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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    mobile. A blightlv painful seiisatiou was now experienced in the supra- orbital region of the left side, and a sensation of heat in the left eyeball. In thirty minutes, ho change had occurred hi tiie right pupil; the left was a mere speck. Vision with the left eye was almost lost; there was a little red- ness, and tenderness on exposure to the light. In one hour and a-half, all disagreeable sensations had gone, the dimness of vision was less marked, but the extreme contraction of the pupil continued. In four hours, the dunness of vision disappeared; but the contraction of the left pupil continued unchanged for twenty-four hours. It gradually diminished after this, but very slowly, as the symptom continued for five days. i .v Experiment 6.—A small quantity of the extract was applied to the outer surface of both eyelids of the right eye, avoiding, as far as possible, any contact with the conjunctiva. -, ■, a- ^ In six minutes, the right pupil was contracted, and effects were caused exactly similar to those described in Experiment 5, with the exception that a marked immobility was produced m the eyelids, accompanied with a disagree- able sensation of dryness. A slight degree of inversion of the upper eyehd was also produced when the eye was being closed. These symptoms disap- peared in three days. II. ON THE SKIN. Experiment 7.—A test-tube, containing an ounce of tincture, was applied for twenty-five minutes, with its mouth in contact with the skm at the pomt of the index-finger of the left hand. No change was produced m the tactile or common sensibility of the finger. . . „ , , i ■ .-^^h,.^ Experiment 8. —A small piece ot flannel was soaked in tinct^ure ot physostigma, and with this a portion of the back of the hand, over the m-st and second metatarsal bones, was rubbed for fifteen minutes A dmcnm and a-half of tincture was altogether used. The common sensibility m this region was almost entirely destroyed. Pricking whh a needle-pomt pi;?<iuced very little sensation, and the region could be defined by a succession of pricks f.om TlTexpSLtTwas repeated with the extract and the result was the same. I have much pleasure in takmg this opportunity to acknowledge my obligations to Professor Balfour, for his kind liberahty m sup- plying me with the greater quantity of the bean employed m this investigation. The remainder was sent to me by the Rev. John BaiUie of Old Calabar, to whom, as weU as to the Messrs b. M. Edo-erley, Hugh Goldie, and Geo. Thomson, I am mdebted for the promptness of their replies to my inquiries regarding the employ- ment^f this ordeal at^ Calabar, and for the valuable information they have collected for me. My sincere thanks are also due to Dr Charles Wilson, for many suggestions m preparing this papei for the press. PKINTED HY OLIVER AND BOYn, TWKEDDALK COURT, EDINBURGH.