Citation

Brown JF. The Western journal of the medical and physical sciences 1828; 2(4): 179-181.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1828)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

38080425

PMCID

PMC10400240

Abstract

On the 30th June, 1825, early in the morning, I was called to see Mr. Harris- On my arrival, I found him lying on his back, apparently in a profound sleep; and was informed, that every exertion had been made to awaken him, but ineffectu ally. There was no suspicion of his having attempted to destroy himself; and no knowledge of his having taken opium* After examining him for some time, I was confident he was under the influence of some powerful narcotic. His pulse was about 45 in a minute; skin cool and flaccid, slightly moist with clammy sweat; breathing slow and laborious; pupils of the eyes dilated; and his jaws strongly set. I had them opened, and on inspecting the mouth, found some small pieces of opium sticking to his jaw teeth. This confirmed our first impression; and, accordingly, with as much haste as possible, I endeavoured to excite vomiting, and arouse him from his profound lethargy. But all attempts were ineffectual. Fif teen grains of tartar emetic were forced into his stomach, and repeated in 10 or 15 minutes, the fauces being titillated with a feather; but without the least possible effect. The sul phate of zinc was also administered freely, but to no better purpose.

His situation still growing more alarming, I requested the attendance of Doctors Young and Snider. On their arrival, the case was believed to be hopeless, as every exertion to arouse the system had proved ineffectual. It was imme diately determined to use the cold affusion, in imitation of Doctors Jackson and Cross. We, accordingly, had him placed on the floor, and poured a large vessel of cold water on him, commencing with his face and directing it to his breast. The first vessel was expended without producing any sensible effect. We resorted, without delay, to a second, which appeared to produce some effect, for he began to struggle. So soon as we began pouring the third, he sud denly raised himself on his nates and said, "I cannot stand every thing." We continued the cold affusion, at the same time endeavouring to excite vomiting by titillating the fau ces, which was effected so soon as sensation was awakened. As soon as practicable, we directed strong coffee to be taken freely. In about two hours the emetic medicines produced a free catharsis. We directed frictions and moderate exer cise, with some other gentle remedies, intended to obviate the effects of the opium, and left him. ...

Language: en