3b. P. M. examination found left lung in some parts in grey, in some in red hepatisation; while in others a gangrenous cavity was in process of formation. Bronchial glands were enlarged, red, and soft. Kidneys showed Bright’s disease in second stage. No change in other organs save stomach, were ecchymoses as large as the hand occupied the greater curvature. Histological examination found renal epithelium in state of fatty degeneration. ( RAYMOND, Progress Medical, June 27th 1874.)
4. Other workers in, or inhalers of, O. have noticed – decrease of sight, for 3 – 4 day each time after smelling at binoxide, – flame of lamp in evening seemed much larger and more confused than natural; a very large rainbow – hued ring around flame of every candle (after each exposure to fumes); crises of nervous asthma; a singular and persistent cutaneous affection. ( See ALLEN’S Encyclopaedia, sub voce, and Bull. de la soc. Medorrhinum Hom. de France, xvi, 363.).
Experiments on animals
1. Into the stomach of a small dog was injected 3ixss of a fluid containing oxide of osmium. After 2 m. constant vomiting for 1 hour, first of a fluid smelling strongly of O., then of small quantities of white froth; with great effort, at last cough. Next day would not eat, was perceptibly thinner, but gradually recovered. (GMELIN, Versuch., & c.; also in Franks Mag., iv, 664.)
2. A rabbit, which after the injection of 3ixss of same sol. into stomach would not eat and became very thin, got 4 day afterwards 3ixss at 9 and 9:30 a. m. Immediately after 2nd injection very weak, hinder extremities seemed paralysed, but it recovered a little. The next m. it was found dead. P. M. – Extreme emaciation; oesophagus, stomach, and small intestines externally bluish black, internally like coal, and rough and hard to the feel. Large intestine, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, bladder, brain, and nerves unaltered. stomach and small intestines empty; the walls of stomach near cardia somewhat dropsical (edematous?). (The black colour was evidently owing to the chemical decomposition of the oxide of O.) (Ibid.)
3. A small dog vomited the instant the injection of 3ixss into the stomach was performed; this recurred several times the next 1/2 h. Then another similar injection was performed, when white froth was vomited with great effort; this lasted 2 hours and recurred occasionally after 8 hours, occasional cough. Next day the animal was lively but would not eat. On 3rd and 4th day the excrements were semi – fluid, mixed with black flakes. ( Ibid.)
4. 3xv sol. of oxide of O. (=1.305 grm. metallic O.) injected into external jugular of a strong dog. After 1/2 hour frothy vomiting, twice repeated, exhaustion, dyspnoea. After 50 m. it died slightly convulsed. P. M., immediately. – Voluntary muscles very irritable on application of stimuli; the heart also contracted slightly when irritated, its right half was filled with black fluid blood; the blood in left ventricle was brighter but not normally bright; the blood took a long time to coagulate. Lungs much distended, pale, with red spots, bronchial tubes filled with much white froth, the trachea with thick snow – white froth resembling soapsuds; when water was added to it it behaved just like diluted blood serum; it had come out of mouth and nose before death, and it was found also in oesophagus and stomach. Liver, kidneys spleen, and abdominal veins filled with black fluid blood; bladder empty. (Ibid.).
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.