NUX VOMICA . 377 



2. Caffeine possesses particular value in the treatment 

 of dropsy of cardiac origin in dogs, because of its diuretic 

 action, as well as stimulant effect upon the heart. The 

 therapeutic indications are much the same as for digitalis, 

 but caffeine differs from digitalis in the following particulars : 



Does not prolong diastole. Is not cumulative. 



Does not slow the heart. More transient in its effect. 



Nor regulate the heart. 



Caffeine, in combination with acetanilid and other 

 modern coal tar products, is useful in preventing their 

 depressing action upon the heart. Furthermore, caffeine, 

 tea and coffee are serviceable in the treatment of acute 

 asthenic diseases in the horse (influenza), dog (distemper), 

 and in foals and calves, acting as nervous and cardiac stimu- 

 lants and perhaps restraining tissue w^ste. 



3. The diuretic property of caffeine renders it appro- 

 priate in aiding the absorption of pleuritic effusion, ascites, 

 and dropsies, particularly of cardiac and renal origin, and 

 in the hepatic form as well. 



SECTION II.— DEUGS ACTING ON THE SPINAL 



COED. 



Class 1. — Stimulating the Inferior Cornua. 



Nux Vomica. Nux Vomica. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Semen nucis vomicae, poison nut, Quaker 

 button, E.; noix vomique, Fr.; krahen-augen, brechnuss, G. 



The seed of Strychnos nux- vomica Linne (nat. ord. 

 Loganiacese). 



Description. — About 25 mm. in diameter, orbicular, 

 grayish, or greenish-gray, soft, hairy, of a silky lustre, with 

 a, slight ridge extending from the centre of one side to the 

 edge ; iuternally horny, somewhat translucent, very tough, 

 with a large circular cavity into which the heart-shaped, 



