340 FOXGLOVE. 



of blood *, jaundice f , chronic rheumatism, hooping-cough ^, and 

 other disorders. 



The modus operandi of Foxglove is variously accounted for, 

 but it appears most probable that its primitive action is stimulat- 

 ing, and that its sedative virtues are consecutive. By some 

 writers, it is considered to exert a peculiar power over the heart, 

 whereby the pulse is reduced both in power and velocity, but this 

 quality is strongly denied by others, particularly by Dr. Saunders 

 and Orfila §. Its influence on the pulse is certainly extremely re- 

 markable. Practitioners have known the pulse, in some cases, to 

 fall to 50, 40, and even to 30 beats in the minute, while in other 

 instances it has been raised from its natural standard to 120 or 

 more||. Dr. Saunders's experiments tend to prove that the pri- 

 mitive effect of digitalis was to augment the action of the heart, 

 vascular circulation, and the secretions ; that fever was the re- 

 sult of this increased action, and that the slackening and soften- 

 ing of the pulse was the consecutive or secondary effect depend- 

 ing on the indirect sedative influence of the remedy. 



Notwithstanding its utility in affections of the heart has been 

 questioned, Dr. Thomson remarks, " that experience has con- 

 firmed its efficacy in hypertrophy of the left ventricle, with or 

 without dilatation of its cavity ; it diminishes the action of the 

 diseased organ, and with this the vertigo, pulsation of the head, 

 singing in the ears, and other sympathetic affections of the 

 encephalon attendant upon this state of the heart." 



Another disease for which Foxglove is administered is phthisis, 

 in which it is frequently beneficial as a palliative, and if taken in 

 the incipient stage it may effect a cure^. Its beneficial eflfects 



* Jones, in Med, Comment, vol. i. p. 313. 



•\ Mayer, in Rich. Chir. Bibl. vol. v. p. 533. 



+ Thomson, Lond. Disp. 8th ed. p. 338. 



§ Orfila, Trait, des Poisons, torn. ii. p. 294. 



II Dr. Baildon observed a curious effect of posture in ascertaining the 

 real effects of digitalis on the pulse. When, by gradually increased doses, 

 he took it to the extent of six grains in the day, the pulse fell from ] 00 to 

 40. But when it was actually^at 40, the erect position would raise it to 

 100 ; when sitting it was 72 ; and when lying down, 40. He observed the 

 same effect in several patients to whom he gave it. Edin. Med. and Surg. 

 Journ. vol. iii. p. 27'. 



^ Dr. Cox's Medical Botany, vol. ii. p. 104. 



