Le traitement des rigidités extra-pyramidales par la médication belladonnée à hautes doses

The author introduces the subject by discussion of the Solanaceae and their alkaloids and especially the acids and bases found in belladonna. He emphasizes particularly the preparation of the wine of belladonna according to Raef's method, which has been used in the Bulgarian treatment so highly considered in Italy. The method of using belladonna and atropine is also discussed, together with the dangers and the accidents that sometimes occur, the tolerance to the drug and, finally, the therapeutic results. The high tolerance for atropine in parkinsonism (20 mg. or more) is particularly stressed. The author contends that the so-called Bulgarian treatment, which is the wine of belladonna combined with what appear to be charcoal pills, laxative and chewing gum, is distinctly favored over atropine itself. The author points out that extrapyramidal disorders accompanied by hypertonus are particularly benefited, while those of pyramidal type are, if anything, made worse. The mechanism