It used to be a very common thing for manufacturing pharmaceutical houses which manufacture for the medical profession, being well equipt for manufacturing on a large scale, to take orders from anybody for, say, a million pills, or anything else in the pharmaceutic line. Since members of the profession have found out that they were patronizing firms that were supplying quacks with their dope," ," naturally there was some indignation felt, and we do not think there is as much of that sort of thing done now as formerly. Just what houses were guilty we do not know.-ED.]

66

"Liquid Sulfur."

If

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-In February WORLD, page 69, Dr. T. Bailey asks for formula of "Hancock's Liquid Sulfur." he will consult U. S. D., 12th ed., page 1607, he will find under the head of "Sulfuret of Calcium" a formula for preparing a very similar, if not identical "liquid sulfur." I once kept in stock "Hancock's Liquid Sulfur." I now prepare my own after this formula, and find it as advised: a quick and never failing remedy in itch, minus the after tell-tale smell.

Lest Dr. Bailey have some difficulty in consulting said edition, I here append the formula:

An impure aqueous solution of Sulfuret of Calcium

*is used in Belgium with great success in itch, the cure of which it effects in a few hours. It is made by boiling together one part of sublimed sulfur, two of lime, and ten of water, for two hours. The liquid is allowed to cool, and the clear part poured off and kept in well stopt bottles. The patient after having been well washt with soap and tepid water, in a bath, is rubbed over with the liquid, which is allowed to dry on the skin for a quarter of an hour. A second bath is then taken, which completes the cure."

Hendricks Store, Va.

J. A. MOORMAN, M.D.

Good Work Against Nostrum Advertisements in the Religious Press.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-On page 116, March WORLD, I see some letters from Dr. Dortch regarding patent medicin ads in the religious press. I have been pursuing the same plan in regard to the Christian Observer, at Louisville. On Dec. 6th, 1906, I wrote to them; a copy of my letter appeared in Jan. WORLD, page 30. On Jan. 29th, 1907, I wrote to them again, a copy of which I inclose. I have had copies of both of these letters printed, with a letter to each Presbyterian minister in Tennessee, and am now sending them out. May I not ask that doctors in each state pursue this course toward their church papers? and I especially ask that Presbyterian doctors in other states help me to rid the Observer of these vile patent medicin advertisements, for it is otherwise a good paper. Smyrna, Tenn.

J. S. LOWRY,

SMYRNA, TENN., Jan. 29th, 1907. The Christian Observer, Louisville, Ky.:

DEAR SIRS:-On Dec. 6th, 1906, I wrote to you concerning patent medicin advertisements in the Observer, and stated that I would wait for a few issues of 1907 to see if some of the contracts were not cancelled. You will please send statement of amount due you for the numbers sent this year, and discontinue the Observer. Some new ads of this year are worse than any have been heretofore. I want a good church paper, and shall be glad to subscribe for the Observer whenever the spiritual gems cease to be set in the

filthy quagmire of patent medicin advertisements. We need a man for a church paper who can resist the allurements of the patent medicin dollar; and if it cannot exist without this blood money, let it go. No man can have the souls of his brethren truly at heart and at the same time weekly put in their hands something which may be instrumental in injuring their bodies and minds and robbing their purses. We need a paper that is for God and not for the promotion of the base frauds of the patent medicin vendor. No church paper is worthy of recognition that cannot present a“ clean" sheet.

I propose to make a fight against your subscription list in this state, and do what I can thru the medical press to get others to do the same from other states. I shall make an appeal to every Presbyterian minister in this state to use his influence for a clean church paper, and against one whose advertisements are such palpable frauds. My influence amounts to very little, I know, but it is for what I believe to be right. Very truly yours, J. S. LOWRY.

The Other Side of Accident Insurance. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:- This morning's mail brings to me the March issue of THE MEDICAL WORLD, and as I always immediately sit down and try to digest a part of the issue, I am inclined to immediately write you in answer to a couple of articles on Accident Insurance that appear in this issue, pages 122 and 123, and possibly put another light on the matter.

