196 Effects of the Prussic Acid. 



And a considerable haemoptysis soon supervened. The 

 usual remedies were resorted to. The abatement of cough 

 by the use of opium was not sufficient to counterbalance 

 the inconvenience resulting to the patient from its use ; nor 

 was the haemoptysis (which was considerable every forty- 

 eight hours) lessened by depletion, refrigerant medicines, 

 spare diet, &;c. he. 



The phosphorous acid most certainly and most speedily 

 suppressed the ha^morhage from the lungs, but so long as 

 the cough continued it was certain to return. 



Under these circumstances, the use of the prussic acid 

 was advised and commenced. By its prompt administra- 

 tion, the cough was soon subdued, and with it, the other 

 concomitant symptoms. Its use was continued, as the 

 cough appeared to demand it, for about forty days. The 

 patient was bled twice, and during the latter part of the 

 time, for several days, took the tincture digitalis to diminish 

 the frequency of the pulse. With a view of lessening the 

 ofFensiveness of the expectoration, he inhaled carbonic acid 

 gas; but whether any advantage was gained by it was diffi- 

 cult to decide. 



The foetor diminished with the quantity of the expecto- 

 ration, until what was expectorated became mere mucus, 

 and finally ceased entirely. Small hopes were entertained 

 of a recovery in this case, either by physicians, or by the 

 friends of the patient. The expectoration was, on inspec- 

 tion, pronounced purulent, and the simplest test confirmed 

 it to be so. The patient has often called on me to ac- 

 knowledge his gratitude ; and is^ at this time, perfectly free 

 from cough, and from every oUier symptom of disease. 



Communicated by a Correspondent. 



A writer, with the signature of W. in the last number of 

 the New-England Journal of Medicine and Surgery re- 

 lates three cases of the unfavourable O'peratiOn of the prus- 

 sic acid. 



He commenced under the impression that the dose usu- 

 ally administered is from six to twelve drops, and says he 

 began with four, and never increased the dose beyond ten 

 drops given twice or three times a day. What physician, at 

 all acquainted with the strength of this article as it is com- 



