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

lMil.] Diphtheria. 793on the part to be reached—answers all ordinary purposes,and s the advantage of being easily obtained at theapothecaries, and is of slight cost.For correcting the foetor of the secretions, the chlorideaoda, in the proportion of one drachm to six ounces ofwater, may he used with much benefit Dr. Banking suggestson the supposition of the presence of some vegetableparasite, the use of sulphurous acid and hyposulphate ofsoda, in the form of a saturated solution.*u The power ofthe latter," he adds, "in destroying the fungoid growth offavus, as well as the oidium which infests the vine, I havemyself experienced, and I strongly recommend it providedthe vegetable origin of diptheria be confirmed by furtherobservations."Much relief is often afforded by inhalation, especially afterthe second or third day of the attack. An excellentmeans of fumigation is to pour boiling water upon catnip,or the leaves of any similar plant, with the addition of alittle vinegar, and to allow the patient to inhale the fumes,either by inclosing the head under a blanket, or by applyingthe mouth to a tube connected with a close vessel containingthe materials from which the vapor is generated.The immediate effect of fumigation is extremely grateful tothe patient. Dr. Ghirdon Buck advises the addition of Labarraque'ssolution of the chloride of soda, in successiveportions of a teaspoonful each, to the liquid used for fumigation.Mr. ('. T. Ilodson recommends the inhalation ofboiling water, to which has been added a tablespoonful ofchlorinated lime.General Dreatrm ni.—The general treatment must be regulatedby the type of the disease. Shortly after the appearanceoiM. Bretoneau's treatise, a great variety of treatmentwas recommended by different practitioners, all, however,with a view to arrest inflammatory action. Leeches to theneck, counter-irritation, especially by means of blisters,active mercuriaiization, and purgative medicines furnishedthe basis of most of the plans advised. Calomel, especially,obtained great celebrity, and was at one time considered asthe most effective remedy in arresting the progress of thedisease. It was first prescribed by Dr. Connolly, who wasling at Tours, at the appearance of the disease; andwas so efficient in his hands, in minute doses, as speedily toRanking on Dipl