30 Notes from the Physiological Laboratory 



the minimum time of ten hours elapsing between 

 the ingestion of the drug and its final elimination 

 with the faeces was (in one case at least) fully suf- 

 ficient to account for the resultant symptoms, which 

 were of a character tending to substantiate the 

 statement of Miahle, that all mercurial preparations 

 are absorbed in the form of chlorides. 1 



We are informed by several prominent dealers in 

 drugs that the demand for turpeth mineral is quite 

 large, and is apparently growing. This fact, to- 

 gether with the praise it has received in several 

 quarters, justifies us in emphasizing the following 

 conclusions, based upon the observations, old and 

 new, which are given above : 



1. That a dangerous quantity of turpeth mineral 

 often remains in the stomach after emesis. 



2. That this drug possesses sufficient toxic and 

 irritant properties not only to demand from the 

 profession much, more than usual caution in its 

 administration, but to condemn its use where the 

 exhibition of any other emetic is practicable. 



3. That it should not be placed in the hands of 

 1 te laity. 



1 See the Medical News, January 26, 1884, p. 89. 