I do not believe that the accident insurance companies want their agents and solicitors to misrepresent the conditions under which their policies are issued, nor do they want their patrons to be ignorant of the terms of their policies. In the case mentioned by G. J. Searle, the person holding the policy had been deceived by the agent; and had he on receiving the policy investigated the contents and conditions of the same, he could have cancelled it at once if not to his liking. The company lived up to the agreement made, and what further can be askt?

In this line, I am an adjuster, or rather resident surgeon, for an eastern company, and in a case last year that, according to the provisions of the policy, the beneficiary would only receive one fifth of the full benefits on account of no external marks, after visiting the case and in making my report I explained to the company that it was a case where, according to the policy, the holder was only entitled to one-fifth regular indemnity, yet it was clearly a case of total disability, and it was unfortunate that external marks were not visible for his good. The company paid this man full benefits (five times the amount called for by contract), and thankt me for my exceedingly full explanation of the case.

In the case of Thomas Blackwood, he is condemning an innocent party when he alone was in the wrong. When he made application for membership in The Physicians' Casualty Association, he agreed to abide by the by-laws of said association and the rules and regulations laid down by the association. He did not do so. He did not notify them within ten days of date of accident, but if I am not misinformed, it was many weeks or perhaps months after the accident. He was not entitled to a cent; and because the secretary, Mr. Elliott, did not betray his trust as secretary-treasurer, Dr. Blackwood condemns this association.

Now, my experience with these same companies is personal in every way, and I am about to relate my experience with this line of companies for the past fifteen years.

I began carrying accident insurance about 1890, and carried two policies in different companies; and after carrying the same three or four years I decided to let the policies lapse, as I had never met with an accident and did not believe I would. In the winter of 1893-4 I slipt and fell, causing a fracture of the patella. I regretted that I had dropt my insurance (I thought that my policies had lapsed). On investigation I found that one had ten days more to go before lapsing, but that the other one had lapsed some weeks before. I immediately notified the company, and

within a few days their surgeon and adjuster called on me and askt if I would consider an immediate cash settlement offer. They offered me $250, which I said I would accept, and within 24 hours they placed a New York draft for that amount in my hands. I have always carried accident insurance enuf to take the place of my income in case of accident from that day to this. Since that time I have had both arms broken, as well as other injuries.

Two years ago last summer, by the upsetting of my buggy one dark night, I received a fracture of the olecranon process. My policy in the General Accident Ins. Company called for $25 per week total disability benefits, and half that amount partial dis. benefits. Within 24 hours after notice to the company, an adjuster askt me whether or not I would settle at once or wait until well. I said at once if amount was satisfactory; $200 was paid me on the spot. It was a very satisfactory settlement.

September 4th last, on account of a slip and fall, I received a fracture of the left humerus. I promptly notified The General Accident Insurance Co. and the Physicians' Casualty Association, of which I was a member. The General A. I. Co. wisht to make an immediate settlement, but on account of the nature of the fracture I wisht to be positiv of good results before I settled. The X-ray used for a few days as a guard to good position at point of fracture assured me that we could count on fair results, and the next time I saw their adjuster I was handed a draft for $333 in full settlement. The company wisht to give me this draft the day after I was hurt, but I refused the same until I was satisfied it would cover my loss. With the Casualty Association I made out the preliminary papers or notice and received the papers that had to be made out when I had completely recovered, which I did, in proper form, and as a result I promptly received their check for nearly two hundred dollars, which was in full for all time I claimed, and perfectly satisfactory to the writer.

I have brought out the names of these two companies only as their names appear in the two articles referred to. The other companies I carry insurance in are and have always in my personal cases been as prompt as the two mentioned in making settlements, and always in every way satisfactory to the writer. In one case at time of one of my accidents, I had dropt one of my policies in order to accommodate a friend and take insurance in his company. I had carried that policy but a couple of months when I met with one of the accidents enumerated, and altho the company had received but $4, less the commission of the agent, they promptly paid me $275 for my indemnity, which was satisfactory-my own figures.

