six or eight hours
from the period of its first administration; and within my
observation,” he adds, “the patient has always been entirely composed
before the operation of the medicine upon the bowels.” “In relation to
the dose of this medicine,” he states that “the rule which I have
pursued is to give it as freely and as frequently as the stomach will
allow. The quantity required is considerable. It has a happy influence
in lulling the irritability of the stomach, when nothing else which I
have used, would control the nausea and vomiting of the patient; thus
fulfilling the double intention of first alleviating a very
distressing symptom, and then removing the disease itself. I usually
give from one to three table-spoonsful of Charcoal every half hour or
hour: whenever the stomach becomes overcharged with the medicine, the
excess is thrown off, and the stomach is again quiet. I give it in
lime water, milk, or water alone—the vehicle having appeared to me
unimportant.” Philadel. Journal of Med. and Phys. Science, Vol. 5. p.
120. Ed.
Footnote 451:
See an account of Charcoal, as a test for Arsenic, and remarks
thereon, p. 308.
Footnote 452:
Dr. Maton in a learned critical and botanical note to a paper on the
Cardamom, by Mr. White, Surgeon of Bombay, (Trans: Lin: Soc: v. x,
229,) called the genus, of which it consists, Elettaria, a
nomenclature which was accordingly adopted by the College in their
late Pharmacopœia; but, says Sir James Smith, as this name is of a
barbarous origin, (viz. from Elettaria, the Malabar name of the
plant.) we should greatly prefer that of Matonia; a suggestion which
has been since adopted by Mr. Roscoe of Liverpool, in his description
of the Scitamineœ. The College has therefore the gratifying task of
erasing the term Elettaria from their Materia Medica, and of
substituting for it a name no less known than respected by the Medical
profession.
Footnote 453:
ESSENCE OF COFFEE. The Cassia pulp is said to form the basis of this
article.
Footnote 454:
The ancients erroneously considered them as the testicles of the
beaver, and Æsop relates that the animal bit them off, when pursued by
the huntsman, whence some have derived its name, _a castrando_; the
true origin however of the word is from γαστωρ, i.e. animal
_ventriculosum_, from his swaggy and prominent belly.
Footnote 455:
BATEMAN’S PECTORAL DROPS consist principally of the Tincture of
Castor, with portions of camphor and opium, flavoured by anise seeds,
and coloured by cochineal.
Footnote 456:
It was formerly supposed to be a mineral production: and hence the
term Terra Japonica. Hagedorn and Boulduc were among the first who
opposed this error, and who established the fact of its vegetable
origin (Mem. de l’Acad. des Sciences de Paris, A. 1709. p. 228.)
Footnote 457:
So called from Chiron the Centaur, who is said to have employed it to
cure himself of a wound accidentally received by letting one of the
arrows of Hercules fall upon his foot.
Footnote 458:
KIRKLAND’S NEUTRAL CERATE. Is formed by melting together ℥ viij of
Lead Plaster with f℥iv of olive oil, into which are to be stirred ℥iv
of prepared chalk; when the mixture is sufficiently cooled f℥iv of
acetic acid, and ʒiij of pulverized Acetate of lead are to be added,
and the whole is to be stirred until nearly cold.
MARSHALL’S CERATE. ℞. Palm. Oil ℥v. Calomel ℥i, Acetate of Lead ℥ss,
Nitrate of Mercury ℥ij.
COLD CREAM (Ceratum Galeni.) Ol: Amygdal: ℔j, Ceræ alb: ℥iv; melt,
pour into a warm mortar, and add, gradually, Aq: Ros; oj. It should be
very light and white. Gray’s Supplement.
Footnote 459:
There are no less than twenty-five distinct species of Cinchona,
independent of any additions which we may owe to the zeal of Humboldt
and Bonpland; and Mr. A. T. Thomson, in his London Dispensatory,
states that in a large collection of dried specimens, of the genus
Cinchona, in his possession, collected in 1805, both near Loxa and
Santa Fé, he finds many species which are not mentioned in the works
of any Spanish botanist.
Footnote 460:
See London Medical and Physical Journal. Vol. v. p. 33.
Footnote 461:
ESSENTIAL SALT OF BARK. It is highly necessary that the public should
know that the preparation sold under this empirical title, has no
relation whatever to the late discoveries of Pelletier. It is merely
an extract prepared by macerating the bruised substance of bark in
cold water, and submitting the infusion to a very slow evaporation.
Footnote 462:
The designation of Cinchonin, consistent with the principles of
chemical nomenclature, must now have a termination in _a_, and the
name Cinchonia appears preferable to that of Cinchonina.
