N. MATERIA MEDICA, THERAPEUTICS, AND HYGIENE. 531 



EXTRAORDINARY ACTION OF NITRATE OF AMYL. 



The nitrate of amyl has within the last few years obtained 

 a remarkable importance, owing to its extraordinary action 

 upon the body. It appears that Professor Guthrie, a dis- 

 tino-nished chemist, while distillino^ nitrate of amyl from 

 amylic alcohol, observed that the vapor when inhaled quick- 

 ened his circulation, and made him feel as if he had been 

 running" ; there was flushing of his flice, rapid action of his 

 lieart, and breathlessness. On making a careful and pro- 

 longed study of the properties of this singular body. Dr. 

 Richardson discovers that it produces its eftects by causing 

 an exti-eme relaxation, first of the bloodvessels, and after- 

 ward of the muscular fibres of the body. To such an extent 

 does this agent thus relax, that, finding it would overcome 

 the tetanic spasm produced by strychnia, he has ventured to 

 propose its use in some of the most extreme spasmodic dis- 

 eases, and thus far with surprising success. Under the influ- 

 ence of this agent one of the most agonizing of known human 

 maladies angina pectoris has been brought under such 

 control that the paroxysms have been regularly prevented, 

 and, in one instance at least, altogether removed. Even tet- 

 anus, or locked-jaw, has been subdued by it, and, in two in- 

 stances of an extreme kind, so eflectively as to warrant the 

 credit of what may be truly called a cure. 



INFLUENCE OF ALTITUDE UPON THE HEALTH. 



Dr. Gleitsmann, physician in charge of the Mountain Sani- 

 tarium for pulmonary diseases at Asheville, North Carolina, 

 states that in the treatment of pulmonary diseases several 

 historical epochs may be recognized that in which the sea 

 climate was considered as most beneficial, that in which drv 

 climates were advised, and that in which elevated regions 

 were recommended. The most recent theoretical investiira- 

 tors, as well as many physicians, how^ever, agree that in the 

 removal of the patient to elevated regions we do for him the 

 very best that can be done. Dr. Gleitsmann finds that the 

 success attained by the removal of the patient to southern 

 climates, without securing a greater altitude, amounts simply 

 to a relief of the symptoms, only warding ofl* fresh injury; the 

 patient, after returning home, has not acquired that power of 



