Toxics

A poison is a substance, which when taken into the system is either absorbed or by its thermal action on the parts with which it is in contact produces deleterious effects. It may seem strange that almost all toxics are innocent, until they reach the circulation of the blood. Their slow or rapid absorption largely determines their deleterious effects upon the system. In our observations we are reminded from time to time of the idiosyncrasies of individuals and we seldom inquire into the causes of these peculiar conditions. It is generally attributed to a perversion of the nervous system, but in truth is caused by a rapid absorption of the poison and is modified by the power of resistance inherent in the individual. Hereditary predispositions and peculiar cachexias in persons are dissimilar conditions, and are in no sense identical. Heredity has not been defined satisfactorily, but the conditions of progenitors are transmitted in an attenuated form, which underlies their maladies.
Source: JAMA - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research