On the characters, actions, and therapeutic uses of the ordeal bean of Calabar, (Physostigma venenosum, Balfour) : a graduation thesis, for which a gold medal was awarded by the Edinburgh University, August 1862 / by Thomas R. Fraser.

Fraser, Sir Thomas Richard, 1841-1920.

Date:: 1863

Credit: On the characters, actions, and therapeutic uses of the ordeal bean of Calabar, (Physostigma venenosum, Balfour) : a graduation thesis, for which a gold medal was awarded by the Edinburgh University, August 1862 / by Thomas R. Fraser. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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$From the severity of the case and the marked eflfects of tlie treat- ment, I cannot avoid conclading that the tincture of physostigma was of service in producing the favourable result. GathartiG Action.—We have seen that a decided action was exerted on the bowels in several of these cases, and this in conformity with the results obtained by experiments on the lower animals. It is possible that this action may be found of some service, but I have not specially tested its value. If Physostigma can be so employed, I think it will prove of peculiar service, from the absence in the remedy of any nauseous taste, and from the cathartic action being produced without tenesmus, and rather with the asso- ciation of effects of a sedative nature. The AncesthetiG Action may be applied to the treatment of all nervous irritations. I have employed it with great advantage in various neuralgic affections and in irritable stomach. It probably acts by producing a local change in the nerves of the affected region, which interferes with their power of receiving or of conducting im- pressions. That it does not depend on any constitutional action of the kernel appears probable from the absence of any appreciable constitutional symptom. An agent can remove painful impressions in only three ways,— \st, by an influence exerted on the tissues which cause the pain by their abnormal connexion with the sensitive nerve,—as in the swelling of inflammation; 2d, by an influence exerted on the organ which receives the impressions,—the cerebrum; and, 3c?, by an influence exerted on the sentient nerve-fibre itself, or on its power of conducting sensation. We have no facts to support the first cause of the sedative action in the present instance, and it is extremely improbable ; the second is disproved by the absence of cerebral symptoms ; and every probability exists in favour of the last. I have employed both the tincture and the alcoholic extract, the former seeming to me the preferable form of application. Half a drachm to one drachm of the tincture, rubbed on the seat of suffering for fifteen minutes, will remove severe pain for an interval of about two hours, and an ultimate cure may be produced by repeating the application for a limited number of times. The following case will illustrate this action:— Case 6.—J. S., ist. 38. Married. Labourer and maltsmai]. bth March 18G2.—8 P.M. Afflicted with severe pain in the lumbar region, aggravated by movements. Pain commenced suddenly on the Ist March wiiile patient vras working, after a cold wetting. It was at first intermittent, but so severe during the paroxysm as to prevent him from working. The pain has become much worse during the last two days. It is now constant, tliough witii occa- sional aggravations of severity, and lias obliged the patient to remain in bed. Me .says he has not slept for two nights. When seen, patient was lying on his back, and appeared to avoid making the slightest movement. The pain was conlined to the lumbar region, and was most severe on the riglit side. —One drachm of the tincture of Physostigma was ordered to be rubbed on the painful part for fifteen minutes. 1th March.—\0 A.M. Patient is considerably better, can move a little, and$