140 ; NUX VOMICA. 
caused death, are alone observable on dissection. On-man, when affected 
with paralysis, the effect is the same; but it is particularly manifested in 
the paralysed parts: it is there the tetanic symptoms occur, with a creeping 
sensation, which announces the action of the remedy. A local perspiration 
also breaks out im the same parts. In cases of hemiplegia, the halves of the 
body exhibit astriking contrast, one side being at rest whilst the other is 
violently agitated; tetanic shocks soon succeed, and an abundant perspi- 
ration breaks out. 
In one female, the affected side was covered with a peculiar eruption, 
when the opposite shewed no trace of it; a decidedly bitter taste was like- 
wise perceived on one side of me tongue, eh no such i occurred 
on-the other. Whenal th fthe body participate un- 
equally in the tetanic effect, so that the patient is sometimes thrown out of 
» bed by the violence of the paroxysm. When given in very small doses, the 
extract has not any perceptible effect immediately, and some days elapse be- 
fore its advantageous or noxious properties can be appreciated.* M.Magen- 
die says that this extract may be given in all diseases attended with debility, 
local or general, also in cases of weakness of the genital organs, incontinence 
of urine, sluggish digestion, and in states of extreme debility, attended by 
an irresistible disposition to sleep.. 
The extract is administered in the form of pills, containing a grain each ; 
one or two may at first be given daily, and gradually increased until the de- 
sired effect is produced; the medicine must then be discontinued to prevent 
accidents, and if it has been suspended for some days, it is necessary to re- 
commence with the smaller doses, gradually increasing them as before. 
When it is wished to produce only slow effects, one grain, or a grain and a 
half in the day, is sufficient. The action of strychnine on man and animals 
is exactly like that of the alcholic extract of nux vomica, but it is much 
more active. 
One-eighth of a grain is sufficient to kill a large dog; and one fourth of 
a grain often produces very marked effects on the human body when in 
health. M. Andral says that the action of strychnine is so violent, that it 
ought not to be employed, except with the greatest precaution ; its effects, 
likewise, he found to vary very considerably ; in one case, one-twelfth of a _ 
grain was sufficient to produce serious symptoms, whilst i in another, more 
* Magendie’s Formulaire. 
