WASTING PALSY. 581 



two drachms of dilute nitric acid to a pint of water. Lunar ca.ustic is sometimes 

 used for warts, but its action is, as a rule, too superficial to be of much service. 



When warts or warty growths occur on the nose, lips, or any part besides the 

 hands, chromic acid may be used. The solution is made by dissolving a hundred 

 grains of crystallised chromic acid in an ounce of water. The solution is best 

 applied by the aid of a pointed glass rod, or when a large quantity is required by 

 means of a small glass tube drawn to a point. Only so much should be applied as 

 will saturate the diseased growth, and it should not be brought in contact with the 

 surrounding tissues. Any superfluous acid is to be removed by a piece of blotting- 

 paper or wet lint. The application usually produces only a little temporary 

 smarting, unless indeed, the part is ulcerated, when the pain is more severe and of 

 longer duration. After the application of the chromic acid, it is a good plan to dress 

 the part with lint dipped in lead lotion, as it relieves the soreness and restrains the 

 inflammation. Under the influence of this treatment the growth usually rapidly 

 wastes, in some cases being thrown off altogether, and in others undergoing a 

 partial though distinct diminution in size. In the majority of cases one application 

 suffices, the cure being complete in from four to eight days. When, however, the 

 warts are very large, repeated applications may be necessary. 



The application of a few drops of tincture of steel daily for several days will 

 often cure a wart. It is best adapted to those forms which are moist and secreting. 



Thuja occidentalis, a product of the evergreen known as arbor vitae, is a good 

 remedy for warts. Each wart should be painted three or four times a day with the 

 tincture of thuja, small doses being also given internally. 



When warts are provided with a little stalk or peduncle, as they are sometimes, 

 they may be removed by the application of an elastic ligature. A small elastic 

 ring, or a thin india-rubber thread such as may be drawn out of an old brace, may 

 be applied to the base of the growth so as to constrict it pretty tightly, though not 

 painfully. The continuous constriction will, in a few days, cause the wart to dry 

 up and fall off. 



WASTING PALSY PROGRESSIVE MUSCULAR ATROPHY. 



This curious disorder has only been recognised as a distinct affection since the 

 year 1853. It is essentially characterised by a wasting of the muscles, there being no 

 diminution of intelligence or of the sensibility of any part of the body. It occurs 

 most frequently in young adults, and in middle-aged individuals, but even children 

 are sometimes attacked. Men are more liable to it than women, and this probably 

 depends on the greater and more sustained muscular exertion which men's 

 occupations demand, and on their more frequent exposure to cold and wet. The 

 influence of consanguinity in the production of this complaint is often well marked. 

 In many instances the subjects of wasting palsy have been persons of good physical 

 development, and not unfrequently they have been remarkable for their strength 

 and activity. In the majority of cases the immediate cause of the disease is either 

 excessive muscular exertion or exposure to cold. Many patients have attributed 

 ihe onset of their symptoms to wearing damp apparel, to the immersion of the 



