failure of mobility and reflex power is due to central action, the drug in toxic doses being a paralyzant to the spinal cord and the medulla.

Drowsiness, shallow breathing, cardiac weakness, and reduced arterial pressure are common results of poisonous doses of eucalyptus.

Treatment of Poisoning.-The stomach should be emptied, and the treatment should include the administration of alkalies or some preparation of iron, eliminants, strychnine, coffee, and diffusive stimulants.

Therapeutics.-The author is indebted to Prof. G. Frank Lydston, M. D., for the following communication in regard to the therapeutics of this drug. Dr. Lydston's experience with the remedy, having been very extensive, lends to his statements authoritative weight; he is therefore quoted verbatim:

"Eucalyptus is, in my experience, a most valuable remedy in chronic inflammation of mucous membranes. In nasopharyngeal catarrh it is of especial value. It may be used either in the form of spray or a thin ointment. If used as a spray, it should be combined with albolene or liquid vaseline in the proportion of 15 to 20 drops (0.92-1.23 Cc.) of the oil of eucalyptus to the ounce (30 Cc.) of menstruum. The strength may be considerably increased as tolerance is established. The most eligible preparation in the form of ointment is a combination of oil of eucalyptus with lanoline, sufficient albolene being added to liquefy the ointment. The eucalyptus may be used in this manner in a strength of 30 to 60 minims (1.84-3.7 Cc.) to the ounce (32.0 Gm.). The action of the eucalyptus is mildly stimulant and astringent and decidedly antiseptic.

“Eucalyptus has proven of value in my hands as a local application in acute and chronic skin diseases. In simple dermatitis a mild ointment of eucalyptus is quite efficacious. In chronic affections, such as some forms of eczema and psoriasis, a strong ointment of eucalyptus, or even the pure oil itself, may in some cases be applied with great benefit.

"Eucalyptus is also valuable in the treatment of sluggishly granulating wounds and ulcers. In gastro-intestinal diseases eucalyptus is of great value. It is a gastro-intestinal antiseptic of great merit, and one which should be more generally used. In certain forms of diarrhea due to the development of toxines in the gastro-intestinal tract the drug is a most valuable remedy. It has

the merit of marked antiseptic action without sufficient astringent effect to interfere with the normal method of elimination by the bowel. In typhoid fever eucalyptus is in my opinion more strongly indicated than any other drug. Inasmuch as salol has such an enviable reputation as an intestinal antiseptic, it might be well to suggest that the oil of eucalyptus may be with propriety combined with that drug. I have used the eucalyptus alone and combined with salol, and am satisfied that either way is better than the use of the salol alone.

"It has been my fortune to have a moderately extensive experience in the use of eucalyptus in malarial affections. Diseases of malarial origin are infrequently met with in Chicago and its im mediate environs, but in the New York hospitals at the time I was serving as interne typical malarial affections were abundant. I experimented at that time quite extensively with eucalyptus, and found that the drug was not to be relied upon in distinct attacks of acute ague, but that it was of considerable value in the chronic forms and in the peculiar lassitude and depression with which patients who were not affected with typical malarial exacerbations often suffered.

"After some years' experimentation with eucalyptus I have become convinced that its most valuable property is that of a urinary antiseptic. I take the opportunity of repeating here what I have repeatedly said elsewhere, that eucalyptus is the most reliable urinary antiseptic at our command. Careful experimentation and clinical observation have shown me that in eucalyptus we have a remedy which greatly lessens the dangers of genito-urinary surgery by lessening or entirely removing the septic property of the urine, that bête noire of the andrologist. Boric acid and salol have in my experience been disappointing, while eucalyptus has exceeded my anticipations. My method of administration is by capsule, 10 minims (0.6 Cc.) of the oil being given four times daily, beginning several days before the operation. The only disadvantage attending the use of eucalyptus is gastric intolerance on the part of a few patients. As a rule, the remedy is taken without complaint, but occasionally disagreeable eructations or even vomiting occurs. By preceding the remedy with a large draught of milk this objection may usually be done away with. In some cases suspension of the remedy for a few hours will enable the stomach to acquire the desired toleration.

"In the administration of eucalyptus much depends upon

the

preparation used. Without the slightest desire to advocate unduly any special preparation, but simply as a matter of information to the profession, I will state that in my experience the preparations known as Tyndale's are the most reliable and elegant upon the market. These preparations comprise an aqueous solution, an ointment, and an oil, the latter of which is in daily use in my practice."

The foregoing quotation expresses so clearly the uses of eucalyptus that further details appear unnecessary. The antiseptic properties of the drug are not sufficiently realized by many physicians. Schultz claims that eucalyptus as an antiseptic is three times as powerful as carbolic acid, and that as an agent to arrest suppuration it is perhaps fully equal to quinine.

As a stimulant expectorant eucalyptus is of great value, equalling, if not being superior to, any other remedy in bronchorrhea, pulmonary gangrene, and fetid bronchitis, associated or not with phthisis. Chronic or catarrhal conditions of the lungs and bronchi only are benefited by eucalyptus, acute affections of the bronchopulmonary mucous membrane contraindicating its use. A solution. of oil of eucalyptus is used as an antiseptic inhalation in diphtheria. Administration.-The fresh leaves may be employed as poultices. Any of the preparations may be used, but for internal purposes the oil, or eucalyptol, is preferable, although a good fluid extract is an agreeable form of the medicine. The oil, or eucalyptol, may be given in an emulsion or in capsules, for topical use being diluted with alcohol or oil or incorporated in suppositories or ointments.

