On the Use of Ergotine in External and Internal Hemorrhages.
By M. J. Bonjean, Chambery.—Ergotine when applied to wounds
has the property, M. Bonjean states, of facilitating their cicatrization
and moderating inflammation of the wounded tissues. Under its influence
union takes place by the first intention, and cicatrization occurs without
further assistance.
In certain cases ergotine may perform all the offices of the ligature.
M. Bonjean enumerates the following circumstances attendant on a capi-
tal operation in which its employment wras indicated :
1.	When, in order to arrest a hemorrhage, it would be neces-
sary to disturb the lips of a wound in which cicatrization is com-
mencing.
2.	When the patient manifests a tendency to gangrene of the cut
surfaces.
3.	When the source of the hemorrhage is from vessels imbedded in
the inflamed and swollen tissues.
4.	When the blood flows from many small arteries of which the ori-
fices cannot be perceived.
5.	When hemorrhage occurs from the sloughing of an eschar, as in
gun-shot wounds, &c.
In these difficulties the application of ergotine is as often efficacious as
the use of pressure is ineffectual. The application of ergotine super-
sedes ligature of the arteries, and effects cicatrization without interfering
with the permeability of the artery.
The mode of employing ergotine is to dissolve it in five or six times
its weight of water, for ordinary wounds ; and in three or four parts,
or even in a concentrated form, for more serious hemorrhages. A por-
tion of the tow or lint is to be moistened with the fluid, and applied with
gentle pressure to the surface previously wiped. When the hemorrhage
does not return on the pressure being removed, another pledget moisten-
ed with the solution is to be laid over the former, and the limb bandaged
as usual. Perfect rest is to be observed.
Internal administration.—Ergot of rye has been successfully em-
ployed :
1.	As an excitant of uterine contractions.
2.	As a stimulant to the muscular system in general.
3.	In hemorrhages and certain fluxes.
4.	In congestion of the uterus.
5.	As a stimulant to the nervous system.
The latter poisonous effect of ergot of rye is due, according to M.
Bonjean, entirely to its fixed oil. The preceding properties are due to
the ergotine alone.
Simple extract, or ethereal tincture of ergot, both contain a portion of
its poisonous principle. Pure ergotine is in the form of a solid extract
of a deep brown color. In thin laminae it presents a blood-red color.
It has the odor of roast meat. Its taste is bitter. It is perfectly
soluble in water, and this solution yields neither oil nor resin
when heated with ether. ( Gazette Med.)—Med. Gaz., May 1850,
p. 787.