This section is from the book "Recent Materia Medica: Notes On Their Origin And Therapeutics", by F. Harwood Lescher. Also available from Amazon: Recent materia medica.
Probably From Euphorbia Heterodoxa, Brazils, S. America. N.O. Euphorbiacea.
The caustic, milky juice has been used in the Brazils to cure cancerous ulcers. A profuse suppuration (as with Jequirity) follows its application to a granular surface. It is a powerful escharotic, with a dissolving caustic effect upon organic tissues. Apply with a brush, painting the cancer, and dressing with vaseline containing boric acid.
A chemical homologue of Ammon. acetate, Formic acid being a derivative of methyl, as Acetic acid is of ethyl. Used in chronic paralysis with general torpor. Dose, 5 grains.
A salt of Carbazotic or picric acid, which is Tri-nitro-Carbolic acid, C6 H2 (N02)3 OH.
It is in small brilliant crystals, of a beautiful orange colour; soluble in water and rectified spirit; very bitter, and colours urine orange.
Febrifuge in intermittent fevers; it has been used with much success in India: H. Martin Clarke, Lancet, Feb. 19th, 1887. Dose, 1/2 grain 4 times a day.
" A tertiary Alcohol," - Wurtz.
"Methyl-Isopropyl-Carbinol, which is a secondary alcohol." - Fownes.
A clear fluid, with camphoraceous odour, soluble in water (1.12) and alcohol, and boiling at about 218° F.
Therapeutics. Hypnotic: of more pleasant taste than Paraldehyde: 1 drachm, especially in mental diseases, produces sleep for six or eight hours. To be given in sweetened water.
Weaker than chloral hydrate, but stronger than Paraldehyde.
"Does not disturb digestion." - Dr. von Mering, of Berlin.
" Best results in epilepsy from its use."- Dr. Wildermuth.
A hard wood, used on the Continent of Europe in phthisis.
Reniform, pale brownish-grey seeds. The nut (cashew) has an oleo-resinoid, which is a powerful caustic vesicant from its containing the oily liquid known as Cardol. It cures corns and warts.
 
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