MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 67 



puscles, and in cattle i to 194 red globules. That it performs 

 a very important part is shown in the rapid construction of red 

 globules when iron is administered in anaemia, without it hsematin 

 is not formed and red globules diminish in number. By its me- 

 dicinal use we furnish to the blood a material which it needs. 

 The physiological action of iron is not limited merely to the con- 

 struction of red blood. It also promotes the appetite and in- 

 vigorates the digestion, when there is no intolerance to its pres- 

 ence in the stomach. By increasing the disposition for food and 

 the abilty to dispose of it, iron acts as a stomachic, consequently 

 when given in the healthy state or when administered for too 

 long a period during disease, the gastric glands become ex- 

 hausted by over stimulation, then it is said that the iron disa- 

 grees. Being a restorative its use is contra-indicated in a con- 

 dition of plethora (fulness of the blood vessels). In large doses 

 the soluble preparations of iron give rise to nausea and vomiting, 

 some of them possess more or less toxic activity. The iodide 

 and chloride, nitrate and sulphate are the most active. Alarm- 

 ing symptoms, or even death may result from overdoses. Ex- 

 treme doses will produce gangrene of the stomach and intestines. 

 Certain of the salts of iron, as the sulphates, nitrates and chlo- 

 rides, possess a high degree of astringency, hence they produce 

 constipation, when taken internally. When brought into contact 

 with the blood, they coagulate it, forming a tough brownish 

 magma, and as the albuminous elements of the tissues are also 

 solidified, they are powerful haemostatics. Iron is eliminated 

 chiefly by the intestinal route, partly by the liver into the bile, 

 thence into the intestines, some by the kidneys also. The tinc- 

 ture of the chloride, being especially diuretic. ^ 



Summary. — Iron in general is a haematinic, stomachic, styp- 

 tic, astringent or haemostatic. 



The tincture chloride in addition is diuretic. 



The sulphate is in addition vermicide. 



The iodide is alterative and resolvent as well as tonic. 



A drug used in combination with iron may modify or enhance 

 its action. 



therapeutical Application. — In chronic skin diseases for 

 emaciated patients prescribe iron and arsenic combined as Tinc- 

 ture chloride of iron and Fowler's solution in proper dosage. 



