ELECTRICAL HEAT IN SURGERY. 
559 
by relaxing the lactiferous ducts, induces a passive emptying 
of the mammae, and this passive action removes the stimulus 
(retained fluid) for further secretion. 
CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM A SUBSTITUTE FOR HYDROCYANIC 
ACID. 
Ox account of the variableness in strength of hydrocyanic 
acid, it has been proposed to substitute for it a spirituous 
solution of the cyanide of potassium : 
Cyanidi Potassii, gr. xxij ; 
Alcohol. Officinal, f^xj. Solve. 
The above form has been preferred by some practitioners, 
on account of its being of a uniform strength ; while it may be 
given in the same doses, and under the same circumstances, as 
the hydrocyanic acid, as it possesses the same medicinal 
properties. 
TEST FOR ALBUMEN IN URINE. 
Becquerel prefers, as a test for albumen in urine, the 
pyro-phosphoric acid. This is considered by him so delicate, 
as to indicate the presence of one part albumen in ten thou- 
sand parts of urine. It is, however, necessary that the pyro- 
phosphoric acid should be used within two hours after it is 
made, as after that time it takes up two other equivalents of 
water, and becomes ordinary phosphoric acid. 
ELECTRICAL HEAT IN SURGERY. 
Heat produced by electricity appears likely to become 
generally adopted in many surgical operations. Mittdelsdorff, 
of Breslau, heats wires to a white heat by means of a galvanic 
battery, and thus cauterizes the interior surfaces of ulcers or 
removes tumours. The advantage is obvious. The wire is 
applied to the part before heated, when connexion being made 
with the battery, the heat becomes powerfullyintense,but itmay 
