Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1836-09-07

Fagelldtioa, a cure for poisoning, by
Opium.-The following article is from the
Medical Journal of Wednesday. AS the
remedy it discloses for poisoning by Opium
seems to be cflicacous, it is not impossible
that poisoning by alcohol might be cured
by similar means. The account is from
DR.. Joseph Barrett, of Middletown, Conn.
Tincture of Opium is not unfrequen.ly
resorted to for the destruction fife. 1t is
also unfortunately, and too frequently, Ia
ken by mistake, and proves fatal before
efficient means can be taken to counteract
its deleterious effects on the system. am
induced therefore, to offer a short statement
of a case Of poisoning with laudanum, that
fell under my care, several years since, for
the following reasons First, the success
that attended the mode of practice pursued !;
and, second, from not having met with any
such means recorded, to my knowledge,
either in works on medicine or treatises on
poisons.
In the year 1922, February 231, | call
ed to sec, Mr.. Wright Harris, (this was in
the State of New York; who had intention
ally taken large dose oflaudanum, for the
purpose Of destroying himself. He had
committed this act during his absence from
home, under circumstances which it is not
important here to relate. Much time, a.
bout three hours was therefore lost, before
any effectual measure could be adopted
for his relief. His case, as | found him,
appeared altogether hopeless. Before my
arrival, emetics and various drinks had
been tried, besides frictons, and constant,
though Intellectual attempts had been made
to irritate the esophagus, by feathers
All these means had failed, and the patient
was in such profound stupor that apPa.
rently nothing but warmth remained to in
dictate that life had not already become ex-
tinct. The quantity of laudanum taken
was ascertained to be one ounce and half,
This dose has proved fatal, as appears by
reference to M. Barue!'s case, Paris-see
Christians on Poisons, page 526, &c. He
had also taken some ardent spirits, anc
from the absence of solid food in the stom
ach, this would only serve to hasten the
operation of the poison into the circulating
system. The case, appearing so despe
rate, justified me in the course of treatmen
which was, under existing circumstances
then obliged to adopt.
Internal remedies having entirely failed
there was no chance left but for high ex
ternal excitements. therefore determn
ed to use vigorous measures. com
menced with fageilations, using long, plan
fresh twigs to the palms Of the hands ant
soles of the feet. These were briskly ap
piled, and in a short time he gave indica
tons of uneasiness and pain. This treat
ment was unremittingly pursued till tn
man spoke, and complained of being paine
by the whipping when this severe appl
ance was relaxed but on so doing, he il
stantly sunk into profound stupor, fro'
which he was again only reused by II
severity ofwhipping.
1t required the aid from number Of me
to take turns in the aagellation, as well as
,, support and walk him about; fora cessatic
: of the use of the rods was followed by insta
a taneous stupor. Alter six or five hour
!. under this course, the stupor was lessene
and the severity Of the flaggellation W
uiigAsed but 90 the case required ccasta