The cicuta is a medicine which was, at one time, in very high repute, and owed its reputation to the experimenting talent of Storck, who has written several libelli on this plant. According to him, cicuta possesses very evident powers over cancer, and has cured a great many cases; but, in less prejudised hands, it has been much less successful; and even in many of the instances adduced by Baron Storck of its utility, it is by no means proved, that the disease was really cancer. The present opinion of the public seems to be very unfavourable with regard to this medicine; and from the numerous instances in which it has failed, this opinion seems to be very just. Alongst with the proper local applications which have been formerly noticed, it sometimes is of service in removing simple schirri[137]; but I have never found it of any service when the schirrus had affirmed the cancerous inflammation, much less when it has proceeded the length of ulceration. In the last case, I have never found it even produce the temporary melioration which many talk of.
The common way of exhibiting the hemlock, is to begin with small doses, and increase these gradually, until they produce vertigo: For this purpose, we may begin with two grains of the extract, or four of the powder, recently prepared, twice or thrice a-day, and gradually increase the quantity[138]. In this way, we find that some patients have come to take an ounce of the extract daily; but if a much less quantity than this produce no good effect, we may consider it as useless to continue a remedy, which, in this dose, must injure the constitution every day that it is continued. On the continent, the hemlock has been used in the form of a bath; but it is so disagreeable, that few can be brought to use it.
The belladona has been much recommended by Lambergen, who tried it in many cases of cancer; but these trials, when repeated with attention, have not been greatly in favour of the remedy. During its use, he kept the bowels open with clysters, administered every second day. The dose, at first, ought to be a grain of the dried leaves, made into a pill. This, in the beginning, is to be given morning and evening, and afterwards more frequently.
The hyocyamus has also been frequently used in cancer, and was very much in repute with the ancients. I have tried it occasionally, but with very little effect. The dose with which we begin, is two grains of the extract.
The aconitum is a more powerful and dangerous narcotic, in so much that a quarter of a grain of the extract is generally the dose with which we begin.
The solanum dulcamara, Paris quadrifolia, phytolacca, &c. have been likewise recommended and employed, but are now so little used, that it is unnecessary to take any notice of them here[139].
The laurus cerasus is a very powerful narcotic, and has been used, in this particular complaint, by Richter, but with very little success. The most common preparation of this medicine, is the distilled water; but the dose of this is very uncertain. Some have, therefore, proposed to give, for a dose, four or five grains of the fresh leaves infused in a little water.
The digitalis has a considerable power of abating vascular action, and may, therefore, be of use, in the same point of view with abstinence, bleeding, &c. in abating the action of schirri; but concerning its real utility in this disease, I cannot say any thing with certainty.
Opium is seldom employed with an intention of curing this disease, although it is probable, that it possesses just as much power over cancer, as those other narcotics which have been more frequently used. It is, however, liberally employed with a view to abating the pain of cancerous ulcers.
Tonic remedies have frequently been used in this disease; but although they may sometimes improve the general health, yet they never produce any effect upon the local disease. On this account, they are now very seldom employed.