An experimental research on the antagonism between the actions of physostigma and atropia / by Thomas R. Fraser.

  • Fraser Thomas R. (Thomas Richard), Sir, 1841-1920.
Date:
1872
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An experimental research on the antagonism between the actions of physostigma and atropia / by Thomas R. Fraser. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

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    XXI.—An Ex2)erimental Research on the Antagonisin between the Actions of Physostigma and Atropia. By Thomas R. Fraser, M.D., Lecturer on Materia IMedica and Therapeutics at Surgeon's Hall, Edinl^urgh. (Plates XXIII. to XXV.) (Read 29th May 1871.) INTRODUCTION. It is natural to suppose that soon after it became known that injurious effects follow the introduction of certain substances into the system, attempts were made to remedy these effects, and also to discover counteragents, or antidotes, to the hurtful substances. The success attending these attempts must, of necessity, have been closely related to the existing state of knowledge regard- ing the actions of active substances. When the effects of poisons were referred to supernatural manifestations, it was chiefly charms and superstitious rites that were trusted to as jDrotectives and remedies. At a somewhat more advanced period in the progress of human knowledge, vague notions of physiological laws and processes supplied the indications of curative treatment. Alexipharmics, Mithridates, and theriacse were compounded of substances possessing elimina- tive and so-called general stimulant properties, and bezoars of such as enjoyed a reputation as specifics against poisonous influences ; and these were employed, almost indiscriminately, as universal antidotes. Still later, chemistry suggested that, as the physical properties of poisons may be modified by various re-agents, so may their effects be prevented by the administration of suitable substances. The recommendations derived from chemistry were at first only of the crudest description; but as the science advanced, many valuable hints were obtained, and now the class of the chemical antidotes probably includes the largest number of efficient counteragents to poisons. Alkalies and acids are emjDloyed to neutralise each other, tannin to render insoluble tartar emetic and many vege- table alkaloids, hydrated sesquioxide of iron to precipitate arsenious acid, and soluble and inert sulphates to decompose lead salts, and render them unabsorb- able. In these examples, as well as in the many others belonging to this class, the operation of the antidote is limited to the chemical change it produces on the poison while it remains in the alimentary canal. As soon as the poison becomes absorbed into the blood, it appears to pass beyond the antidota] influence of the chemical counterpoison, for no example exists of a chemical antidote neutralising a poison after absorption. Thus it is that the value of such antidotes is considerably restricted.