mucus, profuse urination and sweating, with nausea, vomiting and great depression. The heart's action is enfeebled, and the blood-pressure, at first increased, soon falls; muscular debility, reduced temperature and coma follow, and death occurs by paralysis of the respiratory apparatus. The drug produces paralysis of the motor nerve-trunks, the peripheral vagi, and probably the respiratory and vaso-motor centres also. It strongly resembles tobacco in its action, and is highly dangerous in full medicinal doses, having caused many deaths when administered therapeutically, the most important instance of its fatal results being the case of Ezra Lovett, Jr., who in 1809 was poisoned by Lobelia administered by the founder of the Thomsonian sect of medical practitioners. The responsible party escaped conviction on the plea that he gave the drug in ignorance of its qualities.

Antidotes and Incompatibles.

Tannic Acid to form the insoluble tannate. Strychnine, Picrotoxine and Thebaine antagonize its action on the nervous system;-the vaso-motor excitants, as Alcohol, Digitalis, Belladonna, Ergot, etc., antagonize its effects on the circulation. Caustic alkalies are incompatible, decomposing the alkaloid.

THERAPEUTICS.

Lobelia was a favorite remedy with the Indians at the time of the first settlement of the United States, and was introduced into regular practice as an anti-asthmatic, after having served as the main stock-in-trade of irregular practitioners for many years. Its principal therapeutic action is that of an antispasmodic, and in cautious hands it is extremely useful in paroxysmal spasmodic asthma, as well as in dry cough with constant tickling in the throat. As an enema in cases of strangulated hernia the infusion is much safer than Tobacco and fully as efficient, and may overcome the obstruction in intussusception, while the tincture in 2-drop doses every hour will often relieve a case of impacted cæcum. In constipation from atony and deficient secretion a 10-minim dose of the tincture at bedtime acts excellently, and in the poison-oak eczema the infusion is a good local application. As an emetic it is entirely too depressant for children's use.

LYCOPODIUM,-is a very mobile, pale-yellow, fine powder, consisting of the spores of the Club-moss, Lycopodium clavatum, and of other species of Lycopodium (nat. ord. Lycopodiaceae). The plant is a native of Europe and the U. S., has a trailing stem several feet long, with smooth, deep-green, pointed leaves, flowers in terminal spikes, and yellow capsules which contain the seeds. Lycopodium is odorless, tasteless, floats on water, which does not wet it, and burns quickly when thrown on a flame. It should be free from pine-pollen, starch, sand and other impurities, which are detected by means of the microscope, the spores being about of an inch in diameter, four-sided and reticulated, with short projections on the edges. They contain about 47 per cent. of a bland, fixed oil. The plant was formerly considered to be diuretic and anti-spasmodic, and was used in

rheumatism, epilepsy and pulmonary and renal disorders. The powder is now employed quite extensively in pharmacy to facilitate the rolling of a pill-mass and to prevent adhesion of pills to each other. It makes an excellent absorbent and protective powder when dusted over an excoriated surface, as seen between the thighs of infants.

By the homoeopathic practitioners Lycopodium is elevated to the rank of an active drug when triturated with sugar of milk sufficiently long to break up the seeds and liberate their oily contents. In their first centesimal trituration (1) it is said to have produced symptoms of high excitement of the circulation and irritation of the urinary organs, and they profess to use it with benefit in many affections of the mucous tracts, dyspepsia, pyrosis, flatulence, constipation, ileo-colitis of infants, hepatic congestion, aneurism, chronic affections of the lungs and bronchi, diphtheria, lithiasis, intertrigo, porrigo capitis, plica polonica and pruritus ani, in all of which as an internal remedy and in high attenuation.

MAGNESIUM, Mg.-This metal is represented by its Oxide, Carbonate, Citrate and Sulphate, of which the latter occurs native in seawater, caves, etc., the others being prepared from it. The first two are almost insoluble in water or alcohol. Its salts are either white or colorless, and those which are official are as follows:—

Official Salts of Magnesium.

