| Description Of Item | Journal article cutting from the collection of Thomas Laycock. Details how Doctor Belgrave of Lincolnshire County Asylum ascertained the value of bromides in the treatment of general paralysis. Fourteen cases of general paralysis are noted to have been treated with potassium and ammonium bromides with variable results, with the general effect being a tranquilizer. Eleven cases of epilepsy were treated with the bromides – these did not diminish the severity of violent fits, but did reduce the most violent epileptic fits. Eleven cases of mania were treated by cadmium and was found to exert a powerful effect, causing vomiting and temporary mental ‘quietude’, bordering on depression. Belgrave concludes that the bromide of potassium is antiphlogistic and a sedative; the bromide of ammonium a less strong version of effects to potassium, not inciting emaciation or depression; and the bromide of cadmium an irritant to the mucous membrane causing vomiting and then a calming effect. Details how the actions of cadmium resembles that of tartar emetic or sulphate of zinc but is much stronger. Doctor Belgrave states bromide of cadmium as a useful tool to cure ‘severe exacerbations of mania’. |