My experience with accident insurance companies and associations is that they in every way live up to the contract they enter into, and invariably wish to settle at once on liberal terms; and where a settlement is not made at once, but at the end of the disability, that they settle in full on reliable evidence.

I do not believe that industrial life and accident insurance is a good thing, for the reason that it costs the company such a percentage to handle this line of insurance, in ways of collecting premiums, etc. As a result, those who have this line of insurance do not receive anywhere near the benefits in case of accidents or death as we who have the highest class of policies written and pay the premiums quarterly or yearly.

[The so-called “industrial” insurance is for policies of smail amounts, premiums payable in the form of a pittance (from 10 to 50 cents) each week, a collector usually calling for the money. This is called "industrial," because it appeals to wage workers of small incomes, as day laborers, servant girls, etc. Here, as usual, the poor pay a higher rate than any other class. -ED.]

I am of the opinion that the adjusters have a big bearing on a majority of unsatisfactory cases, and if they would use common sense and treat the unfortunate one as they would like to be treated in such a case, or, in other words, use the Golden Rule at time of adjustment, that the company and policyholder would both be better satisfied.

Both of the articles referred to come from this state. The laws of Ohio require that any company doing business in this state must pay in full every cent that each policy calls for. If they do not live up to their contract, an appeal to the Insurance Department is all that is necessary; the contract will be fulfilled. I believe that both the cases as they appear in the March issue are from "soreheads" who, some time or another, have been "overlookt" by companies in making appointments. They are both condemning companies and associations that are in the right as far as their contracts read and were entered into. JAMES E. GASTON,

Wilmington, Ohio.

How to Handle Gallon Bottles. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-I would like to tell Dr. F. A. Cogswell, page 37, Jan. WORLD, that if he will have bottle setting on shelf or table so that he can be in a position to have bottle to outer side of arm, then grasp bottle around neck with thumb and forefinger, contract the pronator muscles, and lo! the bottle will be balanced on the biceps of the arm. I handle gallon bottles in this way without the least trouble, be they round or square. I. A. B.; Oregon.

Say, why isn't chloroform water an ideal remedy for flatulent colic? It is antiseptic, anesthetic, and carminativ, and in my hands, safe and reliable. Lupus, Mo. WM. H. REYNOLDS.

Dr. O. Rottor, of 304 E. 79th street, New York City, writes earnestly, declaring that he is "in full sympathy with the protest uttered by Dr. E. M. Reeves, of Chicago, against the judicial outrage against Dr. Malchow, of Minnesota, for writing his book, "The Sexual Life."

Matrimonial Notice.

The Medical Mirror is the bride, and The Medical Era is the groom-both of St. Louis. The April issue will appear under the same name, and under the same cover. The name, of course, will be that of the groom: The Medical Era. A toast for the bride: Since Love was taken from her she has been inconsolable. May she now find peace and comfort (tho not Love) under the protecting wing of the lucky groom. A roast for the groom: Be good and you will be happy-tho sometimes lonesome. No more prevaricating, for the Mirror will reflect everything, and reveal the exact truth. This is the penalty for taking a Mirror to your bosom.

Two Collection Agencies Unsatisfactory. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-You may notify the "boys" thru the WORLD columns, that I have found the Sprague Mercantile Agency, of 184 LaSalle street, Chicago, and the International Law and Collection Company, of Dayton, Ohio, collection agencies so claimed, unsatisfactory. They cannot collect anything that any other man with reasonable ability cannot collect. JOHN S. MEYER, M.D.

Caldwell, Idaho.

