MISCELLANEA. 
181 
present formed a Committee to consider the desirability of 
making arrangements for the Annual Dinner, on the day of 
the General Meeting of the Profession in May, when it was 
resolved, That the members of the Council constitute a 
Committee for that purpose, and that a sub-Committee be 
appointed to carry out the details of the same. 
MISCELLANEA. 
CAMPHOR. 
This drug, according to Mr. J. Ince, is the most popular 
remedy at the present day among the French. With us it 
was at one time an altogether proscribed article, and many 
even now, think it of only doubtful utility. We are, however, 
disposed to attribute to it diuretic and febrifuge properties 
when given internally, and anodyne action when applied ex- 
ternally. 
Mr. Ince says, “ Camphor is the Proteus of Raspail’s 
Hygiene. It is ordered in every shape; is either used as 
snuff, or smoked in cigarettes ; taken internally for almost 
all diseases, or exhibited in various forms as an external 
application. Of these, several formulae are given for a 
pomade, a vinegar, and a cerate. We extract the follow- 
ing : 
EATJ FORTE — STRONG SEDATIVE WATER. 
Liquor. Ammonise, ^iiiss ; 
Spirit. C amphorae, 5iij ; 
Bay Salt, 5j ; 
Aquae Destillatae, 5 xxx ij- 
Dissolve the salt in the water, with a few drops of the 
ammonia ; allow the impurities to settle, and add the clear 
liquor to the camphor and ammonia, previously mixed 
together by agitation in a stoppered bottle.” 
This preparation, we are told, it much too strong for ordinary 
use, and is intended only for veterinary practice. 
The effect of this remedy is described as nothing less than 
marvellous ; its action depending partly on the absorption of 
ammonia and salt (the two great solvents of the coagulation 
of the blood), by the superficial vessels of the skin, and 
partly, of course, upon the camphor which it contains. By 
keeping, it acquires a smell of bitter almonds, and after a 
certain time a white powder is deposited. It is not then con- 
sidered as unfit for use, but requires to be well shaken up 
before applying it. 
