Experiments on animals
I C. G. GMELIN found that 3ij of sulphate given to a dog caused vomiting only-that 40 gr. had to effect on a rabbit, and that 20 gr., thrown into jugular vein of a dog. produced no effect Dr. Smith, however, found that 3ij proved fatal to dogs whether taken into stomach or applied to wound. Orfila obtained similar result The effects were local inflammation and a specific affection of stomach and rectum to unhealed, the sleep of animals fed with it becomes remarkable small and compact (PEREIRA op. cit.)
2. BLAKE injected 10 gr. of protosulphate (in solution) into jugular vein of a dog. There occurred but temporary depression of heart-action and blood-pressure; with 28 gr. heart-action ceased, and pressure fell to zero; 70 gr., in divided doses, caused gradual general dulness and death from asthenia-right cavities of heart were distended with dark blood, left contained 1 oz. of brighter colour but non-coagulable. When 2 gr. of persulphate in 2 oz. of water were injected into same vessel, pressure was diminished for a brief time, but quickly rose again when 3 gr.
more were given; death soon followed; left heart-cavities were empty and contracted, right distended; blood coagulated at once when exposed; lungs were bright scarlet and contracted, and experimenter attributed death to contraction of their capillaries preventing supply of arterial blood to left heart. Five gr. brown into axillary artery raised blood pressure at once 6.12 degrees of hemodynamometer; death followed, and both sides of heart contained dark blood, implying that the lung contraction was overcome in this instance, but only by an extreme degree of pressure. (Journ. of Anat. and Phys., 1869.).
Hughes was a great writer and a scholar. He actively cooperated with Dr. T.F. Allen to compile his 'Encyclopedia' and rendered immeasurable aid to Dr. Dudgeon in translating Hahnemann's 'Materia Medica Pura' into English. In 1889 he was appointed an Editor of the 'British Homoeopathic Journal' and continued in that capacity until his demise. In 1876, Dr. Hughes was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Organization of the International Congress of Homoeopathy Physicians in Philadelphia. He also presided over the International Congress in London.