N o^woojP (w-c*) THE THEEAPEUTICAL POWERS M0£1EII1S OF YERATRUM YIRIDE, WESLEY C. NORWOOD, M. D., Qf OOKESBUEY, S. C la FROM i P A I. MATHEW ■«, WHOLESALE AG: NT,, No. 221 Mnin Stiv.-f, ' BUV!--\'.0. NEW-YORK. KNEELAND, PRINTER, 57 ANN STREET 1854. !***.▼¥; ^ "" r| ? "■ THE THERAPEUTICAL POWERS YERATRUM YIRIDE, WESLEY C. N0EW00D, M.D., COKESBURY, S. C. NEW-YORK: KNEELANP, PRINTER, 57 ANN STREET, 1854. PREFACE. The object of the present circular is to place in the possession of those who may not have read what has been written on the powers and uses of Veratrum Veride, a synopsis of what we have published in the Medical Journals. Also the testimony of a very few of the many that have written us, confirming most conclusively all that we have asserted. We have not been at the trouble to correct and revise, but have given the portion selected as it may be found in the journals in which it first appeared. Its undoubted adaptation to the successful treatment of chorea has not been given to the public, so far as we know. To those who may be disposod to object to our preparing it for the use or benefit of the profession generally, we will simply state, that we have placed every property, power, preparation and application known to us, within the reach of every physician. That we have withheld nothing from the med- ical eye, but have given, through the journals, frankly and unre- servedly our experience with the Veratrum Viride. And the numerous calls made first prompted us to the effort of supplying the profession with a pure and reliable preparation. We could have filled a volume with the testimony in our possession, and have omitted much that we should have published from the many articles that are to be found in the Medical Journals, and the numerous letters written us on account of issuing this Cir- cular while absent from home. If what is offered in these pages should fail to awaken attention and secure a trial from the mem- bers of the profession generally, we could scarcely expect to sue- 4 ceed in any efforts short of a miracle. We refer our readers for a more detailed account to the Medical Journals contain- ing the able articles written by others. We would take occa- sion to state here that in every instance after the pulse is redu- ced, whether nausea or vomiting are excited or not, the quantity should be reduced one half in all cases. Many, because the patient does not complain of nausea when the pulse is reduced, repeat the dose without reduction of quantity, and after a few repe- titions drastic effects follow. W. C. NORWOOD. Cokeshury, S. C, Jan. 2, 1854. NORWOOD, ON THE OF YERATRUM VIRIDE. Yeeatkum viRroE, as a therapeutical agent, had excited comparatively little interest previous to June, 1850 ; and it was noticed for a time after that date, more on account of the extravagance of the claims set up for it as a remedial agent of superior powers, than because of any belief that it was possessed of peculiar and valuable properties. If we recollect correctly, it was about the year 1835 that Dr. Charles Osgood's interesting article on the powers and properties of veratrum viride made its appearance. The only additional information be conveyed was that it is des- titute of cathartic powers, which give it a superiority over the Yeratrum Album or European Hellebore, in the treat- ment of cases where active cathartics are inadmissible. Be this as it may, it is certain, and cannot be succesfully con- troverted, that prior to June, 1850, it was not known posi- tively to possess any superiority over veratrum album; indeed the one was supposed to answer the same purposes as the other. 6 Why Dr. Osgood ceased to give further notice of its pow- ers we are not prepared to say ; whether his silence grew out of a want of confidence in its remedial powers, or from death, we are wholly ignorant. We do not wonder at the violent and drastic effects he witnessed ; but we rather wonder, from the large doses given, that he obtained any beneficial effects. Be this as it may, if it possesses the powers and properties we attribute to it, and is adapted to the treatment of the symptoms and diseases indicated by us, the discovery must be eminently valuable. Greatly enlarged experience and observation have strongly confirmed us in the belief of the correctness of what we stated ©n a former occasion, namely, that when its powers and properties are fully known and understood, it will constitute a new era in the treatment of disease. In July, 1844, we first used it in the case of Mrs. L. She had been laboring under a severe attack of pneumonia typhoides for several days. Calomel, blisters, Dover's powders, &c, failed to afford relief. This case having an- noyed us by its severity and obstinacy, and opium produ- cing unpleasant effects without relief to the pain, we deter- mined to make a trial of the tincture of veratrum viride. We withdrew all other remedies, and put her on tea-spoon- ful doses of the tincture, to be repeated every three hours We gave her a teaspoonful at 11, A. M. About 1, P. M. we were sent for in haste, as the medicine, or something else, was acting drastically. We found the patient vomit- ing every few minutes: skin cold and covered with per- spiration ; great paleness, nausea distressing; complained of a sense of sinking and exhaustion. After the vomiting had ceased, the pulse was found not more than 60 per min- ute, full and distinct. In a few cases, in which nausea was great and the vom- iting frequent, we have found the pulse very slow, small, and almost imperceptible at the wrist; but as soon as the vomiting and consequent exhaustion subside, the pulse will be found slow, full and distinct. The nausea or vomiting, 7 when in excess, can be readily and certainly relieved by one or two full portions of syrup of morphine and tincture of ginger, or laudnum and brandy. In this case, before administering the tincture of vera- trum viride, the skin was hot and dry ; pulse 130, small and soft; circumscribed flush on the cheeks; pain severe; breathing hurried and difficult; cough frequent; expecto- ration scanty. The very striking effects of the medicine, the great reduction in the frequency of the pulse, and the sud- den breaking up or arrest of the disease, in this and another case, profoundly enlisted our attention, and led us from that period to observe more particularly its powers. The second car.e in which we used the veratrum veride was that of Mrs. M., who was also laboring under a severe attack of pneumonia. Pulse from 130 to 140 beats per minute; pain violent, and extending from the right side, near the spine, to, and under the sternum; tongue red on the edges and tip, and covered in the centre with a thin, dark, dry fur; bright scarlet circumscribed flush, appearing first on one cheek, and then on the other, rarely on both at the same time; the end or tip of the nose and chin fre- quently red; very pale around the mouth; expectoration scanty; mucus streaked with blood; cough frequent and very harrassing; great increase of pain under the sternum during a paroxism of coughing; decubitus on the back; breathing labored and difficult. Did not see her till the fourth day : she had been bled, and otherwise treated, with little or no relief. Applied a blister, and gave a camphora- ted powder to allay the cough and violent pain, and to excite diaphoresis. At the expiration of three hours, to commence with the tincture of veratrum viride. The first portion exited intense nausea, violent emesis, great paleness, coolness and a sense of sinking or exhaus- tion. The patient and friends becoming alarmed, another physician who lived much nearer than myself, was sent for in great haste, but when he arrived the nausea and emesis had ceased ; the patient was comfortable, pain and febrile 8 symptoms subdued, pulse 65, full and distinct. The doctor was surprised to find the condition of the patient so dif- ferent from the representation given by the messenger. The disease was really broken up and a crisis and resolu- tion brought about. Our friend, the doctor, ordered a little paragoric and quinine, in which we fully concurred on our arrival, as there was entire relief of all active febrile and inflammatory symptoms. Deeply impressed with the peculiar effects of verat. viri- de, we determined to ,make farther and careful trial of it in pneumonitis. The third case in which we administered it was that of Mr. T., who was taken sick when on a visit to his friend in this section of the country. We ordered the tincture given every three hours, beginning with eight drops, to be increased one drop at each dose until nausea, vomiting or some other visible effect was produced. On the dose reaching twelve drops it induced vomiting with but little nausea. The pulse was reduced from 135 to 78 beats per minute; the surface, from being hot and dry, became cool; and the severe pain was now but slightly felt on taking a deep inspiration. The interval between the doses was extended from three to five hours ; but as twelve drops induced too frequent vomiting, the quantity was reduced to seven drops and continued three days without any return of the symptoms, when the case was dismissed and the patient was soon able to return hom3. This case was one full of interest on