In 1875 Mr. Wood, the Government Quinologist, prepared from the bark of Cinchona succirubra and other species under cultivation at Darjeeling an alkaloid, or rather a mixture of alkaloids, which has received the provisional names of "Darjeeling Cinchona Alkaloid," and "Cinchona Febrifuge." A rough analysis shows that it contains: Quinine, 15·5; Cinchonidine, 29·0; Cinchonine, 33·5; Amorphous Alkaloid, 17·0; and Colouring Matter, 5·0 in 100 parts. It occurs in the form of a buff-coloured powder, of a peculiar disagreeable smell, and bitter, nauseous taste; insoluble in water, soluble in mineral and vegetable acids.
401. In the treatment of Intermittent Fever this remedy ranks next to Quinine, over which it possesses the advantage of being comparatively cheap, and, from its being manufactured in India, is within the reach of all. It has its disadvantages, however, being apt to create nausea, vomiting, with a burning sensation at the pit of the stomach, extending, in some instances, to the throat, and occasionally diarrhœa. Like Quinine, if given in sufficient doses to produce its specific effect, it gives rise to headache, singing in the ears, giddiness, and other symptoms included under the term "Quinism;" but all these pass away on the discontinuance of the remedy, leaving no after ill effects. It is, in fact, a thoroughly safe and efficacious remedy in ordinary simple Intermittents, but its use is limited to these. In the severer forms and in Remittent Fevers it is not to be depended upon: here Quinine remains the sheet anchor. The dose is from 5 to 10 grains twice or thrice daily during the intermission or in anticipation of an expected paroxysm. Dilute Sulphuric Acid (one and a half minim to one grain of the alkaloid) is said to be the best solvent, but given with Dilute Hydrochloric or Citric Acid, its disagreeable taste and smell are partially masked, and hence is more easily borne. Fresh Lime Juice is recommended as an eligible vehicle for popular use.
402. In Debility after Fevers it promises to be of great value as a tonic, given in small doses. It is worthy of a trial in Enlargement of the Spleen in combination with Sulphate of Iron (176). In Neuralgia, Faceache, Tic Douloureux, when assuming a periodical form, this remedy is well worthy of a fair trial. It should be given in full doses (10 grains) thrice daily for adults.
403. Closely allied to the foregoing is another form of collective Cinchona Alkaloids, to which its discoverer, Dr. de Vrij, has given the name of Quinetum. It is said to represent the whole of the alkaloids in Cinchona succirubra bark in proportion of Quinine, 25; Cinchonidine, 50; and Cinchonine, 20 in 100 parts. Dr. Vinkhuysen, who tried it extensively in the treatment of Intermittent Fevers, says that "Quinetum is of great value as a febrifuge, but that it takes longer to act, and will not replace Quinine in pernicious fever. It has the same apyretic effect as Quinine, but is less powerful; larger doses are therefore required at longer intervals before the paroxysms. It produces no ill effects, no noises in the ear, and can be taken by those who cannot take Quinine. It is more efficacious in chronic cases and as a tonic, whilst in masked malaria it is incomparably superior to Quinine." This statement is quoted from Sir Joseph Fayrer's valuable work On the Climate and Fevers of India (London, 1882), and to it he (Sir Joseph) adds the expression of his own belief that "it is a very valuable drug." We learn from the same authority that it is now largely prepared in India. This being the case, and as it is less than half the price of Quinine, it may be regarded as an important addition to Indian Materia Medica. The dose is from 8 to 16 grains in diluted Lime Juice or other acidulated water.
404.
Sugar.
Shakar (Hind., Duk.), Bhúra, Chiní (Beng.), Misri (Punj.), Sakkará, Sharukkarai (Tam.), Shakkara (Tel.), Sharkkara, Panjasára (Mal.), Síní, Sakkere (Cing.), Saghia or Tagiya (Burm.), Gúla (Mal.).
405. This article is not usually regarded as a medicine, but Dr. Aitchison in his valuable notes, points out how he has utilised it as such with excellent effect; and as it is procurable throughout the length and breadth of India, it seems well worthy of notice in this place. Only the best and purest kinds should be employed for medicinal purposes.
406. In all forms of Ophthalmia (Country Sore Eyes, &c.), Dr. A. states that he has found a solution of one drachm of Sugar in three drachms of Water dropped into the eye every hour or so, never fail to afford relief, and that generally, if applied early, cuts short the disease at once. This practice, he adds, he has followed for twelve years, and used nothing else. Children, according to his experience, will actually come and ask to have the remedy dropped into their eyes, so great is the relief it affords. At bedtime, in these cases, it is advisable to apply to the eyelashes a little sweet oil or grease, and the first thing in the morning carefully to wash the eyes with hot milk and water. This solution is also useful for removing small foreign substances from the eye.