31 AUGUST 1985, Page 17

One hundred years ago

Sir, — I believe that some five or six years ago the Peninsular and Oriental Company supplied its medical officers with amhydrate of amyl or perhydrate of amyl as a remedy for serious cases of sea-sickness, and that it proved in every case a specific of more or less immedi- ate and permanent effect. Of course, as the consequence of inhaling an over- dose of it is paralysis of the heart, this compound should only be used under medical advice. And those who have any reason to fear any form of heart disease ought not to venture on it at all. Still it is, I think, conclusive that it is a specific. — I am, Sir, &c., Beaumaris, August 26th Charles Williams, FRGS Spectator, 29 August 1885