44 MATERIA MEDICA. 



ORDER II.— NERVOUS STIMULANTS, OR ANTISPASMODICS. 

 Musk. — (Moschus, U. S.) 



Product of the Moschus moschiferus, an animal somewhat re- 

 sembling a deer, inhabiting the mountainous districts of Asia. The 

 musk resides in an oval pod, about two and a half inches in length, 

 and one and a half in breadth, situated between the prepuce and 

 umbilicus. Musk is a secretion of the lining membrane of this 

 pouch, and is found only in the male, and most abundantly in the 

 adult animal. It is in the form of reddish-brown coarse granules, 

 and, from its very high price, is extremely liable to adulteration. Its 

 chemical composition is very complex : it is inflammable. 



Uses. — Musk, when genuine, is one of the most powerful of the 

 antispasmodics. Given in full doses, it excites the circulation, as 

 well as the cerebro-spinal system, producing an exhilarating effect, 

 with occasional vertigo and headache ; also slightly hypnotic. It is 

 employed with advantage in retrocedent gout, obstinate singultus, 

 infantile spasms not accompanied with inflammation, &c. Advan- 

 tageously given to children in enema. Dose, 5 to 15 grs. Given 

 in form of emulsion, — dose, fji to f3ij. 



Castor. — (Castoreum, U. S.) 



A substance strongly resembling musk in its medicinal properties 

 and therapeutical applications. It is the product of the Castor Fiber, 

 or beaver, and is contained in two follicles situated near the anus of 

 the animal. 



ASSAFCETIDA, U. S. 



A gum-resin — the product of the Ferula assafoXida, and pos- 

 sibly of some others. The F. assafoitida, is an umbelliferous plant, 

 growing in Persia and AfFghanistan, having a long, tapering, peren- 

 nial root, and very long leaves. Assafcetida is obtained by slicing 

 off the top of the root, and collecting the juice as it exudes, which 

 is then kneaded into masses, and packed for market. 



At first it is rather soft, but hardens by exposure, which also 

 renders it darker. Colour externally, reddish-brown ; internally, 

 rather lighter, mottled with white tears, and shining ; taste, bitter, 

 acrid, and alliaceous ; odour, very strong and alliaceous, but more 

 powerful in the fresh juice. It softens by heat, and is inflammable. 

 Chemically, it is a gum-resin, united to some volatile oil. Water 

 dissolves the gum, which forms an emulsion with the resin ; alcohol 

 forms a clear, golden tincture. 



Uses. — One of the most valuable of the antispasmodics; also 

 stimulant, expectorant, and emmenagogue. Employed with advan- 

 tage in hysteria, infantile convulsions, hooping-cough, chronic 

 cough of a nervous character ; also as a carminative, along with 



