STRYCHNOS NUX VOMICA. 
299 
stance ; it is therefore thought that when the system is habituated 
to the action of pure Strychnine, the sahs may be substituted, with- 
out increasing the dose. M. Magendie has only used the sulphate, 
which given in a dose of one-twelfth of a grain, produced decided 
relief in a case of paraplegia. 
The action of Strychnine on man and animals is exactly like that of 
the alcoholic extract of Nux Vomica, but it is much more active; 
one-eighth of a grain is sufficient to kill a large dog; and one-fourth 
of a grain often produces very marked eifects on the human body 
when in health. M. Magendie thinks that Strychnine may be used 
in all cases where the resin of Nux Vomica would be serviceable; we 
think, however, that it is one of those dangerous and even uncertain 
remedies which ought only to be resorted to, if at all, in the most 
desperate cases. M. Andral says, that the action of Strychnine is 
so violent, that it ought not to be employed except with the greatest 
precaution ; its eftects likewise, he found to vary very considerably : 
in one case, one-twelfth of a grain was sutficient to produce serious 
symptoms, whilst in another more than a grain was given almost with 
impunity. When employed in cases where paralysis is connected 
with an inflammatory condition of the brain or spinal marrow, he 
thinks it may probably aggravate the symptoms. It is said to be 
more especially useful in that kind of paralysis, the cause of which 
cannot be referred to any injury of the nervous centres; particularly 
to that species to which persons are liable who meddle with the pre- 
parations of lead. Some cases of cure by the use of Strychnine and 
Brucine, under those circumstances are recorded. Strychnine is 
usually given in pills, containing from one-twelfth to one-eighth of a 
grain each. 
Brucine. When following the process already detailed for the 
separation of Strychnine, care is taken to crystallize the substance 
several times in alcohol ; it is pure, and free from Brucine, which 
latter being much more soluble in alcohol, remains in the alcoholic 
mother waters, from which this substance may then be obtained by 
further evaporation.* The presence of Brucine in Strychnine, M. 
Majendie says, is no great inconvenience, as the Brucine is possessed 
of properties similar to those of Strychnine, only less active. In 
the St. Ignatius Bean," says he, "and in the Upas, Brucine bears the 
same relation to Strychnine that Cinchonine does to Quinine in the 
* Brucine had been jireviousl; found in (he Anguslura Spuria, by MM. Pellitier 
and Carentou. 
