PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE BROMIDE OF AMMONIUM. 83 
between the relative effects of this salt and the bromide of potassium, It 
may be mentioned that in these different experiments healthy persons were 
selected; and according to the results obtained, so were certain diseases sub- 
mitted to treatment to more fully bear out and confirm the physiological 
effects noticed, 
Effects of small Doses—About one hundred healthy persons, male and 
female, of various ages, were given small doses of the salt, ranging from one 
to five grains, three times or more a day, in water as a vehicle, and in some 
combined with a simple colouring agent, such as the tincture of alkanet 
root or other substance. The period of its continuance varied from three 
weeks to several months, and the results were carefully noted. All were in 
tolerably good health, or nearly so; or if affected with any particular ailment, 
it did not appear to be likely to interfere with the action of the drug, 
Two striking results were soon noticed in the greater number; namely, 
increase in the power of the appetite, and improvement of the complexion, 
With regard to the former, its action was that of a decided tonic; for whilst 
the persons ate more food than had been their custom, they were able to 
digest it well; the drug appeared to impart a soothing and comfortable sensa- 
tion, There neyer was any tormina nor the slightest tendency to intestinal 
relaxation; but the general functions appeared to be regularly and con- 
sistently performed, The tongue assumed a natural and clean appearance, 
and was moist; the skin and mucous membrane (presently to be noticed) 
performed their functions well ; the circulation was not increased nor lessened ; 
the heart’s action continued regular, the pulse possessing good power and 
volume, and comfort was experienced after meals. If there were indications 
of indigestion or dyspepsia before the use of the salt, they yielded to the 
small doses given, In six or seven cases, a mild diuretic effect was observed, 
If the small doses were continued for some time these effects were not 
always continuous, and in a few persons slight nausea was produced, with 
an impairment of the appetite; this was especially so if the drug was given 
in four- or five-grain doses. In three cases only was there a little headache, 
with giddiness and light-headedness, but the intellectual faculties were 
unimpaired, 
Coincident with the increase of appetite was a marked clearing of the 
complexion, particularly observable if the face was naturally florid or the 
skin very red, This redness or floridity became paler, decidedly paler, and 
the skin assumed a fine transparent freshness, indicative of healthy function. 
Dinginess, slight sallowness, or a heightened complexion became modified 
or altered, so that a more healthy, slightly pink colour was assumed, These 
effects were noticed sometimes when the salt had been taken but a few days ; 
and the improvement in the skin was so apparent, that it has attracted the 
notice of the friends of the persons under experiment. 
Applying this result pathologically, I found the salt very serviceable in a 
variety of cutaneous affections, the eruptions fading away reasonably fast, 
and the individuals looking as clean and as clear about the complexion as if 
they had just come out of a bath. The results were very striking, and posi- 
tiyely beneficial upon the skin. They are produced also by the other salts 
of bromine, but perhaps not in the same degree; I therefore feel justified in 
denominating the bromide of ammonium, amongst its other properties, as a 
beautifier of the complexion and cleanser of the skin, It appears to act by 
gently stimulating the capillaries of both the skin and mucous membrane ;. 
and secretion is excited in both by small doses of the salt, independently of 
exercise and increased diet. 
a2 
