The Action of Medicines in the System: Or, on the mode in which therapeutic agents introduced into the stomach produce their peculiar effects on the animal economyHeadland, Frederick William
Science
The Action of Medicines in the System: Or, on the mode in which therapeutic agents introduced into the stomach produce their peculiar effects on the animal economy
Headland, Frederick William
Therapeutics
In all cases in which Iron is used there is a deficiency of this red
colouring matter; and in all instances of Anæmia Iron is appropriate as
a remedy. The blood has been analyzed before its use, and found to
contain a smaller quantity of Hæmatosin and fewer red globules than in
health. After its employment the blood has been analyzed again, and it
is found that the amount of Hæmatosin and of red globules is increased.
Iron, then, is given in Anæmia. It is also given in cases of Scrofula,
Cancer, Chorea, Hysteria, and other disorders, when these are attended
with Anæmia. When this last condition is wanting, it seldom proves
efficacious.
Iron, when given in moderate doses, remains in the system, and enters
into the composition of the blood. It is then a Restorative Hæmatic.
Some of the salts of Iron are also Astringent. Thus the Sulphate and
Sesquichloride may, by their topical action on the stomach, be of
service in cases of atonic Dyspepsia.
In Anæmia produced by special causes, as by scrofulous or nervous
disorder, we may often do most good by striking at the root of the
evil,--employing a Catalytic medicine which shall be able to do this. In
simple Anæmia, Iron is of more use than any other medicine. It should be
combined with exercise, air, light, and good living. In other disorders
a combination of drugs is frequently of use. In chronic Ague, and in
many cases of debility, Iron and Bark may be given together. Iron and
Aloetic purges may be prescribed in Chlorosis and Amenorrh[oe]a. A mild
purgative should be occasionally given in all cases in which Iron is
used. The Ammonio-citrate of Iron,--the compound Iron mixture, which
contains the Carbonate,--and the Tincture of the Sesquichloride,--are
perhaps the best of the officinal Chalybeate preparations. The first of
these is the mildest, and the last the most irritant of the three.
(_Vide_ pp. 145, 263.)
ANTIMONY.
Class I. Div. II. Ord. I. ANTIPHLOGISTICA.
Class II. Div. III. Ord. II. SEDANTIA SPECIFICA.
Class IV. Ord. II. EXPECTORANTIA.
Class IV. Ord. V. DIAPHORETICA.
The best Antimonial for general purposes, and the most characteristic in
its mode of operation, is Tartar Emetic. In this medicine are exhibited
three distinct varieties of action. The first of the terms which are
applied to it above implies that it has a Catalytic action in the blood.
As a Special Sedative, it is able to cause nausea and vomiting. And it
acts upon the glands as an Eliminative; being a Diaphoretic and an
Expectorant.
I have found it convenient to restrict the term _Antiphlogistic_ to
those medicines which counteract the inflammatory process by an action
in the blood. In this sense it is applicable to Antimony; although this
medicine is still better able to subdue inflammation by its powerful
neurotic action.
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