286 INFLAMMATION IN THE TISSUES OF 



still sometimes be driven to the forceps to ease 

 our patient of his pain. 



With reference to the employment of iodine, I 

 may add one word. There are various forms in 

 which it may be given, and in all the effect appears 

 pretty much the same. The most usual form of 

 exhibiting it is the iodide of potassium. In the 

 course of this paper I have spoken of the iodide of 

 sodium. For my knowledge of this preparation I 

 am indebted to Mr. lire, one of my colleagues at 

 St. Mary's. This salt has one striking advantage 

 over the iodide of potassium ; which is, that whilst 

 the latter has a most unpleasant metallic taste, 

 the former is almost tasteless. Mr. Ure states 

 also that it is more readily tolerated. Eecently 

 the iodide of ammonium has been recommended 

 by a French surgeon, but I have had no experience 

 with this salt. There are great differences of 

 opinion as to the dose which should be given. 

 Some advise large doses, of from two drachms 

 to even half an ounce, whilst others state that 

 the dose should seldom exceed five grains twice a 

 day. Some say it should be given in a concen- 

 trated form, and others largely diluted. I have 

 never yet exceeded five-grain doses, which I order 

 twice a day in half a tumbler of water, believing 

 it desirable that the salt should be much diluted. 

 I always combine it with an alkali, and thus I 

 account for my entire escape from all symptoms of 

 gastric irritation, an unfavourable symptom not 



