Camphor is also a constituent of the _compound tincture of camphor_; but in this case it may be considered only a flavouring agent. There is a homœopathic solution of camphor in spirit (Rubini’s Essence of Camphor). The solution is made by saturating alcohol with camphor; it is, therefore, very strong--about half the bulk consisting of camphor. Camphor is used in veterinary medicine, both externally and internally. § 155. =Symptoms.=--Camphor acts energetically on the brain and nervous system, especially if it is given in strong alcoholic solution, and thus placed under conditions favouring absorption. Some years ago, Dr. G. Johnson[145] published a series of cases arising from the injudicious use of “homœopathic solution of camphor,” from 7 to 40 drops of Rubini’s homœopathic camphor taken for colds, sore throat, &c., having produced coma, foaming at the mouth, convulsions, and partial paralysis. All the patients recovered, but their condition was for a little time alarming. [145] _Brit. Med. Journ._, Feb. 27, 1878, p. 272; see also _ibid._, Feb. 1875. The cases of fatal poisoning by camphor are very rare. A woman, aged 46, pregnant four months, took 12 grms. (about 184 grains) in a glass of brandy for the purpose of procuring abortion. In a very short time the symptoms commenced; she had intolerable headache, the face was flushed, and there was a sensation of burning in the stomach. In eight hours after taking the dose, she had strangury and vomiting, and the pain in the epigastrium was intense. These symptoms continued with more or less severity until the third day, when she became much worse. Her face was pale and livid, the eyes hollow, the skin cold and insensible, pulse weak and thready, breathing laboured. There were violent cramps in the stomach and retention of urine for twenty-four hours, and then coma. The patient lingered on yet another three days, aborted, and died.[146] [146] _Journ. de Chim. Méd._, May 1860. Dr. Schaaf[147] has recorded three cases of poisoning--one of which was fatal. A woman gave about half a teaspoonful of a camphor solution to each of her three children, the ages being respectively five and three years and fifteen months. The symptoms noted were pallor of the face, a burning pain in the throat, thirst, vomiting, purging, convulsions, and afterwards coma. The youngest child died in seven hours; the others recovered. The smallest dose known to have produced violent symptoms in an adult is 1·3 grm. (20 grains); the largest dose known to have been recovered from is 10·4 grms. (160 grains).[148] [147] _Journ. de Chim. Méd._, 1850, p. 507. [148] Taylor on _Poisons_, 3rd ed., 661.