A monograph upon aconite : its therapeutic and physiological effects together with its uses and accurate statements derived from the various sources of medical literature / translated from the German of Dr. Reil by Henry B. Millard.

  • Reil, Dr. (Wilhelm), 1820-1880.
Date:
1860
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A monograph upon aconite : its therapeutic and physiological effects together with its uses and accurate statements derived from the various sources of medical literature / translated from the German of Dr. Reil by Henry B. Millard. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    INTKODUCTION. cluiactcrs of Aconite, this proof would be, not simply difficult, but almost impossible. We refer, on tliis point, to the works of Matthi- olus, Reinholb, Linne, Reichenbach, Hartlaub, Schroff, and otliers. See “Literature.” Secondly, Such an investigation would be but of little benefit, could we establisb beyond a doubt tbe identity of the old with the new Aconite. We could, at best, find, in ancient times, confirma- tions of tbe poisonous qualities of this plant, while we could obtain, for a pbysiological spbere of action, scarcely the first rudiments. In the tbird place, The latest investigations, and particularly tbose of Schroff, have clearly demonstrated that every variety of Aconite 'growing in Europe contains the same active principle in all parts of tbe plant, though it differs, in degree of intensity, according to tbe species, locality, season, and part of the plant. Here, too, we may obserye that an inquiry as to the variety of Aconite which was proved and introduced into our materia medica by Weffer, Störck, Hahnemann, and otliers—whether NapelLus, Cammarum, Neomentanum, Yariegatum, &c.—would be idle, and would produce no material alteration, and, at best, such a sifting would only confound the more the älready existing confusion. Yet, the historical part of our subject cannot be wholly passed over in silence, inasmuch as we can refer to short, though certain periods, which furnish additions to the toxicoiogical, therapeutic, and physiological experience we possess of Aconite. The consideration of this possesses an additional interest, from the fact that, in en- deavoring to give an idea of the knowledge which was possessed of this plant, and which was extended over distinct periods of time, we obtain, at the same time, a glimpse of the position which medi- cine occupied in those times. If we will promise to be as brief as possible, will the reader kindly favor us with his attention for a short time ?