Twelve "Bottles" of Whiskey for $1.85. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-I notice a letter from Dr. Brooke, of Pueblo, Ohio, in the March WORLD, page 123, but it does not do justice to the matter of the Aurora Co., of 436 West Broadway, New York. The company' says: "May we present you with a trial case (12 bottles) of the celebrated Briarcliffe whiskey?" Then they ask an enclosure of $1.85 to cover cost of box, bottles, shipping expenses, etc. I sent the $1.85, got 12 one-ounce bottles of whiskey worth about 25 cents; they paid 40 cents express, and took the $1.45 for the goods. I could have bought the whiskey at retail in any saloon in Faribault for $1.20; but whiskey comes high any way, and we must not complain; however, it is the first time I ever knew a dealer to sell samples above the retail price. Faribault, Minn.

DR. J. S. SEeley.

DR. TAYLOR:-Find inclosed $3.25 for WORLD and Politics in New Zealand. I am thankful to you for your advice on different investments that are held up to fleece the country doctors. I have been interviewed concerning a land investment in Cuba. Can you give me any information on this subject? Can a man get a good title for land in Cuba? And is it going to be productiv if well cultivated? I don't need any more information on mine investments. I had paid my tuition in that before I began to read THe World. You are doing a great service to the busy country physician in this line of information.

Farmersville, Ill.

DR. H. STROHL. [Much of the land in Cuba would be very productiv if well cultivated. I think a foreigner would have much trouble in getting a good title. But even if a good title could be secured, Cuba is a very unattractiv place for investments, on account of the instability of the government. Thus we see illustrated the value, in dollars and cents, as well as in every other way, of a good, stable government. The protection of person and property, and the administration of justice, is a matter of the greatest possible importance, to every individual of a community or a nation.-ED.]

Gone to the Laity.

Dr. J. Holderread, of Chicago, sends a markt newspaper adv. of tartarlithine for rheumatism"; by McKessons & Robbins, of New York. A free sample and booklet are offered free upon request-this to the laity !-and this for a medicin, to be taken internally, for a disease for which a physician should be called, for no telling when rheumatism may attack the heart, with serious consequences.

Wants to Sell Prescriptions to the Profession. "Dr." E. P. Thomas, of Bowling Green, Ohio, sends out a lot of printed prescription blanks, each headed with some disease, and at the bottom is told in confident language the wonders that each will do, but the prescription part is blank. He invites doctors to return the blank ones with $5, and receive a set of slips with the prescriptions filled in. Here is a nice graft upon the profession! A grafter is not likely to know any more than a respectable and ethical member of the profession. Whatever this man may know, he has learned from the profession. Its stores of knowledge are open to all. Does not each member of the profession owe whatever he may be able to contribute to that ever-growing store of knowledge? Even the best of us can never hope to pay the debt we owe to the profession as a whole, extending the world over, and into past ages. Yet here is this little specimen trying to sell knowledge to the profession! Who will be so foolish as to buy? If this man has anything

that would be of any value to the profession, the medical press is open to him. The rest of us do not try to keep secrets from one another. On the contrary, we are all striving to find something worth telling to our brethren, and then we delight in telling it. The men in our profession who have gotten the most in honor, fame, and money, are the men who have given the most. It was the giving-of their services and the fruits of their researches-that made them great.

QUIZ

New books as they appear, are sent to our Assistant Editor, Dr. A. L. Russell, of Midway, Washington Co., Pa., for review. As the Doctor thus has all the late books for reference, and is made familiar with them by reviewing each one carefully as it reaches him, he is unusually equipt for answering queries. Therefore it has been our custom for a long time to send queries to him for reply. In fact, the Doctor made a special request that this be done, as he enjoys this work. It now occurs to us that time will be saved if you will send directly to Dr. Russell matter intended for the Quiz Department, which has grown so much under his vigorous "treatment."' Please notice that our query department is not used to "boost" proprietary remedies, almanac fashion. THE MEDICAL WORLD has no interests other than to give to the medical profession the greatest amount of honest service possible. It has absolutely no interests in any proprietary preparation nor any medical supply house. Other medical editors have become, and are becoming, wealthy, by using their pages to increase the sale of preparations that they are interested in; but we prefer to render service to our subscribers that is above suspicion of personal pecuniary interest. How can a man interested in the sale of certain preparations render the best service? He is always trying to push one of his preparations in. That is commercial journalism. We prefer ethical journalism-and so does the profession, for THE MEDICAL WORLD is growing in popularity faster than ever before-and our subscribers are paying ones. They must be, for we have no medicins to "boost," nothing to sell, nothing to depend on but pure journalism; but doctors that want honest, straight journalism are willing to pay for it-they are glad of the opportunity.