account of the success and prompt- ness with which the violent symptoms were removed and the disease cured. We might report any number of cases, but as many of them have already been given by others, we will confine ourselves to such facts only as may tend to illustrate particular points. We continued our experimental trials with various doses from three to twelve drops, increasing or diminishing them according to circumstances, until we acquired a perfect knowledge of its effects, and could graduate them at will. 9 We ascertained that in cases which had run on for some- time, or in which emetics and cathartics had been freely used, a very small quantity was necessary. Where tartar emetic has been given, it is almost sure to act harshly and drastically. Where tartar emetic had been taken, we would therefore always give a full portion of syrup of morphine, at least one hour before entering on the use of the veratrum viride, and in such cases would not commence with more than six drops for a male adult. Free venesection increases very materially its activity, especially its unfavorable or drastic effects. No one should think of following a large bleeding with the veratrum viride, unless with the greatest caution. The depressing influence of the loss of blood upon the brain and nervous system generally, cannot fail to ren- der the use of so potent a sedative as veratrum viride exceed- ingly hazardous. The administration under such circum- stances, of an agent capable of reducing the pulse from 130 or 140 down to 75, 70, or even 50 beats in the course of a few hours, cannot be too carefully watched. But, to proceed: We soon discovered, to our surprise, that in almost every instance, so soon as nausea or vomiting was excited the pulse became slow, full and distinct, the skin cool and often soft and moist, and in some cases bathed in a most profuse prespiration, with entire relief of pain in a number of cases, and materially mitigated in others. The cases in which there was no abatement of pain were very few. The mouth and tongue grew moist, breathing and ex- pectoration more free and easy, and by continuing the remedy, in doses short of the nauseating point, from one to three days longer, there would be no return of the symp- toms in a large majority of the cases in which the disease was subjected to early treatment. In a small number of cases, if not continued longer, the symptoms would return on a suspension of the remedy. In very few cases we have had to continue the tincture from five to twelve days. These cases are exceedingly rare, and were often treated with other remedies, or suffered to run some time without any treatment. We had, by a continued series of experiments 10 and observations, arrived at the fact that, in nearly every case, we could reduce the pulse to any point we wished ; that by putting the patient under its influence, we could predict with certainty that the pulse would range between 56 and 85 beats per minute. In 1846 we were called to see Mr'. E., in consultation with Dr. J. A. Stewart. Mr. E. had been laboring under a se- vere attack of pneumonia for several days. The remedies prescribed were entirely approved of and continued for a time, but failed to relieve. The 'threatening aspect of the case was such, that it was thought prudent to inform his parents, at a distance, of his perilous condition. At this critical juncture, we observed to Dr. S., that we had been using an article in a number of cases of pneumonia, with a success and peculiarity of effect we had never been able to obtain from any other remedy, and proposed to use it in the present case. We immediately put Mr. E. on the use of the veratrum viride, to be given every three hours—the quan- tity to be increased one drop at each dose until nausea or vomiting occurred. At 8 o'clock A. M., commenced with seven drops. The third portion excited severe nausea and free vomiting, with great paleness, coolness and moisture of the surface. During thetoccurrence of these interesting and striking effects, we were notified that Mr. E. was vomiting freely, was much worse and was thought to be dying. We found, however, that what had caused so much alarm to the patient and his friends, was to us a source of gratification ; for, after the effort at vomiting was over, and nausea re- lieved, the pulse was reduced to 63 beats and the pain relieved. In this case, a pulse of from 120 to 130 beats, was reduced in twelve hours, to 63, and all the febrile and inflammatory symptoms were relieved. This was to us an occasion of thrilling and exciting interest. Dr. S. was the first phy- sician to whom we had stated our belief in its powers, and he now stood before us witnessing the most commanding demonstration of the powers of the agent over a disease of 11 acknowledged fatality, and under the most unpromising cir- cumstances. Who would charge us with wanton enthusi- asm ? or who would fail to be enthusiastic on such an occa- sion ? The portion was reduced to one half, and continued several days without any return of the symptoms, and the patient rapidly convalesced. We were at one time impressed with the belief that nau- sea or vomiting, one or both, was essential to the control of the heart. Called, in February, 1847, to see a son of Mrs. T., laboring under a violent attack of pneumonia ; we put him on the use of veratrum viride every three hours. Al- though 12 years of age, his general slender health and de- formed chest, having been severely afflicted with asthma, induced us to commence with a very small dose, that we might avoid any drastic effect of the remedy. The first portion given was two drops, to be increased one drop every portion until the slightest nausea was experienced, then to lessen or discontinue the remedy, as the case might require. On taking the third or fourth portion, Mrs. T. discovered that he was getting very pale, and the sein was cool and moist, and the pain'scarcely felt only on taking a full inspi- ration. The slowness of the pulse, and the palor and cool- ness of the surface alarmed her, and she sent for us. We found him pale, cool, moist, and with a pulse peating 35, full and distinct. When put on the tincture, in the morn- ing, his pulse was 120 to 125, skin hot and dry, frequent and labored breathing, pain severe, great thirst. In the short space of "twelve or fifteen hours the symptoms were subdued, and by continuing the tincture in doses of from two to three and four drops, there was no renewal of the symptoms. Since the above, we have been able, in a number of cases, to succeed in reducing the action of the heart and arteries, without exciting the least nausea or vomiting, by commenc- ing with a very small dose. In 1850, we determined to annonnce to the world the fact, that the great disideratum had been discovered: an agent 12 by which we could emphatically say to the heart and arte- ries, thus fast shalt thou beat, and no faster. Aware of the fate of many remedial agents urged upon the attention of the profession, and which have proved valueless, we with- held our notice until we had, by the utmost care and obser- vation, acquired the conviction of its being as much a specific in pneumonia typhodes, as quinine is in intermittent fevers. We leave it to an enlightened profession to judge whether or not the agent has failed to answer or equal the representations made. We now began to reflect upon the fact, that in a very large majority, if not in every disease of violence, a frequent pulse is manifest, and that we judge in a great measure, of their intensity, by its frequency and the condition of the vascular system. We asked ourselves the question, if ver- atrum viride will control arterial excitement, break up and arrest pneumonia typhodes, why should it not succeed in arresting other fevers and inflammations % Believing, as we did, that the altered and vitiated condition of the secretions were the consequence of increased and perverted circulation, and that the degree of their morbid condition might be measured by that of the vascular system, we concluded that the veratrum viride would cure other febrile and inflam- matory affections by its specific action on the heart. We were therefore led to test the veratrum viride in a number of diseases. In nearly all, if not in every acute disease, especially of a febrile and inflammatory character, we find, the frequency of the pulse and the derangement of the vascular system in proportion to the force and severity of the case. There is scarcely an exception to the rule. Why this is so we do not know. The fact cannot be denied; and in order to restore health, we must, of necessity, control the circulation, directly or indirectly. Now, veratrum viride will almost invariably effect this,' whatever may have been the disturb- ing cause. The how and the why, we do not understand. We look upon the universality of its application, to be ex- 13 actly defined by the universality of the occurrence of increased cardiac action. In testing its powers, we did not confine our experiments to febrile and inflammatory diseases of an idiopathic character, but extended them to traumatic lesions in which fever and inflammation had supervened, and our labors were crowned with a success that we little dreamed of