Magnesia, Magnesia, Magnesium Oxide, MgO,-made by heating the light carbonate in a crucible to expel nearly all the carbonic acid. A white, light and very fine powder, almost insoluble in water, insoluble in alcohol, and gelatinizes with 15 of water after standing1⁄2 hour, having become hydrated. Is a constituent of Pulvis Rhei Compositus, Massa Copaiba and Ferri Oxidum Hydratum cum Magnesia. Dose, gr. x-3j. Magnesia Ponderosa, Heavy Magnesia, Magnesium Oxide, MgO,-is a white, dense and very fine powder, corresponding in other properties and reactions with Magnesia, except that it does not gelatinize with water. It is made by calcining the heavier variety of the carbonate, and is much slower in action than the light magnesia. Dose, gr. x-3j. Magnesii Carbonas, Magnesium Carbonate, (MgCO), Mg(HO), + 5H2O,—light, friable masses, or powder, odorless and tasteless, insoluble in alcohol, almost insoluble in water. Dose, gr. x-3).

Magnesii Sulphas, Magnesium Sulphate, Epsom Salt, MgSO, +7H,O,-colorless prisms or acicular needles, slowly efflorescent, odorless, of cooling, saline taste, and neutral reaction, very soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol. Is a constituent of Infusum Sennæ Compositum. Dose, 3j-3j.

Preparations.

Magnesii Citras Effervescens, Effervescent Magnesium Citrate,-is prepared from the Carbonate 10, Citric Acid 46, Sodium Bicarbonate 34, Sugar 8, Alcohol and Distilled Water, as required. A coarsely granular, white, deliquescent salt, of acid taste and reaction, soluble in 2 of water with copious effervescence, insoluble in alcohol. Dose, 3j-3j.

Liquor Magnesii Citratis, Solution of Magnesium Citrate,-prepared from the Carbonate 15, Citric Acid 30, Syrup of Citric Acid 60, Potassium Bicarbonate 21⁄2, Water to 360. Dose, iv-vj, repeated for catharsis.

Mistura Magnesiæ et Asafoetidæ, Magnesia and Asafetida Mixture, Dewees' Carminative (Unofficial),—contains of the Carbonate 5, Tincture of Asafoetida 7, Tincture of Opium 1, Sugar 10, and Distilled Water to 100. Dose, 3 ss-iv. Used for flatulent colic and diarrhoea in infants.

PHYSIOLOGICAl Action.

MAGNESIA and the CARBONATE are mildly laxative and antacid, neutralizing free acids in the stomach and forming therewith laxative salts. If used in large quantity for any length of time it may become hydrated

and produce intestinal concretions. The freshly-precipitated hydrate (see above, MAGNESIA) is an antidote to Arsenic in solution, but less effective than the Hydrated Sesquioxide of Iron, with which it is combined in the official Ferri Ox. Hydratum cum Magnesia. (See ante, page 236.) Magnesia may also be used in acid or phosphorus-poisoning.

The CITRATE and SULPHATE are saline cathartics, the latter being the most powerful, producing prompt and free watery discharges, with but little griping or irritation, but frequently a sense of coldness and depression. The purgative action is chiefly due to their causing a greatly increased secretion of intestinal fluids, not by outward osmosis from the vessels, as was formerly taught, but by stimulation of the intestinal glandular appendages. If the purgative action should not take place a diuretic one may result, but to secure the desired catharsis the drug should be administered in a considerable quantity of water. Magnesium Sulphate is the principal aperient constituent of many of the popular laxative mineral waters, as Friedrichshall, Püllna, Hunyadi, etc.

THERAPEUTICS.

