220 BROMIDES. 



Next, nervous and circulatory disturbances occur. 

 The temper becomes irritable, the will weak; the hands 

 and legs tremulous; the heart-beat irregular; the face 

 easily flushed. Sleep becomes impossible without use 

 of the drug, and when obtained is troubled, and the per- 

 son awakes unrested. 



In later stages, the blood is seriously altered. Its 

 coloring matter is dissolved out of the corpuscles into 

 the plasma (p. 135), and then soaks through the walls of 

 the capillary vessels, causing purplish patches on the skin. 



If the chloral-taking be stiK continued, death results 

 from impovished blood, weakened heart, or paralysis of 

 the nervous system. Not unfrequently, chloral-takers 

 unintentionally commit suicide by indulging in too large 

 doses. 



8. Bromides. The drugs included under this name, 

 resemble chloral and its compounds in that they were 

 once regarded as safe soothers of the nervous system and 

 promoters of sleep, that physicians have now learned that 

 they are very dangerous when frequently used, and that 

 the general public still believe them safe, and often use 

 them without a doctor's advice. They are very valuable 

 medicines in some circumstances, but may do nearly as 

 much harm, when taken indiscreetly, as opium or chloral. 

 Some mothers and nurses who have learned the danger 

 of paregoric and soothing syrups, now give bromides 

 instead to restless infants. The bromide may not be so 

 dangerous as the opiate, but it should never be given 

 except on a doctor's prescription. 



chloralism. What are the symptoms in more advanced chloralism? 

 What in the latest stages ? 



8. In what do bromides resemble chloral ? What are the dangers 

 of using them ? What precautions are necessary ? 



