PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF DRUGS ON THE SECRETION OF BILE. 253 
Our experiments therefore suggest that the cholagogue action of calomel in 
the human subject is to be sought for, not in any supposed power of stimulating 
the bile-secreting mechanism, but in some one or more of the last ows modes 
of action above indicated. Calomel undoubtedly excites the intestinal glands, 
and for anything we know there may be something peculiar in the nature of its 
action thereon. For anything we know, it may also have some special influence 
on the mucous glands and mucous membrane generally of the larger bile-ducts, 
whereby a catarrhal condition of these ducts may be relieved and the pent-up 
bile thus permitted to escape. There is evidently still abundant room for 
conjecture, but our experiments plainly narrow its range, and thus contribute 
to the attainment of definite knowledge. The practical physician would, how- 
ever, do well to observe our discovery, that when a small dose of corrosive 
sublimate is combined with calomel, stimulation of the liver, as well as of the 
intestinal glands, is the result. He may probably find it of advantage to apply 
this combination in the case of man. 
SUMMARY OF RESULTS. 
1. In a curarised dog that has fasted eighteen hours, the secretion of bile 
is tolerably uniform during the first four or five hours after the commencement 
of the experiment, but falls slightly as a longer period elapses. Its composi- 
tion remains constant. 
2. Croton oil is a hepatic stimulant of very feeble power. The high place 
assigned to it by Réuric was probably the result of his imperfect method of 
experiment. 
3. Podophyllin is a very powerful stimulant of the liver. During the 
increased secretion of bile, the percentage amount of the special bile-solids is 
diminished. If the dose be too large, the secretion of bile is not increased. It 
is a powerful intestinal irritant. 
4, Aloes in very large doses is a powerful hepatic stimulant. It renders 
the bile more watery, but at the same time increases the secretion of biliary 
matter by the liver. 
5. Rhubarb is a certain, though not a powerful, hepatic stimulant. The 
bile secreted under its influence has the normal composition. 
6. Senna is a hepatic stimulant of very feeble power. It renders the bile 
| more watery. 
7. Colchicum in very large doses is a powerful stimulant of the liver and 
intestine. It renders the bile more watery, but increases the secretion of 
| biliary matter proper. 
VOL. XXIX. PART I. 3 T 
