Volume 1

The standard physician : a new and practical encyclopaedia of medicine and hygiene especially prepared for the household / edited by Sir James Crichton-Browne [and others].

Date:
1908-1909
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The standard physician : a new and practical encyclopaedia of medicine and hygiene especially prepared for the household / edited by Sir James Crichton-Browne [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    327/430 (page 301)
    Cannabla Indlca CAMPHOR. -A compound obtained from the wood of the cain])lior- tree, Cinnamomiim camphora, a large evergreen tree growing in C'hina and Japan. It is a whitish, translucent substance, having a peculiar strong odour and a burning taste. It is very slightly soluble in water, but is easily dis- solved in alcohol. It is exceedingly combustible, and is so volatile that it will entirely disa])pear if left exposed to the air for any length of time. Locally camphor acts as an irritant. Its systematic effect is stimulation of the nervous system and of the heart and respiratory apparatus. An over- dose irritates the alimentary canal, causing burning pain in the abdomen, with nausea, vomiting, and purging. The systematic effect will be shown in headache, dizziness, buzzing in the ears, and excitement, followed bv delirium and convulsions. The patient may be brought into a state of col- lapse, with a weak, running pulse, shallow respirations, and cold, clammy skin. Fatal poisoning by camphor is, however, very rare. Camphor is used externally in the form of a liniment for bruises and sprains, or to relieve the pain and stiffness of rheumatic joints. Internallv it is commonly used in cases of nervous depression, headache, and j)ainful menstruation. It is a valuable remedy in hiccup. If taken in the eaiiv stages of a cold in the head, camphor will give much relief, and mav even abort the attack. It is sometimes used in intestinal flatulence and diarrhoea. Spirits of camphor is given in doses of about 20 drops. CANCER (CARCINOMA).—See Tumour. CANNABIS INDICA (INDIAN HEMP).—The flowering tops of the female plant Cannabis saliva, indigenous to tropical climates, but largely obtained from India and Egypt. This drug has a ])eculiar effect on the nervous system, and for centuries past it has been largely used as an intoxi- cant in parts of Asia and Africa. It is either smoked or drunk or eaten as a confection (the hashish of Monte Cristo). The active principle is contained in the resinous substance termed cannahin. The effects of the drug vary considerably in the various individuals taking it. After a large dose there is usually a period of exhilaration, during which the individual feels unaccountably happy and is impelled to do and say foolish things. He may have visions of extravagant splendour, perhaps coloured by sensual impressions, particularly if he is of an impressionable temperament, and the scope of his imagination knows no bounds. At other times these hallucinations are of a depressing nature, or such as to inspire him with fear and horror. He does not become unconscious, and usualU^ recognises the unreal character of his dreams. A peculiar characteristic of this condition is the loss of the sense of space and time, so that minutes seem hours and hours weeks, the clock ticking at absurdly long intervals. This is probably caused by the tremendous activity of the mind, thoughts flashing along through consciousness with great rapidity, but with little or no sequence. Power to appreciate pain is lessened or lost.