lOS RIXDERPEST. 



full measure of poisonous disintegration is established, must 

 be principally gained from jfofit mortem observations. 



We are not to be understood, however, as holding the view 

 that in d rug-pro vings on the lower races, there can be no 

 symptomatology. We only insist that in the case before us, 

 that of the ruminant tribes, it must be extremely limited, and 

 that before such knowledge can be extended, a very elaborate 

 system of driig-provings upon these tribes should be first 

 instituted. 



We are not left, however, wholly in the dark as to the fatal 

 action of drugs in poisonous doses upon the bnite races, as 

 our toxicologists have made from time immemorial, frequent 

 experiments illustrating such action, although mostly in dogs, 

 rabbits and animals of small size and little value. From the 

 records then they have given us, and until other more reliable 

 data are furnished, we have to indicate as best we may the 

 pathognomic signs, which point, on the Homoeopathic princi- 

 ple, to the selection of the chief remedial agents which are 

 best fitted for the cure of the Pest. We will detain the reader 

 with a few examples : 



Let us take in the first instance Ammonium Causticum 

 and its ally of the same base, the Carbonate, which have in 

 the hands of Dr. Smart and others, furnished many examples 

 of its specific worth, and whose action we can best understand 

 by the study of the main feature^ of the poisonous action, or 

 what may for want of more familiar phrase, be styled the 

 Pathological Anatomy of the former drug. In men, we find 

 its scope of action evinced as follows : 



Redness of the Schneiderian membrane (covered in cases of intense 

 poisoning with an albuminous membrane), also of the velum pendu- 

 lum palati, of its arches, and of the posterior wall of the buccal cavity. 

 The uvula is dried up, and covered with a mucous (epithelial ?) layer. 

 Redness also of the posterior surface of the epiglottis, and the rima 

 glottidis, also of the trachea and bronchi. A few intensely red streaks 

 in the mucous membrane of the oesophagus and stomach. Red spots 

 in the ileum. (In dogs) the contractile power of the muscles extinct 

 after death. Dark redness of the middle portion of the stomach 

 toward the cardia .... Great fluidity of the blood, <fec. 



