Although striking effects were obtained from this valuable medicine, its full worth was yet unknown and there was diversity of opinion as to its mode of action, until the communications of Köller, of Vienna, on Coca and Cocaine, appeared in 1884.
These interesting publications led to such general discussion among medical men, that nearly every one eagerly followed the work, and watched the splendid results obtained by the Viennese physician (now Professor of Ophthalmology in New York Polyclinic).
It is found that studies made of the active principles of Coca have entirely corroborated our previsions, and probably no subject has received greater attention than have the virtues of this little Peruvian shrub, formerly looked upon in Europe with so much indifference.
The scientific study of the principles of Coca may be considered as completed; and we believe that the time has arrived in which to summarize data regarding this therapeutic agent, so that the employment of our preparations may be based on positive clinical experience.
The aim of this modest work is to offer to the medical profession a short account of the history of Coca, and of the investigations which it has called forth up to the present day.
We propose to divide our subject into five parts.
1ST. We will describe the botanical character of Coca, and also speak of its culture and the mode of gathering it.
2D. Its history, its properties and uses.
3D. The physiological researches made in the domain of Coca, devoting a special chapter to Cocaine.