metallic solutions, the oil which is shaken in the mixture seizes the metallic oxide, at least in part.

3. The alkaline animal liquids, as serum of the blood, milk, and white of egg, being placed in contact with a metallic salt in weak solution, and oil, the alkaline carbonate contained in the animal liquids is most frequently sufficient for decomposing the salt, the oxide of which is dissolved in notable proportion in the fatty body.

4. If it is supposed that an aqueous solution of a metallic salt having escaped digestion in the stomach, arrives as far as the intestine, it must be admitted that it is there decomposed by the alkaline animal liquids mixed with fatty matters, and that the metallic oxide enters in solution into the latter.

5. The same facts and reasonings lead us to admit that an aqueous solution of a metallic salt arriving at the blood undergoes at first a double decomposition, the final consequence of which is the formation of a fatty salt.

6. Calomel is decomposed by a weak solution of bicarbonate of soda; chloride of sodium, and probably bichloride of mercury, are formed and dissolved together. The presence of chloride of sodium retards this decomposition and solution.

7. Calomel being mixed with water containing bicarbonate of lime or bicarbonate of soda in solution, if oil is shaken with the mixture, it becomes charged with a notable quantity of mercury. All these reactions are favoured by a temperature of 40° Cent.

8. If in the administration of medicines from which a constitutional or dynamic effect is desired, we would endeavour to imitate the compounds formed naturally in the organism, we ought to prefer the form of fatty salts in the administration of metallic agents.

X. On the Diuretic Action of Iodide of Potassium. By C. HANDFIELD JONES, M.D., F.R.S. (Beale's Archives of Medicine, No. 3.)

It appears reasonable to expect that the healing influence of a drug in certain morbid states may be shown to be explicable by its general mode of action, yet there are certain remedies which exert a very positive curative power, and yet afford no clue in their general mode of action to explain their special effects. Such a remedy, according to Dr. H. Jones, is iodide of potassium, which has certainly a strong controlling power over periosteal inflammations, whether syphilitic or rheumatic, as well as over rupial ulcers, which generally heal under its use. It is also more or less useful in inflammations affecting fibrous tissues in various parts. Dr. Jones has made a series of experiments upon the effects of iodide of potassium administered to patients, and has examined the urine in each case; and the general results are thus summed up :-1. That the quantity of water was greatly increased in three out of six cases; a little (onesixth) increased in one; diminished in two. 2. Out of five cases, the acidity was increased in three, diminished in two. 3. Urea was increased in three, diminished in three. 4. Phosphoric acid was increased in four, diminished in two. 5. Sulphuric acid was increased in four, diminished in two. 6. Chlorine was increased in three, diminished in two out of five cases; in two the increase was very considerable. 7. Uric acid was diminished in four out of six cases, greatly increased in the remaining two. The most marked effects seem to be the increase of the water, of the phosphoric and sulphuric acids, and of the chlorine. But Dr. Jones adds that as far as these confessedly empirical results go, there seems to be no help or clue afforded to trace out any connexion between the empirical facts just noticed. A varying diuretic effect does not

give any explanation of the modus operandi of the drug in curing a node or an ulcer. For the present Dr. Jones concludes that we cannot attain to more than an empirical acquaintance with the operation of iodide of potassium.

XI. On the Therapeutical Action of the Acid Nitrate of Silver. By Dr. CROCQ. (Bulletin Général de Thérapeutique, Feb. 15th, 1859.)