Footnote 463:
The following is the process by which Cinchonia may be prepared. Take
a pound of Pale Bark, bruised small, and boil it for an hour in three
pints of a very dilute solution of pure Potass. After the liquid has
cooled, it must be strained through a fine cloth with pressure, and
the residuum be repeatedly washed and pressed. The cinchona, thus
washed, is to be slightly heated in a sufficient quantity of water,
adding muriatic acid gradually until litmus paper is slightly
reddened. When the liquid is raised nearly to the boiling point, it is
to be strained, and the cinchona again pressed. To the strained
liquor, while hot, add an ounce of sulphate of magnesia, and after
this add a solution of potass, till it ceases to occasion any
precipitate. When the liquor is cold, collect the precipitate on a
filtre, wash and dry it, and dissolve it in hot alcohol. On
evaporation of the spirit, the cinchona will crystallize.
Footnote 464:
Thus, as we have stated, 100 parts of Cinchonia unite with 13·021 of
Sulphuric acid, while the same weight of Quina requires for saturation
not more than 10·91 of the same acid.
Footnote 465:
SULPHATE OF QUINA. As this preparation is considered the most active
form of the salifiable principle of bark, I have subjoined the most
approved formula for its preparation. Boil for half an hour two pounds
of the appropriate bark in powder, in sixteen pints of distilled
water, acidulated with two fluid-ounces of sulphuric acid; strain the
decoction through a linen cloth, and submit the residue to a second
ebullition in a similar quantity of acidulated water; mix the
decoctions, and add by small portions at a time, powdered lime,
constantly stirring it to facilitate its action on the acid decoction.
(Half a pound is near the quantity requisite.) When the decoction has
become slightly alkaline it assumes a dark brown colour, and deposits
a reddish brown flocculent precipitate, which is to be separated by
passing it through a linen cloth. The precipitate, is to be washed
with a little cold distilled water and dried. When dry it is to be
digested in rectified spirit, with a moderate heat for some hours; the
liquid is then to be decanted, and fresh portions of spirit added till
it no longer acquires a bitter taste. Unite the spirituous tinctures,
and distil in a water-bath till three fourths of the spirit employed
has distilled over. After this operation there remains in the vessel a
brown viscid substance covered by a bitter, very alkaline and milky
fluid. The two products are to be separated and treated as follows. To
the alkaline liquid add a sufficient quantity of sulphuric acid to
saturate it; reduce it by evaporation to half the quantity; add a
small portion of charcoal, and after some minutes ebullition, filter
it whilst hot, and crystals of Sulphate of Quina will form. The brown
mass is to be boiled in a small quantity of water, slightly acidulated
with sulphuric acid, which will convert a large portion of it into
Sulphate of Quina. The crystals are to be dried by bibulous paper. Two
pounds of bark will, it is said, yield 5 to 6 drachms of the sulphate;
of which eight grains are considered equivalent to an ounce of bark.
It has been prepared in this country by several manufacturing
chemists, especially by Mr. Pope of Oxford Street, whose zeal and
industry in Pharmaceutic experiments entitle him to great
commendation. The superior price of the bark, however, from the duty
in this country, as well as that of alcohol, must prevent us from
entering into competition with the French in its manufacture, and it
has accordingly been found more œconomical to import, than to prepare
it.
Footnote 466:
Journal de Physiologie. No. 1, p. 90.
Footnote 467:
Upon this point however a difference of opinion has existed; M. Halle
entertained considerable fears on the subject, which were supported by
M. M. Larrey, Emery, Duponchel, and others, who communicated to the
Société Médicale d’Emulation, facts which excited their apprehensions.
The question, however, has been set at rest both in this country and
on the Continent. They are perfectly harmless.
Footnote 468:
Cinchonia has been detected in other vegetables besides the Bark, as
in the root of Cusparia, and in the berries of Capsicum, while in the
bark of Cascarilla, a substance bearing a much nearer relation in
medicinal effect to the Bark, its presence has not yet been
discovered. It is said that experiments have been lately made by M. M.
Robiquet and Petroz on the Bark of the Carapa, which has been
successfully used in several parts of America in the cure of agues,
and that they have found in that bark a salifiable basis analogous to
Quina.
Footnote 469:
In Brande’s Journal for January 1830, it is announced that Serturner
has discovered other vegeto-alkalies in the Bark, besides the
Cinchonia and Quinia.—One in particular he has ascertained, which he
calls _Chinioidia_, existing in combination with a resinous sub-acid
substance. This exists in the red and yellow bark with the Cinchonia
and Quinia. It has more alkaline power and capacity of saturation, as
well as greater medical power than any other vegeto-alkali in the
Cinchona, but it resembles them in its insolubility in water, its
colour and taste. According to Serturner, the febrifuge power of the
_Chinioidia_ is as superior to that of the Cinchonia and Quinia as
these are to the Bark.—In his hands it succeeded in many cases where
the Sulphate of Quinia had failed. _Ed._
Footnote 470:
It was under this form that the celebrated empiric Talbor used to
administer it in the paroxysms of Intermittents, and so successful was
his practice, that Louis XIV. was induced to purchase at a large price
the secret of his specific; and Charles the Second very unjustly
protected him against the power of the College, and appointed him one
of his physicians.
