Editorial.

THE PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE TREATMENT OF HAY FEVER.

It is difficult to conceive of a more miserable creature in all the world than the hay fever sufferer. The attack not only makes him exceedingly uncomfortable, but renders him unfit for business or the pleasures of society. Aside from the annoying and continual discharge from the nostrils, the eyes are suffused, the secretion of tears is increased, the nasal passages are obstructed, and an intense burning sensation is experienced; the latter is not entirely limited to the mucous membranes, but not infrequently involves the cutaneous surfaces of the forehead, cheeks and Violent attacks of sneezing occur which are so prolonged, at times, as to completely exhaust the sufferer and bring on severe headache. The condition is one of utter wretchedness, and there is extreme malaise, amounting occasionally to complete prostration. The lightest duties become irksome tasks, and many an active, industrious and useful member of society is completely incapacitated while "the season" lasts.

nose.

For years some convenient means of relief has been sought. Change of scene does very well for those, unfettered by business, who can afford to travel. But to many very worthy people a change of scene is out of the question. Naturally the greater number of the afflicted are accustomed to look to the medical profession for the help they need. But what has the medical profession actually accomplished for the permanent relief of the sufferer or the cure of his ailment? There is scarcely a sedative, astringent, tonic, nervine, or alterative drug in the materia medica that has not enjoyed an evanescent reputation as a useful remedy in the treatment of hay fever. Until the discovery of Adrenalin, each had been as much of a disappointment as its predecessor and none had afforded more than the merest temporary relief.

There is increasing evidence that Adrenalin fully meets the indication as a remedial agent in hay fever. It controls the nasal discharge, allays congestion of the mucous membranes, and in that manner reduces the swelling of the turbinal tissues. As the nasal obstruction disappears, natural breathing is materially aided and the ungovernable desire to sneeze is mitigated. In short, a session of comparative comfort takes the place of the former condition of distress and unrest. Adrenalin blanches the mucous membrane by vigorously contracting the capillaries, and thus reduces local turgescence. It strengthens the heart and overcomes the sense of malaise so frequently a prominent feature in cases of long standing.

In the treatment of hay fever the Solution of Adrenalin Chloride

should be used. This preparation is supplied in the strength of one part Adrenalin Chloride to one thousand parts Normal Saline Solution, and is preserved by the addition of 0.5 per cent. Chloretone. The 1-1000 solution should be diluted by the addition of four parts Normal Salt Solution, and sprayed into the nares with a "Cocaine" atomizer. In the office, the 1-1000 solution may be applied in full strength. A small pledget of cotton is wrapped about the end of an applicator and moistened with a few drops of the solution (1-1000). The speculum is then introduced, the patient's head is tilted backward in a position most favorable for thorough illumination by the head-mirror, and the visible portions of the lower and middle turbinate bodies, and the septum, are carefully and thoroughly brushed. The same application is made to the other nostril, when usually relief follows in a few moments. Should the benefit prove only partialthe 1-5000 solution may now be sprayed into both nares, and a few drops, instilled into both eyes. The effect of this treatment may be expected to last for several hours. Indeed, some physicians report that it is neces sary to make but one thorough application daily to afford complete relief. It is also recommended that Solution Adrenalin Chloride be adminis tered internally in 5 to 10 drop doses, beginning ten days to two weeks prior to the expected attack. In explanation of the beneficial effect of the drug when used in this manner, the suggestion has been made that hay fever is essentially a neurosis, characterized by a local vaso-motor paralysis, affecting the blood supply of the eyes, nose, face and pharynx, and occasionally of the laryngeal and bronchial mucous membranes. Adrenal in overcomes this condition, restores the normal balance in the local blood pressure, and thus aids in bringing about a cure. The profession is to be congratulated that it has at last an agent that, if not a specific, fulfills the therapeutic indications more completely and with greater satisfaction than any other remedial measure recorded in the history of medicine.

The very interesting article of Dr. Herron, of Jackson, Tenn., read at the last meeting of the Tennessee State Medical Society, which will be found in the "Original Communications" in this number, has a special bearing on this subject.

BIRMINGHAM MEDICAL COLLEGE.

The faculty of this medical school, established in 1894, have perfected arrangements, and now have in process of erection, to be completed and ready for the reception of students at the beginning of the next regular session, a large commodious and new college building. It will be constructed of brick, four stories high, thoroughly modern and up-to-date in every way, and is designed especially to meet the most exacting demands for modern medical teaching. It is located at the corner of Avenue “F” and Twentieth Street, and is immediately adjacent to the new Hillman Hospital. The Hillman Hospital, under the management of the Society

of United Charities, will be a thoroughly modern, four-story brick and stone structure, built according to the latest and most approved plans, and will accommodate a large number of patients. The members of the faculty of the Birmingham Medical College will be the attending physicians and surgeons to the hospital and will give daily clinical instruction in the wards and in the spacious amphitheatre, enabling the students to come in immediate contact with every phase and form of disease; the city of Birmingham and the populous suburban towns and villages affording ample means for clinical instruction.

St. Vincent's Hospital, erected in 1900, by the Sisters of Charity, at a cost of $200,000, with accommodations for several hundred patients, the wards constantly filled with every form of medical and surgical cases, also affords a large field for practical clinical instruction. The members of the faculty of this college, who are the attending physicians to this hospital, hold regular clinics in the large amphitheatre which was especially constructed for their use.

In addition the students will also have access to and receive instruction at the Davis & Davis Infirmary, the Copeland-Berry Private Hospital, the Morris Sanitarium, the Talley & McAdory Infirmary, the Hospital of the T. C. & I. Co. at Pratt City, and the Jefferson County Hospital and Alms House.

