Erythroxylon Coca is a South American shrub which grows from one to two metres tall and is cultivated for its leaves (Coca) which are a powerful stimulant and the alkaloid derived from the leaves, cocaine. Research Erythroxylon Coca
Angus Deayton is an English actor and writer. He was born in 1956. Although an actor, he is best known for presenting the satirical television quiz show 'Have I Got News For You' from 1990 to 2002 before being publicly sacked amidst accusations of cocaineaddiction and promiscuity.. Research Angus Deayton
Laura MacKenzie Phillips is an American actress. She was born in 1959 at Alexandria, Virginia. Mackenzie Phillips, was known for her role in the 1973 megahit 'American Graffiti'. Two years later, she got the role that changed her life in the 1975 sitcom 'One Day At A Time'. The show was an instant hit, and everything was going well until the third season was launched, Mackenzie was arrested for cocaine possession, though she lied about the incident on her appearance on the Dinah Shore show. During the run of the 1979-1980 season, Mackenzie started to behave peculiarly. The producers, didn't know what was wrong. She started getting tired, and showing up late for rehearsals. As she got to the set, she was incoherent and the producers gave her an ultimatum and she took a six week leave of absence. In 1980, she was fired from the series, and went to rehab, then in 1981, she returned to the show. Sadly, in 1983, she fell asleep during a rehearsal. The producer told her that she has to take another drug test but, she refused, and she left. Research MacKenzie Phillips
Addiction is a state of dependence caused by the habitual use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances. It is characterised by uncontrolled craving, tolerance, and symptoms of withdrawal when access is denied. Habitual use produces changes in body chemistry and treatment must be geared to a gradual reduction in dosage. Initially, only opium and its derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine) were recognised as addictive, but many other drugs, whether therapeutic (such as tranquillisers) or recreational (such as cocaine and alcohol), are now known to be addictive. Research points to a genetic predisposition to addiction; environment and psychological make-up are other factors. Although physical addiction always has a psychological element, not all psychological dependence is accompanied by physical dependence. A carefully controlled withdrawal programme can reverse the chemical changes of habituation. A cure is difficult because of the many other factors contributing to addiction. Research Addiction
Anaesthetics are medical agents employed for the removal of pain, especially in surgical operations, by suspending sensibility either locally or generally. Various agents have been employed for both of these purposes from the earliest times, but the scientific use of anaesthetics may be said to date from 1800, when Sir Humphry Davy made experiments on the anaesthetic properties of nitrous oxide, and recommended its use in surgery.
In 1818 Faraday established the anaesthetic properties of sulphuric ether, but this agent made no advance beyond the region of experiment, until 1844, when Dr. Wells, a dentist of Hartford, Connecticut, applied the inhalation of sulphuric ether in the extraction of teeth, but owing to some misadventure did not persevere with it. The example was followed in 1846 by Dr. Morton, a Boston dentist, who also extended the use of ether to other surgical operations. The practice was soon after introduced into England by Mr. Listen, and a London dentist, Mr. Robinson. A few weeks later Sir James Simpson made the first application of ether in a case of midwifery. This was early in 1847. Towards the end of the same year Simpson had his attention called to the anaesthetic efficacy of chloroform, and announced it as a superior agent to ether. This agent was at the start of the 20th century the most extensively used anaesthetic, though the use of ether still largely prevailed in the United States. In their general effects ether and chloroform are very similar; but the latter tends to enfeeble the action of the heart more readily than the former. For this reason great caution has to be used in administering chloroform where there is weak heart action from disease. Local anaesthesia is produced by isolating the part of the body to be operated upon, and producing insensibility of the nerves in that locality. Dr. Richardson's method was to apply the spray of ether, which, by its rapid evaporation, chills and freezes the tissues and produces complete anaesthesia. This mode of treatment, besides its use in minor surgical operations, has recently begun to have important remedial applications. Around 1905 a new valuable local anaesthetic, cocaine was introduced which is now the prevalent local anaesthetic in use.
In 1933 the first barbiturate general anaesthetic was used, hexobarbitone, other barbiturates are now used, most commonly thiopentone and also propofol and ketamine which have effects lasting a shorter period of time and less of a hangover effect on the patient. Chloroform and ether not being used since the introduction of barbiturates due to the reduction of complications, though barbiturates are still dangerous and premedication is widely used with them. Research Anaesthetics
Cocaine (benzoylmethyl ecgonine) is an alkaloid derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It is a white crystalline powder used as a local anaesthetic and also, illegally, as a euphoric drug. Cocaine taken recreationally is cut into a fine powder, arranged in what is termed a line, and inhaled through the nose - typically through a rolled-up banknote. A form of cocaine, known as crack, is smoked.
Cocaine provides the user with about thirty minutes of good-feeling, users report an increase in awareness, self confidence and sexual pleasure - the cocaine prevents the re-absorption of dopamine in the brain. Taking alcohol with cocaine enhances the effect of the cocaine. However, after about thirty minutes the effects wear off and the users may be left feeling depressed and paranoid. Inhaling cocaine often causes irritation to the sinuses, a condition known as a Columbian cold, and prolonged use can destroy the lining of the nose. Some sources claim that cocaine can cause cardiac arrest or strokes through increased blood pressure. Research Cocaine
Holocaine is a local anaesthetic similar in many respects to cocaine, and is a condensation product of phenetidin. It was formerly used in nasal and ophthalmic surgery. Research Holocaine
Novocaine (procaine) was a synthetic drug invented in 1905 and formerly widely used as a local anaesthetic. It has replaced cocaine, being equally strong when injected-but only one-third as toxic and not habit-forming. It is, however, not nearly so effective when used as a surface anaesthetic. It was always used with adrenaline. It is now seldom used, having been replaced by agents such as lignocaine. Research Novocaine
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Erythroxylon Coca
