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

792 Diphtheria. [October,in water as a gargle (5ss-ii : 51.) Of the tinct. sesquichlor.iron we have seen no particular effect. Cauterization withnitrate of silver we have found to be generally of very littleuse when applied to the pharynx. Its effect is superficialonly, it will form a scurf but will destroy nothing. Destructionof 'the parts cannot be effected except by forcingthe caustic into and below the membrane ; this can seldombe done in the pharynx of children, and for this reasoncauterization is unavailing at this point, but will prove beneficial,we believe, by confining the process of exudation toits original locality. Tn cutaneous diphtheria cauterizationmay be exercised to its full extent, but as these cases aregenerally attended with extreme prostration, the generaltreatment will prove both more necessary and successful.If cauterization is to be resorted to, we generally use, andwith good effect, more or less concentrated muriatic, oracetic, or nitro-muriatic acid. Where, however, cauterizationsare made, great caution is necessary not to mistakeafterwards the result of the caustic for pseudo-membrane.This remark is particularly applicable where nitrate of silverhas been used."Alum, chloride of lime, and calomel are sometimes recommended.When their use is deemed advisable, theymay be applied by dipping a brush, or the finger, in the drypowder, and carrying it directly to the affected part, orblowing them through a quill.Prof. Metcalf advises the use of the bromide of iodine,in the form of two drops to an ounce of the mucilage, orgum arable, as a topical application. lie also gives drachm(loses of this mixture internally, with the happiest results.When there is a considerable accumulation in the naresand behind the velum, the debris and foul secretions may beremoved, and much temporary relief obtained by an injectionof an infusion of chamomile with a few drops of creosote,which may be best effected by a laryngeal syringe.The syringe of \>v. Warren, of Boston, answers a very goodpurpose for injecting fluid either into the nares or belowthe epiglottis. It, however, is liable to the objection thatit is likely to produce irritation, by coming in contact withthe irritable portion, exactly at the opening of the glottis,which is found by the researches of Prof. Horace Green, tob€ the seat of sensibility, instead of the epiglottis, as hasheretofore been supposed. The common glass syringe, witheither a curved extremity or a straight one—dependant up-