86 Notes from the Physiological Laboratory 



tacks. Salicylic acid and oil (3ij to fSj) were 

 spread upon absorbent cotton, and the whole gently 

 wrapped around the knee, which was here too 

 acutely sensitive to permit of any friction. No 

 internal medication was used. In twenty-four 

 hours there was marked reduction both of pain 

 and swelling, and within three days the patient had 

 entirely recovered. During the treatment, swelling 

 commenced in the knee of the opposite side, but 

 disappeared under the same local treatment pursued 

 with the joint first affected. The urine was several 

 times examined during the treatment, and salicylic 

 acid found therein. 



This case is of especial interest as indicating that, 

 superadded to the constitutional impress of the 

 drug, there was a specific local effect at the place 

 of its application. 



We do not consider that the results of the six 

 experiments here cited would warrant us in an un- 

 qualified commendation of this method of exhibit- 

 ing salicylic acid, but we feel fully justified in 

 suggesting that a fair trial be given it by the 

 medical profession. 



[The following brief statements summarize the 

 results of some of our experiments upon Cutaneous 

 Absorption, which are as yet unpublished. 



