No. XI.] APPENDIX. 195 



tion of the gas, as the common liquor ammoniae or liartBliom, be opened, 

 part of the gas escapes. If this comes in contact with the conjunctiva, it 

 stimtilates it and causes much fluid to be poured from its secreting sur- 

 face, and its influence on the delicate lining membrane of the nasal cavi- 

 ties is not less powerful. In fact, this vapour appears immediately to 

 cause a secretion of fluid from the parts with which it comes in contact. 



When this gas is absorbed by the mouth in far larger quantities, it 

 appears to cause in a similar manner an increase of the watery part of the 

 secretion, usually passing from all the several parts with which it there 

 can come in contact. A priori it might be expected the glottis would 

 resist the intrusion of the gas, but this is by no means found to be the 

 case when in a diluted state, as it apparently readily passes into the inner- 

 most recesses of the lungs, and, instead of producing disagreeable effects, 

 causes sensations which are extremely grateful and agreeable. The 

 gaseous nature of ammonia allows it to come in contact with every chink 

 of the air-passages, and even the upper and back parts of the pharynx, 

 which from its peculiar construction resists the application of other 

 topical remedies. 



The immediate effect of the inhalation of this gas is to cause the 

 fauces and pharynx, before dry, and perhaps covered with inspissated 

 adherent mucus, to force out a watery fluid to lubricate and relieve the 

 membrane ; the phlegm will then separate and come away, and a more or 

 less instantaneous relief is frequently felt. We all know the expectorant 

 qualities of ammonia, and the value of its sesqnicarbonate, whenever the 

 system will bear its administration, as a general remedy, but its qualities, 

 when used as a local agent, seem to be more active in this respect than 

 when used as a general remedy. 



The most convenient mode of administering the ammoniacal gas is to 

 use the vapour that spontaneously exhales from solutions of ammonia. Of 

 these it is preferable not to employ a solution stronger than the Uqnor 

 ammoniae of the shops, or weaker than the same diluted to twenty or 

 thirty times its quantity of water. For general purposes, perhaps, the 

 usual liquor may be employed diluted with ten times its bulk of water ; 

 but the strength of the ammonia must be regulated by the medical 

 practitioner according to the nature of the case, and the susceptibility 

 of the patient, and even according to the strength of the original 

 liquor. 



The liquor ammoniae, diluted according to the discretion of the medi- 

 cal attendant, may be placed in a common phial, and as much should be 

 inserted as to occupy about the two lower inches of the bottle. The 

 patient has only to apply his lips to the mouth of this homely contrivance, 

 and" draw in his breath, when he will inhale a certain quantity of the 

 ammonia. Before the application of the mouth to the bottle the patient 

 should take care that none of the liquid adheres to the aperture, which on 

 coming in contact with his lips would cause them to smart, and, being no 

 part of the cure, the pain wovdd be perfectly useless. The number of 

 inspirations to be taken at one time may be determined by the strength of 

 the water and the effect of the remedy. Two, three, or four inspirations 

 will in general be sufficient at one time, but this must be repeated three or 

 four times during the day. 



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