On the characters, actions, and therapeutic uses of the ordeal bean of Calabar, (Physostigma Venenosum, Balfour) : a graduation thesis, for which a gold medal was awarded by the Edinburgh University, August 1862 / by Thomas R. Fraser, M.D.

  • Fraser, Thomas R. (Thomas Richard), 1841-1920.
Date:
1863
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the characters, actions, and therapeutic uses of the ordeal bean of Calabar, (Physostigma Venenosum, Balfour) : a graduation thesis, for which a gold medal was awarded by the Edinburgh University, August 1862 / by Thomas R. Fraser, M.D. 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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    wliicli a number of faint lines diverge towards the circumference. The kernel is found much softer than usual within this area. On the inner surface of the spermoderm a corresponding space is found, of a Lrownish colour, and distinct from the usual bluish grey. This appearance is probably due to the attack of an insect, although our research has never succeeded in finding one. Section II.—Physiological Actions. Physiological Action of the 8eed or Bean, No part of the Physostigma venenosum is known to possess active properties except the seed or bean. Experiments, with results of a completely negative character, were performed with the stem, of which I received a supply from Professor Balfour. A. Actions of the Spermoderm.—When a considerable quantity of the alcoholic extract of the spermoderm is introduced into a part of the cellular texture of a rabbit, the animal, after the first few struggles, shows symptoms of uneasiness by a restless and disturbed manner. In five or six minutes, m-ine is voided in a copious stream, paralysis commences in the extremities, the posterior gen- erally yielding in the first place, and in a few minutes the animal ceases to struggle when lifted by the ears. Fseces are soon passed, and this evacuation persists during the effects of the administration, —the faeces being at first normal, but becoming gradually softer, and ultimately nearly fluid. In about twenty minutes from the com- mencement of the administration, the pupils are observed to be contracted, not however to any extreme degree, and always remaining under the influence of light. About the same time the muscles of the neck become afiected, and the head appears to be supported with difficulty. It has a trembling motion, and is soon after laid on the table. The whole body is then extended, and the animal lies on the thorax and abdomen. Urine and fteces continue to be frequently voided, and in about thirty minutes the respirations become noisy. The animal may recover its proper position, and stand for a short time in a shaky manner, but it soons falls again ; and this process is repeated until the paralysis is completely re- covered from,—generally in about two or three hows after the administration. Consciousness is retained during the whole time. The animal can hear, and is sensible to impressions which cause pain, Eeflex action is impaired, but never completely lost. Fasces and urine are passed very frequently for about twelve hours after the recovery from the paralysis. The paralysis is a most striking symptom. It is most distinctly shown by the inability of the limbs to support the body, and by the shaking of the head from incomplete enervation of the muscles of the neck. Fatal results have not been produced in any experiment, altliough doses of the alcoholic extract, varying from one to four grams, have