On the Preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah (Cannabis Indica)

Their Effects on the Animal System in Health, and Their Utility in the Treatment of Tetanus and Other Convulsive Diseases

O'Shaughnessy

On the Preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah (Cannabis Indica): Their Effects on the Animal System in Health, and Their Utility in the Treatment of Tetanus and Other Convulsive Diseases is a pioneering medical treatise authored by William Brooke O'Shaughnessy in 1839. This groundbreaking work explores the medicinal properties of Indian hemp, known today as Cannabis Indica, and its potential therapeutic applications. Drawing from his extensive research and clinical observations in India, O'Shaughnessy provides a detailed account of the preparation methods for various cannabis extracts, including tinctures and resins, and meticulously documents their physiological effects on both animals and humans. The book delves into the historical and cultural context of cannabis use in India, examining traditional practices and indigenous knowledge surrounding the plant. O'Shaughnessy presents a series of case studies and experimental findings, highlighting the efficacy of cannabis preparations in alleviating symptoms of tetanus, hydrophobia (rabies), rheumatism, and other convulsive or spasmodic disorders. He discusses the dosages, administration routes, and observed side effects, offering practical guidance for medical practitioners interested in incorporating cannabis into their therapeutic arsenal. O'Shaughnessy's work is notable for its scientific rigor and open-minded approach, challenging prevailing Western skepticism about the medicinal value of cannabis. His careful documentation and analysis laid the foundation for subsequent research into the pharmacological properties of cannabinoids and contributed to the global recognition of cannabis as a potential treatment for a range of neurological and muscular conditions. Rich in historical detail and medical insight, On the Preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah remains a seminal text in the history of medicine and pharmacology. It offers readers a fascinating glimpse into early 19th-century medical experimentation, cross-cultural exchange, and the evolving understanding of plant-based therapeutics. This book is essential reading for historians of medicine, pharmacologists, and anyone interested in the origins of medical cannabis research.

Table of contents

• ON THE PREPARATIONS OF THE INDIAN HEMP,
• INDIAN HEMP, &c.
• INDIAN HEMP.
• Transcriber’s Notes