CAMPHORA — CAMPHOR 87 



be failing. Camphor stimulates the centers in the medulla, which 

 may account for its beneficial effect upon the circulatory system ; that 

 is, through stimulation of the vagus and vasomotor centers. 



Nervous System. Camphor stimulates the brain, medulla and 

 spinal cord. The stimulation of the brain is shown by increased 

 movements, excitement and delirium. After large doses, these 

 symptoms are followed by unconsciousness and convulsions. The 

 convulsions have been attributed to stimulation of the medulla, but 

 there is evidence to show that they are partly, at least, of cerebral 

 origin. All the medullary centers are stimulated. Large doses para- 

 lyze the medulla and cause death by collapse. The spinal cord is 

 first stimulated, then depressed, but this action comes on late and is 

 unimportant. 



Temperature. Camphor is a mild antipyretic. It dilates the 

 vessels of the skin and causes sweating. It also tends to relieve inter- 

 nal congestion, so is useful in colds. 



Genito-Urinary Tract. By some authorities camphor is said 

 to be an aphrodisiac but this is disputed by others. 



Secretions. All secretions are slightly increased, but not suffi- 

 ciently so to make camphor useful for this action. 



Absorption and Elimination. Camphor is absorbed from the 

 stomach, intestines and tissues and is chiefly eliminated by the urine, 

 although some escapes in the sweat, feces and bronchial secretion. 



Therapeutics. 



1. Externally. Camphor is much used as a rubifacient liniment 

 for sprains, bruises, mastitis, rheumatism, etc. In the form of An- 

 derson's powder it may be used as an antipruritic in eczema, urticaria, 

 etc. Combined with alum, boric acid, etc., it is useful as an anti- 

 septic dusting powder. 



Frohner's Camphor bandage in lymphangitis, etc., is applied as 

 follows : First a layer of cotton is applied to the leg from the coro- 

 net to the stifle. This is covered with gauze saturated with spirits of 

 camphor, this is then covered with some impervious material and the 

 whole is held in place with a common ba^ndage. At frequent inter- 

 vals, as often as is necessary, inject spirits of camphor beneath the 

 bandage. 



Camphor and phenol, in the proportion of one part of phenol to 

 three of camphor, are useful in bums, abr-asions and small wounds. 



For its stimulant action upon mucous membranes, camphor may 

 be added to sprays or washes used in respiratory diseases. It may 

 also be servicable in acute coryza by inhalation. Thus, a teaspoon- 

 ful of powdered camphor is added to a cup of hot water and the steam 

 inhaled. 



Internally : 



1. Antispasmodic — In thumps, spasmodic colic, etc. 



