266 . Mr. R. Phillips on the [Ocr. 
[It is to be understood of course that the barometer at Dieppe 
and Boulogne was lower with respect to its mediwm elevation at 
those places than any where else on the Continent : the greatest 
absolute depression appears to have been at St. Gallen, where, 
on the 25th of December, the mercury stood at 26°51; its mean 
height there being only 27-71, as appears from the table.—Ed.] 
ArticLe VIII. 
Observations upon the Pulvis Antimonialis of the London Phar- 
macope@ia. By Richard Phillips, FRS. L. and E. &c. 
In a work published two years ago by Dr. Elliotson, contain- 
ing the results of his experience in regard to prussic acid, he 
has related several examples of the exhibition of large doses 
of the pulvis antimonialis with little or no sensible effect. The 
quantity commonly prescribed is a few grains; 10 are seldom 
ventured upon; he found however, that from 90 to 100 grains 
might be given every 24 hours with perfect safety, and scarely 
any sensible effect. 
He was led to exhibit these large doses on reading a paper in 
the first volume of the Dublin Hospital Reports, by Dr. Cheyne, 
who states that James’s Powder is highly efficacious in removing 
the apoplectic diathesis, if given in gradually increased doses 
till some effect takes place upon the stomach, bowels, or 
skin. In endeavouring to produce some sensible effect with the 
pulvis antimonialis of the London Pharmacopeia, Dr. Elliotson 
found himself obliged to augment the dose up to 80, 90, 100, 
grains, and even more. He extended his trials to headache, 
palsy, epilepsy, and other cases, attended, if not by the apo- 
plectic diathesis, by fulness of blood in the head. 1 may re- 
mark by the way, that he was not aware of any single patient 
receiving benefit from the medicine. 
As an illustration, I will copy one case that occurred in an out- 
patient of St. Thomas’s Hospital. 
Aug. 26, 1819.—George Berring, aged 23. Ill four years. 
Rather short; extremely strong built; plethoric; head particu- 
larly large at the back part. Complains of violent pain running. 
from the forehead through the head. Has had anaphrodisia for 
a twelve month, though he was formerly in the opposite extreme. 
Venesection, cupping, blisters, have been used in vain. 
Let him take pulv. antim. gr. v. three times a day for three 
days; then gr. x. three times aday for three days; and finally, 
r. Xv. three times a day. 
Sept.4.—No better. Let him take gr. xv. three times a day 
for three days ; then gr. xx. three times a day. 
