EXTRACTS FROM GERMAN PAPERS. 
303 
In exceptional instances the good effects of restored rumina¬ 
tions were but temporary; in four cases the eseridine had oppor¬ 
tunity to induce abortion in cattle, but nothing assuming such 
an occurrence was noted. 
Eseridine resolves itself entirely into a symptomatic appli¬ 
cation, used principally to combat inhibition of the second 
stomach. 
In flatulent conditions its action is materially aided by rectal 
injections of sod. chlor. and sod. bicart; much water, little hay 
and no green food. In three days, if the amount of water im¬ 
bibed is still small, puncture of the pansen is advised, and by 
a rubber tube 20 to 25 quarts of tepid water, mixed with 3^ 
ounces aether, is to be introduced into the organ.— Wtsch. f. 
pract. Th. Bv. HU. 
PETROLEUM IN THERAPEUTICS. 
The question of the medicinal value of coal oil, or rock oil 
as it is sometimes called, is in nowise a new one. Lucas, as 
early as 1808, records its use externally and internally. 
In modern times it has been used internally for diarrhoea, in 
Russia, during the prevalence of the cholera epidemic in that 
country. Its action in favus is universally known. Larchner 
and Flanhof have lately used it in diphtheria with good results. 
According to Bardet and Adrian, petroleum is a conglomera¬ 
tion of substances which differ essentially in their peculiarities. 
The American variety contains the lesser order of carbo¬ 
hydrates, and is not so viscid or oleaginous as the Russian 
product, While that obtained from the Caucasian contains more 
combinations of the ethyl series. Regarding the therapeutic 
values of these, it may be said that they do not practically differ. 
Three years ago Vigier published his experiments upon its 
uses in diphtheria; and then affirmed that the raw, or unrefined, 
was preferable as a solvent for the pseudo-membrane to the 
commercial variety, or common coal oil, of the stores. 
In veterinary science petroleum has failed to supply any 
need; although applied as an antipariseticum, its action is un- 