Sōdii Bōras-Sōdii Borātis-Sodium Borate.

U.S. P.
(BORAX.)

Origin.-Prepared by boiling together solutions of Boric Acid and Sodium Carbonate, the borax crystallizing out. It is also found in a native state on the shores of certain lakes and as a crystalline deposit in the Borax Lake of California.

Description and Properties.-Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or a white powder, inodorous, and of a sweetish, alkaline taste; slightly efflorescent in warm, dry air; soluble in 16 parts of water and in I part of glycerin; insoluble in alcohol. Dose.-5-30 grains (0.32–2.0 Gm.).

Acidum Boricum—Ăcidi Bŏrici-Boric Acid. U. S. P. (BORACIC ACID.)

Origin.-Found native in Northern Tuscany. It may be prepared by the action of Hydrochloric Acid on Borax, filtration, and recrystallization.

Description and Properties.-Transparent, colorless scales, of a somewhat pearly luster, or, when in perfect crystals, six-sided, triclinic plates, slightly unctuous to the touch, odorless, of a faintly bitterish taste, permanent in the air. Soluble in 25.6 parts of water, 15 parts of alcohol, and 10 parts of glycerin. The addition of hydrochloric acid increases its solubility in water.

Dose.-5-15 grains (0.32–1.0 Gm.).

Official Preparation.

Glyceritum Boroglycerini-Glycerīti Boroglycerini-Glycerite of Boroglycerin (GLYCERITE OF GLYCERYL BORATE-SOLUTION OF BOROGLYCERIDE).— Boric Acid, 310; Glycerin, to 1000. For external use.

Antagonists and Incompatibles.-The incompatibles of BORAX are the acids and metallic salts. Morphine and cocaine are precipitated from solution by BORAX. BORIC ACID is also incompatible with the carbonates and bicarbonates, and with the alkaline, earthy, and metallic bases.

Synergists. The action of BORAX is enhanced by alkalies and substances promoting waste; that of BORIC ACID, by the antiseptics.

Physiological Action.-Externally and Locally.-BORAX is absorbent, protectant, sedative, and antiseptic. Applied to the unbroken skin, it acts upon the epidermis as a soap. By removing the stimulus to secretion and lessening irritation borax checks the secretion of the salivary glands.

BORIC ACID possesses properties similar to those of borax. although more of an antiseptic and antipruritic. It has also an exsiccant and detergent influence.

Internally. In a general way the action of BORAX is analogous to that of the alkalies. It is refrigerant and diuretic, and by its immediate action upon the womb serves as an emmenagogue, large doses contracting the uterine muscles and acting as an ecbolic. Excessive doses of either of these drugs act as gastro-intestinal

irritants.

BORIC ACID, though stronger, resembles borax in its action. Both

substances, especially boric acid, retard the action of saliva upon starch, increasing that of the pancreatic juice upon albuminous substances, and increase gastric digestion. Immoderate doses of

BORIC ACID check gastric digestion.

The drug is a moderate antipyretic, and when injected in large amounts into the circulation may occasion paralysis of the motor nerves and muscles.

Absorption and Elimination.-It is eliminated by the saliva, perspiration, feces, and urine, the latter being increased in quantity. The amount of nitrogen and solid matter excreted with the feces is also increased, as well as the elimination of urea in the urine. Untoward Action.-BORIC ACID has occasioned the following untoward symptoms: frequent desire to micturate; nausea, vomiting, and other gastric disturbances; small, weak pulse; derangement of the nervous system; hiccough; and various cutaneous eruptions.

Poisoning. The symptoms of poisoning are analogus to those described above.

Treatment of Poisoning.-The treatment of poisoning should be symptomatic, stimulants, morphine, etc. being employed.

Therapeutics.-Externally and Locally-Both of the above drugs are exceedingly valuable as local remedies in the treatment of many disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, such as acute and chronic nasal catarrh, pharyngitis, gingivitis, and acute hoarseness. An efficient domestic remedy in aphthe affecting the mouths of nursing children is a mixture of BORAX and honey.

An invaluable aseptic application in acute conjunctivitis is a saturated solution of BORIC ACID.

Leucorrhea, gonorrhea, and chronic cystitis are greatly benefited by solutions, in various strengths, of either or both of these drugs. Sir James Simpson recommends a solution of BORAX, 5-10 grains (0.32-0.6 Gm.) to 1 ounce (30.0 Cc.) of hot water, for the eruption occurring on the mucous membrane of the vulva in young girls.

Since the introduction of BORIC ACID as an antiseptic by Lister in 1872 it has steadily grown in favor in this respect, being universally employed to-day, both in solution and in the powdered form, for the numerous conditions requiring an agent of this character. It is invaluable as a bland, unirritating antiseptic in general surgery, and in diseases of the eye, ear, nose, throat, and skin.

It is perhaps unnecessary to enumerate the multifarious and efficient uses of this drug, the practising physician readily recog