With such magnificent clinical facilities, with a new college building perfectly equipped with large and well appointed laboratories for systematic instruction in all lines, located in the wonderfully progressive and healthful city of Birmingham with railroad connections radiating and connecting with every part of the country, with new additions to its efficient and competent faculty, increasing largely the corps of teachers and instructors, it offers especial advantages to the student of medicine. With other high grade institutions, it adopted several years ago the four years graded course-four sessions of six months each being requisite for graduation. For further information or catalogue apply to Dr. J. C. Le Grande, Secretary, Birmingham, Ala.

POISONS AND ANTIDOTES.-We have received from the Maltine Company, Eighth Avenue, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets, Brooklyn, N. Y., a very handsome and well printed card containing a list of poisons and their antidotes. It will not be out of place hanging on your office wall, and if you desire a copy it will be mailed to you free on application to the Maltine Company.

I AM practically well acquainted with Cactina in the pillet form and can speak highly of it as a cardiac tonic and as a remedy for palpitation in dyspepsia. ALEXANDER PRICE, M.D., D.P.H.

Birmingham, Eng.

PEPTENZYME.-I have for the last five years employed Peptenzyme as my leading remedy in the treatment of the vomiting of pregnancy. It assists in the digestion of foods, and relieves the nausea more quickly than any other remedy I have ever tried. I give the pregnant woman ten to fifteen grains of Peptenzyme after each eating-it matters not when or how often she eats.

Peptenzyme, by its action, lessens the nausea and assists nature in disposing of the food which is to be digested. It has been found of greatest value in sixty recorded cases, many of which had failed to get benefit from oxalate of cerium and other drugs.-North American Journal of Diagnosis and Practice.

IN PAPINE advanced pharmacy has given us a perfect opium preparation. It possesses the anodyne virtues of opium and not the constipating and untoward actions. Papine may be briefly defined as the only opiate which is free from the evil effects which I have just named. It is very prompt, in this respect excelling any other opiate, and it never produces nausea, constipation and the usual woes that go hand in hand with the old-time opiates. Papine is, therefore, the remedy which is indicated in all forms of inflammatory pain. It is given in doses of one teaspoonful every one, two or three hours, until its anodyne action is attained. In giving Papine, we can bear in mind that a teaspoonful represents the strength of one-eighth of a grain of morphine. Having this fact in mind, the dosage which is appropriate in any case will at once suggest itself.

Extract from "Remedial measures indicated in affections attended with Pain" by G. S. Trotter, M.D., in New Albany Medical Herald.

Ir affords me especial satisfaction to express my pleasure regarding the excellent effect of Pepto-Mangan (Gude). I have employed this preparation repeatedly with great success. The rapid and marked improvement of the appetite in anæmic patients, as well as the improvement in general condition, was most surprising. I intend to continue the further use of your valuable remedy with the greatest confidence, and remain with an expression of my highest esteem.

DR. LEOPOLD EGLSEER, District Physican. Obernberg, a. S. Upper Austria.

NERVE EXHAUSTION.-I recently had a case of nerve exhaustion that failed to yield to any and all treatment, and finally I gave Daniel's Concentrated Tincture Passiflora Incarnata. It is with some degree of hesitancy that I send this report, (upon ethical grounds strictly) as this is my first endorsement of a pharmaceutical article. I gave this preparation to this patient, and after a fair and impartial trial I was more than pleased

with it, as it gave the relief much sought but never found before. My patient continues to improve and I feel confident of a permanent cure.

I shall be pleased to report results from the use of this. valuable preparation in this and in other similar cases which may come under my D. HOUSEWORTH, M.D.

care.

DYSENTERY AND FLATULENCE.-The griping pain and flatulence which accompany bowel aud stomach complaints, particularly during the heated term, are so readily overcome and controlled by the timely administration of one or two Antikamnia and Salol Tablets, repeated every two or three hours, that it behooves us to call our readers' attention to the grand efficacy of this well-known remedy in these conditions. The above doses are, of course, those for adults. Children should be given one-fourth tablet for each five years of their age. When the attack is very severe, or when the disturbance is evidenced at or near the time of the menstrual period, we find it preferable to give two Antikamnia and Codeine Tablets, alternately with the Antikamnia and Salol Tablets. The latter tablets promptly arrest excessive fermentation and have a pronounced sedative effect on the mucous membranes of the bowels and stomach, and will check the various diarrhoeas without any untoward effect.

AN INFECTED WOUND. —The following refers to a Professor of Meteria Medica in one of the large eastern schools:

Dr. L. B., in opening a small chancroid, slightly cut his index finger. The injury was of such small apparent consequence that no attention was given the wound. In two days inoculation was manifested and in four days the entire arm to the axilla was involved. Free incisions were made with little benefit. On the advice of a brother practitioner, Antiphlogistine was applied covering the entire arm. At the end of twelve hours the dressing was removed and the inflammation had subsided. Antiphlogistine was not again immediately applied, but, the pain returning, hot application of bichloride solution was used, but with no abatement of pain, and the inflammation was again most rapidly assuming control. A second resort to Antiphlogistine was then decided upon with most happy results. The arm again under this treatment assumed its normal condition and all traces of the virus disappeared.-The International Journal of Surgery, May, 1902.

SCHERING'S FORMALIN LAMP.-In a recent personal letter from Dr. C. C. Thornton, of Thornton, Miss., he states that for some time past he had been utilizing one of Schering's Formalin Lamps as a night lamp, burning it every night as he had frequent occasion to get up. Recently