Under the name of acid nitrate of silver, Dr. Crocq designates a solution of nitrate of silver in nitric acid. He thinks this preparation especially useful when it is desirable to modify certain surfaces more or less deeply without producing a deep destruction of the tissues; in such cases, in fact, as are usually treated by the solid nitrate of silver or by the acid nitrate of mercury. The acid nitrate of silver is preferable to the former, because it penetrates much better into all the sinuosities and anfractuosities of surfaces, and because its action can be rendered either superficial or deep. It is preferable to the second, because it does not act as a poison by absorption, however large may be the surface cauterized, while the acid nitrate of mercury may and does produce symptoms of mercurial poisoning. Moreover, the action of the acid nitrate of silver may be immediately arrested, when it is applied to organs where its extension might become prejudicial, as on the eye, the vagina, and in the throat, for in these cases the injection of a solution of chloride of sodium renders it instantly inert. The acid nitrate of silver may be employed advantageously in cases of chancre, in simple and gangrenous ulcers, in some wounds, in lupus, in epithelial tumours, and cancroid ulcers; in ulcerations of the neck of the uterus, and granular affections of the cervix uteri and of the conjunctiva.

XII. On the Treatment of Inflammation by Digital Compression. By M. VANZETTI, Professor of Clinical Surgery in the University of Padua. (From the Giornale Veneto di Scienze Mediche, l'Union Médicale, Dec. 30th, 1858.)

We have already (Jan., 1859) recorded the results of two cases in which M. Vanzetti successfully practised digital compression in inflammation; and the following cases appear to establish the advantages derivable from this method of treatment:

The first case was one of phlegmonous inflammation of the right leg, occurring in a man, aged thirty-eight. When he was admitted into the hospital the right leg was red and considerably swollen throughout its lower half as far as the metatarsal bones; the redness was most intense over the internal ankle, which appeared to be the most painful part, and the centre from which the inflammation extended to the rest of the limb. The pain was increased on pressure, especially at the internal ankle, and the finger left a well-marked depression on the leg in consequence of the acute adema of the subcutaneous areolar tissue. Compression was immediately commenced-namely, at seven o'clock in the evening; and the pulsations of the femoral artery, which was compressed at the ilio-pectineal eminence, were so violent that it was necessary to employ some force in order completely to interrupt the circulation. M. Vanzetti saw the patient at eight o'clock, and found that the black thread with which the limb had been surrounded was already relaxed; the redness was much less intense, the pain had almost entirely ceased, and the patient said that he felt remarkably relieved. The compression was continued during the whole of the night, with some short interruptions, and on visiting the patient the next day, at half-past ten in the morning, a surprising change was found to have taken place in the state of the affected limb, which no longer presented

any of the symptoms of phlegmon which had been so distinct on the previous evening, and it was therefore considered unnecessary to continue the compression. In order to assure himself that the affected parts had returned to their normal state, M. Vanzetti caused the patient to rise and walk several times along the ward; he did not complain of the slightest pain in walking, and he refused the aid of a stick which was offered to him. The man recovered completely, and on the third day after the commencement of the treatment he returned to his work.

The second case was one of traumatic phlegmon of the left hand, occurring in a girl of fourteen, who, having had a fall while holding a bottle, received a wound in the palm of the left hand from a fragment of glass. On the sixth day after the accident fever supervened, and acute pain was felt in the hand; and on the next day the girl came to the hospital. The hand then exhibited, especially on its dorsal surface, an intense redness, with considerable swelling and pain on pressure, and the inflammation extended to the whole of the cir cumference of the fore-arm. The thumb and the index finger were also swollen-red, tense, and shining; the pulse was 108. Compression of the humeral artery was now resorted to, the pulsations of the radial artery at the wrist indicating the exact degree of the compression; but the patient was also able to explain whether the process was well or badly performed by the symptoms which she experienced. After only two hours the compression had produced a sensible amelioration; the thread which had been tied over the most projecting part of the hand already allowed the little finger to pass beneath it, and the heat and redness had diminished. In six hours afterwards the symptoms had diminished still more; the compression was continued without preventing the patient from sleeping, and the subclavian artery was occasionally compressed. On the next day the redness was found to be circumscribed to the back of the hand; the index finger was now easily passed beneath the thread employed to measure the size of the limb; the heat was less, and the pain had entirely ceased. The pulse was 100. Two days afterwards no trace of inflammation remained; but it was now ascertained that a small fragment of glass was imbedded in the tissues of the hand. It was extracted without difficulty, and in a week more the patient was quite well.