realizing. Its power of controlling arterial ac- tion, in febrile and inflammatory diseases, and in traumatic lesions, we consider established beyond a doubt. It stands unrivalled in palpitations of the heart, for prompt- ness and certainty of relief. It is a specific in the painful affection of the testicle consequent upon metastasis in mumps. We have not failed, in a single case, to obtain relief from the pain and fever in twelve hours, and prevented a return of the symptoms, by perfect rest and a continuance of the tincture for three or four days. How far it will succeed in orchitis, from other causes, we are not prepared to say. It affords "is no ordinary pleasure to record its value in the treatment of the inflamed mamma of lying-in females. If taken in time, in these cases, it may be relied on to control the fever, pain and inflammation of the gland, so as to pre- vent suppuration in almost every instance. It is valuable in inflammation of the brain. In hooping-cough, accompa- nied with high febrile excitement, it has no equal. In convulsions generally, it is highly valuable. In asthma and rheumatism its effects are peculiarly striking, especially in the acute forms. In chronic rheumatism we have not used it. In puerperal fever our experience is limited, but the few cases in which it was used stamps it a reliable agent in that disease. We have found it of great value in the treat- ment of typhoid dysentery, and would feel unable to com- bat that disease without it or some other remedy of equal power. Its effects on the system are in perfect antagonism to those of scarlet fever. Combined with the diuretic treat- ment, we do not believe it can be equalled by any other plan of treatment that has ever been adopted in scarlet fever. 14 When we reflect upon the powers of veratrum viride to allay pain, irritability and irritation, and more especially irritative mobility, in connection with its influence over the heart's action and deranged secretions, it is truly difficult properly to appreciate its value. We must confess, that notwithstanding the time and space already occupied, that we have scarcely entered the thres- hold, much less exhausted the subject. It would take a volume to unfold the powers and effects of veratrum veride, and the almost innumerable cases to which it is peculiarly applicable. The powers and properties of veratrum veride, when fully known and understood, will open new fields for thought and investigation, and give greater scope for prac- tical research in all that relates to the pathology and treat- ment of disease, than any agent that has ever enlisted the attention of the medical world; and we are persuaded that it will completely change many of the existing views of pathology, and simplify the treatment of disease to an ex- tent unparallelled in the history of medicine. We now enter on the most important and interesting part of our subject, viz—its value in the treatment and cure of Typhoid Fever—a disease whose fatality renders big with interest any thing proposed for its cure. The treatment of typhoid fever is a matter in which every individual is deeply interested. Might we not ask with emphasis, what country, what community, has not felt and heard of the destructive mortality following in its wake ? and has not the cry been echoed back by every tongue and breeze—a remedy to stay the fell destroyer's progress! When we have presented as much of facts and evidence as we deem sufficient on the occasion, you will be able to judge, and others can deter- mine, whether a cure has been discovered and the destroyer stayed or merely checked; when the value of veratrum viride in pneumonia typhoides and other malignant and fatal diseases, is embraced in the subject, it becomes doubly interesting and important. In 1850 we first entered on a trial of the tincture of veratrum viride in the treatment of typhoid fever. It was due to our patients and to justice 15 that we should proceed with caution. We accordingly, at first, gave it in mild and moderately severe cases, avoiding its use at first in all cases of unusual severity and ma- lignancy. We first used it in the case of a negro boy of Mrs. W., which was uncomplicated and yielded readily. When called, on the third day of the disease, the bowels had been moved sufficiently by a cathartic of calomel, fol- lowed by repeated portions of camphoratod Dovers powder, without abatement of the symptoms. The skin was hot and dry, great thirst, severe pain in the forehead; the eyes dull, heavy and ecchymosed; tongue covered in the centre with a dark thin fur, tip and edges very red and dry; pulse 127, small, soft and with a quickness in the stroke, that indicated greater frequency than really existed. The patient was ordered a six drop dose, to be increased till nausea or vom- iting occurred. By mistake, the dose was not increased. After continuing the treatment twelve hours, there being no abatement in the symptoms, we were notified of the fact and wrote to increase until an impression was made, and that we would see the patient in twelve hours. During the absence of the messenger, Mrs. W. discovered that the dose was to be increased, and did 60, and when this reached eight drops there was free vomiting, with a subsidence of all febrile symptoms, the severe pain in the head excepted. At the expiration of twelve hours, we found the boy with a skin cool and moist, thirst materially abated, and the pulse reduced to fifty-six beats. A blister was applied to relieve the unmitigated pain in the head, and the veratrum veride was continued four days without any return of the symp- toms. Other mild cases were treated with the same rapidly favorable and successful results. We were thus embol- ened and warranted in extending it to the treatment of cases much more severe and malignant, as were those of Mr. R., the son of Mr. W., the two at Dr. Q's, and that of Dr. T's—all of which, except the first, were published at length in the Jan. No. of the Augusta Medical Journal in 1851. 16 While on a visit to Georgia, In July, 1851, we were asked by Dr. M. to look at a negro woman of Mr. T.'s. She had been sick a number of days, with no abatement of the symp- toms. Pulse 116, skin hot and dry, tongue red and dry, great thirst, more or less delirium, and a peculiar nervous motion, or more properly, a tremor and inability to hold the head still or to take a drink of any thing out of a tumbler with her own hand. The owner was exceedingly uneasy about the condition of his negro, as a great many had fallen vic- tims to that disease. We might have noticed the gurgling noise, 6ickness at the stomach, and spinal tenderness, which had resisted the use of blisters to the stomach and spine, as well as cupping of the same, together wfrth an alterative treatment of calomel. On being asked our opinion, we observed to Dr. M, we thought the fever could be cooled and the pulse reduced. By request, we remained five hours, put her on the use of the tincture of veratrum viride —gave her seven drops at 12, eight at 2, P. M., and nine at 4, P. M. In half an hour after the third portion nausea and vomiting were excited moderately. The pulse was reduced to 80 beats per minute, the skin became cool and moist, and the nervous tremor or motion very much relieved. The Doctor observed, that the pulse was reduced as low as he wished it; the dose was consequently reduced to four drops, to be given every three hours. A son of Mr. T. was also sick of typhoid fever. His case wasjnild, the pulse at the highest numbering but a very few beats over one hundred. When the effects on the negro woman were known> he was quite anxious to take it also. Accordingly, he was ordered it every three hours, beginning with seven drops; to be increased one drop. The third dose excited severe nausea and free emesis, producing cool and moist skin, and redu- cing the pulse to 58 beats per minute. The portion was then reduced to four drops, at intervals of three hours. The next morning, at 9 o'clock, found the negro's pulse 80; de- lirium entirely gone, and full relief of all nervous tremor; skin cool and moist; tongue moist, and little or no thirst. 17 The son's pulse was from 58 to 60, other symptoms in uni- son. The above was an occasion of interest and solicitude to us, for the time, and our feelings can be much better ima- gined than expressed. Dr. M. dismissed the cases within thirty hours after we first saw them, the medicine to be kept up for a few days, and he to be notified in case of change for the worse. Dr. W. saw them, and Dr. S., then a stu- dent, was also present. Dr. W. has since used the vera- trum viride extensively, and with great success. This cir- cumstance led to its introduction into that region, Coweta, Troup and Heard, as Dr. M. practiced in the three counties. The letters of Dr. M., Dr. Ridley, and Dr. Renwick, are testimonials of their opinions of its value and beneficial effects in the treatment of typhoid fever, &c. We were called with Dr. P., to see a negro girl of Judge B.'s, on whom he was attending. The girl was severely sick with typhoid fever, which had been unusually fatal in that region. The pulse was from 120 to 130, when at the high- est ; tongue dry, and red on edge and tip, dark brown or black in the centre; great tenderness of the abdomen; gurgling or rumbling and tympanitic abdomen ; decubitus on the back ; feet drawn up ; knees separated ; muttering and delirious while inclining to sleep, especially during the night; tendency to diarrhoea; tip of the nose peculiarly sharp or pointed—had been treated with calomel, turpentine, and camphorated Dover's Powder. It was on the eighth day we saw her, and, with desire of Dr. P., commenced giving the tincture every three hours. The patient being ten or eleven years of age, we commenced with two drops, and increased each dose one drop. In thirty hours the pulse was reduced from 110 to 90 beats per minute, surface became cool, and mouth and tongue moist. In fifty hours the pulse was reduced to 70, at which time she was nause- ated and vomited—it was kept at between 75 and 85, till she was fully convalescent, and did not exceed that point, unless suspended, or given at too great intervals. 