HYPOSULPHITE OF SODA. 
103 
ally drained the several large pockets, and this case was treat¬ 
ed successfully in a short time by local applications of bich¬ 
loride and white solution, and the hyposulphite internally, there 
being scarcely any fetor at any time. I could call your atten¬ 
tion to other cases just as gratifying to me, but I wish to name 
another condition for which I have found my subject 
beneficial. 
In the treatment of gastric and bowel troubles associated 
with fermentations, we find different gases generated in vari¬ 
ous proportions, according to the cause, time elasped, and 
surrounding conditions. In cases apparently similiar I have 
found it necessary to use entirely different agents to gain my 
desired result. In the use of the hyposulphite for these con¬ 
ditions, I believe it to be an essential adjunct in ever}^ case. 
Associated with the process of fermentation and the forma¬ 
tion of gases, there is always absorption to a greater or less 
extent of these poisonous products into the blood, and in 
many cases this is the sole cause of death. In the hyposul¬ 
phite we have one of the greatest antiseptics and blood puri¬ 
fiers, thus acting at the same time to prevent absorption, to 
destroy the already absorbed, while striking directly ot the 
cause, it is very effective in arresting the fermentation. And 
again, in azoturia, although my experience is here limited, I 
am becoming more and more convinced that it is most worthy 
of a thorough trial. Undoubtedly, the whold line of symp¬ 
toms in this disease is caused by the action of poisonous 
products upon ths nerves and their centers; thus, directly 
through the condition of the blood, we are sure to get our 
several results. 
Urea is one of the natural constituents of urine, excreted 
from the blood by the kidney. In this disease, immense 
quantities of it are excreted, showing an unnatural action of 
the blood, which from its nitrogenous character, is without 
doubt. The hyposulphite of soda acts directly to diminish 
urea, and increase uric acid, the sulphates, sugar, and other 
non-nitr ogenous constituents, a condition certainly necessary 
to the recovery of the patient. I have used it in several cases, 
all of which have recovered. Two of the number were pros- 
