OF MADRAS.
21
hollow needles, &c.) are sold in many druggists' shops and are very
cheap at present.
The manner of using the hypodermic injection is pretty easy, namely,
fix a sharp hollow needle to the syringe, which should be filled up pre-
viously with the solution; pinch up a small fold of the skin, under which
pass the needle into the cellular tissues (not muscles); and now press
down the piston slowly.
As atropine and morphine are very dear medicines, their employ-
ment subcutaneously is very important in an economic point of view, in
addition to the great and invaluable use we derive from them in our prac-
tice, as already explained. Whether these drugs are injected over or near
the painful or affected part, or on a spot far away from it, there is no
difference between their effects, and the result is the same in both cases.
Therefore, in selecting a spot for hypodermic injection, we must only pay
attention to the structure, &c., of the spot, without the least regard to
the distance between that spot and the painful or affected part. The
parts which are very safe, convenient and generally selected for hypoder-
mic injection are the outer side of the arms, thighs and legs; and next
to these are the abdomen, back and shoulders. The parts which should
always be avoided are those where some large or pretty large veins,
arteries and nerves are known to exist, such as the popliteal space, the
bend of the elbow, groin, arm-pit, and the inner side of the arms, thighs
and legs; the temple, neck, chest and scalp should also be avoided as they
are occasionally known to be unsafe and dangerous places for the oper-
ation. The following are a few more precautions:-
Before the injection is commenced, the air should be excluded from
the syringe, by slightly pressing the piston so as to throw out one or two
minute drops through the needle; the patient should be placed in the
recumbent posture during the operation, and also for 10 or 15 minutes
afterwards; he should not be disturbed too soon from his sleep, which is
one of the desired effects of the injection; and in case of the first injec-
tion failing to cure or relieve the disease, for which it is employed, it
may be repeated, but not within 3 or 4 hours, or until the patient
remains sleepy, giddy or drowsy.
The second exceptional point, which, is omitted in the P h a r m a c o p œ i a
of India under the article of Paperer somniferum, are the seeds of this plant
(poppy seeds), which are emollient, demulcent and nutritive, and prove
useful in the form of Harírá or a thin congee-like food, made with
starch, cow's milk and sugar, in some cases of debility with a weak
digestive power. Bruised with water and applied to the vertex, they
produce a soothing effect upon the brain and even sleep, and relieve
headache and delirium. The application of their oil (poppy oil) to the
crown of the head is more convenient and produces the same effects.
Poppy seed oil is of a pale golden colour and is similar to linseed oil
in its chemical constitution. It is sometimes used as a substitute for
olive oil, but being a drying oil it is not nearly so well suited for
medicinal purposes as ground-nut oil.
European Drugs , for which they may be substituted.—Opium, for the
Turkey and other kinds of opium imported from Europe; the seeds
for Iceland-moss and almonds; and the oil for almond and olive oils.