494 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 



action upon the brain and nervous system, by the contraction of 

 the pupils, and often by dysuria and ischuria ; nausea and vomiting" 

 are rare; sometimes a sensation of itching- is felt in the nasal cavi- 

 ties, and papular eruptions not unfrequently appear upon the skin. 



Extract of Belladonna, applied upon the upper surface of the feet, 

 produced all the consequences derived from its internal exhibition ; 

 such as dilatation of the pupil and impaired vision. 



Extract of Squill, while it augments transpiration, promotes the 

 urinary secretion, and facilitates expectoration. 



ff ell powdered Strychnine supports the suppuration of wounds- 

 tolerably well, and stimulates the locomotive system without incon- 

 veniently exciting" the brain. It happens also in certain palsies, such 

 as those which are caused by the carbonate of lead, that the power 

 of motion is restored without the production of those violent 

 shocks which have been so unpleasant to patients. M. Bailly has ob- 

 served, with respect to this medicine in g^eneral, that it often excites 

 a marked turgescence about the head, heightening the colour of 

 the face, which demands the suspension of the remedy, if not the 

 intervention of blood-letting. 



Perchlo ride of Mercury (corrosive sublimate) produces an intense 

 sensation of heat, and corrodes the parts with which it comes in 

 contact. Sometimes, however, it has been known to relieve the 

 pains of exostoses, &c. The proto-chloride (calomel) also excites' 

 pain, particularly if rubbed upon a recently blistered surface. In 

 this way it may cure old syphilitic affections ; but as a set-off 

 against these advantages, there is sometimes a difficulty in keeping 

 up the action, as the absorbent powers of the surface wear out by 

 long continued contact. 



One great advantage of the endermic practice is the exemption of 

 the digestive organs from an inconvenient or unaccustomed stimu- 

 lus ; and its importance must be apparent where the stomach is 

 incapable of retaining medicines, or the power of deglutition is 

 lost. — Nouv. Bib, Med. — Med, Rep, v. 341. 



18. On the Strix Cuniculariay or Coquimbo Owl. — Captain 

 Head, and every reader of his " Rough Notes," will, we are sure 

 thank us for any hint tending to throw light on facts related in that 

 spirited and interesting narrative ; particularly as, in the course of 

 his adventures, circumstances are occasionally recorded somewhat 

 startling to those who are in the habit of considering whatever 

 surpasses their ken or comprehension as a travellers' tale. Thus 

 the concluding part of the following passage, however true to the 

 very letter, as we shall show, has we know excited considerable 

 surprise, and possibly considerable doubt as to its accuracy. 



" The Biscacho* is found all over the plains of the Pampas; 

 like rabbits they live in holes, which are in groups in every direc- 



* This animal is probably either the Cavia Paca, Spotted Cavy, or Arcto- 

 mys Monax, Ferruginous Brown Marmot, though the latter is described as 

 principally found in North America. 



