SUBSTANCES ACTING ON THE LIVER. 445 



service given immediately after meals, or that valuable com- 

 bination of hepatic stimulants, the Pilula Hydrargyri Sub- 

 chloridi Composita, given every night for a week on end. In 

 cases of chronic hepatic disorder originating in the tropics, 

 Diluted Nitrohydrochloric Acid is often used with success both 

 internally and as a bath. The effects of hepatic disorder 

 upon other parts of the system frequently demand direct relief, 

 such as the headache, languor, or mental depression. Alcohol 

 will frequently answer the purpose, but induces further hepatic 

 disorders, and is otherwise obviously objectionable. The same 

 remarks apply to Opium, except in very small doses " to take 

 the edge off the misery." Quinia given after meals is of un- 

 questionable service in many instances. Tea and coffee are 

 useful and safe remedies. But on the whole too much reliance 

 must not be placed on treating symptoms. 



For the treatment of that remarkable disorder of hepatic 

 metabolism which is called diabetes mellitus, the complete re- 

 arrangement of the diet is the first requisite, by the removal of 

 amyloid and saccharine substances from the food. Nothing 

 in the whole range of therapeutics is more striking in its way 

 than the effect of Opium, Morphia, or Codeia in dispelling 

 the last trace of sugar from the urine in such cases, the quan- 

 tity of the drug tolerated being sometimes enormous. 



SUBSTANCES WHICH ACT UPON THE LIVER. 



