Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 2133

AUGUSTE DELONDRE (fl. 1850) Quinologie. Germer Baillière 1854 [4] 48 pp., 23 col. plates, fold. map. 33.6 cm.

Cinchona is a genus of evergreen tree (with over 150 species) that is chiefly native to the Andes region of South America. The dried bark or roots of the tree have been variously called quinquina, calisaya bark, cinchona bark, Peruvian bark, and Jesuit's bark. The tree's bark contains over twenty alkaloids with therapeutic properties of which quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine are the most important. The two major alkaloids derived from the bark are quinine which is used to treat malaria, and quinidine which is used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. There are many conflicting stories concerning the initial use of cinchona. However, it did spread fairly rapidly once the early Spanish explorers penetrated South America. It was introduced into Europe early in the seventeenth century and a controversy regarding its effectiveness lasted there for many years. It has been used as a tonic, an antipyretic, an antirheumatic, and as a specific in the treatment of malaria. Both authors of this book were pharmacists. However, Delondre was primarily a drug manufacturer and Bouchardat was also a physician, a member of the Faculté de médecine de Paris as well as chief pharmacist at l'Hôtel Dieu. In addition to an historical sketch which opens the book, there is an account of Delondre's experiences in South America where he attempted to secure an exclusive supply of cinchona bark and establish a plant for the manufacture and export of quinine sulfate. Although he succeeded in constructing a factory, he was unable to acquire a reliable source for the bark and his venture failed. The authors also discuss the various species of cinchona found in South America, noting their geographical location and yield of quinine. They discuss the method of preparation and clinical use of quinine. The twenty-three superbly hand-colored plates depict the various types of cinchona bark common to each species examined. A folding map of South America that delineates the habitat of the tree is also included in the book.

Gift of John Martin, M.D.