Only such queries will be publisht as are likely to interest and instruct many others, as well as the one asking help. No charge has ever been made, nor will any charge be made, for this service to our subscribers. However, those who wish an immediate and personal reply by mail may obtain the same by inclosing two dollars to Dr. Russell. This is really a consultation in the interest of the patient, and should be charged to the patient-two dollars being a very moderate consultation fee. The Doctor agrees to give full, careful and immediate attention to such consultations. We reserve the right to publish in this department any such consultations that may be interesting and helpful to our readers. Name and address will be withheld if requested; but anonymous communications will receive no attention. Come freely for help, but read up as fully as you can before coming to us.

Possibly Vicarious Menstruation.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Miss B., age 17, tall and complexion dark: seems to be well-developt, farmraised girl; family history good. Her previous health good up to one year ago, when health failed, but she did not go to bed. Complexion became dark and blue spots appeared over body and limbs; dark circles under eyes; became bloated, and appetite failed; pains in joints and back; headache. Has never menstruated. Was treated by Drs. G. and S. with no improvement. Dark spots have filled up with hard substance, and are white and look like sebaceous matter; but when opened, substance is hard and will bleed. These spots are all sizes up to one-half in. in diameter; are on both upper and lower extremities, feet, palms of hands, body, ears, and on chin and upper lip. Health up and down, secretions all acting well, appetite good. Am informed that she has taken tonics, rest, out-door exercise, and is well cared for; but no menstruation yet, and no disturbance or symptoms of that nature.

Is this vicarous menstruation? or what is your diagnosis, and what may I do to help her? Pleasant Hope, Mo.

H. C. LUNDY.

[It is not possible for us to state what the condition in the skin may be; it is possible that it may be a manifestation of vicarious menstruation. If, however, this was the case, you would have exacerbations of the trouble, either monthly or at other times, in

correspondence to the time at which the organism is struggling to produce the menstrual flow.

We suggest an examination of the pelvic organs. You may find an infantil uterus, or other condition which will not only make clear the pathological condition present, but will also indicate the proper line of treatment to follow. If the organs are found in reasonably good condition, application of electricity to the uterus should bring results. Doubtless, however, it will be necessary to do more than seek to establish the menstrual function. Tonics are indicated, and these should be combined with alterativs. We think manganese, iron, and strychnin are proper medications, with, perhaps, iodid of potassium. Intelligent treatment of this case must include a thoro knowledge of the local conditions with which you have to deal; in fact, it is the essential foundation of diagnosis and treatment.-ED.]

Parafin Treatment of Hernia.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Please give your opinion and the technic of the parafin treatment of hernia. Do you consider the results as good as from the Heaton method? C. C. PATCHEN, M.D.

[Probably the best solution of the difficulty would be to have a number of suppositories made containing an average dose, in grains. If it be desired to give half the dose, a suppository could be readily cut in two pieces. If twice the average dose was called for, two suppositories could be employed. They can be slipt into the child's rectum without struggle or fright, and act quite as well as when the quinin is given by the mouth. Any of the manufacturing pharmacists will make these for you cheaply in quantity. A few can be carried in a bottle in the regular satchel, or a two or four-ounce tin box carried in the pocket will hold quite a supply. The only precaution necessary is to avoid allowing the heat of the body or the sun's rays to warm them sufficiently to cause melting. Hollow cocoa butter suppositories are also on the market, which can be filled with suitable dose.

Probably the only suitable vehicles for

quinin are syrup of yerba santa or elixir of licorice, so far as the ordinary remedies go. Even with these it is best to mix the dose just as required, or a bitter taste will develop, on standing for a time. Quinin may be given in warm chocolate, but this will seldom be found in the family larder when you want it.

