Johan Schioldann History of Luthium  Reviewed by Barry Blackwell

Gordon Johnson’s comment on Johan Schioldann’s comment on William Hammond

 

            Johan Schioldann’s comments on William Hammond are interesting. They throw some light on the claims that he was the first to use lithium in the treatment of Mania.

             The use of bromides for their sedative and hypnotic actions is well documented. Hammond chose to administer lithium bromide to his manic patients. No reason is given for this choice rather than the commonly used potassium or sodium salt or changes to these compounds; it is not clear whether this was more or less effective or tolerated. Lithium alone, either the carbonate or citrate salt, was not used.

             It appears that lithium use was incidental and was not mentioned in later publications.

 

April 11, 2019