ACTION OF INORGANIC SALTS 27 



hydroxides in a concentrated form are extremely caustic, and by virtue 

 of their solvent action on protein material (formation of alkali albumi- 

 nates) destroy any tissue with which they come in contact in a remarkably 

 short time. Their action in this respect is even more severe than that of 

 concentrated acids, since the healing process seems to go on more rapidly 

 with the latter class of compounds. They also exercise an inhibiting 

 action on the gastric glands and indirectly in this way diminish the flow 

 of the pancreatic juice, through a lessening of the amount of secretin 

 produced. The alkalies, especially lithium, are said to prevent or arrest 

 the precipitation of uric acid, although it does not dissolve any acid pre- 

 viously precipitated. Diuresis is produced by alkalies by virtue of their 

 salt action rather than by the action of the individual ions. 



Individually the potassium ion acts as a universal depressant, affect- 

 ing especially the circulation and the central nervous system. When 

 injected, potassium lowers the blood pressure markedly. The lithium 

 ion acts much like the potassium ion, only less powerfully. The sodium 

 ion exerts the least effect of all the alkalies. 



Forscheimer gives the following disorders in which the alkalies as a 

 class are indicated: acute endocarditis, gastric hypersecretion, acute 

 peritonsillitis, acute urethral gonorrhoea, carcinoma of stomach, to change 

 reaction of urine in tuberculous kidney, gastric hypersecretion, diabetes 

 before surgical operation, diabetic acidoses, diabetic coma, expectorants 

 in chronic bronchitis, gastric hyperacidity, with iodides in syphilitic gas- 

 tritis, in non-bleeding gastric ulcer, gastric neuroses. 



ALKALINE EARTH SALTS (Calcium, Barium, Strontium, Magnesium). 

 Calcium, also Cerium and Aluminum. Calcium and its salts play a very 

 important part in our daily metabolism and as a result the calcium balance 

 must in general remain positive or nervous and other complications will 

 arise. Administered by mouth, the calcium ion has very little specific 

 effect, probably largely because of its slow absorption. When injected 

 into the circulation, however, it exhibits a very definite and decided action 

 on muscular tissue particularly. It increases and prolongs normal con- 

 traction and retards relaxation, and it constricts the walls of blood vessels 

 producing a rise in blood pressure. It is particularly useful in retarding 

 inflammatory processes. The alkaline salts of calcium are used in diarrhea 

 and the hydroxide isoften given with the milk to infants to render it more 

 digestible. Again lime water mixed with linseed oil is used externally 

 in burns. Lime salts are also given to increase the coagulability of the 

 blood. 



Ten different lime salts enter into the Materia Medica of this element. 

 The salts include the oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, phosphate, chloride, 

 hypophosphite, and lactate. The carbonate enters into the composi- 

 tion of two important preparations, e.g., mercury and chalk, and chalk 

 mixture (Mistura Cretae). Lime salts are indicated in the following 