The third case was one of diffuse phlegmon of the left leg, occurring in a man, aged fifty-six. There was considerable swelling of the whole of the limb, the circumference of which exceeded that of the sound limb by three inches; the tissues were tense and elastic, but there was no cedema, except at the middle portion of the anterior surface of the tibia, which was also the seat of a very acute pain on pressure. Compression was practised, and during the first few hours which followed the adoption of this measure the patient already experienced considerable relief, and he said that he no longer felt the sensation of heat by which he was previously so much annoyed. Compression having been commenced at eight o'clock in the morning, there was so much amelioration at four o'clock in the afternoon that the index finger could be passed under the thread employed to measure the size of the leg. At nine in the evening the improvement still continued. During the night the compression. was continued, but with short intervals, and the patient, satisfied with the relief afforded by the process, performed it himself, but interrupting it from time to time in order to sleep. The next day, at ten o'clock in the morning, all the symptoms of the disease had entirely ceased; there was no longer any swelling or tension of the tissues. The pulse was 56. The patient could walk without difficulty or pain; and after remaining six days in the hospital he went away perfectly cured.

XIII. On the Therapeutical Action of Solanine and Dulcamara. (Presse Médicale Belge, September, 1858.)

Professor Caylus, of Leipzig, has undertaken a series of experiments to ascertain the exact effects of dulcamara, and its active principle, solanine. These substances belong to the class of narcotico-acids, as they produce a paralysing action on the medulla oblongata, and an exciting action on the nerves. They cause death by producing paralysis of the respiratory muscular apparatus, by an action analogous to that of coneine and nicotine. They possess a therapeutical action in spasms and irritable conditions of the respiratory organs, in simple spasmodic cough, hooping-cough, and spasmodic asthma. Their therapeutical action in certain morbid conditions of the blood -as gout, rheumatism, constitutional syphilis, and perhaps in certain chronic diseases of the skin-may be due to their augmenting the excretion by the kidneys, of the constituent parts of the blood which have undergone combustion, and not to the excitement of cutaneous activity. Solanine and dulcamara may be given without danger in inflammatory conditions of the stomach and the intestinal tube, as they exercise no action on those organs. Inflam mation of the respiratory organs presents no contra-indication to the employment of solanine and dulcamara; but they are contra-indicated in inflammation of the kidneys. The medium dose of solanine for an adult is from one to five centigrammes of acetate of solanine, a substance which M. Caylus prefers to the pure alkaloid, in consequence of its solubility. The most suitable form of administration is in pills, the solutions of the salts of solanine having a very disagreeable taste. The extract obtained from alcohol, and then washed with water to remove the alcohol, is preferable to the watery extract generally employed.

XIV. Some Formulæ employed by the Medical Profession in Lyons. (Bulletin Général de Thérapeutique, Jan. 30th, 1859.)

1. Antidyspeptic Powder-Take of subnitrate of bismuth, twenty grammes; of hydrochlorate of morphia, five centigrammes. Mix, and divide into twenty powders; one to be taken immediately after each of two meals, in two tablespoonfuls of water.

2. Collyrium in Chronic Ophthalmia.-Take of water, one hundred and twentyfive grammes; of tincture of aloes, ten drops; of ammonia, four drops; of sulphate of copper, five centigrammes. The eyes to be bathed twice a day for two minutes. This wash is principally indicated in chronic scrofulous ophthalmia accompanied by obstinate ulceration of the cornea. It should only be employed after the cessation of acute symptoms of inflammation.

3. Pommade for Ulcerated Chilblains.-Melt sixteen grammes of yellow wax in thirty grammes of linseed oil; add eight grammes of tincture of benzoin and fourteen grammes of glycerine, and flavour with essence of lavender.

