On the value of phosphorus, as a remedy for loss of nerve power and functional disorders of the nervous system, induced by over-work and the exigencies of modern life : with formulae and directions for treatment / by Edmund A. Kirby.

Date:
1881
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the value of phosphorus, as a remedy for loss of nerve power and functional disorders of the nervous system, induced by over-work and the exigencies of modern life : with formulae and directions for treatment / by Edmund A. Kirby. 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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    The following extracts from a recent work on Materia Medica and Therapeutics are cited chiefly because they bear testimony to the correctness of the opinions which have been repeatedly expressed in earlier editions of this work :— Physiological actions.—Phosphorus, in ordinary medi- cinal doses, gives rise to an agreeable sensation of warmth in the stomach. As it undergoes rapid oxidation, much hyd rogen is evolved, which, while in its nascent state combines with a portion of the Phosphorus, forming phos- phide of hydrogen. Eructation of this gas is therefore one of the unpleasant effects of Phosphorus administered by the stomach. [And one which may easily be guarded against.—E. A. K.]' The action of the heart becomes more frequent, the body temperature rises somewhat, the mental activity and the muscular power increases, the menstrual flow becomes more abundant, aphrodisiac effects are experienced, and the urine and sweat are more freely excreted. A portion of the Phosphorus taken into the stomach passes into the blood unchanged, most probably in com- bination with fatty matter; The physiological action of Phosphorus in small doses in increasing mental activity finds a therapeutical expres- sion in the use of its preparations- in cerebral disorders. It is indicated in pathological states dependent on anaemia, and contra-indicated in vascular congestion and excitement (see page 8-5). By the use of it we supply to- the cerebral substances a material which it requires for the healthy performance of its. functions. It acts most beneficially in the cases of wakefulness in which the nutritive functions of the body ai'e wanting in activity. TJie wakefulness of the aged, accompanied with muscular cramps, feebleness of memory, giddiness-, and trembling of th-e voluntary mus- cles on exertion, is improved by the preparations of Phos- phorus. Early decay of mental powers,, associated with atheromatous changes of the cerebral vessels, and conse- quent impaired nutrition of the brain, is benefitted by min-
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