2 18 This was a case of no ordinary interest, as in that imme- diate section many had denied the efficacy and the powers of the veratrum veride, but had witnessed the mortality of the disease under every other mode of treatment. This closes the history of three cases we assisted in treating in Georgia. We will again turn to our own, and an adjoining county, and give the cases of most interest. On the 14th July, 1852, we saw, in consultation with Dr< O, Mr. C. It was the sixth day of his relapse. Pulse 120, small, soft and weak; gurgling on pressure, and tenderness in the right iliac region ; bowels flatulent and slightly tym- panitic ; burning in the palm of the right hand; edges and tip of tongue dry and red—slight white fur on the tongue, which we attributed to calomel; preternatural wakefulness. Had been treated with alterative doses of calomel and Do- % ver's powder—had taken an emetic. Gums slightly disten- ded from calomel, foetid or mercurial breath, and a number of small ulcers on the cheeks and tongue; skin dry; bowels inclining to diarrhoea, but readily controlled. By consent, was put on the tinct. of veratrum viride every three hours, to be increased slowly, and to avoid emesis, as he was oppo- sed to taking it till it produced this effect. This is a great error ; for those who take it till free emesis is excited, and the liver properly aroused, convalesce much faster. Com- menced with three drops, and increased one drop every portion given, till six were taken, and slight nausea produ- ced It was then reduced to three drops, or more, according to effect. On reaching six drops, the pulse was reduced to 80, and kept from 80 to 85. By continuing this treatment for a number of days, the pulse was reduced as low as 70 in the morning, with the skin rather cooler than ordinary, and towards sun-set it would get up to 80 or 85, and the skin would be rather warm, and accompanied with more or less restlessness till midnight, and then pass off. It was sug- gested to try a few portions of quinine. The morning on which he took the quinine, the pulse was 70, skin cool, mouth and tongue moist. A portion of quinine was given 19 at 9 and 11. Before 1, his pulse was 130 to 135, and skin hot and dry, and a general aggravation of all the febrile symptoms. The veratrum viride was resumed in full por- tions for a few doses, which soon subdued the excitement, and was continued. Convalescence was slow but perfect. It is an error, not to reduce the pulse as low as sixty in many cases. There is as much febrile excitement in some, with"a pulse of 80, as there is in others with a pulse of 90 or 100 ; consequently, when this is the case, the convales- cence will be extremely slow. In such cases, the veratrum viride should be given till free emesis is excited, and the pulse should be kept at 60 or under. On the 19th of July, 1852, we were called into an adjoin- ing district, to see a negro woman of Mr. G.'s, in consulta- tion with Drs. T. and McD. We saw her at 8, A. M., on the 20th, the 12th day of the disease. She had been treat- ed with all the remedies usually resorted to, without relief. She was slightly mercurialized; supposed to be three months advanced in pregnancy ; pulse 130, extremely quick and weak, so much so that it was difficult to count; tongue dry and red on the tip and edges, with a thick dark fur in the centre. The papillae that were not covered with fur, were elevated, enlarged and flattened at the top ; thirsfextreme ; great heat in the region of the stomach, and complaining of internal heat and burning; extremities cold, with general coldness of the surface, except over the region of the stom- ach ; answered questions in a quick and hurried manner— would invariably change some part of the body before giv- ing an answer. Discharges from the bowels dark and muddy, mixed with slime; more or less tenderness and gurgling on pressure in the right iliac region ; tendency to diarrhoea slight. On the ninth day from the attack, there was a sudden and decided change for the worse, and brandy and quinine were freely given to sustain the action of the heart and arteries, and the surface was thoroughly rubbed to keep up external warmth. 20 We have given such a description of the treatment and of the patient, at the time of our first visit, as will be fully endorsed by the physicians in attendance. Two cases had just terminated fatally in the same family, and two others in a family not more than six hundred yards distant. We could not complain of the reputation that had preceded us; but the standing of the medicine was any thing but favora- ble in that region of the country. The previous and threat- ening mortality, the severity of the case, the new remedy, the unfavorable prognosis of the physicians in attendance, naturally excited the deepest interest, and curiosity was wrought up to the highest point as to what course would be pursued. By consent, every remedy was discontinued, both internal and external, and the tincture of veratrum viride ordered every three hours, to be increased pro re nata, which we superintended in person from 9, A. M. till 5, P. M. Three drops were given at 9, which nauseated and vomited pretty freely before 12. The first matter thrown up was a large quantity of mucus and slime, followed by a quantity of dark, green bile, or bitterish fluid, on the ejec- tion of which she expressed considerable relief from the unusual burning or heat in the region of the stomach. Four drops were given at 12, which excited free emesis in from thirty to fifty minutes, bringing up an abundance of thick yellow bile. After this paroxism of vomiting had subsided, the extremities and surface generally became warm, or, in other words, there was a general diffusion and equal distri- bution of heat. She expressed perfect relief from internal heat or burning, followed by a general feeling of agreeable coolness ; but three drops were given at three o'clock, which excited slight nausea, and perhaps a slight but single parox- ism of vomiting. What we had achieved when we left (at 5, P. M.) was the relief from unusual heat in the stomach, severe thirst, general restlessness, an equal diffusion of heat and greater fulness and distinctness of the pulse. Instruc- tions were left to continue the veratrum veride in three or four drop doses, as she might be able to bear it, avoiding too 21 much nausea and vomiting, if possible. After leaving, we sent a message back to give twenty or thirty drops of laud- num, one hour before the next portion, to prevent nausea or vomiting, if possible. That night, as a matter of course, was passed by us with more or less anxiety and interest, On reaching the patient the next morning, the viride was exciting very little nausea, the pulse was reduced to 120, more full and distinct, and all the other symptoms were slightly improved. We were not satisfied with the small quantity of the veratrum viride we were using; we therefore ordered an enema of four ounces of cold water and six drops of the tinct. of veratrum viride every six hours, and the three drop doses, every three hours, to be continued, thus making, in all, forty-eight drops in the twenty-four hours. The enemata were ordered to be given between the portions by mouth. The nausea and vomiting were kept up for a time after each enema, but not to an extent that required them to be suspended, and which subsided after a few repetitions of the enema. The morning following, wThich was the fourteenth day of the disease, the pulse was down to 100, and with a like improvement in all the symptoms. The morning following, the pulse was reduced to 85, and all the other symptoms were greatly mitigated, so much so that we were not to see her for the next forty-eight hours. On Sunday morning, at 9, A. M., (the seventeenth day of the disease,) we were at our post, with our pleasing anticipations disappointed, blasted, and for the time, scattered to the winds,—but to fight the battle at far greater hazard. Found her flooding ; pains severe and frequent. Requested Dr. T. to examine the condition of the uterus; found the os tincae soft and dilated, so that he could discover a substance or body pre- senting; gave her a portion of ergot; the fetus was thrown off within half an hour, and flooding ceased. By this time the pulse had reached 135 beats per minute, was peculiarly