STRYCHNIA  IN  CHRONIC  DIARRHOEA,  ETC.  439 
well  in  good  tents  with  sufficient  attention.  I  had  occasionally 
used  strychnia  before,  both  alone  and  in  combination  with  hyp- 
notics and  tonics,  but  in  the  usual  small  doses,  with  decidedly 
good  results.  I  now  commenced  increasing  the  dose  to  J,  J,  J, 
and  in  one  case  f  of  a  grain.  The  strychnia  was  that  furnished 
the  United  States  by  Reed,  of  Chicago.  The  following  is  the 
formula  : 
EL  Strychnine, 
Morph.  sul.,  aa  gr.  -J, 
Arg.  Nit., 
Ext.  Belladonnas,  aa  gr.  J, 
Ext.  Gentianae,  q.  s.  ut.  f.  pil. 
R.  Strychnias,  gr.  ss., 
Morph.  sul.,  gr.  J, 
Arg.  Nit.  gr.  ss., 
Ext.  Belladonnas,  gr.  J,  m.  f.  pil. 
B-  Strychniae,  gr.  |, 
Morph.  Sul  ph., 
Ext.  Belladonnas,  aa  gr.  J,  m.  f.  pil. 
The  specific  effects  of  the  strychnia  did  not  manifest  itself 
until  half  grain  doses  were  reached.  The  larger  doses  were 
never  given  oftener  than  once  a  day  (24  hours). 
In  the  case  where  f  were  given,  the  patients  had  no  discharge 
for  twelve  hours.  The  specific  effects  were  quite  violent  for  two 
hours — commencing  in  twenty  minutes  after  exhibition.  The 
patients  were  advised  of  the  nature  of  the  pills  before  commenc- 
ing their  use.  The  result  was  very  decidedly  good  in  every 
case  but  one.  He  died  at  Columbus,  three  months  after.  The 
time  for  establishing  convalescence  was  variable.  In  the  case 
of  the  patient  who  took  f ,  convalescence  was  established  within 
five  days.  In  nearly  all  the  cases,  after  cure  commenced,  re- 
course was  had  to-  the  smaller  doses,  once  every  six,  eight  or 
twelve  hours,  according  to  the  requirements  of  the  case.  The 
variations  in  the  formula  were  made  with  a  view  to  determine 
their  comparative  value.  All  were  satisfactory ;  but  those  con- 
taining arg.  nit.  were  considered  more  decided  and  permanent 
in  effect. 
The  combination  of  morphia  and  belladonna  can  be  carried  to 
