ii4 MATER i A MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



local nutrition. The local application of iodine " paint " is 

 combined in such cases. 



(4) Scrofula is benefited by iodine, especially when it affects 

 the lymphatic glands, enlargements of which are treated by the 

 liniment, by the ointments of the iodides of lead or cadmium, or 

 by interstitial injections (rarely) ; internally by iodide of iron, 

 or iodine mineral waters, such as the water of Woodhall. On 

 the contrary, phthisis is rarely benefited by iodides, unless there 

 be a syphilitic taint present. 



(5) In chronic rheumatism, when debility is not a promi- 

 nent symptom, in gonorrhoeal rheumatism, and in the arthritis of 

 syphilis, the iodide may be beneficial. In chronic arthritic 

 gout it is probably useless, or even prejudicial. 



The nervous system, respiratory centre, heart and vessels, 

 and the body temperature are all unaffected by iodine ; and the 

 depressing effect on these of large doses of iodide of potassium 

 is believed to be caused by the potassium. The remarkably 

 useful effect of potassium in relieving or curing aneurism is due 

 to the reduction of the blood pressure by the alkali, the coagu- 

 lating effect of iodine on the blood, and the specific effect of 

 iodine on the chronic inflammatory changes (often syphilitic) in 

 the wall of the artery which have led to the dilatation. 



4. REMOTE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



Iodine is rapidly excreted, appearing in the urine, the 

 mucous secretions generally, and specially in those of the air- 

 passages, the perspiration, saliva, bile, and milk. Part of the 

 sodium salt which reaches the excreting organs is thrown out 

 unchanged, part is decomposed, and iodine is again set free to 

 exert its local action remotely. 



The diuretic effect of iodide of potassium is not marked 

 unless large doses be given, and probably depends upon the 

 alkali, not on the iodine. The latter may, however, have an 

 alterative action upon the kidney, and the iodide may therefore 

 be used in some forms of chronic Bright's disease, combined 

 with other remedies. 



The excretion of iodine by the mucous membrane of the 

 jvspiratory tract is of most interest to the therapeutist. In 

 c. riain siihjc.'ts, and probably when iodide oi potassium contains 

 free iodine as an impurity, its exhibition produces a series of 

 -ing symptoms known as " iodism," consisting of coryza, 

 the watery discharge from the nose being sometimes profuse ; 

 sneezing ; intense pain of a bursting character over the frontal 

 sinuses, commonly called " headache; '' swelling and redness of 

 th'- irums, hard and soft palate and fauces, foulness of the 



