66 EDIBLE MUSHROOMS 



B; Bismuth subnit. , 3v ; 

 Creosote, gtt. xv ; 

 Mucil. acaciae, ffi ; 

 Aq. menth. pip., q.s. ad fjiii. M. 

 Sig. — Teaspoonful every one or two hours. 



7g grain of morph. sulph. was administered hypodermically to 

 alleviate as much as possible the abdominal suffering. 



The impending exhaustion and the failing heart's action I en- 

 deavored to combat with a free administration of alcoholic stimu- 

 lants in combination with moderate doses of tincture of digitalis 

 both by the mouth and under the skin. 



In order to invite the circulation of the blood to the ice-cold 

 surface of the body, heated bricks and bottles filled with hot water 

 were placed in bed around the patients. 



Analyzing each symptom as it arose, and carefully observing 

 the effects of the poison on the system, I formed the opinion thai 

 the toxic element contained in the noxious fun- 

 gus eaten by these people was narcotic in its 

 Diagnosis nature and spent its force on the nerve centres, 

 especially selecting the one governing the func- 

 tion of respiration and the action of the heart. 



Acting upon this conclusion, I began, in the early part of my 

 treatment, subcutaneous injections of sulphate of atropine in fre- 

 quently-repeated doses, ranging from ^i^ to -gig grain. The in- 

 jections invariably were followed by a perceptible improvement in 

 the patient ; the heart's action became stronger, the pulse returned 

 at the wrist, and the respiration increased in depth and fulness. 



Through the agency of this remedy, supported by the other 

 measures adopted, three (or sixty per cent.) of the patients re- 

 covered. 



The lessons I draw from this experience are : 



1. The poisoning produced by this variety of toadstool is slow 

 in manifesting its effects. 



2. That it destroys life by a process of asthenia. 



3. That in atropine we have an antidote, and it should be pushed 

 heroically from the earliest inception of the action of the poison. 



I have the honor to remain 



Yours very respectfully, 



J. E. Shadle, M.D. 



