American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

upon it in these cases.
It stimulates the respiratory function and heart's action where there is
great depression with difficult breathing, with a sense of compression or
constriction of the chest, with soft, feeble pulse, cool, moist skin, and
usually dilated pupils. It is the remedy for dyspnea under such
circumstances. It is also advantageous where the dyspnea is caused by a
clogging up of the bronchi and air cells without power to expel the thick
tenacious mucus. It will liquefy the secretion and increase the power to
expel it.
In emphysema and in asthma with great muscular relaxation, in
bronchitis with dilatation, it is useful. It restores tone in phthisis and
overcomes night sweats of that disorder.
It may be of advantage in dilatation of the stomach, and in atony and
extreme inactivity of the intestinal muscular structure. In intestinal
catarrh from this cause it is of much service. It is also valuable in catarrh
of the mucous linings of the kidneys and bladder, and in extreme atony,
relaxation and plethora of the abdominal structures. It will assist in
overcoming chronic constipation and a tendency to flatulence in atonic
cases.
It is useful in tympanites and flatulence present during the menopause,
where there is atonicity of the intestinal walls and constipation. In the
condition known as phantom tumor it has been used advantageously.
Its chief influence is upon the eye. When mydriasis has been induced by
atropine or other agent, a solution of the sulphate of eserine will quickly
restore the normal condition. Any adhesions of the iris which may have
occurred as the result of inflammation may be broken up by this agent. It
is used to reduce intraocular tension, as has been stated, and to increase
the power of the muscles of accommodation, being valuable in paralysis
of these muscles.
It is useful in conjunctival inflammations where perforating ulcer
threatens to permit prolapse of the iris. It is especially advised when
ulceration without determination of blood-indolent in character,
nonvascularized-is present. It is useful in intermittent strabismus, in
glaucoma, asthenopia, in photophobia and in some cases of neuralgia of
the eyeball. After injury to the eyeball many conditions may occur which
will be promptly relieved by the use of this agent.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 332