1 b. Nevertheless, the tenacetic convulsions differ notably from those produced by absinthe and camphor. there is no loss of consciousness; the attack is of unique character, as is also the long period of coma which follows it, and the tendency to voluntary biting; the sensorial functions are rather excited than abolished. In 1876 we observed, as very marked, an increase of the convulsions caused by a mirror being held before the eyes. In the phenomena produced by absinthe and camphor, on the other hand, we see a succession of epileptic fits, each followed by its coma; and one known that in epilepsy there is complete loss f consciousness. Bromide of potassium, given beforehand, prevents the occurrence of these, but not so with the tanacetic convulsions Another difference between the action of these substances is that absinthe and camphor arrest the glycogenic function of the liver; while tansy has no such effect.
1c. We have found in the trachea and bronchi of animals dying of the tanacetic convulsions frothy and sanguinolent mucosities, as in rabies; and it is to this type, rather than to the epileptic, that we think them conformed. All the symptoms of rabies are found here, – hallucinations, convulsions without loss of consciousness, opisthotonos, spasms of muscles of pharynx, larynx, and thorax generally, abundant salivation asphyxic phenomena, sensorial excitability, tendency to bite, characteristic hoarse cry, diminished sensibility and motility, momentary paralysis, the mucosities in air-tubes, subpleural ecchymoses, and haemorrhagic infarctions in the liver. We think, therefore, that with absolute truth we may give to the effects of T. the name of rabies tanacetica, simili-rabies. [M. Peyraud has supported this opinion by using t. as a substitute for the virus of rabies in Pasteurian “vaccinations,” and reports like success. – EDS.] (Bull. de la soc. Medorrhinum Hom. de France, xxix, 570.)
2. The most marked symptoms of tansy toxaemia are a rapid disturbance of the nervous system, profuse salivation, immobile and dilated pupils, and severe strangury. these symptoms in animals appear rapidly and together. In a dog twice poisoned with the oil, and which died on the second occasion, the nervous centres and their meninges were found highly congested, with much serum beneath dura mater of both brain and cord. The lungs were congested even to hepatisation, as also the kidneys. L. side of heart was empty, right full. Stomach and intestines showed no signs of inflammation, but bladder was contracted to capacity of a fluid drachm, and much corrugated and congested. (VAN DE WARKER, Opium cit.).
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.