Pharmacologia: Fourth American, from the Seventh London EditionParis, John Ayrton
Science
Pharmacologia: Fourth American, from the Seventh London Edition
Paris, John Ayrton
Pharmacognosy; Pharmacology; Pharmacy
There can be no doubt but that, in certain states of disease, the
exhalants of the lungs, like those of the skin, are affected by a
spasmodic constriction, in consequence of which the usual quantity of
fluid for the lubrication of these parts, is not effused, whence a train
of morbid phenomena arise; this appears to happen in _Pneumonia_,
_Asthma_, and certain other diseases of the pulmonary organs. In order
to remove such a constriction, remedies of the Antispasmodic class may
be exhibited with advantage; nauseating doses of Tartarized Antimony, or
of Ipecacuanha, are likewise calculated to fulfil the same indication,
by an operation analogous to that by which Diaphoresis is produced. If
the term might be allowed we should call such remedies _Pulmonary
Diaphoretics_. It is in this way that Venesection, Blisters, and other
anti-phlogistic remedies, may in certain states of the lungs restore a
healthy excretion from these vessels.
_b._ _By stimulating the Pulmonary Exhalants, by the actual contact of a
medicinal substance._
There certainly appear to be substances which enter the circulation, and
are more peculiarly determined to the pulmonary vessels, since their
odour is to be distinctly recognised in the air that is expired.
_Garlic_ may be adduced as an example of this kind; so penetrating is
its odorous principle, that if it be only applied to the soles of the
feet it may be perceived in the breath. Such substances may stimulate
the exhalant vessels through which they pass, and by this stimulus the
secretion may be increased, and the mucus contained in the follicles
diluted, so as to be poured out in a less viscid form, and consequently
in a state to be more easily brought up by expectoration.
_c._ _By stimulating the top of the trachea, and thereby increasing the
activity of the Exhalant vessels of the lungs, by a species of
contiguous sympathy._
The salutary operation of those various remedies, which are allowed to
pass slowly over the fauces, sufficiently establish the fact which is
here announced. In this manner I apprehend that much benefit may arise
from the use of a _Linctus_, and I am satisfied from experience that
certain cases of hoarseness are to be frequently removed by such an
application of stimulating syrups.
The inhalation of certain vapours will also enable us to make a more
direct application to these parts; as, however, it is my intention to
dedicate a chapter to the consideration of this form of remedy, it is
unnecessary to dwell upon it in this place.
II. OF MEDICINES WHICH DIMINISH THE INORDINATE FLOW OF FLUID INTO THE
LUNGS.
_a._ _By removing the debility of the Exhalants._
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