116 VETERISTAET MAT^IA MEBIOA. 



per cent, of all tetanus patients by this method); 

 chorea of the dog, to control the involuntary spasms ; 

 to dull sensibility during the performance of minor 

 operations ; in uterine affections — as metritis, cystitis, 

 etc. — internally and locally by injection; in retention 

 of urine, spasm of sphincter vesicae, and dysuria; 

 also in azoturia, to control excitement. 



OocAiN^ Hydeochloras — Htdeochlorate op 



Cocaine. 



A crystalline alkaloid, obtained from the leaves of 

 Erythroxylon coca, a small Peruvian shrub (natural 

 order Erythroxylacese), in which it is contained to 

 the amount of about twenty-six per cent. The hy- 

 drochlorate occurs as small vsrhitish or almost color- 

 less acicular crystals, or crystalline powder, is readily 

 soluble in 0.5 part water and in 3| parts of alcohol, 

 has a bitter taste, producing a tingling sensation on 

 the tongue followed by numbness. It paralyzes the 

 sensory nerves with which it comes in contact, hence 

 is used as a local anaesthetic. It has also slight anti- 

 septic powers. In small doses it is a cerebral, cardiac, 

 respiratory, and nerve stimulant and diuretic, but les- 

 sens the quantity of urea excreted, since it partly sus- 

 pends the processes of waste, thereby acting as an 

 indirect nutrient and enabling the body to maintain 

 its energy on a decreased food supply. It dilates the 

 pupils when used locally as well as systemically. 

 Over-doses destroy life by paralysis of respiration. 



Therapbtjtics. — It is in general use as a local 

 anaesthetic during minor surgical operations, as on 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



