220 Effects of the Vapour of Camphor 



duly performed ; every secretion regular. Excepting 

 for a short time after the first shock, I have never suf- 

 fered any debility, except at the moment ; my strength 

 of body has been unimpaired; my mind never affected. 

 I always enjoy a great flow of spirits, talk a great deal, 

 laugh much, never anticipate evil ; so that I cannot 

 conceive that any part of my mother's infirmity has 

 descended upon me. 



It may be asked, whether persons who are constantly 

 exposed to the vapour of camphor, such as the refin- 

 ers, have ever experienced similar affections ? Upon 

 diligent inquiry, I cannot learn that it is the case. The 

 only instances I have heard of, are Dr. Alexander, of 

 Edinburgh, after taking two scruples by way of experi- 

 ment : but the effect was not lasting ; and a dog be- 

 longing to one of my friends, who was engaged in the 

 refinement of camphor, in this place, and who was con- 

 stantly in the elaboratory*. This animal, when called 

 suddenly, or when his master entered, and he arose to 

 meet him, lost the use of his limbs for a moment, and 

 had other signs of debility, so as, I think, to resemble 

 my own grievance pretty exactly. How nearly we are 

 alike in other things, I cannot guess. 



Ephraim Eliot. 

 Dr. George C. Shattuck. 



■ The gentleman who owned the dog has just informed me, that 

 uhiie he was engaged in the refining of camphor, he was con- 

 stantly debilitated) and had a tremulous motion in his hands and 

 arms, and felt, especially in the morning, as though he had been 

 intoxicated. 



