Practical observations on the remedial properties of Simaba cedron, and on its employment as a substitute for quinine / by Samuel S. Purple.

  • Purple, Samuel S. (Samuel Smith), 1822-1900.
Date:
1854
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Practical observations on the remedial properties of Simaba cedron, and on its employment as a substitute for quinine / by Samuel S. Purple. 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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    1854.] cedron appears to be obtainable in quantity, with some little difficulty, from Carthagena; but a brisk demand, no doubt, would cause an equal supply.” The history of all new medicinal agents, derived from savage or semi-civilized coun- tries, teaches us the fact, that at first, the remedy sought after is obtained with much difficulty; but we should not, from this cause alone, neglect to investigate or enquire into its uses; and should it, according to our belief, be found that this article possesses decided rfierit, and some advan- tages over quinine, we have no doubt but that some of our enterprising commercial druggists will find it to their interest, to devise means for its introduction ihto our market. Finally :—From the declared experience of various observ- ers of the medicinal effects of the* Simaba cedron, we are f warranted in drawing the following’ conclusions regarding its therapeutic action:— That it possesses decided anti-periodic properties, and is therefore applicable in the treatment of periodic diseases. That it is less likely than quinine to produce the aggre- gate of encephalic or neuropathic phenomena, induced by overdoses. J That it may, in large doses, repeated often, produce grip- ing of the bowels, and even diarrhoea; but that these condi- tions are easily controlled by appropriate medicaments. That, as a remedy in intermittent fever, it possesses pro- perties, in many respects, equal to quinine, and in most cases is equally adapted to the curation of this disease. That, in the treatment of yellow fever, it does not appear to possess any particular advantages over quinine, but never- theless is equally well adapted to fulfill the indications which call for the use of this latter remedy. That it possesses marked tonic properties, and deserves a prominent place in this classification of the Materia Medica. That in chronic dysentery, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, and all states of the stomach, accompanied with impaired or difficult digestion, its use will be foun^ to be attended with benefit. That, should a demand arise for its use in medicine, it is