Wood also
mentions a species of ergotism characterized by epileptic
paroxysms, which he calls "spasmodic ergotism." Prentiss mentions
a brunette of forty-two, under the influence of ergot, who
exhibited a peculiar depression of spirits with hysteric
phenomena, although deriving much benefit from the administration
of the drug from the hemorrhage caused by uterine fibroids. After
taking ergot for three days she felt like crying all the time,
became irritable, and stayed in bed, being all day in tears. The
natural disposition of the patient was entirely opposed to these
manifestations, as she was even- tempered and exceptionally
pleasant.
In addition to the instance of the fatal ingestion of a dose of
Epsom salts already quoted, Lang mentions a woman of thirty-five
who took four ounces of this purge. She experienced burning pain
in the stomach and bowels, together with a sense of asphyxiation.
There was no purging or vomiting, but she became paralyzed and
entered a state of coma, dying fifteen minutes after ingestion.
Iodin Preparations.--The eruptions following the administration
of small doses of potassium iodid are frequently noticed, and at
the same time large quantities of albumin have been seen in the
urine.
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