130 RINDERPEST. 



probably a boinologue.* Its formula is O12 He O2. It is ob- 

 tained by the decomposition of Salicylic Acidt (an acid of the 

 benzoic group), which is itself derived from several species 

 of Salix (willow), and from the flowers of Spircea idmaria 

 (queen of the meadow). As it is highly x>oisonous, it is to 

 be administered with discretion, and largely diluted with 

 water. In this form it is very valuable as an application to 

 the skin, where wounds and sores reach a putrescent stage, j: 

 and like the sulphite of soda, thus dissolved, is readily ab- 

 sorbed. The latter so diluted and applied with a wet band- 

 age, we have known to discuss the formation of ordinary 

 boils ; the former of erysipelatous swellings. Whether this 

 acid will act as readily or more effectually in arresting the 

 Pest-ferment than Sulphurous acid, in its administration 

 through the sulphites ; time and experimental trials will best 

 determine. 



As we have progressed (though wearily, we fear, to some 

 of our readers) in this extended review of the potential 

 action of remedies propounded by various authorities as 

 available in the cure of the Pest ; some light has been inci- 

 dentally thrown (as we imagine) upon the pathological 

 course of this distemper. We have seen the important and 

 curious part which the chloride of sodium plays in the ani- 

 mal economy (p. 119) in the preservation of its equilibrium, 

 or what we ordinarily term the state of health. Inferentially 

 we are able to approximate at least to the nature and order 

 of those disturbances which must take place, when this 

 essential element of the fluids and semi-solids of the body is 

 withheld in times of scarcity, or through neglect to sup- 

 ply it at stated intervals ; or when, in the progress of the 

 fermenting processes of disease, it is decomposed or forced 

 out of the circulation. Then its normal function must be 

 deemed to be wholly negatived ; especially, we conclude that 



 Silllman'B Chemistry (Organic by Hunt), % 789. 



t The common wlntergreen {OaiiUheria procumbens)^ contains in its essential oil the ether of 

 this acid— to which, or the oil of wintergreen, If strong nitric acid bo added and the mixture 

 boiled as long as red vapors appear, trlnltric phenol (.nitropicric acid), is obtained on cooliog. 

 lb., i 793. 



X Also in the treatment of compound fractures of bones and in bums, as recommended by Prof. 

 Lister ; and in the treatment of burns of the first and second degree, by Prof. Pirrie, &c. 



