DEMULCENTS. 67 
life in the absence of other foods. (Philadelphia Med. Times, 
Feb, 1874). Dr. J. Dowler of Beardstown, IIL, reports two 
cases of tapeworm—one in a child, the other an adult—in 
which the worms were discharged in consequence of the 
chewing of the slippery eim bark. Dr. Chase mentions a 
similar case, that of a child, to whom he gave the slippery 
elm for another purpose, but to his surprise it brought away 
several lengths of tapeworm. We know of its value as a 
food for invalids and children. For some years we have sold 
a digestive food, composed of one part of the powdered elm 
and three of sugar, with cinnamon to flavour. ‘There are now 
in Dunedin and other parts children who have been brought 
up on it. For sucking babes it is also good when they are 
troubled with coughs. As a poultice we have seen it work 
wonders. We had two cases of poisoned fingers, so very bad 
that the attending doctors wanted to amputate, but with the 
elm and other help, such as our healing ointment, a cure was 
effected. We are conscious that all the foregoing is no more 
than can and ought to be said in praise of the slippery elm. 
GUM ARABIC. 
This is a well-known article, and a very useful demulcent, 
imported from Arabia, Egypt, and surrounding countries. 
Soluble in water and not in spirits. It is used for various 
purposes in medicine, such as making emulsions in which to 
suspend oils, in pills and cough mixtures, and as demulcent 
drinks in derangement of the bladder and scalding urine. 
One ounce of the gum dissolved in a pint of hot water, 
sweetened and strained, makes a good way to take it; about 
a wineglassful for a dose. On account of the disturbed state 
of Egypt this gum has risen to four times is former value, so 
that for the sake of economy many are now using gum 
tragacanth, which is three or four times stronger. We believe 
it has similar properties. The dose and uses will be found 
in the regular list. 