You can also procure from any tablet manufacturer, quinin tannate in chocolate tablets. This form of quinin is tasteless, and the chocolate tablets are readily taken by children. They are of large size, however, and but few can be carried in the ordinary satchel vial case.

We cannot discuss proprietaries in these columns. Write the manufacturers for information on euquinin.-ED.]

Testicles Diseased by Mumps.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Patient, aged 24; had mumps one year ago; testicles became involved. No abnormality is discoverable on inspection or palpation, but markt tenderness remains, alternating between the spermatic cord and the testicles. Has had alterativ treatment, with local applications, and wears suspensory. He eats and sleeps well, but sits in a chair nearly all the time. His mind is riveted on his trouble. Am trying to gain his consent to go to Hot Springs. What shall I do further? DR. R. N. C. TATE.

Gonzales, Texas.

[We have observed a complete cure in a similar case treated by application of the clay poultice; this was continued for a considerable period. Colchicum, salicylate of soda, and potassium iodid have been used as internal medication, with good results. The probability is that you will note, after subsidence of the tenderness, a gradual atrophy of the testicle. Do not tell the patient this, now, in his deprest state of mind. But, as soon as his mental bias improves, you had best tell him of the possibilities in the case, lest he blame you later for the catastrophe. The condition is probably a chronic inflammation of the epididymis and testicle; or, otherwise, a chronic orchitis and epididymitis. Continue the wearing of the suspensory, but make sure that it is well fitting, and is not worn tight enuf to make sufficient pressure to aggravate or perpetuate the existing tenderness.-ED.]

A Simple, Soothing Eye-wash.

I beg that you will give something for the benefit of weak and inflamed eyes-some simple wash that will soothe. L. L. CARPER. Prospect Hill, Va.

[Saturate water with camphor by putting a few small pieces in water for a few days. Use distilled water; if necessary, use the water from the exhaust pipe of a steam engine. The water takes up but little camphor, and is ready for use in a couple of days. Decant carefully, so that no fine particles of camphor will pass over. Now saturate this solution with impalpably powdered, chemically pure boracic acid. Direct a few drops to be instilled into the eye three times a day.

This solution costs practically nothing, but we have seen leading eye specialists of the most ethical type dispense it in ounce bottles, and charge $5 for it without a quiver. A dollar an ounce will yield you "a fair profit," and as it lasts the patient a long time, he is satisfied. It is the best simple and soothing eye-wash in minor troubles that it is possible to dispense.-Ed.]

Probably a Central Nervous Trouble.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Roy H., aged 9 years, fairly well nourisht, had no previous serious illness, parents living and healthy. Temperature normal; pulse rate, 56; widely but evenly dilated pupils; tympanitic and tender abdomen. Bowels had not acted for three days, despite several large doses of castor oil. Kidneys acting freely. Twitching muscles were the most prominent symptom; no control over the head or arms; eyes dancing constantly; lower jaw jerking so that he had no control of speech; made worse by examination; lying fairly quiet when not disturbed, but the eyes kept up their constant motion; completely conscious, and seemed to realize that he would die. Died sixty hours later, after a coma lasting four hours. I excluded stramonium poisoning by thoro investigation.

I gave a quarter grain of calomel every half hour for four doses, and followed it in four hours by a saline. The bowels moved freely in eight hours. Also gave one grain Dover's powder every two hours until three grains were taken; then every six hours.

Abingdon, Va.

DR. WM. L. GANNAWAY.

[Your data are not complete enuf on which to admit of our stating any cause for death. There is no poison causing coma that takes fifty-six hours to induce this effect. Why did you suspect poison at all? We are unable to recognize symptoms of any. If you suspected poison, you should have eliminated more rapidly, using stomach pump or emetic. The pulse rate is extraordinary. We should suspect some central nervous trouble, but the case, as reported, is very obscure.-ED.]

