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t’HYSOSl'mMmtTM. 
38& 
a most valuable remedy for employment in veterinary practice. 
The following is a brief resume: 
Physostigminum (Eserin) is derived from the calabar bean. 
Physostigminum has a special action on the intestinal muscles, 
and exerts, in a prompt manner, a lasting excitation of them. 
Basing his idea upon this physiological action, Professor 
Dieckerhoff resolved to make experiments with the alkaloid in 
cases of overfeeding and in acute and chronic dyspepsia (gastro- 
sis) of horses. 
He found no difference in the action of the sulphuric and the 
salicylic salts. 
He employs the crystallized physostigmmum sulfuricmn. 
This dissolves readily in cold water, forming a bright yellow, 
clear fluid. 
The solution employed subcutaneously excites no inflamma¬ 
tory action. 
The instillation of an aqueous solution (0.01—10.00 grm.) in 
the eyes of horses, produces in an hour contraction of the pupil, 
which disappears in twenty-four hours. 
Ho contraction of the pupil was observed in the experiments 
by subcutaneous and intravenous injection; on the contrary, after 
large doses, always transitory dilatation. 
By intravenous injection the action of the remedy is much 
more speedy and more powerful than by subcutaneous injection. 
For the intravenous injection, the vein is distended by being 
compressed, and a moderate sized hypodermic needle inserted 
with the point up. 
The escape of blood shows that the needle is properly applied. 
The small puncture closes itself. 
It is best to use a syringe of size sufficient to allow the entire 
quantity to be injected at once. 
After a full dose of physostigminum sulfuricum is injected 
into the circulation, only two or three minutes pass before its 
action begins. 
The following symptoms are presented : 
Restlessness, muscular twitcliings, especially of the shoulders 
and croup; more marked contractions of the extensors of the 
hindlegs; unsteadiness of the body; light colic; sweating; fre- 
