2º Excito-functional action on the cerebro-spinal nervous centers, producing an augmentation of intellectual and muscular activity; 3º Excito-functional action on the great sympathetic constrictor nerve, consequently an exaltation of the functional action of all the non-striated muscles or muscles of organic life, which are subordinate to it. Considering these distinct properties of the active principles of Coca, M. Laffont explains the long-recognized virtues of Coca, in that they conserve the natural forces, notwithstanding the withdrawal of aliments, in the following manner: "The exciting cerebro-medullary action of these principles causes an increase of the intellectual and physical activity, at the same time that the analgesic action on the extremities of the sensitive and sensory nerves, prevents the pangs of hunger, and consequently the accompanying moral and physical depression." From another point of view, M. Laffont adds, that the dynamogenic action of the active principles of Coca on the smooth-fibered muscles "indicates its use in the list of atonic gastro-intestinal diseases, flatulent dyspepsia, dilatation of the stomach, paresis of the intestines, of the bladder, etc." It is impossible for us to recount here all the trials which have been made with Cocaine; we will only quote the names of Dr. Deneffe, Dr. Charpentier, Dr. Morell Mackenzie, Dr. Lennox Browne, Dr. Sajous, Dr. J. Leonard Corning, Dr. Beverly Robinson, Dr. Louis Elsberg, Dr. W. Oliver Moore, Dr. Vincenzo Cozzolino, Dr. Abadie, Dr. Galezowski, Dr. Meyer, Dr. de Wecker, Dr. Doléris, Dr. David Colombe, Dr. Rigolet, and Dr. Brasseur, the majority of whom have studied this question from an ocular, therapeutical, obstetrical, dental, and laryngological point of view. [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER IV. THERAPEUTIC ACTION OF COCA. Now that we understand the physiological properties of Coca and Cocaine, we come to the study of the different morbid states in which these substances may be usefully employed. DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. Gazeau advises the use of Coca for inflammations of the mouth and gums. Pain is assuaged, ptyalism removed, and the inflammation itself favorably influenced. He cites, in support of his opinion, the use which the Peruvians make of it in affections of the mouth, and mentions cases of mercurial stomatitis treated with this agent and cured in a short time, in his practice. Demarle[14], before him, expressed himself thus: "I have used Coca for mercurial stomatitis. The affection disappeared on the third day of treatment; nothing else had been administered." In cases where the gums are soft, fungous, ulcerated, or bleeding, and these changes depend on local or constitutional conditions, Coca is equally indicated. Gazeau prefers it even to potassium chlorate.