654

ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA.

pulse has been observed to be reduced in frequency, often to forty beatsper minute (Home).

In excessive doses, squill acts as a narcotico-acrid poison, and causesvomiting, purging, griping pain, strangury, bloody urine, convulsions,inflammation and gangrene of the stomach and intestines (Murray, App-Med. vol. v. p. 97). Twenty-four grains of the powder have proved fatal(Vogel, Journ. de Phys. lxxv. 194).

Considered with reference to its diuretic effect, squill is comparablewith foxglove. But it exceeds the latter in its stimulant influence overthe urinary organs. On the other hand, foxglove is characterized by ltspowerfully sedative effect on the vascular system; for though squill has,in some instances, reduced the frequency of the pulse, this effect is by nomeans common. Squill, says Vogt ( Pharmakodyn. ii. 343, 2“ Aufl-)>preponderates in its action on the inferior or vegetative [organic] life >foxglove on the other hand, in its action on the higher or animal life.

Uses. —The principal uses of squill are as an emetic, diuretic, andexpectorant.

1 . As a diuretic in dropsies. —It is applicable to those cases of dropsyrequiring the use of stimulating or acrid diuretics, and is improper i°inflammatory cases. It is an unfit remedy for dropsy complicated wifegranular kidney or vesical irritation; but when these conditions are notpresent it is adapted for torpid leucophlegmatic subjects. Hence, it ' smore serviceable in anasarca than in either ascites or hydrothorax. ^should be given so as to excite a slight degree of nausea (not vomiting))as recommended by Van Swieten {Comment, upon Boerhaave 's Aphorisms,vol. xii. p. 435). By this means its absorption is promoted. The acetateor bitartrate of potash may be conjoined. Calomel is usually regardedas a good adjunct for promoting the diuretic influence of squill. Whe"it does not purge it is beneficial, but its tendency to affect the bowels isan objection to its use.

2. As an expectorant in chronic pulmonary affections admitting of fee

use of a substance stimulating the capillary vessels of the bronchi'*membrane. Thus, in chronic catarrh, humid asthma, and winter cough)it is often employed with considerable benefit. It is of course improperin all acute cases accompanied with inflammation or febrile disorder*In old persons it is often combined with the tinctura camphoree composite’and with good effect. The oxymel or syrup of squill may be given torelieve troublesome chronic coughs in children. (

3. As an emetic it is occasionally used in affections of the organsrespiration requiring or admitting of the use of vomits. Thus, the oxyi» elis given, with the view of creating sickness and promoting expectoratin'?’to children affected with hooping-cough; and sometimes, though wifeless propriety, in mild cases of croup. The great objection to its use ' sthe uncertainty of its operation: in one case it will hardly excite nauseain another it causes violent vomiting. Furthermore, it is of course hig^objectionable as an emetic for delicate children with irritable stomacl* s ’on account of its acrid properties, and the irritation it is capable, 111these cases, of setting up.

Administration. — The following are the preparations of squnusually employed:— .

1. Pulvis Scillje, D. L.—The directions of the Dublin College fethe preparation of this are, as follows :—Remove the membranous