PLUMBUM. 61 



depressed. These effects are called, as a whole, astringent, 

 antiphlogistic, and sedative. The solutions of the subacetate 

 are much employed as applications to ulcers, as injections 

 for chronic inflammatory discharges from the vagina, urethra, 

 ulcers, ear, etc., and as a collyriumfor the conjunctiva ; or the 

 carbonate may be dusted upon ulcers, or used as ointment. 

 The strong solution of the subacetato is a powerful irritant, 

 causing pain and reaction, and is rarely used undiluted. The 

 nitrate is stimulant or even caustic, and is applied to syphilitic 

 onychia and chapped nipples. The iodide, in the form of the 

 unguentum, may be rubbed into enlarged joints, glandular 

 swellings and nodes, its absorptive effect being chiefly referable 

 to the iodine. 



Internally. The local action of lead is first appreciated in 

 the mouth as a peculiar " astringent taste," with a sharp sweet- 

 ncss in the case of the acetate. On the mucous membrane of 

 the throat it acts as already described, coagulating the mucus, 

 producing an astringent effect on the cells and vessels of 

 the part, and causing a sensation of dryness. If inflammation 

 be present it is rapidly controlled ; and the subacetate, either 

 painted on in the form of the strong solution, or as a gargle 

 formed of the weak solution, is an efficacious remedy for ton- 

 sillitis. 



The local action of lead on the stomach and intestine 

 corresponds with what has been described : it diminishes the 

 secretions, contracts the vessels, and arrests or retards the 

 peristaltic movements; whilst it is itself converted into an 

 albuminate by the fluids which it encounters. The acetate is 

 accordingly given with or without opium to arrest haematemesis ; 

 and it is one of the most certain drugs in the treatment of 

 obstinate diarrhoea, especially if ulceration be present, and 

 hemorrhage threatening, as in typhoid fever (where it may be 

 advantageously combined with opium), and in tuberculosis of 

 the bowels. 



2. ACTION IN THE BLOOD. 



Lead enters the blood as albuminate, but passes very 

 rapidly through it, and cannot be found in it even after l,np> 

 doses. If lead be given for some time, the blood becomes more 

 watery, and the red corpuscles fewer in number. 



3. SPECIFIC ACTION. 



All the tissues take up lead freely from the blood, and 

 retain it obstinately as albuminate, the central nervous 

 being the important seat of its deposit, whilst it is even more 

 abundant in the kidneys and liver as the channels of its escape, 



