632 
CHLORODYNE AND ITS INVESTIGATORS. 
doses, is to be explained ; the joint action of morphia and belladonna being 
further modified by tobacco, chloroform, and hydrocyanic acid. Hence it is 
only in poisonous doses, such as that which Dr. Dowse records, that the action 
of the various ingredients becomes individually apparent.* * 
3. “The Composition of Chlorodyne.’’—In this paper, which appeared in the 
February number of the Journal, “ A Provincial” states, somewhat prematurely, 
I think, that chlorodyne is “ now proved to be substantially only a disguised so¬ 
lution of morphia. 1 ’ The proof ‘ however, appears to rest entirely on the case 
related by himself in the last September number (to which I have already re¬ 
ferred), and on the analysis by Mr. E. Smith, published in the number for January. 
Dr. Dowse’s communication is entirely opposed to this view. To the Doctor’s 
suggestion that “ chlorodyne owes part of its efficacy to belladonna,” “ A Pro¬ 
vincial” replies that he has “ never known it, even in full doses, produce any re¬ 
sults at all similar to the well-known effects of belladonna.” If what I have 
stated above be correct, I think the reason of this is evident, viz. that in medi¬ 
cinal doses, the balance of forces (of the various ingredients) maintained results 
in a unity of effect , so that chlorodyne may act to a certain extent, as if it were 
simply morphia, although it is not. To the question whether morphia and hydro¬ 
cyanic acid alone could produce the symptoms described by Dr. Dowse, it is not 
easy to reply off-hand, but I should consider it highly improbable. The symp¬ 
toms he mentions as among the most noticeable features of the action of bella¬ 
donna, were well-marked in the case cited, and, had morphia and hydrocyanic 
acid only been present in chlorodyne, it is possible, if not probable, that the re¬ 
sult would have been more rapidly fatal; the latter killing, as a “A Provincial ” 
suggests, with its “lightning-stroke.” The only real—I was going to say 
positive —proof, therefore, that chlorodyne does not owe any of its efficacy to 
belladonna, is the “ negative evidence” of Mr. E. Smith’s analysis, which “A 
Provincial ” himself admits “ may not be absolutely conclusive.” After this ad¬ 
mission, it is surprising to read a few lines further on, “ This was the one and 
the obvious thing wanting to settle the controversy.” How so, if it is not 
“ conclusive ”? I can quite believe Mr. Smith’s analysis was “ painstaking ”f 
in the highest degree, but, in opposition to “ A Provincial,” I think it highly 
probable that the most careful analyst might fail to find atropine in such a com¬ 
plex mixture as chlorodyne, even though it were present.^ 
(besides other results) just about the same acceleration of pulse in half an hour (twenty 
and twenty-eight beats) which the atropia and morphia had produced, when separately ad¬ 
ministered, in one hour ; but the combination did not affect the pupils till four and a half 
hours afterwards, and then produced dilatation, while the same substances given alone had 
caused respectively dilatation and contraction in one hour. The combination prolonged for 
four hours the effect of the atropine. 
To support the statement that belladonna counteracts the nauseant effect of opium:—• 
One-eiglith grain of acetate of morphia injected subcutaneously produced vomiting, but this 
was entirely removed by injecting one-ninety-sixth grain of sulphate of atropia. 
From these results it is concluded that atropia and morphia combined, greatly increased 
their mutual effects, and it would appear also modify in an important manner each other’s 
action. 
* I have known it, however, occasionally produce vomiting in ordinary doses, probably 
from the immediate effect of the chloroform ; the stomach being unaccustomed to medicines 
of this class. 
f It was more, it was conscientious , evidently a real analysis. I observe acid perchlor. 
appears only in Dr. Ogden’s formula. Could this have been suggested by the fact that in one 
of his earlier prospectuses, Dr. Browne mentions this acid in conjunction with a certain alka¬ 
loid? This certainly looks more like synthesis than analysis, but on rather an insecure 
foundation, I fear. 
X Would the atropine be dissolved out by digesting chlorodyne with alcohol, if extract of 
belladonna had been used? Since writing the above, I find that “Pharmacist” had sug¬ 
gested (Pharm. Journ. September, 1869, p. 167) the addition of extract of belladonna 
to Mr. Squire’s formula to make it “ more like the secret remedy,” before Dr. Dowse’s paper 
appeared. 
