ECBOLICS 131 



ANAPHRODISIACS are agents which diminish the sexual 

 passion. Some, as applications of ice, or cold water, act 

 locally on the organs themselves ; others, as potassium 

 iodide, and bromide, purgatives, and hemlock, act generally 

 on the genital nerve centres. A spare diet and steady work 

 exert anaphrodisiac effects. Irritation of the genital lumbar 

 plexus is produced reflexly by distension of the bladder with 

 acid urine, by accumulation of filth around the prepuce, by 

 ascarides, and even by faeces in the rectum. Removal of 

 such causes of irritation accordingly diminishes undue sexual 

 excitement. 



ECBOLICS. The involuntary muscular fibres of the uterus 

 have the power of rhythmical contraction, but are besides 

 controlled by higher nerve-centres in the lumbar portion of 

 the cord, and in the brain. Experiments have demon- 

 strated that stimulation of the cerebellum, crura cerebri, 

 corpora striata, and optic thalami produces uterine con- 

 tractions. 



Ecbolics cause expulsion of the contents of the uterus. 

 They include ergot, hydrastis, savin, and thuja ; but ergot is 

 the only one in general use. It induces uterine contractions 

 even when all nervous connections have been divided, but it 

 also acts on the special centre. It is occasionally used in 

 veterinary patients particularly in the bitch to hasten 

 parturition when no obstruction is present, but when ex- 

 pulsive power is deficient. As it induces persistent contrac- 

 tion of the uterus, with consequent arrest of placental circu- 

 lation, it must be used sparingly and cautiously during 

 parturition. It is serviceable, however, subsequently in 

 promoting contraction and checking haemorrhage. Prompt 

 contraction of the flaccid uterus, with arrest of dangerous 

 bleeding, is best secured by subcutaneous injection of ergotin, 

 and also by injection of warm water. 



The local irritation of metritis and leucorrhcea can be 

 relieved by injection of warm water, which is rendered still 

 more effectual by addition of potassium permanganate, 

 creolin, carbolic acid, or chinosol. Suppositories of opium 

 and belladonna may be subsequently introduced. 



AGENTS ACTING ON THE MAMMARY GLANDS. A full stream 

 of healthy blood passing through the mammary glands is 



