2e. (The following is a typical specimen of the experiments.) Half a fluid drachm of the sol., containing 2 gr. of drug, was thrown into a full-grown dog. The animal was not discomposed by the operation, and a few m. after was eating food. Until 10 hours later he was perfectly lively, and showed no signs of uneasiness. He now commenced retching violently, bringing up only a little mucus. This symptom continued, and was soon accompanied by purging; stools consisted of glairy mucus, and after a time were mixed with blood; he whined constantly, and seemed in pain, also drank water eagerly. Four hours from commencement of symptoms breathing was shallow and hurried, pulse rapid and feeble. After 4 hours later animal was found lying on side, totally insensible, with glazed eyes, heart’s action very slow and weak, respiration consisting of 4 – 6 convulsive gasps per m. In this state it lay with little change for the next 8 h. At end of this time a slight general convulsion occurred, and breathing ceased about 2 1/2 m. later. Thorax was quickly opened, and heart found beating; it continued to pulsate for 5 m., and its irritability persisted for some time after this. No fluid of any kind was found in the peritoneal cavity, and the membrane was quite smooth, polished, and transparent. Kidneys were rather congested, and liver moderately so; gall – bladder contained very little bile. Pharynx, oesophagus and stomach were healthy, save that last contained some bloody fluid. Mucous membrane of whole small intestine was intensely inflamed, especially that of duodenum; in latter situation were nine ulcers, rather less in size that a three penny pieces, and there was one smaller ulcer near lower end of ileum. Inflamed surface was covered with tenacious bloody mucus. Inflammation ceased abruptly at ileo – caecal valve; large intestine was healthy. Nowhere was any bile observed in bowels. Mucous membrane of bladder was slightly congested. (Medorrhinum Times and Gaz., 1863, i, 326, 487.)
3. RUTHERFORD finds that Podophyllin introduced into the duodenum of fasting dog increases both the fluid and solid constituents of the bile; and this increase is greater when the bile is allowed to flow into the intestines that when it is drained off by a cannula. The augmentation is greatest when the drug does not purge much; if the purging be severe, it may lessen the biliary secretion. (Pract., 1879, ii, 335.).
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.