quick and feeble ; number of respirations 63 per minute; skin hot and dry, the heat of that peculiar acrid kind called 22 " calor mordax ;" thirst greatly aggravated. The veratrum viride was increased to five drops every three hours; spir- its of turpentine to be given every six hours, in fifteen drop doses, in a little warm sweet milk to cover the taste, which excels any vehicle we ever tried. The enema of cold water to be continued every six hours, and the viride increased to eight drops. When we left, at 4 in the afternoon, there was slight moisture of the surface; the pulse was 130, more full and distinct; breathings a little less frequent and hur- ried. On the day following it was reduced to 98 beats per minute ; on the following day it was reduced as low as 85, with a like improvement of all the symptoms. The reme- dies were continued, and she rapidly and perfectly conva- lesced. It did appear that Providence brought us safely through the most critical of all the cases we have met. It also appeared, that so soon as the foetus was thrown off, she was much less susceptible to the impression of the veratrum viride. There are many points of interest in the above case, which are well worthy of particular notice. In the first place, it had been treated by two skillful physicians, with all the ordi- nary remedies. On the ninth day, the stage of collapse or exhaustion set in so rapidly and to such an extent, as to ren- der brandy, quinine rubefacient and frictions necessary, to keep up the actions of the heart and arteries as well as the external warmth. After the free use of the above, from Saturday till Tuesday, we find there was no relief, but rath- a continuance and aggravation of the symptoms. On Tues- day there was a withdrawal of all the remedial agents in use—was put on a few drops of the tincture of veratrum viride, at no time for the first 24 hours exceeding four drops. This was attended with relief from internal heat and burn- ing, a general distribution of heat on the surface, and the pulse rendered slower, fuller, and more distinct, &c. The only change made which seemed to add to the good effects, were enemata of cold water, containing six drops of the tinct. of veratrum viride. In the mean time she aborts with a 23 renewal and aggravation of all the symptoms; to meet which there is added to the treatment 15 drops of spts. turpentine; the dose of veratrum viride increased, by mouth, to five drops, and by enemata to 8 drops. Again, the lessened susceptibility after the abortion, whereas, under ordinary circumstances, bleeding increases this 'suscepti- bility ; true, the loss of blood was comparatively small, yet taking into account the length of time she had been sick, it might be said to have been relatively large. These are facts and circumstances for reflection and investigation. We will add, for the sake of brevity, that all the cases were treated previous to January, 1852, except a very few. Since the first of June, 1852, we have been called to see seven cases of typhoid fever, in cousultation, all of which were cured. We had noted down eleven consecutive cases of this fever, eight of which we saw in consultation, one had been seen by another physician, and two had been seen by no other physician. We notice those on account of their great severity, and more especially from the fact of a large majority of them being patients under treatment by other physicians. We are in possession of a large number of cases of typhoid and other diseases, which have been treat- ed with unvarying success with the veratrum viride. Dr. B. treated 23 cases, without the loss of a single one—all in the same family. The properties and powers of veratrum viride are the fol- lowing: 1st, acrid—This property is very limited and confined to the fauces. 2. It is adanaigc, deobstruent or alterative: this property it possesses in a marked and very high degree; not equaled by calomel or iodine in this par- ticular, which well adapts it to the relief and cure of many diseases hitherto beyond the reach of any remedy. Of this class of diseases, those which we think will be much bene- fitted by it, are, cancer and consumption. 3d. It is actively and decidedly expectorant, so much so that we rarely add any other article. 4th. It is one of the most certain dia- phoretics belonging to the materia medica: it often excites 24 great coolness or coldness of the surface ; in some cases the skin is rendered merely soft and moist; in other instances, the perspiration is free, and at other times it is most abun- dant; but notwithstanding its profuseness, it does not reduce or exhaust the system, as many diaphoretics do when in excess, and therefore need not excite alarm nor be sus- pended on that account. 5th. It is nervine, not narcotic, under any circumstances, as since our first article, we have taken it more than twenty times to test its varied powers, and we have taken it in all quantities, from the production of free emesis down to the minimum dose. This property renders it of great value in the treatment of painful diseases and such as are accompanied with convulsions, morbid irri- tability and irritative mobility. For example—pneumonia, rheumatism, puerperal fever, convulsions generally, and palpation of the heart, &c. It is one of the most certain and evident emetics known, and is peculiarly adapted to meet that indication in hooping cough, asthma, croup, scarlet fever, and in all cases where there is much febrile and inflammatory action. It often excites severe nausea and frequent vomiting, which, taken in connection with great paleness, often alarms the patient and by-standers; but these effects, when in excess, are readily relieved by one or two full portions of morphine and tinct. of ginger, or of laudanum and brandy. One grand and leading feature is, that the exhaustion which follows it, is not excessive and permanent, but confined merely to the effort. Again, the matter, first ejected, is a large quantity of thick, slimy mucus, and soon after, the liver is called on to pour forth its own fluid in abundance. 7th. The seventh property is its most valuable and interesting, and for which it stands unparallelled and unequalled as a therapeutic agent. So much has already been written on what we call the seda- tive—arterial sedative—properties of the agent, or the power it posesses of controling and regulating arterial action, that we shall not again run over the amount of evi- dence on this part of the subject. By virtue of this and 23 other powers, the treatment of disease has been much sim- plified, and when the effects, recorded in the case of Mr. G.'s negro woman, shall have been fully considered, we may bid adieu to much of the supposed necessity for stimu- lants in the treatment of atonic or asthenic cases. We challenge the medical world to produce its equal, as thera- peutic agent, for certainty of effect, for extent of effect, or for peculiarity of effect, and the ease and safety with which it may be administered to small and great. In small por- tions, we have found nothing to equal it in exciting and promoting appetite. The usual interval with us is three hours between the portions. In ordinary cases of pneumonia, we usually con- tinue it three days after the symptoms have subsided. In typhoid fever, and many other diseases, it requires to be continued much longer. For the satisfaction and informa- tion of the profession, we would state that it may be contin- ued indefinitely, or any length of time, in moderate doses, or short of nausea, without the least inconvenience. The only objection that could be urged, is the increase of appe- tite, or desire for food. It is not cathartic—it is like all other remedial agents, subject to the same rules and regula- tions, making it out of the question for a person to lay down any but general directions for regulating the dose. In a male, twenty-five drops is the largest quantity we have known to be required to excite emesis, and 16 drops in the female when given in the manner and at the intervals we have directed. There need be no danger apprehended of its exciting inflammation of the stomach—we have given special attention to that particular. It is peculiar and at the same time interesting in its effects. The fact of its acting as a sedative on almost every other portion of the system, diminishing the vascular and muscular action and motion of every other part, and increasing that of the stomach. We have seen it produce emesis in very suscep- tible persons, and the contractions of the stomach were so rapid as to be almost continuous and uninterrupted; but a 26 strong alcoholic tincture of ginger and morphine would afford more, prompt and immediate relief than any other articles that we have ever used. We have never seen a case that failed to be relieved by the above remedies in thirty minutes. The great advantage of the remedy is that it does not exhaust longer than the effort to vomit is con- tinued. A great many remedies leave the patient in an exhausted and enfeebled condition, aside from the effort or immediate action—not so with the veratrum viride. Again, tartar emetic should never be given with it, in any form or manner. The only cases in which we have seen the tinc- ture of veratrum viride