76 Notes from the Physiological Laboratory 



XI. 



CUTANEOUS ABSORPTION OF NICOTINE. 



DR. N. A. KANDOLPH described the results of a 

 series of experiments performed by Mr. Samuel G. 

 Dixon and himself, relative to the absorption of 

 nicotine by the uninjured, healthy skin of the liv- 

 ing rabbit. In these experiments only rabbits of 

 ascertained good health were used. The fur of the 

 abdomen was carefully clipped (not shaved); suffi- 

 cient time, usually seven days, being allowed to in- 

 tervene between this operation and the application 

 of the drug to the skin, thus permitting any slight 

 scratch made at this time to fully heal. The absence 

 of cutaneous lesion was further confirmed by close 

 examination under a strong hand-magnifier. The 

 drug was then applied to the skin, no friction being 

 used. In order to preclude the possibility of its 

 vaporization and subsequent absorption by the lung- 

 surface, the nicotine was placed upon an adhesive 

 plaster, the backing of which was made of sheet- 

 rubber. The plaster, with the drug in its centre, 



