ON  THE  POISONOUS  PROPERTIES  OF  OIL  OF  ELEMI.  425 
erosions  and  numerous  functional  disturbances  in  the  stomach  ; 
and  in  the  intestines,  increased  peristaltic  action  and  sensation 
of  pain,  succeeded  by  paralysis  and  anaesthesia.  The  oil  acts 
in  a  similar  manner  wherever  it  is  applied  directly.  After  ab- 
sorption it  paralyses  the  sensitive  portion  of  the  nervous  sys- 
tem and  the  nervus  vagus.  Hence  arise, —  1.  Acceleration  and 
increased  strength  of  the  movements  of  the  heart,  and  consequent- 
ly increased  diuresis,  which  is  connected  with  an  inflammation 
of  the  kidneys  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  and  perhaps  of  the 
bladder,  produced  by  a  specific  irritation  of  the  poison  ;  and  there 
is  afterwards  a  sensation  of  thirst.  2.  The  diminution  and  grad- 
ual suppression  of  the  respiration  occasioned  by  atelectasis  and 
emptying  of  the  lungs,  and  diminution  of  temperature,  with 
which  deficient  nutrition  is  associated  as  a  cause.  In  the  second 
place,  when  paralysis  of  the  heart  is  at  last  produced,  death 
ensues,  probably  due  to  the  abolition  of  the  functions  of  the 
brain. 
In  concluding  his  paper,  Dr.  Mannkoff  introduces  the  ques- 
tion as  to  the  use  which  may  be  made  of  the  ethereal  oil  of  elemi 
as  an  internal  remedy.  In  this  point  of  view  three  circum- 
stances ought  to  be  taken  into  consideration.  1.  The  increase 
of  the  heart's  contractions.  2.  The  increase  of  diuresis.  3. 
The  anaesthetic  effects  on  the  sensitive  nerves.  The  oil  might 
probably  be  given  in  the  cases  in  which  oil  of  turpentine  is  found 
useful,  for  both  oils  coincide  very  much  in  their  medicinal  pro- 
perties. Perhaps  the  oil  of  elemi  might  be  preferable  from  its 
less  unpleasant  taste.  The  question  may  be  asked  whether  the 
oil  of  elemi  might  not  cause  inflammation  of  the  kidneys  when 
given  in  a  sufficient  dose  ;  but  this  point  can  only  be  determined 
by  experiments  on  the  living  subject.  Still,  since  oil  of  turpen- 
tine produces  a  decided  effect  in  neuralgia,  as  is  proved  by  the 
operation  of  this  oil  on  the  sensitive  nerves,  Dr.  Mannkoff  be- 
lieves that  experiments  with  oil  of  elemi  in  similar  cases  would 
be  completely  justified. — Brit,  and  For  Med.  Rev.  from  Vir- 
chow 's  ArcJiiv  filr  Path.  Anat.  und  Phys.  und  fur  Klinische 
Med.  1859. 