Footnote 471:
Mr. Thompson has suggested the probability of this circumstance having
arisen from the admixture of a species of bark, lately introduced into
Europe from Martinique, resembling the Cinchona Floribunda, and which,
by an analysis of M. Cadet, was found to contain iron. (London Disp.
Edit. 3. p. 247.)
Footnote 472:
This plant is found in abundance in Piedmont, principally in the
marshes, where of course it is most needed. Nature is very kind in
this respect, for the particular situation which engenders endemic
diseases, is generally congenial to the growth of the plants that
operate as antidotes to them.
Footnote 473:
Dr. Davy, in a letter to me upon this subject, says, “there are two
kinds of oil of cinnamon procured in Ceylon, one of greater, the other
of less specific gravity than water. In distillation they come over
together. On what the difference depends I do not know, nor am I aware
that the subject has yet been investigated.”
Footnote 474:
From experiments made with _Veratria_, it appears that its effects on
the human system are analogous to those of the Colchicum itself. In
chronic rheumatism comparative trials to a great extent were
instituted by Dr. Bardsley, and with very similar results. The
_Veratria_ was generally administered in doses of from 1/4 gr. to ½
gr. three times a day. _Ed._
Footnote 475:
With this opinion Mr. A. T. Thomson coincides, for in the 3d edition
of his Dispensatory, he says, “the thick old bulb begins to decay
after the flower is perfectly expanded, and the new bulbs, of which
there are always two formed on each old bulb, are perfected in the
following June; from which time until the middle of August, they may
be taken up for medicinal use.”
Footnote 476:
EAU MEDICINALE DE HUSSON. After various attempts to discover the
active ingredient of this Parisian remedy, it is at length determined
to be the colchicum autumnale which several ancient authors, under the
name of hermodactyllus, have recommended in the cure of gout, as
stated in the historical preface to this work. The following is the
receipt for preparing this medicine. Take two ounces of the root of
colchicum, cut it into slices, macerate it in four fluid-ounces of
Spanish white wine, and filter. See Veratri Radix (_note_).
Dr. WILSON’S TINCTURE FOR THE GOUT. This is merely an infusion of
colchicum, as Dr. Williams of Ipswich has satisfactorily shewn. Since
the discovery of colchicum being the active ingredient of the Eau
medicinale, numerous empirical remedies have started up, containing
the principles of the plant in different forms.
The expressed juice of the colchicum is used in Alsace to destroy
vermin in the hair: it is very acrid, and excoriates the parts to
which it is applied.
Footnote 477:
Dr. Davy, however, informs me that he is acquainted with a fatal
instance from an excessive dose of these seeds, viz. ʒj, taken by a
medical man for gout. On dissection, most of the viscera, more
especially the brain and intestines, exhibited great sanguineous
turgescence, and appearances of inflammation.
Footnote 478:
This preparation, or the Seeds, may be procured for trial, from the
house of Savory, Moore, and Davidson, of New Bond Street.
Footnote 479:
WARD was originally a footman, and, during his attendance upon his
master on the Continent, obtained from the Monks those receipts which
afterwards became his nostrums. It may be observed that this
Confection appears to be well adapted for the cure of that species of
Piles which probably attended the sedentary and luxurious habits of
the monks.
Footnote 480:
Dr. Chapman recommends the liberal use of the Copaiva in the very
commencement of Gonorrhœa, disregarding ardor ruinæ, chordee, and
every other symptom of inflammation that may be present. Than this, we
do not know a medical precept more erroneous in theory, or more
mischievous in practice. We are convinced that a great majority of
gleets may be traced to the premature use of balsam Copaiva, and other
stimulating articles in the inflammatory stage of the disease.—_Ed._
Footnote 481:
Cūbĕba—Indis Cubab; Avicennæ Kebâba. It makes short the penultima,
because Actuarius and other modern Greeks call it κουπεπερ, κόμπεπερ,
and κομβεβα.
Footnote 482:
See “Practical Observations on the use of Cubebs, in the cure of
Gonorrhœa,” by H. JEFFREYS, Esq.
Footnote 483:
It is very questionable whether Cubebs is entitled to any other
preference over the copaiva, than that it is not so liable to derange
the digestive organs. As a specific for gonorrhœa it has received
praise altogether too unqualified. The most convenient form in which
it can be given is that of Tincture. _Ed._
Footnote 484: