stage of phthisis pulmonalis. Cessation of the menses under such circumstances is a very common occurrence, and is regarded as a fine diagnostic symptom. The treatment is to arrest the irritating and debilitating cough-to improve the constitution and to arrest the diarrhoea. In regard to the latter, the following, in this woman's case, is about the best remedy that we may employ: Bismuth Subnit... Sacch. Lactis.. 3 i. · gr. iij. .gr. xii. M. Ft. pulv. dv. in cht. No. xii.-S. one t. d. Before meals. Sacch. lac is much better than ordinary sacch. alb., not only as a treatment, but for other reasons also. Several cough mixtures present themselves. Cough mixtures should not be used unless imperatively demanded-for they have a tendency to impair tone of stomach. In this case they are undoubtedly indicat ed. One of my best, and the simplest, is equal parts of syrup lactucarine, and syrup wild cherry, given in 3 ij doses several times a day. Or the following: Ꭱ Potass. Cyanide.. Morph. Sulphas.. Acettum Distil.. Syr. Tolu..... M. S. 3 i. td. This shall be given to this woman. ·gr. iij. gr. iss. .f. 3 ii. .A. 3 iii. At present no tonic, of iron, or bark, etc., shall be exhibited. The diet must be light, but nourishing-for a time, the food chiefly faranacous. Occasionally good surloin beef well cooked. She shall leave the city for a while, for better air--and, after a while come back. At present we are non-committal as to prognosis-though generally speaking, it is unfavorable.-N. Q. Jour. of Med. IODIDE OF POTASSIUM IN OBSTRUCTION OF THE LACHRYMAL CANAL.[Bulletin de Therap., Jan. 30, 1868.]-Dr. A. De Beaufort claims, that in a number of cases of engorgement of the lachrymal sac, and of obstruction more or less complete of its duct, he has relieved or cured nis patients by the use of iodide of potassium, in doses of from four to fifteen grains. Dr. Beaufort attributes the efficacy of the iodide to its local action, the iodide being largely excreted by the tears, and thus coming in direct contact with the diseased parts. He attributes a similar action and like beneficial results to the iodide in affections of the mucous membrane of the uterus. In these cases, however, le fi¢§ 1 necessary to employ the remedy in larger doses, fifteen to thirty grains, and continue its administration for a longer time.-N. Y. Med. Journal.-N. O. Jour. of Medicine. ANOMALOUS EFFECTS OF ATROPINE.-In the current number of the "Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital Reports," Mr. George Lawson calls attention to some of the anomalous effects of atropine upon the eye. In several cases he has found the sulphate of atropia, so useful in general as s sedative, act as a direct irritant, and in two which he relates very troublesome symptoms resulted. In one there was, acute conjunctivitis, lasting several days; in the other. erysipelas of the lids, spreading to the face and head, was excited on two occasions, a period of six months intervening. The irritative effects occasionally witnessed from the use of a solution of sulphate of atropia have been generally ascribed to the presence of some free acid in the solution, but Mr. Lawson doubts the truth of this explanation. He believes that when atropine acts thus as an irritant, or produces peculiar and distressing symptoms, it is due to some idiosyncrasy on the part of the patient, which enders him intolerant of the alkaloid or of its salts, and, in some cases, of any preparation whatever of belladonna.-Idem.. ON THE MODE AND ADMINISTRATION OF PHOSPHORUS AND OF ITS EFFECTS IN SMALL DOSES.-For internal administration, Dr. G. Dujardin Beaumertz recommends one gramme of Phosphorus to be dissolved in one thousand grammes of chloroform; this solution is enclosed in geltin capsules (perles), each of which should contain ten centigrammes of the solution. To guard against the action of light, capsules should be colored. In administering the capsules, one should be given on the first day, two on the second, three on the third, the dose being increased by one capsule daily, until some signs of disarrangement of the di gestive organs, colicky pains, vomiting or diarrhoea occur; the phosphorus is then intermitted, to be again resumed, after an interval of several days, on their complete subsidence, being careful always to recommence with small dos s. Dr. Dujardin Beaumertz has carried the dose as high as ten capsules. Given in small doses, phosphorus produces great excitement of the nervous system, increase of muscular activity, exhilaration of the spir its, and sometimes excitement of the genital organs, without causing any decided effects upon the circulation or the temperature.-Idem. DIGITALIS.-Dr. J. D. Brown relates six cases in the Medical Times and Gazette, for January 25, 1868, in which he used digitalis in the form of poultice in the suppression of urine. He made use of the fresh leaves, dried leaves, or the tincture mixed with flaxseed. All the cases obstinately resisted all other remedies, and it was only after waiting three or four days that the remedy was tried. In each case secretion of urine was obtained. The first case terminated fatally on account of lack of care in the use of the remedy; after a suppression of nine days duration the drug was used, and from 4 A. M. to 10 P. M., the patient passed enough urine to fill "eight ordinary sized chamber vessels, and was still making it." Another case was relieved, but suppression recurring, she was neglected by her attendants, and died. The other four cases recovered. The rules of management must depend on the pulse. I have seen no good results till the pulse fell in number; it matters not from what figure; fall it must before any change occurs. I would strongly advise 60 as a standard from a high number; 40 or 50 from a lower figuresay from 80. Judging from the effects on the circulation, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the arrest of secretion depends on capillary congestion, which in turn might, by pressure, paralyze the nerves. The fact, however, remains, that we compel the kindey to resume its funotions by diminishing the force of the circulation, lessening the quantity of blood by allowing a much longer interval between each new arrival. Strange, too, it is that in four cases the attack commenced suddenly, like a fit of stone, and, in reality, stone came away in each case. It is not supposed that it will succeed in all cases of that mysterious disease; but it is clear that it has a powerful influence over the renal secretions, and if carefully watched, taking the pulse as a guide, no mischief need be feared.