74 Botanic Drugs 



and is due to the diaphoresis induced rather than 

 to any antiseptic effect. The cholagogue action is 

 slight. 



If there is any renal inflammation use the sal- 

 icylates cautiously, as grave symptoms may super- 

 vene. In the presence of cardiac symptoms, the 

 salicylates have the reputation of being deleterious; 

 but the matter is not definitely determined. Some 

 authorities claim that they diminish the liability 

 to pericarditis, while others assert an increase in 

 the percentage of rheumatic cases resulting in 

 endocarditis. 



Externally, a 3 per cent powder in any inert 

 medium is used for dusting sweating feet and for the 

 removal of corns (1 drachm in an ounce of flexile 

 collodion). In dermatology it is esteemed in affec- 

 tions characterized by thickening of the epidermis 

 and in parasitic diseases. It may be used in weak 

 solution as a mouth wash. 



In gout the salicylates are less esteemed than 

 formerly. My own view is that certain manifes- 

 tations of gout, not the disease itself, are met suc- 

 cessfully with the salicylates. The pains of gout 

 and tabes dorsalis, sciatic pain, and some cases of 

 migraine, are assuredly relieved by the salicylates; 

 but the cure of gout requires more brisk elimination 

 than that afforded by the salicylates alone. Some- 

 what the same view may be held as regards its 

 action in lithemia. However, the salicylates do 

 increase the excretion of uric acid; but the so-called 

 uric acid diathesis has been vastly overstated. 



In conditions associated with serous effusions the 

 salicylates may be of value. Perhaps its failing 

 reputation in the treatment of pneumonia was 



