357 
anaesthetic in human beings. They report several cases and con- 
clude that magnesium sulphate in intraspinal injection proved to be 
as efficient an anaesthetic in human beings as it was found to be in 
animals. — J. Am. M. Ass., 1906, v. 46, pp. 647-650. 
Meltzer and Auer conclude that intraspinal injections of magne- 
sium sulphate, in doses which do not affect the respiratory center or 
other vital function, are capable of abolishing completely all clonic 
convulsions and tonic contractions in cases of human tetanus and 
experimental tetanus in monkeys. The relaxing effects of the injec- 
tions may last twenty- four hours or longer. In experimental tetanus 
in monkeys early intraspinal injections of magnesium salts are capa- 
ble of retarding the progress and development of the tetanic symp- 
toms. — J. Exper. M., N. Y., 1906, v. 8, pp. 692-706. 
Wiki, B., thinks that Meltzer and Auer have been led into an error 
by the immobility of their intoxicated animals, an immobility which 
they attribute to a general anaesthesia, but which is in reality the effect 
of a curarization. His experiment, he declares, demonstrates at once 
the curarizing action of magnesium and its innocuity toward the 
sensory nerve apparatus. All the details of the experiences of 
Meltzer and Auer are perfectly explained by the paralysis of the 
motor plates. On the contrary, the anaesthetic action of the salts of 
magnesium should be called in question. — Compt. rend. Soc. de biol., 
Par., 1906, v. 60, p. 1008. 
Blake, J. A., (Surg. Gyn. and Obstet., Chicago., May) summarizes 
the results of Meltzer, Meyer, Haubold, and himself with magnesium 
sulphate in inducing spinal anaesthesia. — J. Am. M. Ass., 1906, v. 46, 
p. 1886. 
Logan, Samuel, details results (unfavorable) in the treatment of 
two cases of tetanus with magnesium sulphate. — Ibid., v. 46, pp. 
1502-1506. 
Watkins, discussing the use of magnesia sulphate, says : 
We should always prepare our patients for surgical operations by cleansing 
with soap and water externally, and with mag. sulph. internally, thus ridding 
the body of all infectious material. — Eclectic Med. J., Cincin., 1906, v. 66, p. 567. 
For additional references on the use of magnesium sulphate see the 
Index Medicus and the J. Am. M. Ass. 
MAGNESII SULPHAS EFEERVESCENS. 
Francis, John M., notes that in preparing such salts a moist citric 
acid, or one with full content of water of crystallization, is abso- 
lutety essential to produce a fine-appearing granulation. — Bull. 
Pharm., Detroit, 1906, v. 20, p. 98. 
Arny, H. V., thinks this scarcely an improvement on the citrate, 
though it may be easier of manufacture. The change in method of 