purge, were when given in combi- nation with tartar emetic, or with Coxe's hive syrup. In most of these cases it excited a violent cholera-morbus. We would not think of giving the tincture of veratrum viride where tartar emetic had been used, without preceding it with a full dose of morphine or laudanum at least one hour. We have known many fall out with the veratrum viride when it was not at fault. Again, venesection when a large quantity of blood is drawn, increases materially its effects, whereas opium and morphine lessen or diminish them. If a patient had been bled freely, preceded or followed by a liberal use of tartar emetic, and then followed up with full portions of the tincture of veratrum viride we should anticipate and prepare for drastic, if not hazardous effects. We feel fully assured, that we can confidently offer to the world the desideratum so long sought and wished for namely, an agent that will certainly and undoubtedly con- trol and subdue morbid aterial excitement, the great fre- quency of the contractions of the heart and arteries, so espe- cially belongmg to all acute diseases, and the removal of which has been as difficult as its presence was universal in all severely acute diseases. Dr. Bass, writing us on the subject, observes, " It seems to act directly upon the heart and arteries, as manifested by a diminution of the force and frequency of the pulse ; it relieves irritation, congeston and 27 inflammation—establishes the equilibrium of the circula- tion—excites free diaphoresis and expectoration, which well adaps it for the treatment of pneumonitis, pneumonia typho- des and asthma—in which diseases I have used it effectu- ally, or in other words, with unparallelled success." Dr. I. Branch, in writing us on the same, states, " I will simply say, I regard it as one of the most importanfarticles of the materia medica. You never made a more just and appro- priate remark, than you did when you said, it would say to " the pulse thus fast shalt thou beat and no faster." I have used it in many cases of the severest sort of typhoid fever, with the happiest effect; it will cool the surface, reduce the frequency of the pulse, while at the same time it does not diminish its volume or strength. Indeed, I have sometimes thought that the volume and strength of the pulse was increased, in atonic cases, under the use of this article. The following will serve as an illustration of its use and effects :—When called to a case of typhoid fever— with a hot surface, frequent pulse, great restlessness, in a word, with all the symptoms of such a case—if the patient be an adult, I commence with giving him 8 drops of the article every two hours, and increase the dose a drop or two at every succeeding dose, until slight nausea is produced, never fearing but that when this effect is produced I shall have a cool surface, an infrequent pulse, and an absence of all febrile excitement. I then continue more or less of the article, until the case is broken up." Dr. J. A. Stewart, in a letter on the same subject, writes thus : I do not believe any remedy or combination of remedies possesses the same powers in pneumonia or pleuritis as yours—it not only les- sens the frequency of the pulse, but exerts a curative influ- ence on the disease, and with regard to its lessening the fre- quency of the pulse, I unhesitatingly say, without fear of successful controversy, that it will control the pulse in any and every case where it is morbidly excited. I regard your " remedy" as peculiarly adapted to the treatment of pneu- 28 monia typhodes, pertussis, typhus fever with increased action of the heart and arteries. Mr. Rodgers, in whose family you practice, was attacked with typhoid pneumonia about the time you left home. And Drs. Agnew and Traynham attended him, and when all hope of his recovery was lost, his family recollected that some of them had been rescued from an untimely grave by your remedy—urged the physicians to give the " drops." Neither of the physi- cians having the medicine, they determined to send to me for it; and, with only 3 ij of the tincture, both of the phy- sicians assured me they had saved Mr. Rodgers, and would not take less than five dollars for the remnant of the two drachms." We challenge the world to discredit the above. We pledge ourselves, and stand ready to demonstrate the powers and effects claimed. We have staked our reputation for veracity and medical skill on the above, and we are perfectly willing to abide the verdict of a liberal and enlightened profession and an intelligent community. Truth is omniptent. The above was not got up in a day, or a corner, but is the result of years of laborious investigation, and of time and money spent to prove and test the certainty and correctness of our experience, and the conclusions reached, the world can either receive it or reject it. We will, for the benefit of many who have written us, state the diseases in which we have used it with success, and leave the matter with the profession for further experi- ment and application from analogy. We do not hazard any thing of opinion or reputation, when we assert that it is a specific in pneumonia, in the qualified terms we have stated; we say the same of convulsions accompanied with high febrlie excitement, also of palpitation of the heart. In typhoid fever it has more than answered our most san- guine anticipations; we assert the same of puerperal fever rheumatism and asthma. In the spring of 1851, we were called in consultation with Dr. Stewart, to Dr. G.'s child who was well nigh run down with hooping cough, fever and 29 diarrhoea. We advised the tincture of veratrum viride, which acted like a charm; since which time, Dr. S. has written us a letter highly extolling it as unparallelled in the treat- ment of hooping cough. We have seen no case of metasta- sis to the testicle in mumps, that was not relieved of pain and fever in twelve hours. It may be styled the remedy in croup, when there is great vascular derangement. We have used it with great success in inflammation of the brain, also in typhoid dysentery. It is a valuable emmenagogue. In the inflamed breast, we give it with a confidence bordering on a certainty of success. In epilectic convulsions we have confidence of obtaining great relief from it. We look with confidence to being able to cure consumption, by a timely and judicious use of it. We trust even cancer will be rob- bed of its terrors. We are anxiour to test its powers in yellow fever and in phlegmasia dolens, &c. In conclusion, we will state to the profession at large, that we have endeavored to give a faithful and unexagge- rated account of a portion of the cases in which we have used it, with a statement of its powers and properties. We know that we have like passions with other men, and that we are liable to be mistaken, that we are liable to be carried beyond the bounds of truth and soberness, as well as others, in our great desire to advance and consumate as far as we may, the honor and perfection of our science. But we feel confident, that when all is cool and calm—when every property and power is put to the test of fair and proper trial—that every effect and power claimed by us as belong- ing to and possessed by veratrum viride, will be emphatic- ally confirmed and established by the profession. We have not made any effort to distinguish between its primary or direct and its secondary or indirect effects. If we have succeeded in getting the profession awakened to its proper- ties and enlisted in the investigation of its application and adaptation to the treatment of disease, we congratulate our- selves that we have achieved much with our feeble efforts, 30 and that ere long we shall see embodied, by much abler pens, all the inestimable and unparallelled powers belonging to veratrum viride. Opinions of Drs. Ridley and Renwick. We would very respectfully call the attention of the pub- lic generally, and of the Medical Profession more particu- larly, to an article of the Materia Medica which has been very recently brought into notice ; and its remedial powers more fully discovered by Dr. Wesley C. Norwood, a very intelligent and skillful Physician of Cokesbury, Abberville District, South Carolina. We have used the remedy exten- sively in our practice for the last three months, and consider it the most important discovery which has been made, in this branch of medicine, for the last half century. It is, in truth, the great desideratum of the Medical Profession. It is in Febrile diseases, whether Idiopathic or Sympto- matic, where there is high inflammatory excitement of the circulatory system, what Quinine is in Billious, Remittent and Intermittent Fever, a certain and reliable specific.