268 
MISCELLANY. 
the second day, the blister and the purgatives had produced their wonted 
effect, and the mental faculties were somewhat recovered. On the third 
day his recollection was much better, his pulse was perceptible, and some 
return of shortness of breath had occurred. On the fourth day he sud- 
denly expired after dinner, either whilst sleeping, or immediately after 
waking. Dr. Parry, who was the nearest physician, was, at the spur of 
the moment, as he lived close by, sent for ; but he found him dead, upon 
his arrival. The patient was of a full habit ; he had been affected, about 
twelve months before, with wheezing and cough, from which he recover- 
ed, under the care of Dr. Gibbs, by ordinary treatment. At the commence- 
ment of this last attack, he had, without any consultation with his medical 
adviser, smoked largely of stramonium three or four times. * * * * 
In pure spasmodic asthma, during the paroxysm, stramonium may be 
smoked, where there is not the slightest tendency to apoplexy, epilepsy 
or paralysis. Where dyspnoea is present, or constant difficulty of breath- 
ing, it is not to be recommended, nor where the embarrassment is the re- 
sult of hydrothorax, or of diseased abdominal viscera. It is only to be 
pursued for a very short time, and the intervals between inspiration should 
be long ; when the slightest giddiness comes on it must be immediately 
given up ; the saliva should be swallowed. The patient should, if possi- 
ble, avoid sleeping immediately after its use, and in preference should 
take moderate exercise. Lancet. 
Action of Chloride of Sodium upon the metals, by M. Unges, (Journ. fur 
part. Chem.) — Sea salt of commerce in solution attacks iron, copper, zinc 
and lead; the last least of all. The action is strong when in contact with 
the air, or when boiling ; it forms in soluble oxychlorides, and the liquid 
frequently contains a certain quantity of the metal in solution. Cast-iron 
is likewise attacked, but less than iron itself. Jinn, des Mines. 
