Licence: In copyright
Credit: Angina pectoris / by G. A. Gibson. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
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![Both may be administered in doses of from three to five minims, the most convenient means of administration being glass capsules. It is difficult, if not impossible, to decide a priori the relative utility of these drugs. Their effects are undoubtedly dependent to a great extent upon personal idiosyncrasies. Ethyl iodide, otherwise known as hydriodic ether, is also of considerable value, administered by inhalation in doses of five minims; glass capsules containing this dose may be employed. So far as can be ascertained, the action of this^ drug is due to the liberation of free iodine, which is rapidly absorbed by the blood. It is impossible to foretell in any given case whether the nitrite or iodide series will be most useful, and the value of these drugs can only be judged by their results. It is unfortunate that all of them frequently leave headache and giddiness behind them. A very service- able combination is supplied in capsules of ethyl iodide and chloroform, each containing five and ten minims respectively of the two drugs. The chloroform has certainly, in my own ex- perience, lessened the discomfort produced by hydriodic ether. The exhibition of powerful alcoholic stimulants by the mouth is often urgently called for ; brandy, whisky, spirit ofj ether, spirit of chloroform, and aromatic spirit of ammoniai are all eminently useful in this connection. It may even b necessary to give the patient such general anaesthetics asj chloroform or ether by inhalation. Sometimes the subcu- taneous administration of morphine is absolutely necessary.] The application of heat to the chest externally is often useful; and respiratory movements certainly alleviate the suffering in many cases. It need hardly be added that the patient mus be placed in such a position as will be most easy and comfort- able, while an abundant supply of fresh air must be secured If the sufferer can be induced to inspire deeply, he will ofte obtain relief. « ^ When we consider preventive treatment, we find nt necessary to lay down full directions regarding the general measures to be followed. The diet must be so regulated as to prevent any digestive embarrassment, particularly flatulent distension ; the fluid must be ample, so as to ensure proper metabolic changes, but it should not be given with meals k [i pi ml Pi](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b2168909x_0012.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
