SULPHUR 257 



and unknown organic sulphur compounds. The sulphides 

 and sulphuretted hydrogen act as laxatives, and in all 

 probability sulphur itself exerts a mild, mechanical irritation 

 upon the bowels. Peristaltic motion and intestinal secre- 

 tions are both slightly increased. The faecal discharges are 

 soft and pasty, and offensive flatus containing sulphuretted 

 hydrogen escapes from the intestines after the administra- 

 tion of sulphur. . 



Constitutional Action. — Sulphur acts remotely during its 

 elimination in stimulating the functions of the skin and 

 respiratory mucous membranes, — so-called alterative action. 

 Sulphur causes disorganization of the blood, and depresses 

 and paralyzes the central nervous system (see p. 261) after 

 the continuous administration of colossal doses. Ordinary 

 therapeutic quantities of sulphur have no effect of this kind. 

 Uses External. — Sulphur is mainly of service externally 

 as a local stimulant aud parasiticide in skin diseases. The 

 female acarus, which produces mange (acariasis), bores under 

 the epidermis and lays her eggs in the burrows, while the 

 male insect remains upon the surface. It is essential, there- 

 fore, to remove the epidermis in order to expose the ova 

 and female to the action of sulphur. The hair should be 

 first shaved and the parts soaked and scrubbed with green 

 soap and water. All cloths or brushes used in this opera- 

 tion should be burned or disinfected by boiling. Sulphur 

 acts most efficiently in ointment, as fat fills up the burrows 

 and deprives the insects of air. The official ointment is 

 used in mange, but a combination with an alkali is mor>:. 

 serviceable, unless there is active irritation of the skin, or 

 eczema. The following ointment is recommended : 



Sulphur 3 parts. 



Potassium carbonate 1 part. 



Lard 8 parts. 



In obstinate cases of ringworm or mlange, the prepara- 

 tion mentioned by Briinton is of value. This consists of 

 one part each of sulphur and oil of cade, with two parts 

 <ach of green soap and lard. True mange in the dog, if 



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