20 
ADOLPH EICHHORN. 
causing either local reaction or general poisonous effects. The 
advanced theory as to its therapeutical action is that it remains 
metallic silver in sterile blood or lymph, but in the presence of 
pathogenic bacteria or their toxins it enters into combination, 
and acts as a vigorous germicide and anti-toxic agent. 
The citrate of silver is a heavy white powder, slightly 
soluble in water; the solution is opaque, having a slightly acid 
reaction. It is more soluble in glycerine ; a solution of one per 
cent, has a milky color. In this solution also, when left stand¬ 
ing for a certain length of time, the silver will precipitate as a 
greyish powder. 
The lactate of silver is also a heavy white powder, and is the 
most soluble of these preparations ; dissolves in glycerine 1:8, 
and in water 1:100; the silver does not precipitate in the solu¬ 
tion, which is strongly acid in reaction. 
All the silver preparations are to be kept in dark bottles, 
without exposing them to light. 
These preparations were used to a considerable extent in 
human and veterinary surgery by the German army during the 
Chinese war, the Crede salts being used exclusively with the 
most satisfactory results. Muller and Wolff also applied the 
salts in a great many cases, claiming the best results and pre¬ 
dicting for them a great future. Weidman, Rider and others 
have used the citrates and lactates of silver in different affec¬ 
tions—as a powder, in solution of 1:100-4000, and as ointments. 
Dieckerhoff wrote an extensive work on his experience with 
these drugs, especially in regard to the internal administration 
of the argentum colloidale as an antiseptic agent in septic infec¬ 
tions, also in purpura hsemorrhagica, where it is claimed to be 
almost a specific. In these conditions he recommends an in¬ 
travenous injection of about 60 grm. of a one per cent, solution 
of collargolum. Similar good results were obtained from this 
treatment by Meisner, Kronigs and Roder, while Meisner and 
Tannebring cured anthrax in the ox by the injection of 250 g. 
of two per cent, solution of collargolum into the jugular vein. 
Other reports in regard to the antiseptic properties of these salts 
