University Medical Magazine, 
Reprinted from 
June, 1891. 
REPORT OF A CASE OF POISONING BY EUPHORBIUM 
AND ONE OF QUININE AMBLYOPIA. 
The following; cases are of interest, as presenting unusual susceptibility to 
the action of euphorbium and quinia sulphate : 
A. 8., aged 35, an extensive horticulturist, while sorting several species of euphorbia, 
was suddenly seized with a severe burning in the outer canthus of the right eye, which 
gradually became diffused over the whole conjunctiva ; this was attended with an increase 
in the lachrymal secretion. The irritation, at first localized, became general ; the cheek, 
in the course of an hour, became greatly swollen. The buccal and nasal secretions at first 
were greatly increased in quantity ; but the mouth, nose and fauces, however, soon became 
dfy- 3The intense burning in the eye extended to the cheek, mouth, nose and fauces, 
and was at first apparently confined to the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Sneezing 
became an obstinate symptom, and the right side of the face became greatly swollen. There 
was no notable effect upon 'the pulse, respiration or bodily temperature, though locally about 
the face, the temperature was above normal. Upon the genito-urinary tract, its action was prom- 
inent ; constant desire to urinate was noted, which lasted for several hours through the night. 
Microscopical and chemical examination of urine was negative. When called to see the 
patient, most of the constitutional symptoms had disappeared, with the exception of some 
dryness of the throat. The inflammation of the conjunctiva was still marked ; this was 
treated with hot compresses, for five minutes every two hours. Atropia (gr. i to f 5 i) gtt. i. once 
a day and a wash of boracic acid (gr. xv. to every fourth hour were ordered. 
The gentleman tinder treatment is an extensive horticulturist, and attri- 
butes the attack to rubbing accidentally his eye, after handling the plant, in his 
conservatory. I have since spoken to several botanists, nqne of whom have 
ever met with the misfortune of being poisoned. The case is probably one 
presenting an unusual susceptibility, as the gentleman was similarly affected by 
allowing some of the milky secretion, which exudes from cacti when cut, to come 
in contact with the tip of his tongue some years ago. At that time the gastro- 
intestinal symptoms were more violent. 
The severe symptoms encountered in this case should caution those who 
are in the habit of handling the plant, and especially those who have charge of 
the preparation of the various species for medicinal use. 2 
POISONING BY KUPHORBIUM AND QUININE AMBEYOPIA. 
The following case of quinine amblyopia is interesting, as presenting one of 
unusual susceptibility: 
J. A., aged 30, presented himself for treatment with urethal stricture; he was ordered 
pil. quininse sulph. gr. ij thrice daily after meals, preparatory to an urethral examination. He 
has incipient phthisis ; physical examination in other respects was negative. He returned the 
day after the drug had been prescribed, stating that he could not take the pills, as they made him 
blind. Shortly after taking the first dose, he was unable to read the newspaper. He had 
been a moderate user of tobacco, but has not used it for some time on account of a pharyn- 
gitis, which is aggravated by its use. No history of alcoholic excess and no specific history 
exist. He was placed on restricted diet, all alcohol and tobacco were stopped, and he was 
kept under observation for two days, when a second prescription was ordered, and a second 
pill of quinia was administered with the same effect as the first, which symptom disap- 
peared in less than two hours. A third trial was made with the remedy, with the same 
effect, when the drug was stopped. Now, two weeks later, he has had no return of the 
symptom. 
The case is of interest as presenting an unusual idiosyncrasy to so small a 
dose of quinia. 
237 South 13TH Street. 
Joseph Eeidy, Jr., M.D.