4. Powder for Nocturnal Incontinence of Urine in Children.-Take of carbonate of iron, fifteen centigrammes; of extract of belladonna, three centigrammes; of powdered nux vomica, three centigrammes. This dose to be taken every day. The employment of this remedy is said by Dr. Faure to be generally followed by a complete cure at the end of eight or ten days.

5. Pommade for Acne.-Take of lard, fifty grammes; of sublimed sulphur, four grammes; of tannin, four grammes; of cherry-laurel water, five grammes. Mix accurately. Dr. Rodet employs this pommade with success in all forms of acne, and has also found it serviceable in sycosis, when the inflammation has been subdued and the crusts have fallen.

6. Laudanized Wine of Squills.-Take of white wine a pint; of powdered

squill, eight grammes; of laudanum, twenty-nine grammes. Dr. Teissier has obtained advantageous results from the employment of this wine in dropsies especially those which follow pulmonary emphysema.

XV. On the Vermifuge Properties of the Chinese Ailantus. (Journal de Pharmacie et de Chimie, March, 1859.)

The Chinese ailantus (Ailantus glandulosa) has been hitherto known only as an ornamental tree of a very elegant appearance and rapid development. During the last few months it has acquired importance by yielding a valuable vermifuge agent, according to some remarks published by M. Hétet, Professor at the Naval School of Medicine at Toulon. In the experiments which he describes, he makes use of the following preparations, namely, the powdered bark, the powdered leaves, the watery extract of the bark, the alcoholic extract of the bark, the oleo-resin, and the resin. These experiments were made on dogs, and afterwards on man. M. Hétet describes three cases, in all of which the powdered bark of the ailantus caused the expulsion of tapeworms. The powder of the bark was given at first in the dose of half a gramme, and the watery extract in the dose of one-fourth of a gramme; the oleo-resin in the dose of one-fifth of a gramme: the resin in the dose of two-fifths of a gramme rarely occasioned the expulsion of fragments of the tænia. M. Hétet thinks that it is to the volatile oil of ailantus that we ought chiefly to attribute the phenomena of weakness observed in man and in dogs, since the resin alone does not produce them. He also observes a fact deserving of recollection, namely, that the effect of this essential oil is so well marked, that it is necessary for persons to take great care of preserving themselves from its vapours during its preparation. According to this author the ailantus, taken in a vermifuge dose, does not exert any injurious effect upon the health, and does not distress the patient like the root of the pomegranate and kousso. The local effects are confined to slight colic, and sometimes a moderate degree of purging.

XVI. On the Treatment of Chorea by Arsenious Acid. By M. ARAN. (Bulletin Général de Thérapeutique, March 30th, 1859.)

In concluding the history of five cases of chorea treated and cured by the employment of arsenious acid, M. Aran remarks that he does not consider arsenic to be a specific in this disease. The arsenical treatment must inevitably fail in a certain number of cases; and M. Aran himself failed completely in four, where hysteria co-existed with choreiform movements. He considers that arsenic succeeds best in those cases which, without losing their affinity to the type of chorea, manifest themselves in a somewhat anomalous form; in other words, that the arsenious acid is an anchor of safety in anomalous forms of chorea, whatever may be the nature of the anomaly. Thus, one of his cases was complicated with hallucinations, a second was accompanied with incomplete hemiplegia, and a third with a very extraordinary agitation, occurring principally in the morning. But simple cases of chorea may also be advantageously treated by arsenic, and this medicine ought to have a fair trial in this disease, until it is proved to be inefficacious.

The question of the dose of arsenic to be administered in this disease is one demanding much consideration. M. Aran considers that for children of seven years old, the dose may commence at two or three milligrammes (a milligramme is about 00154 of a troy grain), and may be augmented to five milligrammes. In the adult the first dose may be five milligrammes, or one centigramme (1543 of a troy grain), and he thinks it important to augment the dose with