An Account of the Foxglove, and Some of Its Medical Uses
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An Account of the Foxglove, and Some of Its Medical Uses is a seminal work by English physician and botanist William Withering, published in 1785. The book details Withering's extensive studies on the medicinal properties of the foxglove plant (Digitalis purpurea).
Withering observed that extracts from the foxglove leaves were effective in treating dropsy, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation often associated with heart failure. His work established the efficacy of foxglove in small, non-toxic doses, laying the groundwork for the modern use of digitalis in treating various heart conditions, including congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It is important to note that all parts of the foxglove plant are toxic if ingested.1234
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digitalisIn An Account of the Foxglove, and Some of Its Medical Uses (1785), he summarized the results of his extensive studies of the drug and described the symptoms of digitalis toxicity.
Read MoreIn An Account of the Foxglove, and Some of Its Medical Uses (1785), he summarized the results of his extensive studies of the drug and described the symptoms of digitalis toxicity.
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pharmaceutical industryPharmaceutical science in the 16th and 17th centuriesHis book, An Account of the Foxglove and Some of Its Medicinal Uses: With Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases, described in detail the use of digitalis preparations and included suggestions as to how their toxicity might be reduced. Plants containing digitalis-like compounds had been employed…
Read MoreHis book, An Account of the Foxglove and Some of Its Medicinal Uses: With Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases, described in detail the use of digitalis preparations and included suggestions as to how their toxicity might be reduced. Plants containing digitalis-like compounds had been employed…
Read More