CANTHARIS VESICATORIA. 



tuary who swallowed the powder bought his momentary 

 gratification by pains and suffering of a very acute descrip- 

 tion, and it is doubtful whether the anticipated effect was 

 obtained. Like many other popular beliefs, it seems to rest 

 upon a very doubtful foundation. It is, nevertheless, true, 

 that Cantharides, internally administered in large doses, 

 cause priapism, which is occasionally, not always, accom- 

 panied with satyriasis. It was probable that the violence of 

 these results of the internal use of the Cantharides tended to 

 prevent them from being much employed as a diuretic. 



When Cantharides are swallowed, they are partially digest- 

 ed, and the cantharidin is, probably in conjunction with the 

 oil, received into the circulation. But whether it be this prin- 

 ciple or the entire matter of the insect, in minute division, 

 that is absorbed and conveyed to the kidneys, its influence 

 upon these organs is stimulant, and, when large doses are ad- 

 ministered, may amount to acute imflammatory action, pro- 

 ducing bloody urine, insupportable pains in the abdomen, 

 strangury, vomitings, convulsions, delirium ; and frequently 

 the issue is fatal, The post mortem examination of the body 

 displays inflammation, not only in the urinary and genital or- 

 gans, but in the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal. 

 When administered in proper doses, namely, one or two 

 grains, Cantharides stimulate the kidneys, and cause an in- 

 creased flow of urine. Their effect is stimulant in the first 

 instance ; but this is transitory, and, whilst there is a copious 

 increase of the urinary discharge, neither heat of the kidney 

 nor strangury is experienced. They have been found ex- 

 tremely useful, when administered as a diuretic, in scaly 

 affections of the skin ; but this is the result rather of the gen- 

 eral stimulus given to the capillary system than of their diu- 

 retic power. They have been employed with success in the 

 ascites of old, worn-out constitutions. It is requisite, during 

 their employment, to dilute freely with bland fluids. If stran- 

 gury occur, the best mode of relieving it is to throw into the 

 rectum a pint of warm water, containing from twenty to six- 

 ty minims of laudanum. Notwithstanding the safety and 

 advantage with which they may be internally administered, 

 they have not been much employed, and, indeed, when it is 

 considered that many individuals suffer considerably, even 

 from the absorption of such minute portions as can be taken 

 up from a blistering plaster, the danger of an incautious em- 



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