OIL OF TURPENTINE -• 477 



onize intestinal fermentation. Large doses occasion purging 

 and are anthelmintic. Toxic doses create gastro-enteritis 

 and sometimes intestinal ulceration. The irritation of the 

 nerve endings in the digestive tract caused by turpentine, 

 leads to reflex stimulation of the nervous system and heart. 

 Circulation. — Turpentine is readily absorbed into the 

 blood. Experimental evidence is at variance with regard to 

 the actioiiof the oil on the circulation. Small doses appar- 

 ently increase the force and frequency of the heart-beat, and 

 slightly raise blood pressure. The vessels are somewhat 

 contracted and the drug is employed to arrest haemorrhage 

 in the digestive tract and in remote organs. It is inferior to 

 ergot as an haemostatic. Large doses of turpentine lower 

 the cardiac force and frequency, and cause vascular dilata- 

 tion and fall of blood pressure. 



Bespirqtion. — Oil of turpentine enhances the strength 

 and rapidity of the respiratory movements, in small doses, 

 but large quantities depress the respiration. The oil is 

 easily absorbed by inhalation and is also eliminated in the 

 breath. Inhalation of the oil stimulates the bronchial mucous 

 membrane, acts as an antiseptic, and excites muscular con- 

 traction of the bronchial tubes and cough. 



Authorities differ as to the influence of turpentine on 

 bronchial secretion. Rossbach found that the inhala- 

 tion of air saturated with turpentine diminished secre- 

 tion, while the topical application of a watery solution 

 increased secretion. The oil is essentially a local stimu- 

 lating expectorant. 



Nervous System. — Medicinal doses occasion mental 

 exhilaration in man. Large doses cause dulness, languor 

 and unsteady gait in animals ; while distinctly toxic doses 

 produce coma, sensory paralysis, loss of reflex activity, and, 

 at times, convulsions. 



Kidneys and Genito- Urinary Tract. — The kidneys are 

 very prone to irritation during its elimination. Small doses 

 induce frequent micturition. Large quantities lead to 

 albuminuria, pain in the lumbar region, haematuria, and 