Magnesia and the Carbonate are used as antacids and laxatives, in acidity, sick headache, flatulent colic, etc., and as antidotes in poisoning by acids, arsenic, phosphorus, mercuric and cupric salts. The Citrate is an agreeable laxative, cooling and acceptable to the stomach. The Sulphate is the most efficient of the saline cathartics and has a wide field of application. In acute inflammatory conditions, renal and cardiac dropsy, ascites from obstruction of the portal circulation, increased blood-pressure within the cranium, intestinal obstruction without acute inflammation, the constipation of lead poisoning, and habitual constipation from deficiency of the intestinal secretions, this agent will be found to be exceedingly serviceable. Acute dysentery is well treated by Magnesium Sulphate combined with diluted Sulphuric Acid, and followed by Opium and starch enemata. Bleeding from hemorrhoids and uterine hemorrhage are often relieved by the same combination when other agents fail. In acne vulgaris and other obstinate eruptions due to derangement of the stomach. and intestinal canal, good results are often obtained by a purgative dose of the Sulphate daily before breakfast, or by doses of 5 grains in water three or four times a day. The same salt, finely triturated, makes an excellent dusting powder for cases of acne rosacea. The ferro-saline mixture (see ante, page 238) is a very useful laxative in the constipation of anæmic women. coffee.

The bitter taste of Epsom Salt is best covered by

MAGNOLIA (Unofficial),—is the bark of Magnolia glauca (Sweet Bay, Swamp Sassafras), M. acuminata (Cucumber-tree), and M. tripetala (Umbrella-tree), all of which belong to the nat. ord. Magnoliaceae, and are indigenous to the eastern and

southern States. It occurs in quilled or curved pieces, of orange-brown color externally, whitish or pale-brown internally, taste astringent, pungent and bitter. It contains a crystalline principle named Magnolin, which is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, etc. Dose of the powdered bark, 3 ss-j.

Magnolia is an aromatic bitter tonic and diaphoretic, usefully employed in chronic rheumatism, remittent and intermittent fever. In the latter affection it will arrest the paroxysms if used freely.

MALTUM, Malt (Unofficial),—is the seed of Hordeum distichum, Barley (nat. ord. Graminacea), caused to enter the incipient stage of germination by artificial means and dried. The germination is allowed to go far enough to develop the maximum amount of Diastase, the peculiar ferment by which the starch of the grain is converted into Glucose. Malt is the source of beer, ale and whiskey, and is composed of the germinated, dead grains with their acrospires and radicles. It should be fresh, not darker in color than a pale amber, and of agreeable odor and sweet taste.

Extractum Malti, Extract of Malt (Unofficial),-is a liquid of the consistence of thick honey, containing all the soluble principles of malt in permanent form. It consists chiefly of diastase and glucose. Dose, 3j-iv.

Horlick's Food (Unofficial),-is like Mellin's and many other foods for children, a granulated Extract of Malt. Hoff's Malt Extract is another such preparation, containing alcohol, and corresponding to a concentrated beer.

Malt Extract is directly nutritive, containing good food elements, and indirectly so from the presence of the ferment Diastase, which converts the starch of bread or other farinas into sugar. It is usefully employed in wasting diseases, and mixed with milk or olea. ginous foods it aids their digestion and assimilation. It may be used to form a syrupy mixture with preparations of Iron or Cinchona.

MANACA (Unofficial),—is the root of Franciscea uniflora, a shrub of the nat. ord. Scrophulariaceæ, indigenous to Brazil, where it is known as Mercurio-vegetal, or Vegetable Mercury, a name applied by charlatans to a number of widely differing plants. Very little is known about Manaca, but it has been extensively advertised as an unfailing remedy for sub-acute and chronic rheumatism. It is also considered purgative, diuretic, emmenagogue and antisyphilitic, _being_official in the Brazilian Dispensatories, and noticed as follows in the Dict. de Botan, Brazileira.

"This whole plant, but especially the root, excites powerfully the lymphatic system, eliminating morbid matter by the skin and kidneys. It is antisyphilitic; the interior bark is nauseating and stimulates the throat. In small doses it is resolvent; in larger purgative, diuretic and emmenagogue. In large doses it is an acrid poison."