—It will control the action of the heart and arteries, however inordinate or abnormal it may be—hence it is a remedy of incalculable importance in all inflammatory Fevers. In Typhoid and Typhus Fevers, in Pneumonia Typhoides, in Asthma, Hooping cough, in Mumps, where the disease has been translated, we have used it with the happiest effects. At a time, like the present year has been, when the pesti- lence that walketh in darkness has exerted its heart-rendino' and disastrous influences in the destruction of the lives of the wise, the virtuous and the good of the land, a remedy which exerts such unrivalled influence in arresting the maddened attacks of the fell destroyer is more than armies to the pub- lic good; and the Physician who has employed time ol talent and fortune in the discovery of so potent a remedy as the Saturated Tincture of the Veratrum viride, deserves the heart-felt acknowledgments of a generous public, and at the hands of the Medical Profession a monument to his mem- ory more lasting than brass. R. A. T. RIDLEY, M. D., NATHAN RENWICK, M. D. La Orange, Ga. From the People's Medical Gazette, Abbeville, S. C. Our highly esteemed and talented friend, Dr. W. C. Norwood, is about to make a tour through the United States, the ostensible object of which, is to locate agencies for the sale and more extensive dissemination of his invalu- able discovery in the qualities and and virtues of the Vera- trum Viride. The Doctor's mission will be a blessing to hundreds and thousands, and we heartily wish him every success. His investigations upon the medicinal virtues of the Veratrum Viride, to our knowledge, have been from the beginning conducted with that calm and dispassionate energy and zeal that at once characterizes the medical philosopher, and the world owes him a debt of gratitude that it can never more than pay. JOHN DAVIS M. D. Roswell, Ga., May 1,1852. Dear Sir.—I find, in experimenting with your veratrum viride, it is all in all things you have represented it, and is certainly the only arterial sedative on which we may at all times rely with certaintity, and the most invaluable agent of this class in the whole materia medica. Very truly, WM. NEPHEW KING, M. D. 32 Columbus, Ga., March 23,1852. Dr. W. C. Norwood : Dear Sir—I left home, for Macon, a few days after you. On my return, found Dr. Boswell in full blast with the veratrum viride: visited his cases with him—have used it in a few cases myself, and in every case it was sure to reduce the pulse. I am as well pleased with it as I antici' pated, and as much so as any one remedy I ever used. I have no idea that you claim for it as much credit as it is entitled to. Four out of the six ounces have been used, and we will soon need more. I design extending its use in every case where there is too much arterial action, until I have fully tested whether .there be a difference in its effects in different diseases. S. A. BILLING, M. D. Flat Shoals, Ga. Ffb. 10th, 1852. Dr. Norwood : Sir—I avail myself of this opportunity for communica- ting to you the result of my experience in the use of the preparation of veratrum viride. * * * But I assure you that the v. viride, as a curative, far exceeds any thing with which I am acquainted. I have given it in only two cases, and if it proves as successful in the future, I pro- nounce it a specific in the fullest acceptation of the term. Case 1st. I was called to visit Mr. A. on 5th inst. Found him laboring under a deep-seated attack of pneumonia typhodes: he had great difficulty in breathing, intense headache, irritable stomach, skin hot and dry, pulse 165 to the minute. Commenced giving him the veratrum viride in five drop doses, until he had taken four portions; then increased it to ten drops. By the next day, at noon, his pulse was reduced to 85 per minute, skin moist and pleas- ant, cerebral disturbance removed. His recovery from this time forward was rapidly attained. 33 Case 2d. I was called to Mrs. J., whom I found laboring under palpitation of the heart; pulse 130; great anxiety manifested by the countenance, and, using her own lan- guage, a " sense of suffocation" experienced. Ordered the veratrum viride given in ten drop doses, every three hours. The second dose produced free emesis, and with it an entire abatement of all distressing symptoms. These two cases were treated with nothing else, save the veratrum viride, in order to test its powers in controlling the circulation. I would not take $20 for the remnant left, (one ounce,) placing the medicine out of my reach. I think, sir, you may safely stake your reputation, as a medi- cal man, upon the virtues of your bantling. It is indeed, the " philosopher's stone," and the " blessing of him that is ready to perish," will be bestowed upon you for the dis- covery. Trusting that you may live long, to see the success of your medicine placed beyond the reach of envy or malice, I am, my dear sir, your ob't serv't, J. J. C. BLACRBURN, M. D. MiLLiDGEvrLLE, Ga., Jan. 12, 1852. Dr. Norwood: Dear Sir; * * * I feel perfect freedom in assuring you, that I do not know of any article of medicine which manifests itself as a reliable remedial agent in any kind of specific action, on particular parts of the human system, with half the certainty as your preparation of veratrum does, in controlling inordinate action of the heart, under the varied forms of febrile excitement. Calomel does not act with 'half the certainty, in emulging the liver—nor does aloes, in irritating the lower part of the rectum—nor does ergot of rye, in increasing parturient effort in labor, and, indeed, I might say, nor is tartrite of antimony more certain to produce emesis, nor is castor oil, nor croton oil, nor any other purgative, more certain to produce catharsis. 34 How far your preparation acts, as a remedial agent, beyond its unparalled and unequalled control of the sanguiferous system, in the management of fevers of different types and at different stages—or what its modus operandi in producing such effects as are distinctly evident to any observer of common sense, (physician or otherwise,) and in seeming to produce very beneficial collatteral effects from its use in very danger- ous cases, at critical times, I am not prepared to say. My tes- timony, as a medical man of some experience, may, however, be briefly stated to be decidedly favorable to the use of said article, believing as I do, that no physician can use it with- out regarding it as a very efficient article, and such an one as in its specific control of the action of the heart, in fever- ish excitements, fully meets our heretofore earnest deside- ratum. Digitalis succeeds in one case out of twenty per- haps—this preparation, in nineteen cases out of twenty, more certainly. So much at present, in reference to my appreciation of the use of your preparation of veratrum veride. I know that I am sincere, and do not think that I am enthusiastic beyond a reliable matter of fact. * * * JOHN F. MORLAND, M. D. BArNBRiDGE, Ga., June 5th. 1851. Dear Sir—Since receiving the veratrum viride, I regret that I have had but one favorable opportunity of giving it a trial; in that, however, it succeeded beyond my most san- guine expectations. The case was one of Pueumonia, com- plicated very decidedly with typhoid symptoms. The patient being four years old, and the pulse 130,1 proceeded after trying all other modes of treatment unavailingly for ten days, to give the tincture in common doses. The first was ejected as soon as swallowed, but was repeated instanter and was retained. The little patient now becoming tranquil, and not anticipating any very sudden change, I suffered myself to engage in common fireside conversation for some 35 thirty minutes, when my attention was attracted to my pa- tient by the extreme pallor of his countenance, and upon ex- amination found his pulse, reduced to about 80, the skin bathed in prespiration, and, as far as one could judge, the disease gone, and the patient sleeping sweetly. But in order to assure myself that these results were produced by the medicine and nothing else, I withheld the second dose, and the result was that the fever rose in five hours. The dose was then repeated, and the same results followed as in the first instance. The portion was again withheld, where- upon the fever rose again in eight hours. But a repetition of the remedy subdued it as promptly as before, and by continuing it at intervals of six hours, there was no return of the symptoms ; thus conclusively showing that the favor- able results obtained, could not be ascribed to the agency of any other article. Yours, very respectfully, E. R. RIDLEY, M. D. Waynesboro, Burke Co., Ga., August 4th, 1852. Dear Sir.