170 THE ABORTIVE TREATMENT OF CHOLERA, 



Bome extent, but more, it may be asserted as an excitant of secretions 

 often suspended, has numerous advocates. Of its powerlcssness iii 

 collapse to produce any immediate effect there is reason to be con- 

 vinced, and Dr. Headland's statements on this subject, in his work 

 on the action of remedies in the system would seem to be conclusive. 

 Yet in the early stages where the depurating organs are not acting 

 sufficiently, mercury in some of its forms may be found useful. The 

 stage of reaction may be modified by the active presence of mercury 

 in the system, for the early appearance of urine and biliary stools is 

 an exceedingly good augury. 



The eliminative action of emetics is more generally approved of. 

 Although emetic tartar has its advocates, its depressing effects are to 

 be feared ; and, therefore, the exhibition of milder evacuants is more 

 to be recommended. Some writers speak favourably of ipecacuanha, 

 in full doses ; and, many more, of the domestic emetic of mustard, 

 with or without the addition of table salt. Twenty-five grains of 

 ipecacuanha, in powder, was the usual dose of Mr. Greenwood, and 

 others ; and their mode of treatment was found to be very successful. 

 In cases where nausea is present, the action of a mild emetic would 

 appear to fulfil a natural indication. After its operation, the patient 

 should keep his bed, and be subject to carefully regulated diet, until 

 reaction has passed over, aud convalescence is fairly established. 



In those cases of languor and debility, with few or none of the 

 aeual concomitants of the preliminary stage present, tonics and rest, 

 with good digestible food, and all the usually recommended hygienic 

 accessories, will be very desirable, as they would be at any season ; 

 but, in cholera times, it may be well to ascertain the value of medi- 

 cines that may be called anticatalytics. Medicines of this class have 

 the power of arresting fermentive changes in organic solutions ; par 

 exemple, that of vinous fermentation in the juices of fruits : hence it 

 is concluded that they may be a vast benefit in diseases of a zymotic 

 character. Such remedies are from inorganic sources, and include 

 some of the salts of Iron and Manganese ; several compounds of 

 Chlorine, and of Sulphur in its lesser state of oxidation. 



The Tincture of the Sesquichloride of Iron is, latterly, in extensive 

 use in erysipelas ; and is, certainly, in combination with Quinine, a 

 very useful preparation. Its action seems to depend mainly on its 

 power of modifying the blood crasis known to exist in that disease, 

 and its efficacy in arresting the development of a crop of boils is 

 known in the profession. 