Composition of “Kargon."

ST. LOUIS, March 4, 1907. TO THE EDITOR:-Can you give me any information regarding the composition of " Kargon," one of the ingredients of a prescription advertised in the daily press as a "simple home mixture which any druggist can put up"? M. J.

ANSWER. From the reports of our chemists who analyzed this nostrum, it appears to contain potassium acetate and buchu as the essential constituents. One chemist concludes his report as follows: "This wonderful remedy, then, seems to be acetate of potash, about 15 grains to each teaspoonful, and fluid extract of buchu." Another chemist states: gon contains buchu, potassium acetate, glycerol, and 18 percent alcohol."

"Kar

The nostrum is put up by the Kargon Extracting Company of Cincinnati, the title "extracting" evidently referring to the process to which the gullible public's purse is subjected. The mixture is advertised as being composed of common everyday vegetable (?) ingredients," as being better than patent

"

medicines" which are largely "alcoholic concoctions." The method of advertising is as ingenious as it is misleading. Appearing, in many cases, as solid reading matter, it discourses on the importance of the free action of the kidneys as an essential to health. A harmless-looking prescription is then given, consisting of Fluid Extract of Dandeloin, Compound Kargon, and Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla, which can procured from any good pharmacist and mixt at home." The "Compound Kargon" is always carefully sandwiched between the two pharmacopeial

be

preparations with but one evident object in view, that of leading the public to suppose that Kargon is but one of the numerous standard diuretics. Of course a combination of acetate of potash and fluid extract of buchu with fluid extract of dandelion and compound syrup of sarsaparilla makes an activ diuretic. But it is a combination that in the majority of cases of kidney disease will do great harm. And no matter what the conditions, if used indiscriminately and "taken regularly," as the advertisements advocate, it cannot be otherwise than dangerous.-Jour. A. M. A. for Mar. 16.

Dialyzed Iron and Arsenical Poisoning.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Is dialyzed iron considered an efficient antidote in arsenical poisoning if the exhibition is followed by a solution of sodium chlorid -or without it? Kindly answer in Quiz column. Expedit, Pa. W. D. VEDDEer, M.D.

[Dialyzed iron has been used in arsenical poisoning, but is not considered an eligible or efficient antidote. The only iron preparation recognized by authorities on poisons is the ferric hydroxid, and a freshly prepared drug is always insisted upon. The drug is best prepared by adding magnesia to ferric chlorid solution, but any caustic alkali or alkalin carbonate may be mixt with any ferric salt solution. The resulting precipitate is a pulpy, brown-red color, and is to be thrown upon a strainer and washt with water. acts mechanically. It is given in tablespoonful doses, and is preferably suspended in milk.

It

Prior to administration of the ferric hydroxid, vomiting should be induced, or the stomach pump should be used. The first indication is to get the poison out of the stomach, and then to use demulcents or the ferric hydroxid.

Sodium chlorid would not modify the dialyzed iron in the stomach so that it could become quickly available. A caustic alkali or an alkalin carbonate are the only agents acting properly upon the iron, and such crude pharmacy has no place inside an irritated viscus such as the stomach in arsenical poisoning.

The error is frequently made of depending too much upon the "antidote," to the exclusion of proper methods of evacuation.-ED.]

The Proper Dose of Nitrite of Amyl. Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-I have a question to ask in regard to the asthma cure in the June, 1906, WORLD. The prescription calls for 3 drams of nitrite of amyl. Is that not a rather large dose? I have had excellent results with the prescription, using only one dram; but if you would advise its use in the dose as first mentioned, I would like to get your opinion, as my druggist did not want to fill the prescription with that dosage. A. C. GRONWOLD, M.D.

Fort Ransom, N. Dak.

[If you will read again the article on page 219, in the June, 1906, WORLD, you will note our personal opinion exprest in the third and fourth lines. If you will read the May issue, you can get our article to which the doctor refers.

However, as to the prescription: the dose of nitrite of amyl is two to five minims. In