-Idem. GLYCERINE AND YOLK OF EGGS.-Four parts, by weight, of yolk of egg, rubbed in a mortar with five parts of glycerine, according to the Philadelphia Journal of Pharmacy, gives a preparation of great value as an unguent for application to broken surfaces of the skin, of all kinds. The compound has a horny-like consistence, is unctuous like fatty substance, but over which it has the advantage of being quickly removed by water. It is unalterable, a specimen having been exposed to the air for three years unchanged. Applied to the skin, it forms a varnish which effectually excludes the air, and prevents its irritating ef fects. These properties render it serviceable for erysipelas and cuta neous affections, of which it allays the action.-Idem. ELIXIR OF VITriol and Tannin as a HæmoSTATIC.-The combination of elixir of vitriol and tannic acid has proved, upon trial, a very convenient hæmostatic for dental use. It has been found very effective in internal as well as external hæmorrhages, and is more agreeable, when applied to the mouth, than many of the agents possessing like properties. By its application a violent hæmorrhage following excision of the tonsils was immediately and permanently arrested. It is also effective in diarrhoea where astringents are indicated. We recommend this preparation for hemorrhages following the extraction of teeth, in two cases of which we have successfully used it.-Am. Journal af Dental Science. RATIONALE OF ARSENIC IN SKIN DISEASES.-The Scientific American suggests that arsenic acts in skin diseases by poisoning the parasites, now supposed to be their cause. It says: 66 Arsenic, and its oxides, arsenious acid, As 03, arsenic acid, As 05, and its salts are all highly poisonous. When take into the stomach they are not assimilated, but are absorbed and distributed through the entire system. When taken in extremely small doses, no inconve nience is felt by the patient; it is eliminated as fast as it is supplied. But if the dose be increased, poisonous effects will be produced, be cause the system cannot clear itself of the noxious matter with suffi cient rapidity. The eyelids present a puffed appearance, which is an indication that the remedy has accumulated, and that its further administration would inconvenience and endanger the patient. Now at this stage the poison is equally distributed, in a state of extreme su bdivision, and its elimination takes place largely through the pores of the skin, each of which is a nidus for a parasitic growth, and here becoming mixed with the pabulum which nourishes the parasite, it, by actual poisoning, destroys the cause of the mischief."-Idem. BROMIDE OF POTASSIUM IN HOOPING COUGH.-Dr. De Beaufort (B ull. Gen. de Therup.) uses bromide of potassium, syrup of balsam of Tolu, and an alcoholic preparation of aconite, combined together; and by the aid of those three remedies he has seen this affection cured in twelve days on the average.-Idem. OINTMENT FOR PRURIGO.-Dr. Charvet has found the following nearly infallible cure for prurigo, after an experience of twenty years; Axunge, simple or camphorated, Citrine Ointment, 60 parts } 3 Mix. A small quantity of this should be spread in a thin layer over the affected surface, and gives almost instantaneous relief. The dilution of the citrine ointment in this preparation prevents the inconvenient and permanent staining of linen which is otherwise caused.-Bull. Gen. de Therap., Aug. 30, p. 180.-Idem. SULPHATE OF MANGANESE IN CHOREA.-Dr. Hammond (N. Y. Med. Gazette) mentions two cases of chorea treated by him with this remedy after other treatment had failed. One was a girl, fourteen years old, who took five grains three times a day; the other a boy of fif teen, who used the iodinized cod-oil in addition. In the girl, iron had disturbed the head and stomach. The therapeutic action of the two articles is said to be analogous, as they both exist in the blood, which contains, in an adult, 16 grains of iron, and 1.05 of manganese.-Idem. PYRETHRUM FOR SCABIES.-The Pacific Med and Surg. Jonrnal says: "Flea powder" is composed of the flowers and leaves of Pyrethrum Roseum, and probably of P. Carnosum, very finely powdered. It is not commonly fatal to insects, but appears to annoy and stupefy them. If the article be recent and properly prepared, it is decidedly efficacious. When scattered in the track of ants, it is said to drive them away with certainty. A druggist of this city informs us that he keeps his store almost entirely free from flies by dusting it occasionally on the walls and windows, in places where they are accustomed to alight. The insects disappear when they get the powder in contact with their bodies. It is said that when burnt in small quantities, in a chamber affected with musquitoes, it destroys them or drives them away. A tincture of the plant, made with dilute alcohol, is recommeded as a cure for scabies. The application is said to give prompt relief from itching.-Med. and Surg. Reporter. ANTIDOTE FOR ACONITE." In the London Lancet for July, 1856, we find a paper on the poison of aconite, by Dr. Headland, which embod ies all that is important on that subject. After stating cases to show how small a dose of aconite-viz., fifteen drops-has proved nearly fatal, he closes with a brief summary of the treatment. As soon as the poisoning is suspected a large quantity of animal charcoal is administered. The aconite is quickly taken up and obstinately retained by this agent. Dr. H. thinks an emetic of zinc should be given after the eharcoal, and not in the first instance. Then he advises the free use of brandy and ammonia.”—Materia Medica and Therapeutics, by Thos. D. Mitchell, M. D., p. 98. |