COCADRILLE, A monster de scribed by Sir John Mandeville as living on the island of Silha, and corresponding to the croco dile, of which the word is an early form.
COCAINE, 1.70:::1-in, An alkaloid derived from coca - leaves. The hydrochlorate, C„II„N0,11C1, produces temporary insensibility when applied to the conjunctiva, mucous mem branes. or denuded surfaces. or when injected beneath the skin. It is not absorbed by the un broken skin, however. It also causes a tempo rary contraction of the blood-vessels of the region anaesthetized. but this is followed by congestion. Applied to the conjunctiva. it causes amesthesia, dilatation of the pupil, diminution of intraocular tension, and some interference with accommoda tion. For dilating the pupil it is sometimes em ployed in combination with homatropine As a local anesthetic for regions covered by skin it is injected in solution, by a hypodermic into the tissue which is to be ainesthe tized. The toxic close varies greatly, some per sons being unfavorably affected by a small amount. The only result may be restlessness
and excitement, or there may be headache, rapid respiration, delirium, coma, or convulsions, with wide dilatation of the pupils. Persons addicted to the cocaine habit use the drug internally or by hypodermic injection. Its prolonged use causes digestive disturbance, general weakness of mind and body, muscular twitching, and insom nia.
Within recent years cocaine has been success fully employed as an anesthetic in major sur gical operations; if injected into the spinal col umn. cocaine has the remarkable effect of pro ducing complete insensibility to pain in the entire part of the body below the point where it is injected. but no effect at all above that point. The advantage of not causing amethesia where it is unnecessary is obvious: nor does cocaine, in the hands of an expert surgeon, produce any disagreeable after-effects. See ALKALOIDS.