Issue 10, pp. 753-832, October 1861, SMSJ

700 Diphtheria. [October,*almost invariable disposition of the membrane to renew itselfupon the abraded part. As the disease progresses, andthe membrane extends towards or into the pharynx, thedifficulty in making local applications becomes greatly enhanced: but 1 he practitioner should not hesitate, for fearof inflicting temporary pain, from thoroughly exploringand covering the parts affected with the solution of hydrochloricacid. For the purpose of effecting this, it is oftennecessary to place the head of the patient upon the knee ofan assistant, and with a spatula to depress the tongue andthe lower jaw firmly at the same time, by which means aview of the whole fauces may be obtained, and an opportunityafforded of making a thorough application of thelocal remedy.Nitrate of silver has been warmly recommended byTrousseau, Gucrsant and Yalleix, in France, and was theapplication almost universally resorted to in England at thecommencement of the epidemic in that country. Theusual mode of using nitrate of silver in England was in solution.Dr. Kingsland advised a solution of 16 grains toan ounce of distilled water, and Dr. Hart, 30 grains to anounce of distilled water. The mode of its use resemblesthat of the hydrochloric acid.When the local application ot nitrate of silver is made ina solid form, care should be taken that it does not slip fromthe holder, or break, as in such an event it might fall intothe stomach. Such an accident actually happened to M.Guersant, fortunately, however, the stomach rejected it, butthis might not always occur, and few medical men wouldbe willing to take so hazardous a risk. Dr. Hauner, ofAustria, considers nitrate of silver as the very best localapplication to the diseased surface, and advises its use in asolution of from a scruple to half a drachm, to an ounce ofwater.*Subsequent experience did not confirm the good opinionentertained for nitrate of silver among the English practitioners,and many who were at first loud in its praises cameto disuse it altogether. A substitute for this was found inrecommended by Dr.the scsquichloride of iron, which isHanking as being very efficacious in its effects upon thefalse membrane. He advises its use in the form of a gargle,of the strength of two drachms to eight ounces ofCEsterrtecliisclie JaftrbTw!) far Kinderheilknnde, 1^50, vol.ii.