Observations relative to the use of belladonna, in painful disorders of the head and face : illustrated by many cases / by John Bailey.

  • Bailey, John, Medical practitioner.
Date:
1818
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations relative to the use of belladonna, in painful disorders of the head and face : illustrated by many cases / by John Bailey. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    The facts which I have to adduce upon this subject quadrate but indifferently with the foregoing statement, and demonstrate, to the clearest proof, that the powers of the medi- cine have been neither fairly investigated nor properly represented. I have, in two instances only, seen it produce effects upon the system at large; vide Cases, Nos. 14 and 16 : slight giddiness has followed on the succeeding day; and some inconveni- ence to the sight mostly attends it: but these effects have always been cheerfully borne in exchange for severe suffering. The foregoing remarks are not applicable to this medicine, when given in doses much be- yond the quantity which I have made use of. When largely taken, like every other power- ful narcotic, it destroys life. According to historical authorities, this is the plant which produced such fatal effects amongst the Roman soldiery, under the com- mand of Anthony, upon their retreat before the Parthians ; who, suffering from the want of provisions, were driven to the necessity of eating unknown plants: and Buchanan, the Scotch historian, informs us, that the juice of this plant was mixed with the provision