SPONGIA. 



compounds. For example, the Dictionary of Domestic Medicine, 

 Thompson and Smith, 1868, assumes as follows: 



Burnt sponge was formerly considered the best remedy in cases 

 "bronchocele." It is now known that its power of removing that disc 

 depended on the presence of iodine. 



Notwithstanding this and other positive assertions concerning ' 

 iodine phase of the subject, Burnt Sponge continued, as a therapeu 

 substance, to occupy authoritative position. For example, the Ph 

 macopeia of the United States, 1830 edition, gave it a position, but 1 

 thereafter. The first edition of the United States Dispensatory, 18 

 commented on it as follows: 



The sponge is decomposed, the volatile matters being driven oflf by • 

 heat, and a black, friable coal remaining, which consists of charcoal mb 

 with phosphate and carbonate of lime, chloride of sodium, carbonate 

 soda, and iodine in the state of hydriodate of soda. As the remedial va 

 of burnt sponge depends chiefly upon the presence of iodine, it can not 

 esteemed good unless it afford purple fumes when acted on by sulphu 

 acid, assisted by heat. It is said that the preparatioVi is most efificient 

 a remedy when the sponge is kept on the fire no longer than is necess; 

 to render it friable. The powder is then of a much lighter color. Bu 

 sponge has been highly commended in goitre, glandular swellings oi 

 scrofulous character, and obstinate cutaneous eruptions. It is most c< 

 veniently administered mixed with syrup or honey, in the form of an el 

 tuary. with the addition of some aromatic, as powdered cinnamon. 1 

 dose is from one to three drachms. — United States Dispensatory, Wood i 

 Bache, i8s3. 



The first edition of the Bclectic Dispensatory, King and Newt( 

 185 1, gives the current uses of Burnt Sponge and its compounds, \ 

 neglects its assay constituents. In the second edition, 1854, the ana 

 sis is added, as follows : 



In 1,000 parts of sponge, 343-848 were dissipated by calcination; 1 

 remainder consisted of 327.0 parts of carbon and insoluble matters, 112 

 of chloride of sodium, 16.43 of sulphate of lime, 21.422 of iodide of sodiii 

 y.$7 of bromide of magnesium, 103.2 of carbonate of lime, 35.0 of phosph; 

 of lime, 4.73 of magnesia, and 28.72 of oxide of iron. The efficacy of bu' 

 sponge depends principally upon the presence of iodine, and it shoi 

 always be used when of recent calcination, as it becomes impaired rapii 

 in consequence of the volatilization of the iodine. — -King's American Eclet 

 Dispensatory, 1854. 



While Professor King thus accepts the prevailing opinion tl 

 Burnt Sponge depends upon iodine and its compounds for its virtu 

 he wisely qualifies the assertion by stating that it depends "principall 

 upon the presence of iodine, in which direction Professor Wood, 

 his Dispensatory of the United States, above alluded to, 1833, sta 

 that the remedial value is due to the presence of iodine, and, likew 

 qualifies his statement by the word chiefly. 



Owing to the intrusion into therapy of iodine, and to its cc 

 spicuity, the natural compound known as Burnt Sponge largely d 

 appeared from professional use, excepting in the Homeopathic and I 

 lectic practice of medicine, where iodine and iodine compounds hs 



40 



