Botanic Remedies 115 



which slows the heart. The slow heart is frequently 

 aided by long-continued administration of the drug. 

 Pseudo-angina and mild angina are relieved. Some 

 cases of cardiac pain and spasm respond promptly. 

 Tachycardia is relieved only by full dosage. 



ADMINISTRATION. No preparations except those 

 of the green drug in concentrated alcohol should be 

 used. I give "Normal" or "Specific Medicine" in 

 doses of from 1 to 5 minims, and sometimes 10 

 minims. 



CAFFEINE 



A feebly basic substance obtained from the dried 

 leaves of Thea Sinensis, the dried seeds of Coffea 

 Arabica, and from other plants. Official. 



Caffeine is a purin derivative, is quickly absorbed, 

 has no important action on the gastro-intestinal 

 tract, and is eliminated by the kidneys, acting 

 powerfully as a diuretic. 



The heart-beat is quickened and increased in 

 force; it constricts the blood-vessels at first, but 

 finally dilates them, first dilating the renal vessels. 

 It causes the kidneys to take up an increased quan- 

 tity of oxygen. The central nervous system is 

 stimulated, causing wakefulness. This action is 

 more marked when taking caffeine, or caffeine- 

 bearing soda drinks, than when in the natural asso- 

 ciation of the drug in coffee or tea. In toxic or even 

 in excessive doses, the coordination of ideas is dis- 

 turbed, with more or less intoxication, exaggerated 

 reflexes, spasmodic movements, and even convul- 

 sions. Striated muscle is stimulated. 



THEKAPEUTICS. Useful in poisoning by morphine, 

 chloral, and other narcotics, though inferior to 

 strychnine. 



