Volume 2

A textbook of pharmacology, therapeutics and materia medica.

  • Brunton, T. Lauder (Thomas Lauder), 1844-1916.
Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A textbook of pharmacology, therapeutics and materia medica. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

    23/518 (page 773)
    or effervescing water, may be slowly sipped so as to get its stimulating action on the cerebral circulation (p. 193) and heart (p. 194). At the same time chalybeate tonics and strychnine may be given in order to increase the nutrition of the tissues generally. The liquid extract of red cinchona bark has been recommended in such cases, and no doubt this medicine, along with easily digested food, beef-tea, and warm nutritive drinks, such as hot cocoa, may prove a useful adjunct in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. In some patients the tendency to drink appears to be epileptic in character. The person affected by it will remain sober for weeks or even months, and then be suddenly seized with the fit, begin to drink, and remain drunk for several days together, and, after the conclusion of the bout, will again remain sober for a long time. I have seen a case in which this species of inter- mittent drunkenness was brought on by a fall from a horse, and was associated with epilepsy. The fit began with an intense craving for drink, and after one or two days' drunkenness epilepsy came on. If the desire for drink was not gratified, the fit came on sooner after the craving began than it would otherwise have done, but it was not so violent. The treatment in these cases is bromide of potassium combined with tonics. Uses.—The cold produced by the evaporation of alcohol when it is applied to the skin and rapidly dissipated by fanning or blowing upon it is useful in preventing syncope, in relieving headache, or in rousing from fainting or coma. For these pur- poses one of the most convenient forms of application is eau-de- cologne, and in cases of headache this may be used, diluted with equal parts of water, and applied by means of a thin handkerchief. The power of alcohol to harden the epidermis renders it a useful application in cases where we desire to hinder the formation of bed-sores or prevent the nipples from cracking. Brandy is the form most frequently employed for this purpose, as it stimulates the circulation when its evaporation is prevented, and especially when aided by friction. Alcohol, diluted simply, or in conjunction with one half per cent, carbolic or salicylic acid, is useful in relieving pruritus in erythema and other diseases; a similar lotion is also useful in alopecia furfuracea. In urticaria it is best combined with petroleum (v. p. 762). It has been used as a lini- ment in the form of brandy or spirit to sprained joints. A little brandy held in the mouth increases the secretion of saliva, and often relieves toothache. Alcohol is also a useful gargle in relaxed sore-throat, port wine being a form in which it is frequently applied for this purpose. It is also a useful astringent wash to the mouth in cases of profuse salivation. As in small doses it increases the secretion of gastric juice, it forms a useful addition to the meals of persons whose digestive powers are weak either in consequence of temporary exhaustion or from permanent