570 ANNUAL RECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



also regards the superior restraining effect of salicylic acid 

 upon fermentation and putrefaction as due to the added ef- 

 fect of its acid properties, which carbolic acid does not pos- 

 sess. 



JABORANDI, A NEW BRAZILIAN REMEDY. 



A medicinal product from the Pilocarpus primatus of 

 Brazil, known as jaborandi, is claimed by Dr. Coutinho, of 

 Pernambuco, to be a very valuable remedy in many diseases, 

 especially as a diaphoretic and sialagogue. An infusion of 

 four to six grammes of the leaves, in a cup of cold water, 

 produces in a short time an excessive perspiration and sali- 

 vation. The saliva flows in so great abundance that as 

 much as a liter has been collected in less than two hours. 

 The bronchial secretion is also increased. The after-effects 

 of this remedy are claimed to be perfectly inoffensive. The 

 promptness of its special action is of great importance in 

 many diseases, and it is thought that an important future is 

 in store for this new substance. 12 B, March 30, 1874, 282. 



ACTION OF AIR ON THE LUNGS IN CERTAIN CASES. 



According to Dr. Bert, exposure to the air of certain pyri- 

 tiferous subterranean recesses, such as caves or mines, pro- 

 duces all the symptoms of mountain-climbing, including syn- 

 cope, the result being, as supposed, in the diminution of the 

 amount of oxygen, caused by the iron pyrites, which passes 

 gradually to the condition of a sulphate. 13 U, April 18, 

 1874,203. 



HYDRATE OF CHLORAL IN INFANTILE CONVULSIONS. 



According to Derim, the hydrate of chloral is almost a 

 specific against the occurrence of convulsions in children, 

 especially where these result from some trifling cause, such 

 as difficult dentition, intense emotion of any kind, etc. ; and 

 even in a case where there is some severe local cause it is 

 said to prevent convulsions, and allow the administration of 

 proper remedies. The preparation of Dr. Derim contains 

 one gramme, or fifteen grains, of the chloral, this being given 

 every half hour, or even every quarter of an hour in urgent 

 cases, until the convulsions cease and quiet respiration suc- 

 ceeds. 11 B, April 1, 1874, 174. 



