n8 MATER i A MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



cardiac centre. Bromides are of much service, therefore, in 

 nervous disorder of the heart, especially in hysterical, dyspeptic, 

 and alcoholic subjects. The direct effect of these drugs on the 

 vessels is unsettled ; as a whole, the tension is reduced. 



The spinal centres, and spinal nerves and muscles, are all 

 depressed by the bromides, the former so much so that the 

 convulsions of strychnia poisoning cannot be induced, and the 

 two drugs are so far physiological antagonists. In such a case 

 and in tetanus the bromides may be given, but are neither 

 rapid nor powerful enough to be trusted to alone. 



The temperature is lowered by bromides, but not to an 

 extent of much practical value. 



The ovarian and uterine functions are quieted, and menor- 

 rhagia relieved, by the same drugs. 



4. REMOTE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



Tbo bromides appear in the secretions within a few 

 minutes after their administration, being eliminated by the 

 kidneys chiefly, by the salivary glands, mammae, skin, and all 

 mucous surfaces. In passing through these excreting organs, the 

 bromides break up and set free bromine, which exerts a remote 

 stimulant effect on the parts. The composition of the urine is 

 irregularly disordered ; but not in a manner that can be turned 

 to therapeutical account. The skin is markedly affected, a 

 characteristic acne-like eruption appearing, or other forms of 

 skin disease, which are familiar in epileptics consuming large 

 quantities of the drug. Cough is occasionally set up, and 

 conjunctivitis may also occur. The interest to the therapeutist 

 of all these remote effects of the bromides lies in their pre- 

 vention, if possible, in cases where the drugs have to be steadily 

 taken for an indefinite time, an end which may sometimes be 

 secured by combining them with arsenic. 



Acidum Hydrobromicum Dilutum. Diluted Hydrobromic 

 Acid (U.S.P.). (Not Officinal,} A liquid composed of 10 per cent. 

 of absolute Hydrobromic Acid, HBr, and 90 per cent, of Water. 



Source. By decomposing Bromide of Potassium by Sul- 

 phuric Acid, and distiUing. 2KBr + H,S0 4 =2HBr + K 2 S0 4 . 



Characters. A clear colourless liquid, odourless, with a 

 strong acid taste and acid reaction. 



Dose. 20 min. to 2 11. dr. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Hydrobromic acid possesses many of the properties of the 

 bromides, but is less useful than bromide of potassium. It is 