—I had intended, as a matter of great gratitude, at an early day to write you an acknowledgement of your prompt kindness in sending me a specimen of your tincture of American Hellebore, as well as to congratulate you upon your discovery of the controlling powers of that article over abnormal organic reaction. - * * I am satisfied with the display of its magical powers, as presented for my con- sideration. I am satisfied that a great desideratum has been accomplished. I am proud of it as an achievement of Amer- ican Medicine—I am proud of it, particularly as a triumph of Southern experiment and observation, and believe that it will weave tor the brow of the discoverer a chaplet of green, and with the lancet, win a partition of empire in the domain of prac- tical medicine. * * * I will further, and more famil- iarly say, that price shall be no bar to my keeping a supply 36 in my office. I will never be without it, if money can get it. Deprive me of it, and I verily believe I should " throw physic to the dogs." I still have a small_ portion of the specimen you sent. I intend to keep it until I am satisfied I can obtain a supply of equal purity and power. * * * Dr. Montgomery requests me to say that he is every way satisfied with the article—that it has furnished him with a number of beautiful cases and subject matter for a commu- nication for the Journal; but he must plead laziness in extenuation of the omission. To use his emphatic language : " Take it from me, sir, and I'd quit the practice of physic." Before you dispose of what you have on hand, root or tincture, I must get some. I must be sure it comes from your hand—I dont care what the price is. * * * I remain, E. L'ROY ANTONY, M. D. New York, Sept. 22d, 1851. At the request of Dr. Norwood, of S. Carolina, in order to test the effects of the internal administration of the vera- trum viride upon the circulation, I selected four cases in my wards, and ordered the tincture of the root to be prescribed as follows : Case 1st. Adult female : extensive fissure of the anus and rectum, spasmodic contraction of the sphincter ani, with excessive pain; pulse 130. Dose, five drops every three hours. Pulse reduced to 68 in fifteen hours. Case 2. Adult male: morbus coxarius ; pulse 99. Dose, from five to eight drops every three hours. Pulse reduced in twelve hours to 50 beats. Case 3d. Adult male: articular rheumatism; pulse 120. Dose, from five to eight drops every three hours. Pulse reduced to 80 in fifteen hours. Case 4th. Adult male: the effects of the operation by excision for large sarcolated hydroceles of the tunica vagi- nalis on both sides; pulse 102. Dose, five drops every three hours. Reduction in ten hours to 60 beats. I should have much confidence in the salutary action of the veratrum viride in cases of acceleration of the pulse in traumatic lesion of any of the vital organs, in patients of a robust constitution, or with sthenic diathesis. J. M. CARNOCHAN,M.D., Surgeon of the New York Emigrants Hospital : Prof of Surgery in the N~. Y Med. College. 37 Columbia, JS'ov. 17th, 1851. Dear Sir.—In experimenting with the tincture handed me, (veratrum viride,) I have been very much pleased with its controlling powers over the heart and arteries. I have only given it in typhus fever, and one or two cases of pneu- monia. _ It certainly reduces the pulse without any of those immediately prostrating and alarming symptoms which take place after the continued use of digitalis; neither does it irritate the mucus membrane of the bowels, as the salts of antimony do, when continued for days. ' I have given it in several cases of typhus, in which there was dry red tongue, great thirst, delerium, frequent dejections ''from the bowels, with soreness and distension of the abdomen, without the least aggravation of any of those disagreeable symptoms. I have not found it immediately to arrest the disease, or cut it short at once, after fully formed, but certainly to make it assume so mild a form as to require very little in the future treatment. I have, in several cases, broken up the forming stage of the disease, by keeping the heart below a natural and normal action for two or three days. In fact, I regard your tincture of every importance in the above dis- eases, and fully meeting the expections of its warmest advo- cates. It certainly is the very article to fill the place (a thousand times better and safer) of the tart, emetic in the contra-stimulant treatment of the " Italian school." * * I remain yours, most truly, SAMUEL FAIR, M. D. Newberry Court House, Nov. 16, 1851. Dear Doctor—1 have given the medicine you sent me, (veratrum veride,) to two patients laboring under typhoid fever with the best effect. In both cases the pulse was reduced from 120 and 140 to 70 beats in the minute, by o-ivino- from three to four doses, there was no return of fever afterwards. The medicine was continued five days in one case and seven or eight in the other. I was sent for two weeks ago to visit a patient in consultation with an eminent physician, laboring under pneumonitis. I saw her on the ninth dav of her attack—her physician had used all the remedies-usual in such cases-she seemed to grow worse. When I was called in, he said he had no hope of her recov- ery-all the symptoms were unfavorable I proposed giv- ing Dr Norwood's medicine, as I called it; he smiled, and said he was afraid it was a humbug, but consented, as he 38 considered the case hopeless. We gave her (a young lady fifteen or sixteen years old) five drops ; increased one drop each dose until we gave eight drops to the dose. It produ- ced nausea of the stomach by this time ; her pulse was reduced from 120 to 88 beats in the minute. Her physician remained with her during the night; he stopped giving the medicine. The next morning I saw her again and found her with a pulse of 110 beats in the minute. I asked the doctor if he had discontinued the medicine; lie said he had. We commenced giving it again, in eight drop doses ; by the third dose her pulse was reduced to 74 beats in the minute ; said she felt much better. The doctor discontinued the med- icine again for eight or ten hours to see the effect. The pulse rose again to 108 or 110 beats in the minute. We re- sumed the medicine again—about the third dose the pulse was reduced to 70. We kept it from 70 to 74 beats for several days, some six or seven. She is now convalescent. I will say to you, however, that the doctor has sent to me a second time for a small vial of the medicine, as he is.giving it to some two or three cases of typhoid fever, and says he is very much pleased with its effects. Your friend, J. B. RUFF, M. D. Oglethorpe, Ga. 19th Feb., 1852. My Dear Sir:—Please pardon me for not giving you, earlier, the results of my experience in the use of the vera- trum viride. So soon as I received the package you sent me, I made the saturated tincture of alcohol, and have used it with more certainty of success, in controlling arterial action than any other known remedy. I can truly say, that I have never found any remedy that produced its specific effects so certainly in my hands—it has never failed. I have used it in scarlet fe- fever, pneumonia, typhoid pneumonia, typhoid fever, inflam- matory rheumatism, and in all cases where I wanted to lessen the frequency of the heart's action, and in no instance has it failed. In your published articles you have claimed much for it, but not more, nor as much as it really merits ; for if there is any thing in nature entitled to confidence, to such a degree as to amount to a certainty, it is most undoubtedly the article. I hope the profession will universally adopt its use, and thereby secure for the science a triumph it so justly merits, in saving thousands from an untimely grave ; and for you, I am certain the prayers of thousands will arise to a throne of grace, that you may be abundantly blessed in your labors. Most respectfully yours, WILLIAM ELIS, M. D.' 39 GENERAL AGENTS. Wm. T. Peek, AND A. B. & D. Sand*, NEW-YORK. Norwood's tincture of Yeratrum Viride may be had at the following places : Alabama. J. C. Dubose, & Co., R. L. Watkins, Haviland, Clark & Co , Mobile. Robert G-.Cox, & Co., B. B. Jones, & Co., Edmund Fowler, H. A. Jennings, Montgomery. Marlow & Co., Conner & Co., Selma. Duryee & Erskine, Huntsville. Georgia. D. B. Plumb & Co., Angusta. Danforth & Nagle, Robert Carter, Columbus. Wm. Lincon, A. A. Solomons & Co., Gr. R. & J. B. Hendrick- son, Savannah. A. Alexander, Atlanta ; T. S. Bradfield, West Point. Payne & Nesbit, Macon. Indiana. Craighead & Browning, W. W. Roberts, Indianapolis. Illinois. H. Reed & Co., Fuller & Co., Chicago. Kentucky. R. M. Robinson & Co., J. B. Wilder & Co., Suteliff & Hughes, Scott & Rabb, Louisville. G. W. Norton, Lexington. Louisiana. Chinn & Bolton, New Orleans. Mississippi. James Blair, James Jones & Co., Columbus. G-.W. Fox, P. H. McGraw, Watches. Emanuel & Cabanis, 0. 0. Woodoman & Co., Vicksburg. C. A Moore & Co., Jackson. Lawson & Sledge, L. H. Hall, Hernando. Thompson &Co., Yazoo City. 40 Michigan. Highby & Dickinson, J. S. Farrand, Detroit. Missouri. Francis, Watton & Warren, Charles Blow & Co., Barnard, Adams & Co., Bacon, Hyde & Co., St. Louis. Maryland. Poppstien & Thompson, Canby & Hatch, E. W. Stabler, & Co., Smith & Atkinson, Baltimore. New York. McCIure & Co., Albany. A. J. Mathews, Buffalo. Tilden & Co., New Lebanon. Ohio. Gaylord & Co., Wm. Fiske & Co., Wm. Lyon & Co., Cleveland. Abia Zeller, Cincinnati. Pennsylvania. Charles Ellis, G. W. Carpenter & Co.,C. D. Night, Philadelphia. Flemming & Brothers, Pittsburg. South Carolina. Boatwright & Co., Miat & Co., Columbia. Simons, Ruff & Co., Haviland Harral & Co., P. M. Cohen, Stone & Wiltburger, Charleston. Tennessee. Dr. McGown, Booth & Guthrie, H. J. Farnsworth, D. C. Wilder & Co., J. Mansfield & Co., Memphis. J. M. Zimmerman, J. B. Brown, Dr. R. 0. Curry, W. W. Berry & Co., Ewin & Brothers, Stretch & Co., Nashville. Howkins & Co., Columbia. Virginia. Purcell & Ladd, Richmond. The strength of the tincture is in strict conformity with the directions, and the rules laid down for its administration should be strictly observed. It may be had irf all the prin- cipal cities and towns in the United States. We regret that our limited acquaintance compelled us to omit in the present issue, the names of so many Druggists and Apothecaries. W. C. N. I