N. MATERIA MEDICA, THERAPEUTICS, AND HYGIENE. 567 



well as applied by means of a brush. Dr. Gottwell also, who 

 has repeated these experiments, thinks that by the use of 

 bromine the diphtheritic membrane loses its consistence, and 

 is readily removed. 1 B, December 7, 1873, 176. 



CROTOX-CHLOEAL. 



Dr. Liebreich, who discovered the anaesthetic properties 

 of chloral-hydrate, has recently recommended the use of an- 

 other substance, croton-cJdoral. This, which must not be 

 confounded with croton-oil (with which it has nothing to do), 

 is produced by the action of chlorine gas upon aldehyde; 

 and differs outwardly from chloral-hydrate by its crystalliz- 

 ing in glittering tablets, and being less readily soluble in 

 water. When about a dram of the new remedy, dissolved 

 in water, is taken into the stomach, deep sleep ensues, the 

 effect being produced in the course of from fifteen to twenty 

 minutes. The patient experiences complete anaesthesia of 

 the head, the tone of the museles being unaltered, and the 

 pulse and respiration remaining unchanged for two hours to- 

 gether. Chloral-hydrate, on the contrary, produces a depres- 

 sion of both pulse and respiration. 



Dr. Liebreich has administered the croton-chloral to mani- 

 acs during the paroxysms of mania, and lias found them to 

 be instantly quieted, falling asleep in their chairs, and yet 

 remaining erect in them for hours. If chloral-hydrate had 

 been given, the patients w r ould have dropped to the floor. 



In cases of tic-douloureux, where croton-chloral was used, 

 pain ceased before sleep came on ; but in this disease the 

 medicine proved to be only a palliative, and not a cure. 



The new remedy can be used advantageously where chlo- 

 ral-hydrate is rendered dangerous by heart-disease, or in cases 

 where the latter agent in safe doses fails to produce sleep. 



Of course in excessive doses the croton-chloral, like all 

 other narcotics, is poisonous, circulation and respiration be- 

 ing both stopped. But in cases of such poisoning, life may 

 be restored by artificial respiration, and the patient easily 

 saved. 14 A, December 27, 1873, 510. 



CARBOLIC ACID IX CHOLERA. 



Much Greater nse is made in Fiance of carbolic acid and 

 its combinations as articles of the materia medica than else- 



