38 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



^ig-7. the latter stages of 



hooping cough ; by 

 some supposed to be a 

 prophylactic in scar- 

 latina. Externally 

 applied, it produces 

 a local anodyne im- 

 pression ; and if ap- 

 plied to the eyes, it 

 causes dilatation of 

 the pupil, for which 

 purpose it is fre- 

 quently used by the 

 oculist. It is employed 

 in substance, infusion 

 and extract. Dose of 

 powder, one grain 

 twice a day ; of the 

 infusion — made with 

 9j to f3x water — f3j, 

 or f3ij ; of theextract 

 lV^*./*rf^ —an inspissated juice 

 f ' 1 — i of a grain to one 



grain. The dose, in 

 each case, is to be in- 

 creased until dryness 

 of the throat is pro- 

 duced. 



Emplastruni bel- 

 ladonnce, — made by 



mixing the extract with lead plaster — is used to relieve neuralgic 



pains; also in dysmenorrhcea. 



TJngiientiim belladonncB. — Used to painful or sprained joints, and 



sometimes applied to the rigid os uteri in cases of protracted labour : 



used also for dilating the pupil for the operation of cataract. 



CLASS II. — STIMULANTS. 



" Agents which increase the vital activity of an organ." Some- 

 times termed iiicitants, or €xcita?its. Those, which, by exciting the 

 nervous and vascular systems, affect all the organs or functions, are 

 termed General stimulants ; while those whose effects are more con- 

 fined are named Local stimulants ; and those which excite the parts 

 to which they are applied are termed Irritants. Generally speaking, 

 every excitement of the system is followed by a depression, which 

 corresponds, in amount, with the previous state of exaltation. As 

 remedies, they are applicable in cases of sudden or great prostration 



