326 URTICACEM 



exist 



affected teeth. The beaks of the extracting forceps are also, 

 after being wanned^ dipped in the tincture. In cold weather 

 it is best to dilute the tincture with warm water. His patients 

 acknowledge the immunity from pain they enjoyed during the 

 operations, and all expressed surprise and pleasure at the simpli- 

 city of the performance. 



Tannate of cannabin has recently been recommended as a 

 hypnotic. Cannabis appears capable, directly or indirectly, 

 of causing uterine contraction, as in many cases of uterine 

 haemorrhage ; and it is also said to provoke this act during 

 labour with as much energy as ergot, but with less persistant 

 action. 



A recent correspondence in the Lancet^ anent the variation 

 in action and occasional toxic effects of this dru^, has 



brought from Dr. J. Eussell Reynolds an important contri- 

 bution respecting its clinical value. 



In explaining the occasional toxic effects of this drug, 

 Dr, Reynolds says two things must be remembered : first, that, by 

 its nature and the forms of its administration, cannabis indica 

 is subject to great variations in strength. Extracts and 

 tinctures cannot be made uniform, because the hemp grown at 

 different seasons and in different places varies in the amount of 

 the active therapeutic principle. It should always be obtained 

 from the same source, and the minimum dose should be given 

 at first, and gradually and cautiously increased. The second 

 important fact to keep in view is, that individuals differ widely 

 in their relations to various medicines and articles of diet 

 perhaps to none more than to substances of vegetable origin, 

 such as tea, coffee, ipecacuanha, digitalis, nux vomica, and the 



like. 



y of the drug, 

 mind as callin 



giving Indian hemp. By gradually increasing the dose and 

 habituating the organism to its use, the use of cannabis indica 

 may be pushed to 3 or 4 grains of the extract at a dose with posi- 

 tive advantage. But in Dr. Eeynolds' experience 1 grain would 