A fluid extract is on the market, the average dose of which is mx three or four times daily.

MANGANUM, Manganese, Mn.-This metal is represented in the Pharmacopoeia by two of its salts, viz.—the native Black Oxide and the Sulphate, as follows:

Mangani Dioxidum, Manganese Dioxide, Black Oxide of Manganese,—is the native, crude Dioxide of Manganese, containing at least 66 per cent. of the pure Dioxide, MnO2. A heavy, grayish-black powder, odorless and tasteless, insoluble in water or alcohol, giving off oxygen gas at a red heat, and if heated with hydrochloric acid it causes the evolution of chlorine gas. Is used in preparing Chlorine Water. Dose, gr. ij-x.

Mangani Sulphas, Manganese Sulphate, MnSO ̧ † 4H,O,—colorless prisms, of slightly bitter and astringent taste, faintly acid reaction, very soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol. Dose, gr. ij-v.

Potassii Permanganas, Potassium Permanganate, KMnO,,-deep, purple-violet prisms, of sweet and astringent taste, neutral reaction, soluble in 16 of water with a scanty, brown residue, decomposed by alcohol and by heating to 464° F. It should be kept in well-stoppered bottles, and should not be triturated nor combined in solution with organic or readily oxidizable substances. Dose, gr. ss-ij, in pill.

Syrupus Mangani Iodidi, Syrup of Manganese Iodide (Unofficial),—contains about 3j of the iodide in each 3. Dose, m x-xxx. For formula see U. S. Dispensatory. Syrupus Ferri et Mangani Iodidi, Syrup of Iron and Manganese Iodide (Unofficial), each 3 contains gr. 50 of the mixed iodides in the proportion of 3 of the Iodide of Iron to I of that of Manganese. Dose, m x-xxx. For formula see U. S. Dispensatory.

Ferri et Mangani Carbonas Saccharatus, Saccharated Iron and Manganese Carbonate (Unofficial),—is a tasteless, reddish-brown powder. Dose, gr. v-xx. For formula see U. S. Dispensatory.

Condy's Red Fluid (Unofficial),—is a solution of Potassium Permanganate in Dis. tilled Water, of about 2 per cent. strength, namely gr. viijss to the 3, or gr. 176 in 320. It is used as a deodorant and disinfectant, for closets, bed-pans, and to wash the hands and utensils. Is non-irritant, and has the advantage of showing by its change in color when it has lost its efficacy.

PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.

The salts of MANGANESE in small doses improve the appetite and the digestion and stimulate the action of the heart. Used in larger doses and for considerable length of time they lower the heart's action, paralyze the muscular system, especially the muscular coat of the arteries, causing progressive wasting, paraplegia, and acute fatty degeneration of the liver. They are gastro-intestinal irritants, and the Sulphate is emeto-cathartic and decidedly cholagogue. Manganese is closely associated with Iron in the blood, bile, etc., in the proportion of about 1 to 20. The Black Oxide is an efficient emmenagogue.

POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE is an active oxidizer, containing as it does a large proportion of oxygen which it yields very readily in the form of ozone, and then becomes manganese dioxide. This property gives it the qualities of an antiseptic, a disinfectant and a deodorant. It is considered by some authorities to be an efficient emmenagogue. Used internally it must be instantly decomposed in the stomach, and probably is not absorbed in its own state.

THERAPEUTICS.

The salts of Manganese are used by those practitioners who affect to see a manganese-anææmia in cachectic subjects, but they are always combined. with ferric preparations. In amenorrhoea, gastrodynia and pyrosis the dioxide is a good remedy, and the same salt is used as an ointment in many skin diseases. In jaundice of malarial origin or catarrh of the biliary passages the sulphate gives good results.

POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE is employed as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent in such affections as diphtheria, scarlatina, septicemia, erysipelas, etc., in which it may be given internally and used locally at the same