194 Effects of the Prussia Acid. 



emanates, or which prevents its influence in any way, but 

 ]iy exhaustion. 



The instantaneous operation of the prussic acid, in large 

 doses, is then, in this respect, analagous to that of other 

 powerful stimuli. But we are not acquainted with a single 

 substance ever denominated sedative, which acts with any 

 comparative promptness. 



In case 1st, related above, it is stated that the prussic acid 

 operated as a cordial and stimulant. As a proof of this, it 

 is proper to state that the patient, whenever he felt unusual 

 lassitude or fatigue from exercise, was for many weeks in the 

 habit of taking a dose of four or five drops, particularly be- 

 fore dinner ; which not only had the effect to relieve those 

 feelings, but also to promote his appetite. That such ef- 

 fects necessarily involve the quality of a stimulant in the 

 article taken, I believe will not be denied. 



Its laxative power, which I have witnessed in several in- 

 stances, is a further proof of the same quality. The fact 

 also, that it sometimes produces stricture across the chest is 

 another proof that it is not a direct sedative, but would 

 seem to show that it possesses some tonic, as well as stimu- 

 lant powers. 



Its secondary. Or sedative effects seem to be peculiar ; 

 and in greater proportion to the excitement produced, than 

 is common to other stimulants. These effects seem also to 

 be more permanent, particularly on the irritability of the 

 membranes, but without producing any perceptible influ- 

 ence in retarding the action on the heart and arteries. 



In the second and third cases it produced all the good 

 effects in calming the cough and irritation, which we com- 

 monly expect from opium— but with this obvious difference, 

 4hat the prussic acid seemed to cure those symptoms, which 

 are only palliated by the use of opium. If future experi- 

 ments should prove this to be the case, the prussic acid 

 must become an article of the highest importance to physi- 

 cians, since, besides its curative powers, its use is not fol- 

 lowed by the disagreeable consequences which frequently 

 attend opium, and might, undoubtedly, be given in many 

 cases in which that article is inadmissible. 



In catarrhal affections, attended with membranous irri- 

 tation, cough, &c. whether recent or of long standing, I arn 

 satisfied that this is a medicine of peculiar powers. 



