QUINIA. 263 



3. Tinctura Quiniaa. 1 in 60. Lose, 1 to 1 fl.dr. 



4. Tinctura Quiniaa Ammoniata. 1 in 60 of Solution of Am- 



monia and Proof Spirit. Lose, to 2 fl.dr. 



5. Vimim Quiniaa. 1 in 480 of Orange Wine, with Citric Acid. 



Lose, % to 1 fl.oz. 



ACTION AND USES. 

 1. IMMEDIATE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



Externally. Quinia arrests some kinds of fermentation and 

 decomposition, and might be used as a local antiseptic and 

 disinfectant to wounds and ulcers, but for its cost. A solution I 

 of 2 gr. to 1 fl.oz., applied as a spray to the nose, relieves hayj 

 asthma. A solution of 4 gr. to 1 fl.oz. (with a minimum of 

 diluted sulphuric acid) is recommended as a constant application 

 in diptheritic conjunctivitis, or to wash out a foul bladder. 



Internally. Quinia is freely absorbed by the mucous 

 membranes, and may be given either by the mouth, rectum, 

 or subcutaneously. In the mouth, stomach, and intestine, it 

 acts as a powerful bitter, possessing all the important in- 

 fluence on the secretions of the digestive tract described 

 under Calumba. The stomachic effect of quinia is obtained 

 from small doses, ^ to 2 grains, and must be kept entirely 

 distinct from the specific effects to be presently described, 

 otherwise confusion as to the action and value of this impor- 

 tant drug will be the result. In small doses, like all other 

 bitters, it improves the appetite and digestion, stimulates the 

 heart and circulation, increases the sense of comfort and bien 

 tire produced by a meal; and its continued use will thus 

 increase the bodily strength, that is, will be tonic in its effects. 

 Quinia is extensively used for this purpose, especially during 

 convalescence, in debilitated subjects, and in patients taking 

 depressing or alterative remedies such as mercury. Largei 

 doses (10 to 30 gr. or more), have the opposite effect, interfer- 

 ing with digestion, and so causing depression. 



In the stomach quinia or its sulphate becomes the chloride, 

 a soluble and diffusible salt, which readily enters the blood. 

 Little or none escapes unabsorbed in the faeces. 



2. ACTION ON THE BLOOD, AND ITS USES. 



Quinia or its chloride may be found in the blood within a 

 few minutes of its administration. Here the alkaloid produces 

 several definite effects, namely : (1) It binds the oxygen more 

 firmly to the haemoglobin, so that oxygenation is less easy and 

 less active. (2) It causes enlargement of the individual red 



