136 
ATROPA BELLADONNA, 
variety of diseases, as in rabies canioa,* mania, chincough.f amau- 
rosis, ophthalmia,! inflammation, gout, plague, and many febrile 
diseases ; as a topical remedy the Ext. Bellad. combined with some 
unguent or cerate, in the form of plaister, has readily removed rheu- 
matic and venereal pains ; in open cancer applied in the form of pow- 
der, decoction, or unguent it greatly palliates the most distressing 
symptoms. According to historical authorities we find that the 
early stages of schirrus and cancer § are in many instances com- 
pletely cured by the external and internal use of this medicine ; and 
-modern practice confirms the superiority of the Belladonna to most 
other medicines in these diseases; in tic douloureux j] and tetanus, it 
has been used with success, in the form of lotion in conjunction 
with its internal exhibition. In tedious and long protracted labours, 
arising from rigidity of the os and cervix uteri, and in puej-peral 
convulsion. Dr. Conquest, M. Chaussier, and others, approve of the 
application of a small quantity of extract of the Belladonna to 
the OS and cervix uteri, which has been attended with decided 
benefit, in subduing the spasmodic constriction of those parts. 
As the Belladonna requires the greatest caution in using, we shall 
transcribe the words of a modern author on this subject, who says : 
" Let me repeat my caution to those who attempt the use of this me- 
dicine, to commence the administering of it, whether internally or 
externally, always in small doses or applications, and afterwards 
gradually increasing them ; if the least unfavourable effects should 
arise, the prescription should be laid aside immediately; but if all 
go on favourably, it ought to be increased gradually and prudently, 
until the desired effect be obtained ; of course, there will not then 
arise any reason to increase it, as long as the same effect con- 
tinues." IT 
* Munch, Mayerne, Buckholz and Richter, were very successful, in curing rabies 
canina, after their patients had been attacked with convulsions, loathing of food, drink, 
&c. 
+ Raison on the Atropa Belladonna in hooping-cough. 
London Med. Repository, vol. vi p. 77 — Borda Ditto, vol. xv. p 509. 
X Mr. Blackett on the Use of the Atropa Belladonna. 
§ Galen, Lanibergen, Cullen, Degner, and others, speak in high terms of the Atropa 
Belladonna in the cure of these diseases ; Juncker mentions two cases cured with it, 
and strongly recommends its use. 
II Account of two cases of Tic Doloureux cured by the external use of the Bella- 
donna, by Henry. London Medical and Physical Journal, vol. xliii. p. 474. 
% Essay ou the use of the Atropa Belladonna, by P. C. Blackett, p. 40 and 41. 
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